DE102017006304B4 - System and method for providing a liquid substance to an internal combustion engine configuration - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for providing a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration (299), the engine configuration (299) having a first tank unit (220) for receiving the liquid substance and a second tank unit (250) for receiving the liquid substance, a first pump unit (230) for providing liquid substance from the first tank unit (220) to the second tank unit (250) and a second pump unit (270) for providing liquid substance from the second tank unit (250) for consumption within the engine configuration (299), comprising the steps of:- continuously determining a Mass flow (m2) of the liquid substance taken from the second tank unit (250) for consumption within the engine configuration (299);- continuously determining a prevailing residual amount of the liquid substance in the second tank unit (250) based on the determined mass flow (m2) of that from the second liquid substance taken from the tank unit (250); and- providing, according to predetermined criteria related to the prevailing residual amount of the liquid substance in the second tank unit (250), the liquid substance to the second tank unit (250) from the first tank unit (220).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a method of providing a liquid substance to an internal combustion engine configuration. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for providing fuel to an internal combustion engine. The present invention may further relate to a method of providing a reductant substance, such as urea, to an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. The invention also relates to a computer program product that includes a program code for a computer for performing a method according to the invention. It also relates to a system for providing a liquid substance to an internal combustion engine configuration and a motor vehicle equipped with the system.

STATE OF THE ART

In some liquid substance supply systems for a vehicle engine configuration, two tanks are provided. According to one structure, two pump units and two filter units are arranged in such a supply system. It is desirable that the liquid substance can be properly distributed between a first tank and a second tank. The liquid substance supply system can be a fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine. One way of determining prevailing respective liquid substance levels is to provide a level sensor in each of the tanks. However, this is not optimal considering the system complexity and the costs associated with the level sensors, etc..

WO 2013/093 544 A1 relates to a fuel supply system on a motor vehicle involving calculations of an amount of fuel consumed by an internal combustion engine.

DE 10 2009 023 565 A1 discloses an engine control system having a primary fuel tank, a secondary fuel tank, and a transfer pump configured to provide fuel from the secondary fuel tank to the primary fuel tank when a fuel level in the primary fuel tank is below a predetermined fuel level.

AT 406 615 B discloses a method for determining fuel consumption of internal combustion engines. Provision is made here for a first measuring device to be provided in a fuel supply line between the fuel tank and the internal combustion engine in order to determine the quantity of fuel which is removed from the tank. Provision is also made for a second measuring device to be arranged in a return line in order to determine a quantity of fuel which has not been consumed by the internal combustion engine but is instead fed back into the tank. A consumption is to be determined by determining a difference between the fuel quantity determined in the feed line and the fuel quantity determined in the return line.

DE 11 2014 002 300 T5 discloses another fuel system with two fuel tanks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to propose a new and advantageous method for providing a liquid substance to an internal combustion engine configuration.

It is another object of the invention to propose a new and advantageous system and computer program for providing a liquid substance to an internal combustion engine configuration.

It is a further object of the invention to propose a new and advantageous method that provides a reliable and inexpensive provision of a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration.

It is a further object of the invention to propose a new and advantageous system and a new and advantageous computer program which provide a reliable and inexpensive provision of a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration.

Yet another object of the invention is to propose a method, a system and a computer program that achieve an improved provision of a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration.

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

Some of these objects are solved with a method according to claim 1. Other objects are achieved with a system according to what is described herein. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims. The essentially same advantages of the process steps of the Ver driving apply to corresponding means of the system according to the invention.

• - kontinuierliches Bestimmen eines Massenflusses der aus der zweiten Tankeinheit entnommenen Flüssigsubstanz zum Verbrauch innerhalb der Motorkonfiguration;
• - kontinuierliches Bestimmen einer vorherrschenden Restmenge der Flüssigsubstanz in der zweiten Tankeinheit basierend auf dem bestimmten Massenfluss der aus der zweiten Tankeinheit entnommenen Flüssigsubstanz; und
• - Bereitstellen, gemäß vorbestimmten Kriterien in Bezug auf die vorherrschende Restmenge der Flüssigsubstanz in der zweiten Tankeinheit, der Flüssigsubstanz an die zweite Tankeinheit aus der ersten Tankeinheit.

According to one aspect of the invention, a method for providing a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration is provided, the engine configuration having a first tank unit for receiving the liquid substance and a second tank unit for receiving the liquid substance, a first pump unit for providing liquid substance from the first tank unit to the second Includes tank unit and a second pump unit for providing liquid substance from the second tank unit for consumption within the engine configuration. The procedure includes the steps:

• - continuously determining a mass flow of the liquid substance removed from the second tank unit for consumption within the engine configuration;
• - continuously determining a prevailing residual amount of the liquid substance in the second tank unit based on the determined mass flow of the liquid substance removed from the second tank unit; and
• - Providing, according to predetermined criteria in relation to the prevailing residual amount of liquid substance in the second tank unit, the liquid substance to the second tank unit from the first tank unit.

Advantageously, a reliable and accurate method for providing a liquid substance is provided. Furthermore, by determining/estimating the prevailing residual amount of liquid substance in the second tank unit, there is no need for a level sensor arranged on the second tank unit. This advantageously ensures cost-effective operation in accordance with the method according to the invention.

