BR102017011841A2 - SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A NET SUBSTANCE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE CONFIGURATION - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for providing a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration (299), said engine configuration (299) comprising a first tank unit (220) for containing said liquid substance and a second one. tank unit (250) for containing said liquid substance, a first pump unit (230) for providing said liquid substance from said first tank unit (220) to said second tank unit (250), a second pump unit ( 270) for providing the liquid substance of said second tank unit (250) for consumption within said engine configuration (299), comprising the steps of: - continuously determining a mass flow of said liquid substance taken from said second unit of tank (250) for consumption within said engine configuration (299); - continuously determining a prevailing remaining amount of said liquid substance in said second tank unit (250) based on said determined mass flow ((m2) ¿) of said liquid substance taken from said second tank unit (250) ; and - according to predetermined criteria related to the prevailing remaining amount of said liquid substance in said second tank unit (250), supplying the liquid substance to said second tank unit (250) of said first tank unit (220). The invention also relates to a computer program product comprising program code (p) for a computer (200; 210) for implementing a method according to the invention. The invention also relates to a system for providing a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration (299) and a motor vehicle (100) equipped with the system.

Description

(54) Title: SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVISION OF A LIQUID SUBSTANCE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE CONFIGURATION (51) Int. Cl .: F02M 37/00; F02M 37/08; G01F 1/76; G06F 19/00; B60K 15/06 (30) Unionist Priority: 11/07/2016 SE 1651032-3 (73) Holder (s): SCANIA CV AB (72) Inventor (s): TOMMY ALBING; ULF CARLSSON (74) Attorney (s): LUIZ LEONARDOS & ADVOGADOS (57) Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the provision of a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration (299), said engine configuration ( 299) comprising a first tank unit (220) for containing said liquid substance and a second tank unit (250) for containing said liquid substance, a first pump unit (230) for providing said liquid substance of said first tank unit (220) for said second tank unit (250), a second pump unit (270) for providing liquid substance from said second tank unit (250) for consumption within said engine configuration (299), comprising the steps to: - continuously determine a mass flow of said liquid substance taken from said second tank unit (250) for consumption within said engine configuration (299); - continuously determining a prevailing remaining amount of said liquid substance in said second tank unit (250) based on said determined mass flow ((m2) õ) of said liquid substance taken from said second tank unit (250) ; and - according to cri (...)

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1/23 “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVISION OF A LIQUID SUBSTANCE FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE CONFIGURATION”

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a method for providing a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for providing fuel for an internal combustion engine. The present invention can also relate to a method for providing a reducing agent substance, such as urea, to an exhaust gas system for an internal combustion engine. The invention also relates to a computer program product comprising program code for a computer to implement a method according to the invention. It also relates to a system for providing a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration and a motor vehicle equipped with the system.

BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNIQUE [0002] In some liquid substance delivery systems for a vehicle engine configuration two fuel tanks are provided. According to an installation, there are two pump units and two filter units arranged in such a supply system. It is desired to be able to properly distribute said liquid substance between a first tank and a second tank. Said liquid substance supply system can be a fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine. One way to determine respective prevailing levels of said liquid substance is to provide a level sensor in each of said tanks. This however is not optimal, considering the complexity of the system and costs associated with level sensors, etc.

[0003] WO2013093544 relates to a fuel supply system in an automotive vehicle involving calculations of an amount of fuel consumed by a combustion engine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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2/23 [0004] An objective of the present invention is to propose a modern and advantageous method for providing a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration.

[0005] Another objective of the invention is to propose a modern and advantageous system and a modern and advantageous computer program for the provision of a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration.

[0006] Another objective of the present invention is to propose a modern and advantageous method providing a reliable and economical supply of a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration.

[0007] Another objective of the invention is to propose a modern and advantageous system and a modern and advantageous computer program providing a reliable and economical supply of a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration.

[0008] Yet another objective of the invention is to propose a method, a system and a computer program achieving an improved supply of a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration.

[0009] Yet another objective of the invention is to propose an alternative method, an alternative system and an alternative computer program for providing a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration.

[0010] Some of these objectives are achieved with a method according to claim 1. Other objectives are achieved with a system as described here. Advantageous modalities are described in the dependent claims. Substantially the same advantages of method steps as the innovative method remain true for the corresponding medium of the innovative system.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for providing a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration, said engine configuration comprising a first tank unit to contain said liquid substance and a second unit of tank to contain said liquid substance, a first pump unit to provide the liquid substance of said first tank unit to said second tank unit, a

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3/23 second pump unit to supply the liquid substance of said second tank unit for consumption within said engine configuration. The method comprises the steps of:

- continuously determining a mass flow of said liquid substance taken from said second tank unit for consumption within said engine configuration;

- continuously determining a prevailing remaining amount of said liquid substance in said second tank unit based on the determined mass flow of said liquid substance taken from said second tank unit; and

- according to predetermined criteria related to the prevailing remaining amount of said liquid substance in said second tank unit, providing the liquid substance for said second tank unit of said first tank unit.

