Real-Time Additive Dosing in Fuel Supply Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for optimizing engine efficiency and reducing emissions by dosing additives into fuel supply units are limited by fixed dosage levels, which can lead to incorrect additive proportions, equipment damage, and non-optimal usage, and do not always result in reduced emissions.
Innovation Solution
A system for real-time dosing of additives into a fuel supply unit based on current operating conditions, using an Electronic Control Module (ECM) and a mapping function module trained with Reinforcement Learning methods to determine optimal additive quantities and application sites within the fuel supply system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed dosage levels of additives are used in fuel, then the dosing system is simple to operate, but the fuel efficiency cannot be optimized under varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic dosing by replacing fixed dosage levels with real-time adjustable dosing rates. The dosing system continuously monitors operating conditions (load, torque, RPM, temperature) and dynamically adjusts the additive dosing rate to match current engine demands, transforming a static system into an adaptive one that optimizes fuel efficiency across varying operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where operating parameters are continuously measured by sensors and fed back to the control unit. This feedback loop enables the control unit to calculate the optimal dosing rate based on actual engine performance and conditions, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically adjusts dosing to maintain optimal fuel efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If pre-defined dosage levels are used for additives, then the dosing process is simple, but incorrect additive proportions increase costs and reduce effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual or mechanical fixed-dosing methods with an electronically controlled dosing system. The control unit uses computational algorithms to calculate precise dosing rates based on operating conditions, substituting simple mechanical dosing mechanisms with an intelligent control system that achieves higher dosage precision through real-time calculations and electronic actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the dosing parameter (additive flow rate) based on varying operating conditions. Instead of using a fixed dosage parameter, the control unit continuously adjusts the dosing rate parameter in response to changes in load, torque, RPM, and temperature, ensuring precise additive proportions are maintained across different operating regimes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If additives are added at the fuel source, then homogenization is easier, but rusting of fuel tanks and damage to gaskets occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the additive dosing operation from the fuel storage source (fuel tank) and relocates it to the fuel supply system downstream. By taking out the dosing function from the fuel tank environment, the system avoids exposing the fuel tank and associated components to potentially corrosive additives, thereby eliminating rusting and gasket damage while still achieving proper fuel additive homogeneity through downstream injection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary dosing mechanism located in the fuel supply line between the fuel source and the engine. This intermediary dosing system allows additives to be introduced into the fuel stream without direct contact with the fuel tank, using the fuel flow itself as the medium for additive delivery. This approach maintains fuel additive homogeneity while protecting the fuel storage system from corrosion.
4Productivity
If additives are added at the fuel source, then the dosing system is simpler, but the additives may settle and require proper homogenization throughout the usage cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary mixing action at the point of dosing by introducing additives directly into the flowing fuel stream where immediate mixing occurs. The fuel flow itself acts as a mixing medium, and the dosing system is positioned to ensure additives are introduced into high-velocity fuel flow that promotes rapid and uniform distribution, preventing settlement before the fuel reaches the engine.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for real-time dosing of additives into a fuel supply unit. A method disclosed herein includes capturing at least one real-time operating condition of the equipment. The method further includes determining dosage of the at least one additive to be dosed into the fuel supply unit of the equipment, based on the captured at least one operating condition of the equipment. The method further includes enabling an additive dispensing device to dose the determined dosage of the at least one additive into the fuel supply unit of the equipment.