According to an example, a suitable time interval regarding the supply of liquid substance to the second tank unit from the first tank unit can be determined/predicted/estimated based on the determined prevailing residual amount of the liquid substance in the second tank unit. The predetermined criteria may take into account the operation of the engine configuration.

According to one example, the mass flow of liquid substance withdrawn from the second tank unit can be determined/estimated/calculated/modeled based on the operation of the second pump unit.

• - kontinuierliches Bestimmen einer gemäß einer Steuereinheit bereitgestellten verbrauchten Menge der Flüssigsubstanz zum Betreiben der Motorkonfiguration. Dies kann durch Bestimmen einer Menge einer in die Motorkonfiguration eingespritzten Flüssigsubstanz und/oder durch Bestimmen von Emissionsparametern (z.B. NO_x- oder Sauerstoff-Gehalt) eines Abgases aus dem Verbrennungsmotor der Verbrennungsmotorkonfiguration ausgeführt werden. Dies stellt vorteilhafterweise ein vielseitiges Verfahren bereit. Dies stellt ferner ein genaues Verfahren zur Bereitstellung der Flüssigsubstanz bereit.

The method may include the step:

• - continuously determining a consumed amount of the liquid substance provided according to a control unit for operating the engine configuration. This may be performed by determining an amount of liquid substance injected into the engine configuration and/or by determining emission parameters (eg, _NOx or oxygen content) of an exhaust gas from the engine of the engine configuration. This advantageously provides a versatile method. This also provides an accurate method of providing the liquid substance.

• - kontinuierliches Bestimmen einer verbrauchten Menge der Flüssigsubstanz basierend auf dem Betrieb der zweiten Pumpeneinheit. Dies kann durch Bestimmen eines Massenflusses der Flüssigsubstanz aus der zweiten Tankeinheit für den Verbrauch innerhalb der Motorkonfiguration abzüglich eines bestimmten Massenrückflusses aus dem Verbrennungsmotor der Motorkonfiguration zu der zweiten Tankeinheit durchgeführt werden. Dies ermöglicht, eine verbrauchte Menge der Flüssigsubstanz genau zu bestimmen.

The method may include the step:

• - continuously determining a consumed amount of the liquid substance based on the operation of the second pump unit. This can be performed by determining a mass flow of the liquid substance from the second tank unit for consumption within the engine configuration minus a determined mass return flow from the internal combustion engine of the engine configuration to the second tank unit. This makes it possible to accurately determine a consumed amount of the liquid substance.

• - kontinuierliches Bestimmen einer Menge einer rückgeführten Flüssigsubstanz, die nicht in dem Verbrauch enthalten ist, sondern an die zweite Tankeinheit zurückgeführt wird.

The method may include the step:

• - continuously determining an amount of returned liquid substance which is not included in the consumption but is returned to the second tank unit.

The determined amount of liquid substance consumed can be used to determine the prevailing remaining amount of liquid substance in the second tank.

• - Füllen, wenn gemäß den vorbestimmten Kriterien Flüssigsubstanz an die zweite Tankeinheit aus der ersten Tankeinheit an die zweite Tankeinheit bereitgestellt wird, der zweiten Tankeinheit auf ein vorbestimmtes Maß. Dies ermöglicht vorteilhafterweise, angemessen und in geeigneter Weise die Flüssigsubstanz der zweiten Tankeinheit sowohl in Bezug auf Bereitstellungsrate, Zeit bezüglich der Bereitstellung als auch der Menge der bereitgestellten Flüssigsubstanz bereitzustellen.

The method may include the step:

• - Filling, if liquid substance is provided to the second tank unit from the first tank unit to the second tank unit according to the predetermined criteria, the second tank unit to a predetermined level. This advantageously makes it possible to provide the liquid substance to the second tank unit appropriately and in a suitable manner, both with regard to the supply rate, time with regard to the supply and the quantity of the liquid substance supplied.

• - kontinuierliches Bereitstellen der Flüssigsubstanz an die zweite Tankeinheit basierend auf der vorherrschenden Restmenge an Flüssigsubstanz in dem zweiten Tank. Hierdurch kann die Bereitstellung kontinuierlich und nicht mit Unterbrechungen ausgeführt werden, was sowohl zu weniger Verschleiß der ersten Pumpeneinheit als auch zu mehr erwünschten Betriebsbedingungen der ersten Pumpeneinheit, z.B. relativ niedrigen U/min, führt.

The method may include the step:

• - continuously providing the liquid substance to the second tank unit based on the prevailing residual amount of liquid substance in the second tank. This can the delivery can be carried out continuously and not intermittently, which leads both to less wear of the first pump unit and to more desirable operating conditions of the first pump unit, eg relatively low rpm.

• - kontinuierliches Bereitstellen der Flüssigsubstanz an die zweite Tankeinheit basierend auf dem Verbrauch innerhalb der Motorkonfiguration. Hierdurch kann die Bereitstellung kontinuierlich und nicht mit Unterbrechungen ausgeführt werden, was sowohl zu weniger Verschleiß der ersten Pumpeneinheit als auch zu mehr erwünschten Betriebsbedingungen der ersten Pumpeneinheit, z.B. relativ niedrigen U/min, führt.

