Route-Based Fuel Ratio Control for Multi-Fuel Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-fuel engine systems fail to optimize the use of carbon-based and non-carbon-based fuels, leading to inefficient fuel consumption and excessive CO2 emissions, as they do not consider the varying efficiencies of these fuels at different power levels and routes.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that determines variable ratios of carbon-based and non-carbon-based fuels based on location, power requirements, and operational settings to optimize fuel usage and reduce emissions, using a controller to adjust fuel ratios and operational settings dynamically during a trip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If predetermined fixed ratios of carbon-based fuel to non-carbon-based fuel are used across all power notch settings, then the system is simple to operate, but fuel efficiency deteriorates and CO2 emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed predetermined fuel ratios to dynamic variable ratios that automatically adjust based on real-time operating conditions including power notch settings, route characteristics, and vehicle load. The controller continuously modifies the blend ratio of carbon-based to non-carbon-based fuels to match current operational demands, thereby optimizing fuel efficiency without compromising ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the fuel composition ratio parameter in response to changes in power notch settings and operating conditions. The system adjusts the proportion of carbon-based fuel versus non-carbon-based fuel based on the specific power requirements and route characteristics, allowing optimal fuel efficiency across varying operational parameters while maintaining simple system operation.
2Ease of operation
If predetermined fixed ratios of carbon-based fuel to non-carbon-based fuel are used across all power notch settings, then the system is simple to operate, but CO2 emissions worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the fuel blend ratio based on real-time power notch settings and operating conditions, ensuring that the proportion of carbon-based fuel is optimized for current operational demands. This dynamic adjustment minimizes CO2 emissions by reducing carbon-based fuel consumption when non-carbon-based fuel can adequately meet power requirements, while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the fuel composition parameter in response to varying power notch settings and route characteristics, optimizing the balance between carbon-based and non-carbon-based fuel usage. This parameter adjustment strategy reduces CO2 emissions by adapting the carbon content of the fuel mixture to match actual operational needs, rather than using fixed high-carbon ratios.
3Productivity
If the engine operates at lower power notch settings with predetermined ratios, then the vehicle can operate efficiently at reduced power levels, but the ratio fails to optimize non-carbon-based fuel usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing location-specific and condition-specific fuel ratio optimization. The controller determines appropriate fuel ratios based on the vehicle's current position along the route, power notch settings, and local operating conditions. This allows the system to use higher proportions of non-carbon-based fuel at lower power notch settings where appropriate, optimizing fuel efficiency locally rather than applying a single global ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the fuel ratio to match the current power notch setting and operating conditions. At lower power notch settings, the controller adjusts the blend ratio to maximize non-carbon-based fuel usage when conditions permit, thereby optimizing fuel efficiency while maintaining the productivity benefits of reduced power level operation.
4Productivity
If the engine operates at higher power notch settings with predetermined ratios, then the vehicle can operate efficiently at increased power levels, but unnecessary CO2 emissions are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically changes the fuel composition parameter in response to power notch settings and route characteristics. At higher power notch settings where carbon-based fuel provides better efficiency, the system optimizes the ratio to minimize CO2 emissions while maintaining high productivity. The parameter adjustment ensures that carbon-based fuel is used strategically only when it provides net efficiency benefits, reducing unnecessary emissions during high-power operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle control system and a method of operating thereof may include determining a first ratio at which to operate a vehicle system at a first location along a route along which the vehicle system moves. The first ratio may be based on an amount of a first fuel of a first fuel source relative to an amount of a second fuel of a second fuel source. The vehicle system may be powered by one or more of the first or the second fuel sources. First operational settings at which to control the vehicle system may be determined based on the first ratio between the first and second fuel sources at the first location along the route. Operation of the vehicle system may be controlled according to the first operational settings to move the vehicle system according to the first ratio at the first location along the route.