[0012] Advantageously, a reliable and accurate method for the provision of a liquid substance is provided. In addition, when determining / estimating the prevailing remaining amount of liquid substance in the second tank unit, there is no need for a level sensor arranged for said second tank unit. This advantageously provides an economical operation according to the inventive method. [0013] According to an example, a satisfactory time interval relating to the provision of liquid substance for said second tank unit of said first tank unit can be determined / predicted / estimated on the basis of said determined prevailing remaining quantity of said substance liquid in said second tank unit. Said predetermined criteria can be considered with respect to the operation of said engine configuration.

[0014] According to an example, said mass flow of liquid substance taken from said second tank unit can be determined / estimated / calculated / modeled based on the operation of said second pump unit.

[0015] The method can comprise the stage of:

- continuously determine a consumed quantity of said substance

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4/23 net provided according to a control unit to operate this engine configuration. This can be carried out by determining an amount of liquid substance injected into said engine configuration and / or determining emission parameters (for example, oxygen content or NOx) of an exhaust gas from a combustion engine of said engine configuration. This advantageously provides a versatile method. Furthermore, this provides a precise method for the provision of said liquid substance.

[0016] The method can comprise the stage of:

- continuously determining a consumed quantity of said liquid substance on the basis of operation of said second pump unit. This can be accomplished by determining a mass flow of said liquid substance from said second tank unit for consumption within said engine configuration subtracted by a given return mass flow from a combustion engine of said engine configuration to said second unit of tank. This makes it possible to determine precisely the amount consumed of said liquid substance. [0017] The method can comprise the stage of:

- continuously determining a quantity of liquid return substance not included in said consumption, but supplied back to said second tank unit.

[0018] The determined consumed quantity of said liquid substance can be used to determine said prevailing remaining quantity of liquid substance in said second tank.

[0019] The method can comprise the stage of:

- when, according to said predetermined criteria, said liquid substance for said second tank unit of said first tank unit is provided for said second tank unit, to fill said second tank unit to a predetermined extent. This advantageously allows to supply adequately and satisfactorily said liquid substance for said second tank unit, both in terms of supply rate, timing related to the supply and quantity of liquid substance provided.

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5/23 [0020] The method can comprise the step of:

- continuously providing said liquid substance for said second tank unit based on said prevailing remaining amount of liquid substance in the second tank. Here the provision can be made continuously, not intermittently, which leads to less wear on the first pump unit as well as more desired operating conditions on the first pump unit, for example, relatively low rpm.

[0021] The method can comprise the stage of:

- continuously providing said liquid substance to said second tank unit based on said consumption within said engine configuration. Hereby, the provision can be performed continuously, and not intermittently, which makes less use of the first pump unit as well as more desired operating conditions of the first pump unit, for example relatively low rpm [0022] Said liquid substance can be a fuel substance or a reducing agent for emission control. The method is thus versatile and applicable to various liquid substance delivery systems, for example a fuel delivery system or an SCR system featuring two tank units to contain a reducing agent comprising, for example, urea.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, a system is provided for providing a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration, said engine configuration comprising a first tank unit to contain said liquid substance and a second unit of tank to contain said liquid substance, a first pump unit to provide liquid substance from said first tank unit to said second tank unit, a second pump unit to provide liquid substance from said second tank unit for consumption within said engine configuration. The system can comprise:

- means arranged to continuously determine a mass flow of said liquid substance taken from said second tank unit for consumption within said engine configuration;

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6/23

- means arranged to continuously determine a prevailing remaining amount of said liquid substance in said second tank unit based on said determined mass flow of said liquid substance taken from said second tank unit; and

- means arranged for, according to predetermined criteria related to the prevailing remaining amount of said liquid substance in said second tank unit, to provide the liquid substance for said second tank unit of said first tank unit.

[0024] The system can comprise:

- means arranged to continuously determine a consumed quantity of said liquid substance provided according to a control unit to operate said engine configuration.

[0025] The system can comprise:

- means arranged to continuously determine a consumed quantity of said liquid substance on the basis of operation of said second pump unit. [0026] The system can comprise:

- means arranged to continuously determine a quantity of liquid return substance not included in said consumption, but supplied back to said second tank unit.

[0027] The system can comprise:

- means arranged to fill said second tank unit to a predetermined extent, when, according to said predetermined criteria, the liquid substance for said second tank unit of said first tank unit is provided for said second tank unit.