The method may include the step:

• - Continuous supply of the liquid substance to the second tank unit based on consumption within the engine configuration. Hereby the delivery can be carried out continuously and not intermittently, which leads both to less wear of the first pump unit and to more desirable operating conditions of the first pump unit, eg relatively low rpm.

The liquid substance may be a fuel substance or a reductant for emission control. Therefore, the method is versatile and applicable to various liquid substance supply systems, e.g., a fuel supply system or an SCR system having two tank units for containing a reducing agent containing, e.g., urea.

• - ein Mittel, das zum kontinuierlichen Bestimmen eines Massenflusses der aus der zweiten Tankeinheit entnommenen Flüssigsubstanz für den Verbrauch innerhalb der Motorkonfiguration angeordnet ist;
• - ein Mittel, das zum kontinuierlichen Bestimmen einer vorherrschenden Restmenge der Flüssigsubstanz in der zweiten Tankeinheit basierend auf dem bestimmten Massenfluss der aus der zweiten Tankeinheit entnommenen Flüssigsubstanz angeordnet ist; und
• - ein Mittel, das zum Bereitstellen, gemäß vorbestimmter Kriterien in Bezug auf die vorherrschende Restmenge der Flüssigsubstanz in der zweiten Tankeinheit, von Flüssigsubstanz an die zweite Tankeinheit aus der ersten Tankeinheit angeordnet ist.

According to one aspect of the invention, a system for providing a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration is provided, the engine configuration having a first tank unit for receiving the liquid substance and a second tank unit for receiving the liquid substance, a first pump unit for providing liquid substance from the first tank unit to the second tank unit and a second pump unit for providing liquid substance from the second tank unit for consumption within the engine configuration. The system can include:

• - a means arranged to continuously determine a mass flow of the liquid substance withdrawn from the second tank unit for consumption within the engine configuration;
• - means arranged to continuously determine a prevailing residual amount of the liquid substance in the second tank unit based on the determined mass flow of the liquid substance withdrawn from the second tank unit; and
• - means arranged for providing liquid substance to the second tank unit from the first tank unit according to predetermined criteria related to the prevailing residual amount of liquid substance in the second tank unit.

• - ein Mittel, das zum kontinuierlichen Bestimmen einer gemäß einer Steuereinheit bereitgestellten verbrauchten Menge der Flüssigsubstanz zum Betreiben der Motorkonfiguration angeordnet ist.

The system can include:

• - a means arranged to continuously determine a consumed amount of the liquid substance provided according to a control unit for operating the engine configuration.

• - ein Mittel, das zum kontinuierlichen Bestimmen einer verbrauchten Menge der Flüssigsubstanz basierend auf dem Betrieb der zweiten Pumpeneinheit angeordnet ist.

The system can include:

• - a means arranged for continuously determining a consumed amount of the liquid substance based on the operation of the second pump unit.

• - ein Mittel, das zum kontinuierlichen Bestimmen einer Menge an rückgeführter Flüssigsubstanz, die nicht in dem Verbrauch enthalten ist, sondern an die zweite Tankeinheit zurückgeführt wird, angeordnet ist.

The system can include:

• - a means arranged for continuously determining an amount of liquid substance returned which is not included in the consumption but is returned to the second tank unit.

• - ein Mittel, das zum Füllen der zweiten Tankeinheit auf ein vorbestimmtes Maß, wenn, gemäß den vorbestimmten Kriterien, Flüssigsubstanz an die zweite Tankeinheit aus der ersten Tankeinheit an die zweite Tankeinheit bereitgestellt wird, angeordnet ist.

The system can include:

• - means arranged to fill the second tank unit to a predetermined level when, according to the predetermined criteria, liquid substance is provided to the second tank unit from the first tank unit to the second tank unit.

• - ein Mittel, das zum kontinuierlichen Bereitstellen von Flüssigsubstanz an die zweite Tankeinheit basierend auf der bestimmten vorherrschenden Restmenge von Flüssigsubstanz in der zweiten Tankeinheit angeordnet ist.

The system can include:

• - means arranged for continuously supplying liquid substance to the second tank unit based on the determined prevailing residual amount of liquid substance in the second tank unit.

• - ein Mittel zum kontinuierlichen Bereitstellen der Flüssigsubstanz an die zweite Tankeinheit basierend auf dem Verbrauch innerhalb der Motorkonfiguration.

The system can include:

• - a means for continuously providing the liquid substance to the second tank unit based on the consumption within the engine configuration.

In the system, the liquid substance may be a fuel substance or a reductant for emission control.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a system according to what is presented herein. The vehicle cannot be any of a truck, bus or passenger vehicle. According to one embodiment, the system is provided for a marine application or an industrial application.

According to one aspect of the invention, a computer program for providing a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration is provided, the computer program having a comprises program code to cause an electronic control unit or a computer connected to the electronic control unit to perform one of the method steps described herein when executed on the electronic control unit or the computer.

According to one aspect of the invention, a computer program for providing a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration is provided, the computer program comprising program code stored on a computer-readable medium for causing an electronic control unit or a computer connected to the electronic control unit to carry out one of the method steps described herein executes

According to one aspect of the invention, a computer program for providing a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration is provided, the computer program containing program code stored on a computer-readable medium for causing an electronic control unit or a computer connected to the electronic control unit to carry out one of the method steps described herein executes when running on the electronic control unit or the computer.

