Low Boiling Point Fuel for PHEV CO2 Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hydrocarbon fuels developed for full-range internal combustion engines are not optimized for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which generate lower CO2 emissions but require different fuel characteristics to further reduce emissions.

Innovation Solution

A liquid fuel composition with a final boiling point of less than 190°C is used in a spark ignition internal combustion engine within the powertrain of a PHEV, optimizing CO2 emissions reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If conventional hydrocarbon fuels are used in PHEV ICE units, then the vehicle can operate with existing fuel infrastructure, but CO2 emissions are not optimized and remain higher than potential levels

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCO2 emissionsVSAvoidfuel formulation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the final boiling point parameter of the fuel composition to be less than 190°C. This specific parameter change optimizes the fuel for PHEV operation, resulting in reduced CO2 emissions compared to conventional fuels. The altered boiling point parameter affects combustion efficiency and fuel consumption patterns in the hybrid vehicle context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the final boiling point of fuel is reduced to less than 190°C, then CO2 emissions are significantly reduced, but the fuel formulation deviates from conventional standards

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCO2 emissionsVSAvoidfuel composition stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent deliberately changes the final boiling point parameter from conventional values (typically above 190°C) to less than 190°C. This parameter modification creates a new fuel composition regime that optimizes PHEV performance and reduces CO2 emissions while maintaining adequate composition stability for practical use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 fuel composition with a final boiling point of less than 190°C significantly reduces CO2 emissions in PHEVs, offering improvements of up to 15% compared to conventional fuels, enhancing fuel efficiency and environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

the liquid fuel composition has a final boiling point of less than 190° C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3371280B1Fuel composition
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 SHELL INTERNATIONALE RESEARCH MAATSCHAPPIJ BV
  • EP3371280B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

Use of a liquid fuel composition in a spark ignition internal combustion engine for providing an improvement in CO2 emissions, wherein the liquid fuel composition has a final boiling point of less than 200° C, and wherein the spark ignition internal combustion engine is comprised within the powertrain of a hybrid electric vehicle.