Fuel tank isolation valve control
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsMichael Paul Lindlbauer, Ted Haladyna, William David Treharne
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and systems for controlling a fuel tank isolation valve coupled to a fuel tank in a vehicle are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises, in response to a refuel request, actuating a fuel tank isolation valve to vent a fuel tank for refueling; and, in response to a pressure in the fuel tank below a threshold pressure after a predetermined time duration, discontinuing actuation of the fuel tank isolation valve to seal the fuel tank.
Claims20
A method for a vehicle with an engine, comprising:
- in response to a refuel request, actuating a fuel tank isolation valve to vent a fuel tank for refueling;
- and
- in response to a pressure in the fuel tank below a threshold pressure after a predetermined time duration, discontinuing actuation of the fuel tank isolation valve to seal the fuel tank.
A method for a vehicle, comprising:
- during an engine-off condition:
- opening a fuel tank isolation valve to vent a fuel tank for refueling in response to a refuel request;
- and
- in response to a pressure in the fuel tank decreasing below a threshold pressure after a predetermined time duration, closing the fuel tank isolation valve to seal the fuel tank.
A method for a hybrid electric vehicle, comprising:
- in response to a refuel request, actuating a fuel tank isolation valve to vent a fuel tank for refueling;
- in response to a pressure in the fuel tank below a threshold pressure after a predetermined time duration, discontinuing actuation of the fuel tank isolation valve to seal the fuel tank before the refueling is complete;
- and
- after discontinuing actuation of the fuel tank isolation valve to seal the fuel tank, actuating the fuel tank isolation valve to vent the fuel tank in response to an increase in pressure in the fuel tank.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.