Fuel Pump Wear Compensation via Inflection Point Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel pumps in internal combustion engine systems operate under open-loop control, leading to inaccuracies due to component tolerance and wear, resulting in increased energy consumption and CO2 emissions, as the wear state cannot be reliably predicted or compensated for.
Innovation Solution
A method involving partial or complete shut-off of the fuel flow to determine the inflection point representing component tolerance and wear by incrementally increasing the fuel pump motor's rotational speed, correlating it with phase current to approximate straight lines and find the intersection point, which is used to calibrate the fuel pump and optimize energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the fuel pump delivers more fuel from the beginning to compensate for wear, then the fuel delivery accuracy is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of the fuel pump's wear state by analyzing the inflection point in the pressure profile during normal operation. This early detection allows the control unit to adjust fuel delivery parameters proactively, compensating for wear before it significantly degrades performance, thereby maintaining accuracy without excessive energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the inflection point of the pressure profile and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the fuel pump's delivery quantity. This closed-loop control ensures that the pump delivers the precise amount of fuel needed, avoiding both under-delivery and unnecessary over-delivery that would waste energy.
2Device complexity
If open-loop control is used for fuel delivery, then the device complexity is reduced, but the fuel delivery accuracy deteriorates due to component tolerance and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel pump system performs self-characterization by analyzing its own pressure profile during operation. The control unit detects the inflection point that indicates wear state, and the system automatically adjusts its delivery parameters based on this self-diagnosis. This self-service approach maintains high delivery accuracy without requiring complex external monitoring systems or sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (fuel delivery quantity) based on detected wear state. By monitoring changes in the pressure profile's inflection point over time, the control unit adapts the delivery parameters to compensate for wear, maintaining accuracy while keeping the control system relatively simple.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the fuel pump operates without wear compensation, then the energy consumption is reduced initially, but the fuel delivery accuracy deteriorates over service life
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fuel delivery parameters to dynamic adjustment based on real-time wear detection. The control unit continuously monitors the pressure profile and adjusts delivery parameters adaptively, allowing the system to maintain optimal performance across its entire service life without excessive energy consumption at any stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of wear state through pressure profile analysis and takes corrective action by adjusting delivery parameters before significant accuracy degradation occurs. This proactive approach maintains fuel delivery precision throughout service life without requiring continuous high-energy operation.
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 method provides accurate fuel delivery, reduces energy consumption, and improves the CO2 balance by compensating for inaccuracies without requiring closed-loop control or pressure sensors, allowing for regular updates to maintain efficient fuel pump operation throughout its service life.
Implementation Method 1
incrementally increasing a rotational speed n of a fuel pump motor in order to increase the pressure upstream of the shut-off point
Implementation Method 2
simultaneously determining a phase current i that occurs in the fuel pump motor, wherein the rotational speed is increased until a valve of the fuel supply system opens
Data Source
AI summary
A method determines an inflection point OP of a parameter profile i, n which is representative of a component tolerance and a state of wear of a fuel pump. The fuel pump is provided for a fuel supply system for use in a device equipped with an internal combustion engine. The device being a passenger car, utility vehicle and/or a stationary or mobile power generator.