Vacuum Pump Pressure Control for Engine Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
State-of-the-art vacuum pumps in internal combustion engines operate permanently, leading to inefficient energy use and environmental impact, with electric pumps experiencing wear and tear issues that degrade vacuum supply over time.
Innovation Solution
A method that adjusts switch-on and switch-off pressures of the vacuum pump based on fuel quantity supplied, optimizing operation by defining correction values for these pressures to align with the engine's current operating conditions, allowing for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vacuum pump operates permanently to ensure sufficient vacuum supply, then the vacuum availability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum pump's operating parameters (switch-on and switch-off pressures) are dynamically adjusted based on the internal combustion engine's operating state. When the engine operates in overrun mode or at low fuel injection quantities, the vacuum pump switches to a second operating mode with different pressure thresholds, enabling adaptive energy consumption while maintaining adequate vacuum supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The method changes the operational parameters of the vacuum pump by defining two distinct sets of switch-on and switch-off pressures. The first set applies during normal operation, while the second set applies during specific engine conditions (overrun mode, low fuel injection), thereby optimizing energy usage according to actual demand.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the vacuum pump is switched off mechanically when not required to save energy, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the response time to restore vacuum increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the fuel injection quantity and engine operating state, using this feedback to determine when to switch between different vacuum pump operating modes. This ensures the pump remains responsive to actual vacuum demands while minimizing unnecessary operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the switch-on and switch-off pressures are adjusted based on engine operating conditions to optimize energy use, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing control system that monitors engine operating parameters is extended to also control the vacuum pump's operating mode. This multi-functional use of the control system minimizes additional complexity while enabling energy-optimized vacuum pump operation based on engine state.
Data Source
AI summary
The method involves driving the low pressure pump of combustion engine directly or indirectly. The low pressure pump is turned on when starting pressure (p1) is reached, and is turned off when the switch-off pressure (p2) is reached. The operating state of the combustion engine is recorded and the low pressure pump is operated or switched off in dependence of the starting pressure and/or switch-off pressure, when reaching the predetermined operating conditions of the combustion engine.