According to one aspect of the invention, a computer program product is provided that includes program code stored on a computer-readable medium for performing a method step described herein when the computer program is run on an electronic control unit or a computer connected to the electronic control unit.

According to one aspect of the invention, a computer program product is provided which contains program code stored in a non-volatile manner on a computer-readable medium in order to carry out one of the method steps described herein when the computer program is executed on an electronic control unit or on a computer connected to the electronic control unit.

Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following details and further by practicing the invention. Although the invention is described below, it should be noted that it is not limited to the specific details described. One skilled in the art having access to the teachings herein will recognize further applications, modifications, and incorporation into other areas that are within the scope of the invention.

character list

• 1 schematisch ein Fahrzeug gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung darstellt;
• 2 schematisch ein System gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung darstellt;
• 3a ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist;
• 3b ein ausführlicheres schematisches Ablaufdiagramm gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist; und
• 4 schematisch einen Computer gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung darstellt.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its further objects and advantages, the detailed description set forth below should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numbers indicate similar details throughout the several diagrams, and in which:

• 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 2 schematically illustrates a system according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 3a Figure 12 is a schematic flow diagram according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 3b Figure 12 is a more detailed schematic flow diagram according to an embodiment of the invention; and
• 4 Figure 12 schematically illustrates a computer according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

1 12 shows a side view of a vehicle 100. The exemplary vehicle 100 includes a tractor unit 110 and a trailer 112. The vehicle 100 may be a heavy vehicle, such as a truck or a bus. Alternatively, it may be a passenger car.

It should be noted that the system of the present invention is applicable to various vehicles such as a mining machine, a tractor, a dump truck, a wheel loader, a stage with an industrial robot, a forestry machine, an excavator, a road construction vehicle, a road grader, an emergency vehicle, or a tracked vehicle.

It should be noted that the invention is applicable for application in various systems having a similar structure as described herein, such as a first and second tank for receiving a liquid, a first pumping unit for providing the liquid from the first tank to the second tank, and a second pumping unit for providing the liquid from the second tank to an engine configuration. It should be noted that the invention is suitable for application to any internal combustion engine and is therefore not limited to automotive internal combustion engines. The method according to the invention and the system according to the invention in one aspect of the invention are well suited to platforms other than those for automobiles, such as watercraft, that include an internal combustion engine. The watercraft can be of any type, eg motor boats, steamers, ferries or ships.

The inventive method and system in one aspect of the invention are also well suited for, for example, systems comprising industrial internal combustion engines and/or internal combustion engine-powered industrial robots.

The inventive method and system according to one aspect of the invention are also well suited for various types of power plants, for example an electric power plant that includes an internal combustion engine driven generator.

The method and system according to the invention are also well suited for various internal combustion engine systems.

As used herein, the term "connection" refers to a communication link, which may be a physical connection, such as an optoelectronic communication line, or a non-physical connection, such as a wireless connection, e.g., a radio link or microwave link.

2 12 schematically illustrates a fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine configuration 299. According to this embodiment, the internal combustion engine configuration 299 includes an internal combustion engine 290 to which fuel is supplied. It should be noted that although a fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine configuration is described herein, a similar configuration can be provided for eg an SCR system. According to this embodiment, a liquid reductant may be provided to the engine configuration 299, the configuration including an exhaust pipe assembly to which the reductant is provided for emission control via an SCR unit.

A first tank unit 220 is arranged to hold a liquid fuel substance such as diesel, gasoline or an ethanol based fuel. The first tank unit 220 can have a volume of 1000 liters, for example. The first tank unit 220 may be referred to as a main tank or a primary tank. A filling level sensor 236 is arranged in the first tank unit 220 . The level sensor 236 is arranged to continuously measure a prevailing level L1 of the liquid fuel substance in the first tank unit 220 . The level sensor 236 may be arranged to communicate with a first control unit 200 via any suitable means, such as a link (not shown). The fill level sensor 236 is arranged to continuously or intermittently transmit signals that include information about the measured prevailing fill level L1 of the first control unit 200 . This shows that the first tank unit 220 holds a volume of the fuel substance that represents the prevailing level L1.

A first passage P231 such as a pipe arrangement is arranged to convey the liquid fuel substance from the first tank unit 220 to a first pump unit 230 . The first pump unit 230 can be any suitable pump unit, such as a mechanical or electric pump unit. The first control unit 200 may be arranged to control the operation of the first pump unit 230 via any suitable means, for example a link (not shown). The first pump unit 230 is arranged to suck the fuel substance from the first tank unit 220 , pressurize the fuel substance and provide the fuel substance to a first filter unit 240 . Thereby the filter unit 240 is arranged to filter the fuel substance. The fuel substance is thereby conveyed to a second tank unit 250 via a second pipe P241. The second tank unit 250 may be arranged to hold 25 or 50 litres, for example. The second fuel tank unit 250 may be referred to as a sub tank or a secondary tank.

According to an embodiment, a first mass flow sensor unit 235 is provided to continuously or intermittently measure a prevailing first mass flow value m1 of the liquid fuel substance. The first mass flow sensor unit 235 is arranged to measure the first mass flow value m1 after the first pump unit 230 and before the first filter unit 240 . The first mass flow sensor unit 235 is arranged for communication with the first control unit 200 via a link L235. The first mass flow sensor unit 235 is arranged to continuously or intermittently send signals S235 comprising information about the detected prevailing first mass flow value m1 to the first control unit 200 via the connection L235. According to an example, the first filter unit 240 is omitted.