[0028] The system can comprise:

- means arranged to continuously provide said liquid substance to said second tank unit based on said determined prevailing remaining amount of liquid substance in said second tank unit.

[0029] The system can comprise:

- means willing to continuously provide said liquid substance for said

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7/23 second tank unit on the basis of said consumption within said engine configuration.

[0030] In the system said liquid substance can be a fuel substance or a reducing agent for emission control.

[0031] According to an aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided comprising a system according to what is presented here. Said vehicle can be any one of a truck, bus or passenger car. According to one modality, the system is provided for a marine or industrial application.

[0032] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a computer program is provided for providing a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration, wherein said computer program comprises program code for making an electronic control unit or a computer connected to the electronic control unit performs any of the method steps described here, when they run on said electronic control unit or said computer.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, a computer program is provided for providing a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration, wherein said computer program comprises program code stored in a computer-readable medium for have an electronic control unit or a computer connected to the electronic control unit perform any of the method steps described here.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, a computer program is provided for providing a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration, wherein said computer program comprises program code stored in a computer-readable medium for make an electronic control unit or a computer connected to the electronic control unit perform any of the method steps described here, when they run in said electronic control unit or said computer.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, a program product is provided

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8/23 computer containing a program code stored in a computer-readable medium to perform any of the method steps described here, when said computer program is run on an electronic control unit or a computer connected to the electronic control unit .

[0036] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a computer program product containing a non-volatile stored program code in a computer-readable medium is provided to perform any of the method steps described here, when said computer program is run on an electronic control unit or a computer connected to the electronic control unit.

[0037] Objectives, additional advantages and modern features of the present invention will become apparent to someone skilled in the art of the following details, and also putting the invention into practice. While the invention is described below, it should be noted that it is not limited to the specific details described. Anyone skilled in the art having access to the teachings here will recognize additional applications, modifications and incorporations in other fields, which are within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0038] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its additional objectives and advantages, the detailed description published below should be read together with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference notations denote similar items in the various diagrams, and on what:

[0039] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0040] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a system according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0041] Figure 3a is a schematic flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0042] Figure 3b is a more detailed schematic flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the invention; and [0043] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a computer according to a

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9/23 embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0044] Figure 1 describes a side view of a vehicle 100. The exemplified vehicle 100 comprises a tractor unit 110 and a trailer 112. Vehicle 100 can be a heavy vehicle, for example a truck or a bus. It could alternatively be a car.

[0045] It should be noted that the inventive system is applicable to several vehicles, such as for example a mining machine, tractor, tipper, backhoe, platform comprising an industrial robot, forest machine, earth mover, construction vehicle road, earth moving, emergency vehicle or crawler vehicle.

[0046] It should be noted that the invention is suitable for application in various systems comprising a similar installation as described here, for example a first and second tanks to contain a liquid, a first pump unit to provide said liquid from the first tank to the second tank and a second pump unit to provide said liquid from said second tank for an engine configuration. It should be noted that the invention is suitable for application with any combustion engine, so it is not limited to motor vehicle combustion engines. The innovative method and the innovative system in one aspect of the invention are well suited for platforms which comprise a combustion engine system other than motor vehicles, for example a vessel. The vessel can be of any type, for example motorboats, steamships, ferries or ships.

[0047] The innovative method and the innovative system according to an aspect of the invention are also well suited for, for example, systems comprising industrial combustion engines and / or industrial robots driven by a combustion engine.

[0048] The innovative method and the innovative system according to one aspect of the invention are also well suited to various types of power plants, for example an electric power plant comprising a generator driven by

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10/23 combustion engine.

[0049] The innovative method and the innovative system are also well suited to various combustion engine systems.

[0050] The term connection here refers to a communication connection that can be a physical connection such as an opto-electronic communication line, or a non-physical connection such as a wireless connection, for example a radio connection or connection microwave.

[0051] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a fuel supply system for a combustion engine configuration 299. According to this embodiment, said combustion engine configuration 299 comprises an internal combustion engine 290 for which said fuel is provided. It should be noted that although a fuel supply system for a combustion engine configuration is hereby described, a similar installation for for example an SCR system can be provided. According to this embodiment, a liquid reducing agent can be provided to said combustion engine configuration 299, said configuration comprising an exhaust gas pipe arrangement for which said reducing agent is provided for emission control by means of a SCR.

[0052] A first tank unit 220 is arranged to contain a liquid fuel substance, for example diesel, gasoline or an ethanol based fuel. Said first tank unit 220 can have a volume of for example 1000 liters. Said first tank unit 220 can be denoted a main tank or a primary tank. A level 235 sensor is arranged on said first tank unit 220. Said level sensor 235 is arranged to continuously measure a prevailing L1 level of said liquid fuel substance in said first tank unit 220. Said level sensor 235 can be arranged for communication with a first control unit 200 by any satisfactory means, for example a connection (not shown). Said level sensor 235 is arranged to send continuously or intermittently signals comprising information on said prevailing level L1 measured to the first control unit 200. Hereby it is illustrated that said tank unit 220 is containing

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11/23 a volume of said fuel substance having said prevailing first L1 level.

