Natural Gas Tank Pressure Sensing for Multi-Tank Fuel Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport refrigeration systems face challenges in accurately measuring fuel quantities due to the use of a single pressure sensor that averages the combined pressure of multiple fuel tanks, making it difficult to determine the fuel level in each tank individually.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dedicated pressure sensor on each fuel tank, connected to an engine controller, allows for precise monitoring of pressure levels and adjustment of lock-off valves to manage fuel flow, enabling accurate fuel measurement and detection of leaks or obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pressure sensor is used to monitor multiple fuel tanks, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because the sensor averages combined pressure and cannot accurately measure fuel quantity in each individual tank
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fuel monitoring system into separate segments by placing an individual pressure sensor on each fuel tank. This segmentation allows each tank's pressure to be measured independently, resolving the averaging problem while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fuel level determination system that acts as an intermediary, processing pressure readings from multiple sensors and correlating them with fuel tank characteristics to calculate individual fuel levels. This intermediary layer transforms raw pressure data into accurate fuel quantity measurements for each tank
2Device complexity
If a single pressure sensor averages combined pressure from multiple fuel tanks, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates because fuel levels in individual tanks cannot be accurately determined
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pressure sensing function across multiple independent sensors, each tank's pressure signal is captured separately, eliminating the averaging effect and enabling reliable determination of individual tank fuel levels
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring pressure readings from each sensor and using the fuel level determination system to provide accurate fuel level information back to operators, enabling reliable fuel management decisions
3Measurement precision
If dedicated pressure sensors are installed on each fuel tank, then measurement precision improves for individual tank monitoring, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel level determination system serves multiple functions: it processes data from all pressure sensors, calculates individual tank fuel levels, detects leaks, and provides comprehensive fuel management information. This multi-functionality justifies the added sensor complexity by consolidating multiple capabilities into a single integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel level determination system acts as an intermediary that processes and integrates data from multiple pressure sensors, transforming complex multi-tank pressure information into simplified, actionable fuel level readings that ease operational complexity
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 solution allows for real-time monitoring and management of fuel levels in each tank, preventing overfilling, identifying blockages or leaks, and ensuring efficient fuel distribution, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of fuel management in transport refrigeration systems.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of first fuel tanks includes a lock off valve and a pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure level within each of the first fuel tanks
Data Source
AI summary
A transport refrigeration system (200) comprising: a vehicle (102) having a refrigerated cargo space (119); a refrigeration unit (22) in operative association with the refrigerated cargo space, the refrigeration unit providing conditioned air to the refrigerated cargo space; a first engine (26) configured to power the refrigeration unit; a plurality of first fuel tanks (330) fluidly connected to the first engine, the plurality of first fuel tanks configured to supply fuel to the first engine, wherein each of the plurality of first fuel tanks includes a lock off valve (450) and a pressure sensor (470) configured to detect a pressure level within each of the first fuel tanks; and one or more engine controllers (54) in electronic communication with each pressure sensor and lock off valve, the one or more engine controllers being configured to adjust at least one of the lock off valves in response to a pressure level detected by at least one of the pressure sensors.