A second passage P271 such as a pipe arrangement is arranged to convey the liquid fuel substance from the second tank unit 250 to a second pump unit 270 . The second pump unit 270 can be any suitable pump unit, such as a mechanical or electric pump. The first control unit 200 may be arranged to control the operation of the second pump unit 270 via any suitable means such as a linkage (not shown). The second pump unit 270 is arranged to draw the fuel substance from the second tank unit 250 , pressurize the fuel substance and provide the fuel substance to a second filter unit 280 . This shows that the second tank unit 250 holds a volume of the fuel substance that represents a level L2. The second pump unit 270 may be arranged in the second fuel tank unit 250 . Alternatively, the second fuel tank unit 250 is arranged outside of the second fuel tank unit 250 . According to one embodiment, the second filter unit 280 can be omitted.

According to an embodiment, a second mass flow sensor unit 285 is provided for continuously or intermittently measuring a prevailing second mass flow value m2 of the liquid fuel substance. The second mass flow sensor unit 285 is arranged to measure the second mass flow value m2 after the second filter unit 280 and before an internal combustion engine 290 . The second mass flow sensor unit 285 is arranged for communication with the first control unit 200 via a link L285. The second mass flow sensor unit 285 is arranged to continuously or intermittently send signals S285 comprising information about the detected prevailing mass flow value m2 to the first control unit 200 via the connection L285.

According to one example, the first control unit 200 is arranged to control the operation of the first pump unit 230 and the second pump unit 270 via any suitable means. The first control unit 200 is arranged to determine at least one prevailing operating condition parameter of the first pump unit 230 continuously or intermittently. The first control unit 200 is arranged to determine at least one prevailing operating condition parameter of the second pump unit 270 continuously or intermittently. The prevailing operating condition parameters may include information about, for example, a speed of the pump units.

The first control unit 200 may be arranged to determine/estimate/calculate/model the first mass flow value m1. The first control unit 200 may be arranged to determine/estimate/calculate/model the first mass flow value m1 based on the determined at least one operating condition parameter of the first pump unit 230 . The first control unit 200 may be arranged to determine/estimate/calculate/model the first mass flow value m1 based on the operation of the first pump unit 230 .

The first control unit 200 may be arranged to determine/estimate/calculate/model the second mass flow value m2. The first control unit 200 may be arranged to determine/estimate/calculate/model the second mass flow value m2 based on the determined at least one operating condition parameter of the second pump unit 270 . The first control unit 200 is arranged to determine/estimate/calculate/model the second mass flow value m2 based on the operation of the second pump unit 270 .

A first return passage P291 is arranged to provide a first leakage flow ml/leak of the supplied liquid fuel substance from the internal combustion engine 290 to the second tank unit 250 . This is due to the fact that part of the fuel provided is used for purposes other than combustion at the internal combustion engine 290 . The first flow m1 leak can be determined using a mass flow sensor (not shown). Alternatively, the first flow m1 leak can be determined by the first control unit 200 by modeling/calculating/estimating the first flow m1leak. The first flow m1 leak may be a predetermined leakage flow. The first leakage flow may have been determined empirically.

A second return passage P251 is arranged to provide a second leakage flow m2 leak of the liquid fuel substance from the second tank unit 250 to the first tank unit 220, if applicable. The second return passage P251 is arranged to allow the second leakage flow m2 leak in a state where the second tank unit 250 is substantially or completely filled and therefore provides a reliable safety function against undesired over-filling of the second tank unit.

The first control unit 200 is arranged to continuously determine the mass flow m2 of the liquid substance taken from the second tank unit 250 for consumption within the engine configuration 299 . According to one example, this can be performed using the second mass flow sensor 285 . According to one example, this can be performed using the second mass flow sensor 285 and determining the first flow m1 leak to determine an actual amount of the liquid substance consumed. According to one example, this may be performed by determining an amount of fuel injected into the engine of engine configuration 299 . According to one example, this may be performed by determining an amount of reductant injected into the emissions passage of the engine of engine configuration 299 . According to one example, this may be performed based on a determined amount of air supplied to engine configuration 299 and a determined oxygen amount value of emissions from engine configuration 299 .

The first control unit 200 is arranged to continuously determine a prevailing residual amount of the liquid substance in the second tank unit 250 . The prevailing residual amount of the liquid substance is appropriately determined based on the determined mass flow m2 of the liquid substance withdrawn from the second tank unit 250 for consumption within the engine configuration 299 . This is advantageously accomplished without the need for a fuel/reductant level sensor assembly of the second tank assembly 250 .