[0053] A first passage P231, such as a pipe arrangement, is arranged to load said liquid fuel substance from said first tank unit 220 to a first pump unit 230. Said first pump unit 230 can be any unit of satisfactory pump, such as a mechanical or electrical pump unit. Said first control unit 200 may be arranged to control the operation of said first for pump unit 230 by any satisfactory means, for example a connection (not shown). Said first pump unit 230 is arranged to suck said fuel substance from said first tank unit 220, pressurize said fuel substance, and provide said fuel substance to a first filter unit 240. Hereby, said first fuel unit filter 240 is arranged to filter said fuel substance. Said fuel substance is hereby loaded by a second tube P241 to a second tank unit 250. Said second tank unit 250 can be arranged to contain, for example, 25 or 50 liters. Said second fuel tank unit 250 can be denoted auxiliary tank or secondary tank.

[0054] According to one embodiment, a first mass flow sensor unit 235 is provided to measure continuously or intermittently a first predominant mass flow value of said liquid fuel substance. Said first mass flow sensor unit 235 is arranged to measure said first mass flow value rzil downstream of said first pump unit 230 and upstream of said first filter unit 240. Said first flow sensor unit Ground 235 is arranged for communication with said first control unit 200 via an L235 connection. Said first mass flow sensor unit 235 is arranged to send S235 signals continuously or intermittently comprising information on said first predominant mass flow value ml detected for said first control unit 200 by said L235 connection. According to an example, said first filter unit 240 is omitted.

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12/23 [0055] A second passage P271, such as a pipe arrangement, is arranged to load said liquid fuel substance from said second tank unit 250 to a second pump unit 270. Said second pump unit 270 can be any satisfactory pump unit, such as a mechanical or electrical pump unit. Said first control unit 200 may be arranged to control said operation for second pump unit 270 by any satisfactory means, for example a connection (not shown). Said second pump unit 270 is arranged to suck said fuel substance from said second tank unit 250, pressurize said fuel substance, and provide said fuel substance to a second filter unit 280. Hereby it is illustrated that said second tank unit 250 is containing a volume of said fuel substance having an L2 level. Said second pump unit 270 can be arranged in said second fuel tank unit 250. Alternatively, said second fuel tank unit 270 is arranged outside said second fuel tank unit 250. According to one embodiment, said second filter unit 280 can be omitted.

[0056] According to one embodiment, a second mass flow sensor unit 285 is provided to continuously or intermittently measure a prevailing second mass flow value m2 of said liquid fuel substance. Said second mass flow sensor unit 285 is arranged to measure said second mass flow value m2 downstream of said second filter unit 280 and upstream of an internal combustion engine 290. Said second flow sensor unit ground 285 is arranged for communication with said first control unit 200 by an L285 connection. Said second mass flow sensor unit 285 is arranged to send S285 signals continuously or intermittently comprising information about said second predominant mass flow value m2 detected for said first control unit 200 by said L285 connection.

[0057] Said first control unit 200 is in accordance with an example arranged to control the operation of said first pump unit 230 and said second pump unit 270 by any satisfactory means. Said first unit

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13/23 of control 200 is arranged to continuously or intermittently determine at least one parameter of the prevailing operating condition of said first pump unit 230. Said first control unit 200 is arranged to determine continuously or intermittently at least one condition parameter of prevailing operation of said second pump unit 230. Said parameters of the prevailing operating condition may comprise information about for example rotational speed of said pump units.

[0058] Said first control unit 200 can be arranged to determine / estimate / calculate / model said first value of mass flow nil. Said first control unit 200 may be arranged to determine / estimate / calculate / model said first mass flow value nil on the basis of said at least one operating condition parameter determined from said first pump unit 230. Said first control unit control 200 can be arranged to determine / estimate / calculate / model said first mass flow value ml on the operating base of said first pump unit 230.

[0059] Said first control unit 200 can be arranged to determine / estimate / calculate / model said second mass flow value m2. Said first control unit 200 may be arranged to determine / estimate / calculate / model said second mass flow value τη.2 on the basis of said at least one operating condition parameter determined from said second pump unit 270. Said first control unit 200 is arranged to determine / estimate / calculate / model said second mass flow value 7ti2 on the operating base of said second pump unit 270.

