Linear Vapour Recovery Pump Control Under Temperature and Clogging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vapour recovery systems in fuel dispensing units are sensitive to temperature changes and clogging, leading to fluctuations in flow rate and potential malfunctions, which existing control methods fail to accurately manage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a solenoid coil in the linear pump of the vapour recovery system, where a known voltage is applied for a predetermined time to measure current consumption, allowing for signal adjustment based on resistance calculations, which accounts for temperature changes and self-heating, ensuring precise control and continuous monitoring of system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing control methods are used to manage vapour recovery systems, then the system can operate, but the control precision is insufficient due to temperature changes and clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by continuously measuring the actual flow rate and comparing it with the target flow rate. The control unit adjusts the pump operation based on the difference between measured and target values, enabling precise compensation for temperature changes and clogging effects. This closed-loop control ensures accurate flow rate maintenance despite environmental variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters dynamically by adjusting pump speed, valve positions, and pressure settings based on real-time measurements. The control unit modifies these parameters to compensate for temperature fluctuations and nozzle clogging, maintaining optimal flow rate control under varying conditions.
2Productivity
If the vapour recovery system operates continuously, then productivity is maintained, but temperature fluctuations cause control instability
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system continuously monitors flow rate and adjusts pump operation in real-time, compensating for temperature-induced variations. This enables continuous operation while maintaining stable flow rate control despite thermal fluctuations during extended refueling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs periodic measurements of flow rate and temperature, and adjusts control parameters at regular intervals. This periodic control approach maintains stability during continuous operation by regularly correcting deviations caused by accumulating temperature effects.
3Measurement precision
If flow rate control is tightened to improve precision, then measurement accuracy improves, but the system becomes more sensitive to temporary capacity impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates buffering capacity and tolerance thresholds that cushion against temporary capacity impacts. When brief obstructions or liquid flushes occur, the system maintains control within acceptable ranges rather than triggering immediate shutdowns, allowing temporary disturbances to pass without compromising overall reliability.
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 approach provides more precise control over vapour recovery systems, reducing the risk of shutdowns due to temperature fluctuations and enabling real-time monitoring for potential failures, thus maintaining consistent operation during refueling.
Implementation Method 1
a known voltage is applied to a solenoid coil of the linear pump
Implementation Method 2
measuring a current consumption of the solenoid coil during the predetermined time period, and adjusting the signal based on the measured current consumption
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a linear pump of a vapour recovery system in a fuel dispensing unit. The linear pump is flow controlled by a signal. The method comprises applying a known voltage to a solenoid coil of the linear pump for a predetermined time period, measuring a current consumption of the solenoid coil during the predetermined time period, and adjusting the signal based on the measured current consumption. The invention also relates to a vapour recovery system for recovering vapour from a motor vehicle tank via a fuel dispensing nozzle to a vapour tank.