The first control unit 200 can be arranged to control the provision of the liquid substance to the second tank unit 250 from the first tank unit 220 according to predetermined criteria, which include an amount of liquid substance in the second tank unit 250 . The first control unit 200 is suitably arranged to control the provision of the liquid substance to the second tank unit 250 from the first tank unit 220 according to predetermined criteria relating to the prevailing residual amount of liquid substance in the second tank unit 250 . The predetermined criteria may relate to a certain fuel volume/level of the liquid substance quantity in the second tank unit 250 . The predetermined criteria may relate to a certain predetermined fuel volume/a certain predetermined fuel level of the quantity of liquid substance in the second tank unit 250 . The predetermined criteria may relate to a certain desired minimum fuel volume/a certain desired minimum level of the amount of liquid substance in the second tank unit 250 . Thus, the first control unit 200 may be arranged to provide liquid substance to the second tank unit 250 if the determined prevailing residual amount of liquid substance in the second tank unit 250 does not meet the predetermined criteria. The first control unit 200 may be arranged to provide liquid substance to the second tank unit 250 when the determined prevailing residual amount of liquid substance in the second tank unit 250 is below a predetermined level according to the predetermined criteria.

A second control unit 210 is arranged for communication with the first control unit 200 via a link L210. It can be detachably connected to the first control unit 200 . It can be a control unit outside the vehicle 100 . It can be set up to carry out the inventive steps of the invention. It can be used to comprehensively load software, in particular software for applying the method according to the invention, onto first control unit 200 . As an alternative to communication with the first control unit 200, it can be arranged via an internal network on the vehicle side. It can be set up to perform functions that correspond to those of the first control unit 200, such as providing liquid substance to the second tank unit 250 from the first tank unit 220 according to predetermined criteria, which include an amount of liquid substance in the second tank unit 250.

• - kontinuierliches Bestimmen eines Massenflusses m2 der aus der zweiten Tankeinheit 250 entnommenen Flüssigsubstanz zum Verbrauch innerhalb der Motorkonfiguration 299;
• - kontinuierliches Bestimmen einer vorherrschenden Restmenge der Flüssigsubstanz in der zweiten Tankeinheit 250 basierend auf dem bestimmten Massenfluss m2; und
• - Bereitstellen, gemäß vorbestimmten Kriterien in Bezug auf die vorherrschende Restmenge der Flüssigsubstanz in der zweiten Tankeinheit 250, von Flüssigsubstanz an die zweite Tankeinheit 250 aus der ersten Tankeinheit 220.

3a schematically illustrates a flowchart of a method for providing a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration 299, the engine configuration 299 having a first tank unit 220 for receiving the liquid substance and a second tank unit 250 for receiving the liquid substance, a first pump unit 230 for providing liquid substance from the first tank unit 220 to the second tank unit 250, and a second pump unit 270 for providing liquid substance from the second tank unit 250 for consumption within the engine configuration 299 includes. The method includes a first method step s301. Method step s301 includes the steps:

• - continuously determining a mass flow m2 of the liquid substance taken from the second tank unit 250 for consumption within the engine configuration 299;
• - continuously determining a prevailing residual amount of the liquid substance in the second tank unit 250 based on the determined mass flow m2; and
• - Providing, according to predetermined criteria in relation to the prevailing residual amount of liquid substance in the second tank unit 250, liquid substance to the second tank unit 250 from the first tank unit 220.

After the method step s301, the method ends/the method is returned.

3b schematically represents a flowchart of a method for providing a Liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration 299, the engine configuration 299 having a first tank unit 220 for receiving the liquid substance and a second tank unit 250 for receiving the liquid substance, a first pump unit 230 for providing liquid substance from the first tank unit 220 to the second tank unit 250, a second Pump unit 270 for providing liquid substance from the second tank unit 250 for consumption within the engine configuration 299. The method includes a first method step s310.

The method step s310 includes the step of supplying fuel substance to the second tank unit 250 from the first tank unit 220 by means of the first pump unit 230. The operation of the first pump unit 230 is thereby controlled by the first control unit 200. The provision of the fuel substance to the second tank unit 250 can be controlled in several different ways by means of the first pump unit 230 and the first control unit 200 .

According to a first example, the first pump unit 230 is controlled to operate at a certain pump rate/rpm for a predetermined period of time, for example 2 minutes. Thus, pumping the fuel substance to the second fuel tank 250 ensures that the second fuel tank 250 is substantially full or completely full.

According to a second example, the second pump unit 230 is controlled to operate, i.e. to supply the fuel substance to the second tank unit 250 until it is determined that the second tank unit 250 is completely filled. One way of determining that the second tank unit 250 is substantially full or completely full may be performed using a mass flow sensor provided at the second return passage P251. Whenever the second leakage flow m2leak is detected, it may be determined that the second fuel tank 250 is substantially full or full. Another way of determining that the second tank unit 250 is essentially full or completely full can be carried out using the level sensor 236 . When the first pump unit 230 operates and thus provides the fuel substance to the second tank unit 250 and a fuel level L1 is substantially constant, this can be understood as an indication that the second fuel tank 250 is substantially full or completely full (m2leak corresponds to the first Mass flow value m1).

According to a third example, the first pumping unit 230 is controlled to operate, ie to provide the fuel substance to the second tank unit 250, until it is determined that the second tank unit 250 is substantially or completely full. This controls the first pump unit 230 to provide a certain predetermined volume of the fuel substance to the second tank unit 250 . Thereby, the first mass flow sensor 235 continuously detects a fuel substance mass flow value m1, and when it is determined that the predetermined volume has been supplied, it is determined that the second tank unit 250 is substantially full or completely full.
According to a fourth example, the first pump unit 230 is controlled to operate, ie to supply the fuel substance to the second tank unit 250, until it is determined that the second tank unit 250 is filled up to a certain predetermined level L2. The predetermined filling level L2 can be any suitable filling level, which corresponds to 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of the total volume of the second tank unit 250, for example.