[0060] A first return passage P291 is arranged to provide a first leak flow of said liquid fuel substance provided by said combustion engine 290 to said second tank unit 250. This is because some of the fuel provided is used for other purposes to said combustion engine 290 other than combustion. Said first mlleak flow can be determined by means of a mass flow sensor (not shown). Alternatively, said first mlleak flow can be determined by said first flow

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14/23 control unit 200 modeling / calculating / estimating said first mlleak flow. Said first mlleak flow can be a predetermined leak flow. Said first leak flow may have been determined empirically.

[0061] A second return passage P251 is arranged to, when applicable, provide a second flow leak of m2leak of said liquid fuel substance from said second tank unit 250 to said first tank unit 220. Said second return passage P251 it is arranged to allow said second leak flow m2leak in a state where said second tank unit 250 is substantially, or completely, filled, thus providing a reliable safety function relating to unwanted extensive filling of the second tank unit.

[0062] The first control unit 200 is arranged to continuously determine the mass flow m2 of said liquid substance taken from said second tank unit 250 for consumption within said engine configuration 299. According to an example, this can be carried out by means of said second mass flow sensor 285. According to an example, this can be carried out by means of said second mass flow sensor 285 and determining said first mlleak flow in order to determine an actually consumed amount of said liquid substance. According to an example, this can be done by determining an amount of fuel injected to the combustion engine of the engine configuration 299. According to an example, this can be done by determining an amount of reducing agent injected into the emission passage of the engine. combustion of engine configuration 299. According to an example, this can be performed on the basis of a certain amount of air provided for said combustion engine of said engine configuration 299 and a certain amount of oxygen amount of said engine emissions combustion of said engine configuration 299.

[0063] The first control unit 200 is arranged to continuously determine a prevailing remaining amount of said liquid substance in said second tank unit 250. Said prevailing remaining amount of

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15/23 liquid substance is suitably determined based on said determined mass flow τη.2 of said liquid substance taken from said second tank unit 250 for consumption within said engine configuration 299. This is carried out advantageously without any need by a fuel level sensor / reducing agent unit of the second tank unit 250.

[0064] The first control unit 200 may be arranged to, according to predetermined criteria comprising an amount of liquid substance in said second tank unit 250, control the provision of said liquid substance to said second tank unit 250 of said first tank unit 220. The first control unit 200 is suitably arranged to, according to predetermined criteria relating to the prevailing remaining amount of liquid substance in said second tank unit 250, control the provision of said liquid substance to said second unit of tank 250 from said first tank unit 220. Said predetermined criteria can relate to a certain volume / fuel level of said amount of liquid substance in said second tank unit 250. Said predetermined criteria can relate to a certain volume / predetermined fuel level of said amount of liquid substance in d ita second tank unit 250. Said predetermined criteria may relate to a certain desired minimum volume / fuel level of said amount of liquid substance in said second tank unit 250. Thus, the first control unit 200 can be arranged to provide liquid substance to said second tank unit 250 if the predetermined remaining amount of liquid substance in the second tank unit 250 does not meet the predetermined criteria. The first control unit 200 can be arranged to supply liquid substance to said second tank unit 250 if the predetermined prevailing amount of liquid substance in the second tank unit 250 is below a predetermined level according to the predetermined criteria.

[0065] A second control unit 210 is arranged for communication with the first control unit 200 over an L210 connection. Can be connected

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16/23 in a detachable manner to the first control unit 200. It can be an external control unit for vehicle 100. It can be adapted to carry out the innovative steps according to the invention. It can be used to load software to the first control unit 200, particularly software to apply the innovative method. It can alternatively be arranged for communication with the first control unit 200 via an internal network on board the vehicle. It can be adapted to perform the functions corresponding to those of the first control unit 200, such as according to predetermined criteria comprising an amount of liquid substance in said second tank unit 250, providing the liquid substance for said second tank unit 250 of said first tank unit 220.

[0066] Figure 3a schematically illustrates a flow chart of a method for providing a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration 299, said engine configuration 299 comprising a first tank unit 220 to contain said liquid substance and a second unit of tank 250 for containing said liquid substance, a first pump unit 230 for providing said first liquid substance of said tank unit 220 for said second tank unit 250, a second pump unit 270 for providing liquid substance of said second unit of tank 250 for consumption within said engine configuration 299. The method comprises a first step of method s301. Method step s301 comprises the steps of:

- continuously determining a mass flow m2 of said liquid substance taken from said second tank unit 250 for consumption within said engine configuration 299;

- continuously determining a prevailing remaining amount of said liquid substance in said second tank unit 250 based on said determined mass flow m2; and

- according to predetermined criteria related to the prevailing remaining amount of said liquid substance in said second tank unit 250, providing said liquid substance for said second tank unit 250 of said

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17/23 first tank unit 220.

[0067] After method step s301, the method ends / is returned.

