Method and apparatus for using biofuels in engines having emission control systems
AssigneeOptimus Technologies, Inc.
InventorsColin N. Huwyler, Jonathan Ewing, Kevin Smyth
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Internal combustion engines, including diesel engines, can safely and efficiently operate using alternative fuels by ensuring the emissions system always performs the regeneration process using an appropriate fuel. An electronic control unit that communicates with the fuel delivery system and the emissions control system of an engine inhibits the regeneration activity until an appropriate fuel is present, waits until the regeneration event is completed and then directs the engine to continue operation with the alternative fuel.
Claims20
A method of modifying the operation of an engine, having at least a fuel delivery system associated with a first fuel and an emissions control system, to enable operation with the first fuel and a second fuel, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing the engine with a fuel supply system associated with the second fuel and an electronic control unit, the electronic control unit configured to communicate with at least the emissions control system, the fuel delivery system, and the fuel supply system;
- operating the engine using the second fuel;
- receiving, with the electronic control unit, notification from the emissions control system that a regeneration event is needed;
- and
- supplying, with the fuel delivery system, the first fuel to the emissions control system for the regeneration event,
- wherein the first fuel is different from the second fuel.
A method of modifying the operation of an engine to enable operation with a first fuel and a second fuel, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing the engine with an electronic control unit, a fuel delivery system comprising a first fuel container for containing the first fuel and a second fuel container for containing second fuel, and an emissions control system, the electronic control unit configured to communicate with the emissions control system and the fuel delivery system;
- operating the engine using the second fuel;
- receiving, with the electronic control unit, notification from the emissions control system that a regeneration event is needed;
- and
- supplying the first fuel to the emissions control system for the regeneration event,
- wherein the first fuel is different from the second fuel.
A fuel delivery system for delivering fuel to an engine, the fuel delivery system comprising:
- an electronic control unit configured to communicate with an emissions control system of the engine and a fuel supply system comprising a first fuel supply and a second fuel supply, the controller comprising at least one processor programmed or configured to:
- operate the engine with the second fuel;
- receive notification from the emissions control system that a regeneration event is needed;
- and
- supply the first fuel to the emissions control system for the regeneration event,
- wherein the first fuel is different from the second fuel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.