Vapour Recovery Pump Control Using Solenoid Current Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vapour recovery systems in fuel dispensing units are sensitive to temperature changes and clogging, leading to fluctuations in system capacity and potential malfunctions, which existing control methods fail to accurately address.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a linear pump in a vapour recovery system by applying a known voltage to a solenoid coil, measuring current consumption, and adjusting the signal based on resistance calculations to compensate for temperature changes and self-heating, using power width modulation to ensure precise control and continuous monitoring of system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing control methods are used to monitor vapour recovery systems, then system malfunctions can be detected, but the systems remain sensitive to temperature changes and clogging causing flow rate fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct flow rate measurement to electrical current measurement. By measuring the current consumption of the solenoid coil and converting it to resistance and then to temperature, the system achieves more precise temperature-based control that compensates for environmental temperature changes and clogging effects, thereby improving both reliability and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical flow rate measurement and control system with an electrical measurement system. Instead of mechanically measuring vapour flow and adjusting accordingly, the system uses electrical current measurement of the solenoid coil to infer temperature and adjust the control signal, providing more precise and stable control
2Stability of the object's composition
If flow rate control is adjusted to account for temperature changes, then system stability improves, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid coil serves dual purposes: it controls the linear pump and simultaneously acts as a temperature sensor through its electrical resistance. The control unit self-determines temperature by measuring current consumption and performs self-adjustment of the control signal based on calculated temperature, eliminating the need for separate temperature sensors and complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid coil is given multiple functions: it serves as both the actuator for the linear pump and as a temperature sensing element. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity by eliminating separate temperature measurement devices while maintaining stable performance control
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, reducing the risk of system shutdowns due to temperature fluctuations and allowing for real-time adjustments to maintain optimal performance during refuelling, thereby enhancing the reliability and stability of the vapour recovery process.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid coil (10) of the linear pump (9)... applying a known voltage to a solenoid coil (10)... measuring a current consumption of the solenoid coil (10)
Implementation Method 2
measuring a current consumption of the solenoid coil (10) during the predetermined time period... adjusting the signal based on the measured current consumption
Data Source
AI summary
Method for controlling a linear pump (9) of a vapour recovery system in a fuel dispensing unit (1). The linear pump (9) is flow controlled by a signal. The method comprises applying (SI) a known voltage to a solenoid coil (10) of the linear pump (9) for a predetermined time period, measuring (S2) a current consumption of the solenoid coil (10) during the predetermined time period, and adjusting (S3) 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 (7) to a vapour tank.