Fuel Tank Depressurization With Dynamic Valve Opening Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel tank depressurization systems face challenges in quickly depressurizing the tank during refilling while preventing the vent valve from being locked due to pressure differences and difficulty in precisely controlling the opening degree of variable valves.
Innovation Solution
A fuel tank processing apparatus with a first valve, discharge path, and a calculation controller that adjusts the opening degree of a second valve, such as a solenoid valve, based on fuel tank conditions, using correspondence tables to estimate and set the appropriate opening degree for efficient depressurization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the vent valve is opened to depressurize the fuel tank, then the internal pressure is reduced, but the vent valve may be locked due to pressure differences
Solution Approach 1:
A second valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the first valve and the discharge path. This second valve controls the opening degree to regulate pressure drop, preventing the first valve from locking while enabling effective depressurization. The intermediary valve mediates the pressure difference that would otherwise cause the vent valve to lock.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening degree of the second valve is dynamically adjusted based on detected pressure differences and fuel tank conditions. By changing the opening degree parameter in response to pressure variations, the system maintains optimal pressure drop without causing the first valve to lock, resolving the contradiction between pressure reduction and valve reliability.
2Productivity
If the opening degree of the variable valve is increased to speed up depressurization, then the depressurization rate improves, but the control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously detects pressure differences and fuel tank conditions, using this feedback to dynamically adjust the opening degree of the second valve. This closed-loop control enables precise regulation of the opening degree while maintaining high depressurization rates, resolving the contradiction between productivity and control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening degree of the second valve is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The valve can change its opening degree in real-time based on changing pressure conditions, allowing the system to optimize both depressurization speed and control precision throughout the refilling process.
3Productivity
If the pressure drop is increased to reduce refilling time, then the refilling speed improves, but the risk of fuel or gas ejection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening degree of the second valve is precisely controlled based on detected pressure differences to optimize the pressure drop. By dynamically adjusting this parameter, the system achieves sufficient pressure reduction for safe refilling while preventing excessive pressure drops that would cause fuel or gas ejection through the fuel filler port.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces simple mechanical valve operation with an electronically controlled valve system that uses sensors and controllers to precisely regulate pressure drop. This substitution enables precise control of the pressure gradient, allowing rapid refilling without harmful ejection effects.
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 apparatus enables rapid depressurization of the fuel tank to atmospheric pressure, preventing the vent valve from locking and ensuring precise control of the pressure drop, allowing safe refilling without fuel or gas ejection.
Implementation Method 1
the calculation controller 18 adjusts an opening degree of the solenoid valve 17 in accordance with a pressure difference
Implementation Method 2
a solenoid valve 17 disposed in the discharge path 16... the calculation controller 18 adjusts an opening degree of the solenoid valve 17
Implementation Method 3
Gas discharged from the fuel tank flows through the discharge path... the vent valve 141 is disposed in the fuel tank 13
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel tank processing apparatus includes a first valve, a discharge path, a second valve, and a calculation controller. The first valve is disposed in a fuel tank that stores fuel. The first valve communicates with outside of the fuel tank through the discharge path. Gas discharged from the fuel tank flows through the discharge path. The second valve is disposed in the discharge path. The calculation controller is configured to adjust an opening degree of the second valve. The calculation controller is configured to adjust the opening degree of the second valve based on a change in condition of the fuel tank when the second valve is opened.