On-board Fuel Separation System for Auto-ignition Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel management systems in vehicles do not efficiently separate and optimize fuel streams based on auto-ignition characteristics, leading to suboptimal fuel consumption and emissions.
Innovation Solution
An on-board fuel separation system that mixes an input fuel stream with a solvent, separates it into two streams with different auto-ignition characteristics, and uses heat exchangers to optimize the fuel properties, allowing for the storage and use of multiple fuel streams with varying octane or cetane numbers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fuel is used without separation based on auto-ignition characteristics, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but fuel consumption and emissions are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel stream is segmented into multiple sub-streams based on auto-ignition characteristics (octane/cetane numbers). The separation assembly divides the incoming fuel into a first portion (higher auto-ignition characteristic) and a second portion (lower auto-ignition characteristic), allowing selective use for different engine operating conditions to optimize combustion efficiency and reduce emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of the fuel stream by separating fuel components based on their auto-ignition characteristics. By controlling the separation process, the system produces fuel streams with different octane or cetane numbers, enabling dynamic adjustment of fuel properties to match engine requirements and improve overall fuel consumption efficiency.
2Reliability
If high auto-ignition characteristic fuel is used for all conditions, then engine performance is optimized, but fuel cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of fuel with specific auto-ignition characteristics are directed to different engine operating conditions. The first portion (higher octane/cetane) is used when high performance is required, while the second portion (lower octane/cetane) is used when standard performance suffices, optimizing both engine reliability and fuel cost efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel separation and selection system dynamically adjusts which fuel portion is supplied to the engine based on real-time operating conditions. The control system monitors engine load, speed, and other parameters to determine the appropriate fuel mixture, enabling flexible adaptation between performance optimization and cost savings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fuel streams are separated and stored in multiple tanks, then fuel optimization for specific conditions is enabled, but system complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel storage system is segmented into multiple tanks, with the first tank storing fuel having a first auto-ignition characteristic and the second tank storing fuel having a second auto-ignition characteristic. This segmentation enables the vehicle to carry and selectively use different fuel types based on operating conditions, improving adaptability while managing storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel separation assembly and control system serve multiple functions: separating fuel by auto-ignition characteristics, storing different fuel types in separate tanks, and selectively supplying the appropriate fuel portion to the engine. This multi-functionality enables comprehensive fuel optimization without requiring entirely separate systems for each function.
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 system reduces fuel consumption and emissions by supplying the engine with fuel optimized for specific operating conditions, enabling the use of lower-cost, lower-auto-ignition fuels while maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
separating the mixture of the input fuel stream and the fluid solvent into a first liquid fuel stream and a second liquid fuel stream
Implementation Method 2
heating the first liquid fuel stream in the first heat exchanger with heat from the first portion of the input fuel stream
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Techniques for separating a fuel on-board a vehicle (102) include mixing an input fuel stream (106) and a fluid solvent (204, 304, 324, 374, 388); separating the mixture into a first liquid fuel stream (206, 306, 356) and a second liquid fuel stream (110), the first liquid fuel stream (206, 306, 356) including a first portion (112) of the input fuel stream (106) defined by a first auto-ignition characteristic value and the fluid solvent (204, 304, 324, 374, 388), the second liquid fuel stream (106, 118) including a second portion (110) of the input fuel stream (106) defined by a second auto-ignition characteristic value that is different than the first auto-ignition characteristic value; separating the first liquid fuel stream (206, 306, 356) into the fluid solvent (204, 304, 324, 374, 388) and the first portion (112) of the input fuel stream (106); directing the first portion (112) of the input fuel stream (106) to a first fuel tank (116) on the vehicle (102); and directing the second portion (110) of the input fuel stream (106) to a second fuel tank (114) on the vehicle (102).