After the step s310, a subsequent step s320 is executed.

The method step s320 includes the step of continuously determining a mass flow m2 of the liquid substance taken from the second tank unit 250 for consumption within the engine configuration 299. This can be carried out by means of the first control unit 200. This allows the amount of fuel consumed by the engine configuration 299 to be continuously determined. Alternatively, if the liquid substance includes a reductant for emission control and the engine configuration involves an emissions piping system, the amount of reductant provided to the emissions piping system may be continuously determined.

The method step s320 may include the step of continuously determining a consumed amount Vc of the liquid substance provided according to the control unit 200 for operating the engine configuration. This can be performed by continuously determining the mass flow m2 by means of the second mass flow sensor unit 285 or by continuously determining a consumed amount Vc of the liquid substance based on the operation of the second pump unit 270. By continuously determining an amount of returning liquid substance that is not included in the consumption but returned to the second tank unit 250, the consumed amount Vc of the liquid substance can be determined accordingly. The method step s320 can also include the step of determining a prevailing residual amount of liquid substance in of the second tank unit 250 based on the determined mass flow m2.

After method step s320, a subsequent method step s330 is carried out.

The method step s330 includes the step of determining whether the determined consumed amount Vc of liquid substance is greater than a predetermined threshold value TH. This is comparable to determining whether the determined prevailing volume of the liquid substance stored in the second tank unit 250 is below a certain predetermined volume/level. The predetermined volume/level can be 25% of the total volume of the second tank unit 250, for example. The predetermined threshold TH is adjusted accordingly.

If the determined consumed amount Vc of the liquid substance is greater than a predetermined threshold value TH (namely YES), i.e. that the determined prevailing volume of the liquid substance in the second tank unit 250 is below the predetermined volume/level, a subsequent method step s340 is carried out.

When the determined consumed amount Vc of the liquid substance is not larger than a predetermined threshold value TH (viz. NO), i.e. the determined prevailing volume of the liquid substance in the second tank unit 250 is larger than the predetermined volume/level the method step s320 is executed.

The method step s340 can include the step of supplying fuel substance to the second tank unit 250 from the first tank unit 220 by means of the first pump unit 230 . As a result, the operation of the first pump unit 230 is controlled by the first control unit 200 . The provision of the liquid substance to the second tank unit 250 can be controlled in a number of different ways by means of the first pump unit 230 and the first control unit 200 . The second tank unit 250 can be supplied according to one of the alternatives described with reference to method step s310, e.g. by filling the second tank unit 250 essentially completely or up to a predetermined volume/filling level.

According to one example, the method step s340 comprises the step: if liquid substance is provided to the second tank unit 250 from the first tank unit 220 to the second tank unit 250 according to the predetermined criteria, filling the second tank unit 250 to a predetermined level.

4 FIG. 5 is a diagram of one version of an apparatus 500. FIG 2 Control units 200 and 210 described above may comprise device 500 in one version. The device 500 includes 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 computer program, for example an operating system, for controlling the function of the device 500 is stored . The device 500 further comprises a bus controller, a serial communication interface, an I/O means, an A/D converter, a time and date input and transmission unit, an event counter and an interrupt controller (not shown). The non-volatile memory 520 further includes a second memory element 540 .

The computer program P includes routines for controlling the provision of a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration 299, the engine configuration 299 having a first tank unit 220 for receiving the liquid substance and a second tank unit 250 for receiving the liquid substance, a first pump unit 230 for providing liquid substance from the first tank unit 220 to the second tank unit 250 and a second pump unit 270 for providing liquid substance from the second tank unit 250 for consumption within the engine configuration 299.

The computer program P can include routines for continuously determining a mass flow m2 of the liquid substance taken from the second tank unit 250 for consumption within the engine configuration 299 .

The computer program P can comprise routines for continuously determining a prevailing residual amount of the liquid substance in the second tank unit 250 based on the determined mass flow m2.

The computer program P can include routines for controlling the supply of liquid substance to the second tank unit 250 from the first tank unit 220 according to predetermined criteria in relation to the prevailing residual quantity in the second tank unit 250 .

The computer program P can include routines for continuously determining a consumed amount of the liquid substance provided according to a control unit 200 for operating the engine configuration 299 .

The computer program P can routines for continuously determining a consumed Amount of the liquid substance based on the operation of the second pump unit 270 include.
The computer program P may include routines for continuously determining an amount of a returned liquid substance that is not included in the consumption but is returned to the second tank unit 250 .

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

The computer program P can include routines for controlling a continuous supply of the liquid substance to the second tank unit 250 based on the consumption within the engine configuration 299 .

The program P can be stored in an executable form or in compressed form in a memory 560 and/or in a random access memory 550.

Where it is stated that the data processing unit 510 performs a certain function, this means that it executes a certain part of the program stored in the memory 560 or a certain part of the program stored in the random access memory 550 , executes.

The data processing device 510 can communicate with a data port 599 via a data bus 515 . The non-volatile memory 520 is provided for communication with the data processing unit 510 via a data bus 512 . The separate memory 560 is provided for communicating with the data processing unit via a data bus 511. The random access memory 550 is arranged to communicate with the data processing unit 510 via a data bus 514 . For example, the connections L210, L235 and L285 can be connected to the data connection 599 (see 2 ).

