Fuel System Optimization for Alternative Fuels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas turbine engine fuel systems face challenges in accommodating alternative fuels that do not comply with ASTM standards, requiring significant processing and increasing costs, with no reliable method to quickly determine the fuel type and adjust aircraft and engine systems for safe and efficient use.
Innovation Solution
A fuel system optimization method using sensors to determine fuel properties within the fuel tank, comparing them to nominal values, and modifying the vehicle systems accordingly, including a computer-readable medium that executes this process to adjust fuel gaging and mission planning systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If alternative fuels are used that do not comply with ASTM standards, then fuel cost is reduced and environmental friendliness is improved, but fuel system reliability and safety deteriorate due to non-compliance with specification limits
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel system dynamically adjusts operational parameters based on real-time fuel property measurements. Sensors continuously monitor fuel properties, and the system modifies engine control settings, fuel flow rates, and other parameters to accommodate varying fuel qualities, enabling safe operation with non-standard alternative fuels
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as fuel injection timing, air-fuel ratio, and engine timing based on measured fuel properties. By adjusting these parameters in response to actual fuel characteristics, the system maintains reliable and safe operation despite using fuels that deviate from ASTM specifications
2Adaptability or versatility
If alternative fuels with varying properties are used, then fuel supply flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases due to need for real-time monitoring and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a multi-functional approach where a single integrated control system performs fuel property monitoring, analysis, and operational adjustment. This universal system handles multiple functions through coordinated sensors, processors, and actuators, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor fuel properties, the processor analyzes the data, and the system automatically adjusts operational parameters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables adaptive operation with alternative fuels while keeping the control architecture manageable through automation
3Manufacturing precision
If heavy processing is applied to alternative fuels to meet ASTM specifications, then fuel quality is improved, but processing cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement and characterization of fuel properties before combustion. By measuring key fuel properties in advance and pre-adjusting operational parameters, the system eliminates the need for expensive post-processing while ensuring quality combustion and safe operation
Data Source
AI summary
A method of optimizing a fuel system on a vehicle is provided. The fuel system includes a fuel tank configured to receive and contain a quantity of fuel, and the method includes determining a property associated with the quantity of fuel contained within the fuel system, comparing the determined property with a nominal value for that fuel property, and modifying at least one vehicle sub-system setting in response to the determined fuel property.