Ultra-compact system for characterization of physical, chemical and ignition properties of fuels
AssigneeLawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
InventorsNicholas KILLINGSWORTH, Daniel L. FLOWERS, Matthew J. MCNENLY, Geoffrey M. OXBERRY, Ahmed E. ISMAIL
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Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a miniaturized fuel laboratory system having exterior dimensions enabling the system to be at least one of hand-holdable or contained on a component. The system makes use of a processor, a fuel inlet port for receiving a quantity of fuel to be used as a fuel test sample, and at least one fuel sensor in communication with the fuel inlet port for receiving the fuel test sample. The processor uses the information obtained by the fuel sensor to determine at least one characteristic of the fuel test sample.
Claims20
A miniaturized fuel laboratory system having exterior dimensions enabling the system to be at least one of hand-holdable or integrated into a fuel-consuming component, the system comprising:
- a processor;
- a fuel inlet port for receiving a quantity of fuel to be used as a fuel test sample;
- at least one fuel sensor in communication with the fuel inlet port for receiving the fuel test sample;
- and
- the processor using information obtained by the fuel sensor to determine at least one characteristic of the fuel test sample.
A miniaturized fuel laboratory system adapted to be contained on a fuel burning vehicle and powered by the vehicle's DC battery, the system comprising:
- a processor;
- an electrical input/output port adapted to be placed in communication with a wiring harness of the vehicle to communicate with an electronic control module (ECM) of the vehicle;
- a fuel inlet port for receiving a quantity of fuel to be used as a fuel test sample;
- at least one fuel sensor in communication with the fuel inlet port for receiving the fuel test sample;
- the processor using information obtained by the fuel sensor to determine at least one characteristic of the fuel test sample;
- and
- a fuel return line to return an unused portion of the fuel test sample to a fuel tank of the vehicle.
The system of 16, wherein the at least one parameter pertains to at least one of:
- processor uses the at least one fuel characteristic to control at least one of:
- mapping of a mass air flow sensor to change the air/fuel ratio being used by the engine;
- valve timing and lift profile of a valve train of the engine;
- spark timing for the engine;
- injection characteristics on each injector of each cylinder of an engine, including number of injections, timing for each injection, and a profile of each injection event;
- fuel injector pressure for the engine;
- a wastegate of a turbocharger of the engine;
- boost of a turbocharger of the engine;
- boost of a supercharger of the engine;
- and
- engine temperature set-point.
A method for forming a miniaturized fuel laboratory system having exterior dimensions enabling the system to be contained on a motor vehicle and powered by an on-board electrical system of the vehicle, the method comprising:
- using a fuel inlet port for receiving a quantity of fuel from a fuel tank of the vehicle, to be used as a fuel test sample;
- using at least one fuel sensor in communication with the fuel inlet port for receiving the fuel test sample and providing information relating to at least one characteristic of the fuel test sample;
- and
- using a processor to analyze the information obtained by the at least one fuel sensor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.