System and process for pump assist to maximize fuel consumption in a natural gas powertrain

A system for pump assist to maximize fuel consumption in a natural gas powertrain, comprising:

• a fuel delivery system including:
• a natural gas storage tank supplying a first natural gas flow;
• a pressure sensor disposed to provide data regarding a natural gas pressure within the natural gas storage tank;
• and
• a natural gas pump operable to selectively boost the first natural gas flow to create a second natural gas flow with increased pressure;
• a bi-fuel engine operable to utilize one of the first natural gas flow, the second natural gas flow, and a secondary fuel to provide an output torque and including a fuel injector;
• and
• a computerized fuel system controller programmed to:
• monitor the data regarding the natural gas pressure within the natural gas storage tank;
• determine whether the natural gas pressure within the natural gas storage tank is below a threshold cut-off pressure for the fuel injector;
• and
• command activation of the natural gas pump when the natural gas pressure within the natural gas storage tank is below the threshold cut-off pressure for the fuel injector.

A process for pump assist to maximize fuel consumption in a natural gas powertrain, comprising:

• within a computerized fuel system controller, operating programming to:
• monitor data regarding a natural gas pressure within a natural gas storage tank;
• determine whether the natural gas pressure within the natural gas storage tank is below a threshold cut-off pressure for a fuel injector of an engine operable to utilize natural gas to provide an output torque;
• and
• command activation of a natural gas pump to provide the pump assist operable to boost a pressure of the natural gas provided to the fuel injector when the natural gas pressure within the natural gas storage tank is below the threshold cut-off pressure for the fuel injector.