Virtual Biodiesel Sensor via Exhaust Temperature Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining biodiesel fuel quality in exhaust aftertreatment systems are costly and prone to errors, as they rely on physical sensors that can be tampered with and are expensive to maintain.
Innovation Solution
Implementing virtual sensors that utilize existing sensors in the aftertreatment system to estimate biodiesel percentage by calculating the lower heating value (LHV) based on exhaust gas temperatures and hydrocarbon dosing, without the need for dedicated fuel quality sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical sensors are used to determine biodiesel fuel quality, then measurement capability is provided, but cost increases and reliability decreases due to tampering vulnerability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the fuel quality measurement function by calculating Lower Heating Value (LHV) from exhaust gas temperature data. Instead of relying on a physical sensor that can be tampered with, the system uses existing temperature sensors and computational algorithms to generate a virtual measurement that reflects fuel quality, thereby eliminating tampering vulnerability while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical sensing system with a computational/thermal analysis system. By substituting the physical fuel quality sensor with a virtual sensor that processes exhaust gas temperature data through mathematical calculations, the system eliminates the need for dedicated physical sensors while achieving the same measurement objective with improved reliability.
2Measurement precision
If physical fuel quality sensors are installed, then biodiesel percentage can be measured, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing temperature sensors serve multiple functions: they continue to monitor exhaust gas temperatures for aftertreatment control while simultaneously providing data for virtual fuel quality measurement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated fuel quality sensors, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual measurement capability that copies the function of a dedicated fuel quality sensor using existing temperature sensing infrastructure and computational algorithms, thereby achieving the same measurement objective without adding physical hardware complexity.
3Device complexity
If virtual sensing methods are used to estimate biodiesel percentage, then cost and complexity are reduced, but measurement accuracy must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes in the exhaust gas temperature profile (specifically the temperature rise across the DOC) as an indicator of fuel composition. By monitoring how the exhaust gas temperature changes when hydrocarbons are dosed upstream of the DOC, the system can estimate biodiesel percentage through mathematical relationships between temperature parameters and fuel properties, maintaining accuracy without complex hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical sensing mechanisms with thermal field analysis and computational algorithms. By substituting mechanical/chemical sensing with thermal measurement and mathematical calculation of LHV, the system achieves accurate fuel quality estimation while reducing device complexity and eliminating dedicated sensors.
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 improves engine fuel control, aftertreatment system monitoring, and reduces costs by providing higher accuracy and detecting tampering, while using less fuel and reducing the need for physical fuel quality sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC)... The catalyst can be dosed with hydrocarbons... The hydrocarbons can be combusted in the catalyst
Implementation Method 2
The hydrocarbons can be combusted in the catalyst... determining a first temperature of exhaust gas at an inlet of the DOC... determining a second temperature of the exhaust gas at an outlet of the DOC
Data Source
AI summary
A method can include controlling, by at least one controller, an amount of hydrocarbons provided upstream of a diesel oxidation catalyst. The method can include determining, by the at least one controller, a first temperature of exhaust gas at an inlet of the diesel oxidation catalyst. The exhaust gas can be produced from combustion of fuel. The method can include determining, by the at least one controller, a second temperature of the exhaust gas at an outlet of the diesel oxidation catalyst. The method can include calculating, by the at least one controller, a lower heating value of the fuel based on the first temperature, the second temperature, the amount of hydrocarbons, and a flow rate of the exhaust gas. The method can include estimating, by the at least one controller, a percentage of biodiesel in the fuel based on the lower heating value.