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US 10,850,712 B2Granted
Systems and methods for refueling
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorAed Dudar
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and systems are provided for refilling a fuel tank devoid of fuel vapors. In one example, a method may include, prior to an upcoming refueling event, conditioning a fuel vapor-less fuel tank by operating a fuel pump. Operation of the fuel pump may agitate and vaporize the residual fuel in the fuel tank.
Claims20
A method for an engine coupled to a hybrid vehicle, comprising:
- during vehicle operation in an electric-only mode for a longer than threshold duration,
- prior to an upcoming refill of a fuel tank devoid of hydrocarbon vapors, operating a fuel pump before fueling is underway.
A method for a hybrid vehicle, comprising:
- after a threshold duration of operating the vehicle with an engine of the vehicle not running,
- in response to a fuel tank coupled to the engine being in a fuel vapor-less condition, prior to filling the fuel tank with fuel, generating fuel vapor in the fuel tank by operating a fuel pump coupled to the tank until a fuel vapor pressure in the fuel tank increases.
An autonomous vehicle system, comprising:
- a controller with computer readable instructions stored on non-transitory memory that when executed during operation of the autonomous vehicle system cause the controller to:
- infer an upcoming refueling event via one or more of a position of the vehicle, a destination indicated on a navigation system coupled to the vehicle, and an opening of a fuel filler door;
- and
- during a first condition, operate a fuel pump coupled to a fuel tank prior to the upcoming refueling event, until the refueling event is initiated;
- and
- during a second condition, maintain the fuel pump inactive prior to the upcoming refueling event, wherein first condition includes an amount of fuel vapor in the fuel tank being lower than a threshold amount.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.