When data is received at the data port 599 it is latched into the second storage element 540 . When received input data has been latched, the data processing unit 510 will be ready to perform code execution as described above.

Parts of the methods described herein can be performed by the device 500 by means of the data processing unit 510 executing the program stored in the memory 560 or the random access memory 550 . When the device 500 executes the program, the methods described herein are performed.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the invention to the variants described. Numerous modifications and variations will obviously suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling a person skilled in the art to understand the invention in different embodiments and with the various modifications appropriate for the intended use.

The components and features indicated above can be combined between different embodiments indicated within the scope of the invention.

Claims (18)

Method for providing a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration (299), the engine configuration (299) having a first tank unit (220) for receiving the liquid substance and a second tank unit (250) for receiving the liquid substance, a first pump unit (230) for providing liquid substance from the first tank unit (220) to the second tank unit (250) and a second pump unit (270) for providing liquid substance from the second tank unit (250) for consumption within the engine configuration (299), comprising the steps: - continuously determining a mass flow (m2) of the liquid substance taken from the second tank unit (250) for consumption within the engine configuration (299); - continuously determining a prevailing residual amount of the liquid substance in the second tank unit (250) based on the determined mass flow (m2) of the liquid substance removed from the second tank unit (250); and - Providing, according to predetermined criteria in relation to the prevailing residual amount of liquid substance in the second tank unit (250), the liquid substance to the second tank unit (250) from the first tank unit (220). procedure after claim 1 , comprising the step of: - continuously determining a according to a Control unit (200; 210; 500) provided consumed amount of liquid substance to operate the motor configuration (299). procedure after claim 1 or 2 , comprising the step of: - continuously determining a consumed amount of the liquid substance based on the operation of the second pump unit (270). Procedure according to one of Claims 1 - 3 comprising the step of: - continuously determining a quantity of a liquid substance being returned which is not included in the consumption but is returned to the second tank unit (250). Procedure according to one of Claims 1 - 4 comprising the step of: - filling, when according to the predetermined criteria liquid substance is provided to the second tank unit (250) from the first tank unit (220) to the second tank unit (250), the second tank unit (250) to a predetermined level. Procedure according to one of Claims 1 - 4 , comprising the step of: - continuously providing the liquid substance to the second tank unit (250) based on the determined prevailing residual amount of liquid substance in the second tank unit (250). Procedure according to one of Claims 1 - 6 wherein the liquid substance is a fuel substance or a reductant for emission control. System for providing a liquid substance for an internal combustion engine configuration (299), the engine configuration (299) having a first tank unit (220) for receiving the liquid substance and a second tank unit (250) for receiving the liquid substance, a first pump unit (230) for providing liquid substance from the first tank unit (220) to the second tank unit (250) and a second pump unit (270) for providing liquid substance from the second tank unit (250) for consumption within the engine configuration (299), the system comprising: - means (200; 210; 500; 285) arranged for continuously determining a mass flow (m2) of liquid substance withdrawn from the second tank unit (250) for consumption within the engine configuration (299); - means (200; 210; 500) arranged for continuously determining a prevailing residual amount of the liquid substance in the second tank unit (250) based on the determined mass flow (m2) of the liquid substance withdrawn from the second tank unit (250); and - means (200; 210; 500; 230) for providing liquid substance to the second tank unit (250) from the first tank unit ( 220) is arranged. system after claim 8 , comprising: - means (200; 210; 500) arranged for continuously determining a consumed amount of the liquid substance provided according to a control unit (200; 210; 500) for operating the engine configuration (299). system after claim 8 or 9 , comprising: - means (200; 210; 500) arranged for continuously determining a consumed quantity of the liquid substance based on the operation of the second pump unit (270). system according to one of the Claims 8 - 10 , comprising: - means (200; 210; 500) arranged for continuously determining an amount of recycled liquid substance which is not included in the consumption but is returned to the second tank unit (250). system according to one of the Claims 8 - 11 , comprising: - means (200; 210; 500; 230) for filling the second tank unit (250) to a predetermined level when, according to the predetermined criteria, liquid substance is supplied to the second tank unit (250) from the first tank unit ( 220) is provided to the second tank unit (250). system according to one of the Claims 8 - 11 comprising: - means (200; 210; 500; 230) arranged for continuously supplying liquid substance to the second tank unit (250) based on the determined prevailing residual amount of liquid substance in the second tank unit (250). system according to one of the Claims 8 - 13 wherein the liquid substance is a fuel substance or a reductant for emission control. Vehicle (100; 110), a system according to any one of Claims 8 - 14 full. vehicle (100; 110) to claim 15 , wherein the vehicle is one of a truck, bus, or passenger car. Computer program (P), wherein the computer program (P) comprises a program code to cause an electronic control unit (200; 500) or a computer (210; 500) connected to the electronic control unit (200; 500) the steps according to any one of Claims 1 - 7 executes Computer program product containing a program code stored in a non-volatile manner on a computer-readable medium in order to carry out method steps according to one of Claims 1 - 7 to be executed when the computer program is executed on an electronic control unit (200; 500) or on a computer (210; 500) connected to the electronic control unit (200; 500).

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