[0068] Figure 3b schematically illustrates a flow chart of a method for providing a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration 299, said engine configuration 299 comprising a first tank unit 220 to contain said liquid substance and a second unit of tank 250 for containing said liquid substance, a first pump unit 230 for providing the liquid substance of said first tank unit 220 for said second tank unit 250, a second pump unit 270 for providing the liquid substance of said second unit of tank 250 for consumption within said engine configuration 299. The method comprises a first step of method s310.

[0069] Method step s310 comprises the step of providing the fuel substance for said second tank unit 250 of said first tank unit 220 by means of said first pump unit 230. Hereby, the operation of said first pump unit 230 is controlled by said first control unit 200. The provision of said fuel substance for said second tank unit 250 can be controlled in several different ways by means of said first pump unit 230 and said first control unit 200. [0070] According to a first example, said first pump unit 230 is controlled to operate for a predetermined period of time, for example 2 minutes, at a certain rate / pump rpm. Pumping said fuel substance into said second fuel tank 250 is adequately ensured that said second fuel tank 250 is substantially full or completely filled.

[0071] According to a second example, said first pump unit 230 is controlled to operate, that is, to provide said fuel substance for said second tank unit 250, until it is determined that said second tank unit 250 is completely full. A way of determining that said second tank unit 250 is substantially full or completely filled can be performed by means of a mass flow sensor provided to said second

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18/23 P251 return passage. Whenever said second leak flow m2leak is detected, it can be determined that said second fuel tank 250 is substantially full or completely filled. Another way of determining that said second tank unit 250 is substantially full or completely filled can be performed by means of said level sensor 235. If said first pump unit 230 is operating and thus providing said fuel substance for said second unit of tank 250 and a fuel level L1 is substantially constant, this can be taken as an indication that said second fuel tank 250 is substantially full or completely filled (m2leak is equal to said first mass flow value ml).

[0072] According to a third example, said first pump unit 230 is controlled to operate, that is, to provide said fuel substance for said second tank unit 250, until it is determined that said second tank unit 250 is substantially full or completely full. Hereby, said first pump unit 230 is controlled to provide a certain predetermined volume of said fuel substance for said second tank unit 250. Hereby, said first mass flow sensor unit 235 is continuously detecting a value of mass flow of fuel substance ml and when it is determined that said predetermined volume has been provided, it is determined that said second tank unit 250 is substantially full or completely full.

[0073] According to a fourth example, said first pump unit 230 is controlled to operate, that is, to provide said fuel substance for said second tank unit 250, until it is determined that said second tank unit 250 is full at a certain predetermined L2 level. Said predetermined L2 level can be any satisfactory level, for example corresponding to 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of the total volume of the second tank unit 250.

[0074] After step s310, a subsequent step s320 is performed.

[0075] Method step s320 comprises the step of continuously determining a 7zi2 mass flow of said liquid substance taken from said second unit of

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19/23 tank 250 for consumption within said engine configuration 299. This can be performed by means of said first control unit 200. By this means, the amount of fuel that is consumed by the engine of the engine configuration can be continuously determined combustion 299. Alternatively, in the case that said liquid substance comprises a reducing agent for emission control and said engine configuration refers to an emission pipe system, the amount of reducing agent that is provided to said system can be continuously determined of emission tube.

[0076] Method step s320 may comprise the step of continuously determining a consumed quantity Vc of said liquid substance provided according to the control unit 200 to operate said engine configuration 299. This can be performed by continuously determining said mass flow m2 per means of said second mass flow sensor unit 285 or by continuously determining a consumed quantity Vc of said liquid substance on the operating base of said second pump unit 270. Continuously determining a quantity of said return liquid substance not included in said consumption, but provided back to said second tank unit 250, that is, by the mass flow in said return passage P291, said amount consumed Vc of said liquid substance can therefore be determined. Method step S320 may also comprise the step of determining a prevailing remaining amount of liquid substance in said second tank unit 250 based on said determined mass flow m2.

[0077] After method step s320, a subsequent method step s330 is performed.

[0078] Method step s330 comprises the step of determining whether said quantity consumed a given Vc of said liquid substance is greater than a predetermined threshold value TH. This is comparable to determining whether the prevailing determined volume of said liquid substance stored in said second tank unit 250 is below a certain predetermined volume / level. Said predetermined volume / level can be for example 25% of the total volume of the second

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20/23 tank unit 250. Said predetermined threshold value TH is fixed accordingly.

[0079] If said quantity consumed a given Vc of said liquid substance is greater than a predetermined threshold value TH (ie YES), that is, that the prevailing determined volume of said liquid substance in said second tank unit 250 is below of said predetermined volume / level, a subsequent s340 method step is performed.

[0080] If said quantity consumed determined Vc of said liquid substance is not greater than a predetermined threshold value TH (ie NO), that is, that the prevailing determined volume of said liquid substance in said second tank unit 250 is greater / above said predetermined volume / level, said method step s320 is performed.

