Diesel Fuel Supply Pump Mode Switching for Wax Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diesel engine fuel systems face challenges in cold ambient conditions due to wax precipitation, which can clog filters and reduce fuel fluidity, leading to performance issues and potential damage, and existing solutions often trade off between fuel economy and effective wax removal.
Innovation Solution
The fuel system operates the supply pump in a power-intensive pressure-controlled mode initially to raise fuel temperature and pressure, then switches to a volume-controlled mode, and recirculates heated fuel through filters using thermal recirculation valves, adjusting flow based on temperature and pressure to expedite wax removal and improve fluidity, while diagnosing filter clogging to distinguish between wax and contaminant-related issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the supply pump is operated in pressure-controlled mode to rapidly raise fuel temperature and remove wax, then wax removal effectiveness is improved, but fuel economy deteriorates due to prolonged high-power pump operation
Solution Approach 1:
The supply pump operates in two distinct modes: pressure-controlled mode for rapid wax removal and volume-controlled mode for energy-efficient operation. The system dynamically transitions between these modes based on fuel temperature thresholds, optimizing the balance between wax removal effectiveness and fuel economy
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the supply pump by switching between pressure-controlled and volume-controlled modes. This parameter change allows the pump to operate at high power only when necessary for wax removal, then transition to energy-efficient operation once the fuel temperature reaches the threshold
2Use of energy by moving object
If the fuel temperature threshold is set low to improve fuel economy, then pump operation duration is reduced, but wax removal may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses fuel temperature feedback to determine when to switch pump operating modes. By monitoring the fuel temperature continuously, the system ensures that wax removal is sufficient before transitioning to energy-efficient volume-controlled mode, preventing premature mode switching that would compromise wax removal
3Reliability
If the fuel temperature threshold is set high to ensure sufficient wax removal, then wax removal effectiveness is improved, but fuel economy deteriorates due to prolonged pump operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pump operation based on real-time fuel temperature measurements. Once the fuel temperature reaches the predetermined threshold indicating sufficient wax removal, the system automatically transitions from high-power pressure-controlled mode to energy-efficient volume-controlled mode, optimizing fuel economy while ensuring adequate wax removal
4Productivity
If thermal recirculation is used to expedite wax removal, then wax removal speed is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional valves and recirculation passages
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal recirculation valves and passages utilize the existing fuel circulation system to serve multiple functions: normal fuel delivery and accelerated wax removal. By making the recirculation system multi-functional, the patent avoids adding entirely separate systems while still achieving expedited wax removal capability
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
This approach enhances fuel economy by reducing unnecessary high-power pump operation, improves fuel fluidity, and effectively addresses wax build-up without prolonged high-workload conditions, maintaining engine performance and reducing filter clogging.
Implementation Method 1
a supply pump for pressurizing fuel received from a low pressure feed pump
Implementation Method 2
recirculates heated fuel through filters using thermal recirculation valves
Implementation Method 3
expedite wax removal and improve fluidity
Implementation Method 4
a fuel filter for filtering fuel
Implementation Method 5
wax may precipitate out of the diesel fuel. The precipitated wax may clog a fuel filter
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for operating a fuel system in an engine, the fuel system including a supply pump for delivering fuel to the fuel system and pressurizing fuel received from a feed pump, a fuel tank, a fuel filter for filtering fuel, a fuel rail, and a fuel injector. One example method comprises, during an engine cold-start, operating the supply pump, and adjusting a supply pump operation mode between at least a pressure-controlled mode and a volume-controlled mode based on a fuel temperature and pressure.