Fuel Optimizing System for Mobile Assets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-fuel engines face challenges in optimizing fuel usage and meeting emission standards due to varying fuel costs and availability, as well as the difficulty in determining optimal fuel ratios and refueling points to prevent fuel exhaustion, especially when equipped to operate on multiple fuels like diesel and natural gas.
Innovation Solution
A fuel optimizing system that determines characteristic profiles and fuel combustion ratios based on route information and fuel market data to ensure that the usage of multiple fuels remains within predefined threshold values, controlling the fuel delivery system to maintain optimal fuel ratios and prevent premature fuel exhaustion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a dual-fuel engine operates on multiple fuels (diesel and natural gas), then fuel cost optimization and emission reduction are improved, but the complexity of fuel ratio management and risk of fuel exhaustion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining characteristic profiles and calculating optimal fuel combustion ratios before actual fuel delivery. The fuel optimizing unit pre-processes route information and fuel market data to establish fuel delivery strategies in advance, preventing fuel exhaustion and optimizing cost before the journey begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring actual fuel usage against predetermined threshold values. The fuel optimizing unit adjusts fuel delivery ratios based on feedback from the fuel delivery system, ensuring that fuel consumption remains within optimal ranges while adapting to changing conditions during operation.
2Productivity
If the system determines optimal fuel combustion ratios based on characteristic profiles, then fuel usage optimization is improved, but the computational complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines characteristic profiles and optimal fuel combustion ratios as preliminary actions before actual fuel delivery. By pre-calculating fuel strategies based on route information and fuel market data, the system reduces real-time computational burden while maintaining optimization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by changing parameters from raw data to processed characteristics. The fuel optimizing unit transforms route information and fuel market data into characteristic profiles with predetermined threshold values, simplifying subsequent decision-making while maintaining fuel usage optimization.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the system maintains actual fuel usage within predetermined threshold values, then emission compliance is improved, but the flexibility in fuel selection and delivery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the fuel delivery system adaptable within threshold constraints. The fuel optimizing unit dynamically adjusts fuel combustion ratios based on characteristic profiles and current operating conditions, allowing flexibility in fuel selection while ensuring emission compliance through predetermined threshold boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes to maintain emission compliance while preserving flexibility. By establishing predetermined threshold values for fuel usage parameters, the system defines acceptable ranges rather than fixed values, allowing adaptation within compliant boundaries and maintaining versatility in fuel delivery strategies.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively optimizes fuel usage, reduces emissions, and ensures that the mobile asset does not run out of fuel by adjusting fuel ratios and delivery in real-time, thereby improving operational efficiency and compliance with emission standards.
Implementation Method 1
The fuel delivery system is controlled to deliver the plurality of fuels to the at least one engine cylinder based on the fuel combustion ratio
Implementation Method 2
The fuel-air ratio affects engine performance, efficiency, exhaust pollutants, and other engine characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of methods and systems related to operating a mobile asset over a fixed route are provided. In one example, an engine system is provided. The example engine system includes a fuel controller configured to adjust a first amount of at least one of a first fuel of a plurality of fuels delivered to an engine and a second amount of a second fuel of the plurality of fuels responsive to at least one of fuel market information for the plurality of fuels or route information about a fixed route along which a mobile asset powered by the engine is operable to travel.