[0081] Method step s340 may comprise the step of providing the fuel substance for said second tank unit 250 of said first tank unit 220 by means of said first pump unit 230. Hereby, said operation first pump unit 230 is controlled by said first control unit 200. The provision of said fuel substance for said second tank unit 250 can be controlled in several different ways by means of said first pump unit 230 and said first unit of control 200. Said second tank unit 250 can be provided according to any of the alternatives described with reference to method step s310, for example by filling said second tank unit 250 substantially completely or to a predetermined volume / level.

[0082] According to an example, method step s340 comprises the step of: when, according to said predetermined criteria, the liquid substance for said second tank unit 250 of said first tank unit 220 is provided for said second tank unit 250, filling said second tank unit 250 to a predetermined extent.

[0083] Figure 4 is a diagram of a version of a device 500. The control units 200 and 210 described with reference to Figure 2 can in a version

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21/23 understand device 500. Device 500 comprises a non-volatile memory 520, a data processing unit 510 and a read / write memory 550. The non-volatile memory 520 has a first memory element 530 in which a program computer, for example an operating system, is stored to control the function of the device 500. The device 500 furthermore comprises a bus controller, a serial communication port, L / O medium, an A / D converter, a input and transfer of time and date, an event counter and an interrupt controller (not described). Non-volatile memory 520 also has a second memory element 540.

[0084] The computer program P comprises routines to control the supply of a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration 299, said engine configuration 299 comprising a first tank unit 220 to contain said liquid substance and a second unit of tank 250 for containing said liquid substance, a first pump unit 230 for providing the liquid substance of said first tank unit 220 for said second tank unit 250, a second pump unit 270 for providing the liquid substance of said second unit of tank 250 for consumption within said engine configuration 299.

[0085] The computer program P can comprise routines to continuously determine a mass flow m2 of said liquid substance taken from said second tank unit 250 for consumption within said engine configuration 299.

[0086] The computer program P can comprise routines for continuously determining a prevailing remaining amount of said liquid substance in said second tank unit 250, based on said determined mass flow m2.

[0087] The computer program P may comprise routines to control the supply of liquid substance for said second tank unit 250 of said first tank unit 220, according to predetermined criteria related to the prevailing remaining amount of liquid substance in said

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22/23 second tank unit 250.

[0088] The computer program P may comprise routines for continuously determining an consumed quantity of said liquid substance provided under a control unit 200 operating said motor configuration 299. [0089] The computer program P may comprise routines for continuously determining a amount consumed of said liquid substance in the operating base of said second pump unit 270.

[0090] The computer program P can comprise routines to continuously determine a quantity of liquid return substance not included in said consumption, but supplied back to said second tank unit 250.

[0091] The computer program P may comprise routines for controlling when, according to said predetermined criteria, the liquid substance for said second tank unit 250 of said first tank unit 220 is provided for said second tank unit 250, filling said second tank unit 250 to a predetermined extent.

[0092] Computer program P may comprise routines to control the continuous supply of said liquid substance to said second tank unit 250 on the basis of said consumption within said engine configuration 299.

[0093] The P program can be stored in an executable form or in a compressed form in a memory 560 and / or in a read / write memory 550. [0094] Where it is declared that the data processing unit 510 performs a certain function, it means that it conducts a certain part of the program that is stored in memory 560 or a certain part of the program that is stored in read / write memory 550.

[0095] The data processing device 510 can communicate with a data port 599 over a data bus 515. The non-volatile memory 520 is intended for communication with the data processing unit 510 over a data bus 512. Separate memory 560 is intended to communicate with the data processing unit over a data bus 511. Read / write memory 550 is arranged to communicate with the data unit

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23/23 data processing 510 through a data bus 514. The connections L210, L235 and L285, for example, can be connected to data port 599 (see Figure 2).

[0096] When data is received on data port 599, it is temporarily stored in the second memory element 540. When incoming data received has been temporarily stored, data processing unit 510 will be prepared to conduct code execution as described above.

[0097] Parts of the methods described here can be conducted by device 500 through data processing unit 510 that runs the program stored in memory 560 or in read / write memory 550. When device 500 runs the program, methods described here they are executed.

[0098] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive, nor to limit the invention to the variants described. Many modifications and variations will obviously be suggested to someone skilled in the art. The modalities were chosen and described in order to better explain the principles of the invention and their practical applications and thereby make it possible for someone skilled in the art to understand the invention for different modalities and with the various modifications appropriate to the intended use.

[0099] The components and characteristics specified above can be combined within the structure of the invention between different specified modalities.

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1/4

Claims (18)

1. Method for providing a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration (299), said engine configuration (299) comprising a first tank unit (220) to contain said liquid substance and a second tank unit (250 ) to contain said liquid substance, a first pump unit (230) to provide liquid substance from said first tank unit (220) to said second tank unit (250), a second pump unit (270) to provide the liquid substance of said second tank unit (250) for consumption within said engine configuration (299), characterized by the fact that it comprises the steps of: - continuously determining a mass flow (rzi2) of said liquid substance taken from said second tank unit (250) for consumption within said engine configuration (299); - continuously determining a prevailing remaining amount of said liquid substance in said second tank unit (250) based on said determined mass flow (rzi2) of said liquid substance taken from said second tank unit (250); and - according to predetermined criteria related to the prevailing remaining amount of said liquid substance in said second tank unit (250), providing the liquid substance for said second tank unit (250) of said first tank unit (220). 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises the step of: - continuously determining a consumed quantity of said liquid substance provided according to a control unit (200; 210; 500) to operate said motor configuration (299). 3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that it comprises the step of: - continuously determining a consumed quantity of said liquid substance based on the operation of said second pump unit (270). Petition 870170037725, of 06/05/2017, p. 61/68 2/4 Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises the step of: - continuously determining a quantity of liquid return substance not included in said consumption, but supplied back to said second tank unit (250). Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises the step of: - when, according to said predetermined criteria, the liquid substance for said second tank unit (250) from said first tank unit (220) is provided for said second tank unit (250), filling said second unit of tank (250) to a predetermined extent. 6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises the step of: - continuously providing said liquid substance for said second tank unit (250) based on said determined prevailing remaining amount of liquid substance in said second tank unit (250). Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said liquid substance is a fuel substance or a reducing agent for emission control. 8. System for providing a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration (299), said engine configuration (299) comprising a first tank unit (220) to contain said liquid substance and a second tank unit (250 ) to contain said liquid substance, a first pump unit (230) to provide liquid substance from said first tank unit (220) to said second tank unit (250), a second pump unit (270) to provide the liquid substance of said second tank unit (250) for consumption within said engine configuration (299), characterized by the fact that it comprises: - medium (200; 210; 500; 285) arranged to continuously determine a mass flow (τη.2) of said liquid substance taken from said second unit of Petition 870170037725, of 06/05/2017, p. 62/68 3/4 tank (250) for consumption within said engine configuration (299); - means (200; 210; 500) arranged to continuously determine a prevailing remaining amount of said liquid substance in said second tank unit (250) based on said determined mass flow (rzi2) of said liquid substance taken from said second tank unit (250); and - medium (200; 210; 500; 230) arranged to, according to predetermined criteria related to the prevailing remaining quantity of said liquid substance in said second tank unit (250), provide the liquid substance for said second tank unit (250 ) from said first tank unit (220). 9. System according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that it comprises: - means (200; 210; 500) arranged to continuously determine a consumed quantity of said liquid substance provided according to a control unit (200; 210; 500) for operating said engine configuration (299). 10. System according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by the fact that it comprises: - means (200; 210; 500) arranged to continuously determine a consumed quantity of said liquid substance based on the operation of said second pump unit (270). 11. System according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by the fact that it comprises: - means (200; 210; 500) arranged to continuously determine a quantity of liquid return substance not included in said consumption, but provided back to said second tank unit (250). 12. System according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by the fact that it comprises: - means (200; 210; 500; 230) arranged to fill said second tank unit (250) to a predetermined extent, when, according to said predetermined criteria, the liquid substance for said second tank unit (250) to Petition 870170037725, of 06/05/2017, p. 63/68 4/4 from said first tank unit (220) is provided for said second tank unit (250). 13. System according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by the fact that it comprises: - means (200; 210; 500; 230) arranged to continuously provide said liquid substance for said second tank unit (250) based on said determined prevailing remaining amount of liquid substance in said second tank unit (250). System according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that said liquid substance is a fuel substance or a reducing agent for emission control. 15. Vehicle (100; 110) characterized by the fact that it comprises a system of the type defined in any one of claims 8 to 14. 16. Vehicle (100; 110) according to claim 15, characterized by the fact that the vehicle is any one between a truck, a bus or a passenger car. 17. Computer program (P), characterized by the fact that said computer program (P) comprises program code to make an electronic control unit (200; 500) or a computer (210; 500) connected to the control unit electronics (200; 500) perform the steps of the method of the type defined in any of claims 1 to 7. 18. Computer program product characterized by containing a program code stored in a computer-readable medium to perform the steps of the method of the type defined in any one of claims 1 to 7, when said computer program is run in a unit of electronic control (200; 500) or a computer (210; 500) connected to the electronic control unit (200; 500). Petition 870170037725, of 06/05/2017, p. 64/68 1/3 100