GB2529181A

GB2529181A - Improvements relating to monitoring fuel quality

Info

Publication number: GB2529181A
Application number: GB1414268.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kunal Dhande; Adel Pishneshin
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2014-08-12
Filing date: 2014-08-12
Publication date: 2016-02-17
Anticipated expiration: 2034-08-12
Also published as: GB2529181B; GB201414268D0

Abstract

A method and system for recording and communicating information relating to fuel introduced into a vehicle. The method comprises measuring at least one characteristic of fuel introduced during a refuelling event, determining the location of the refuelling event, storing the location of the refuelling event and the at least one characteristic of the fuel introduced during the refuelling event, and communicating the location of the refuelling event and at least one characteristic of the fuel introduced during the refuelling event. This data may be transmitted to a remote server. Data relating to more than one refuelling event may be processed and communicated to a display screen showing a geographical map to provide a visual indication of refuelling facility locations and their associated quality of fuel. Fuel characteristics monitored may include the RON index, oxygen content, volatility, ethanol content, density, heating value, biodiesel content, water content, FAME content or wax content.

Description

Improvements Relating to Monitoring Fuel Quality

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a method and system for monitoring and recording the quality of motor vehicle fuel supplied at service stations. In particular, the invention enables an operator of a motor vehicle to use an electronic map to select a nearby service station that dispenses fuel of appropriate quality for the motor vehicle.

BackQround Within the European Union and United States of America there have been significant moves in recent years to establish and maintain high standards for automotive fuels such as gasoline/petroleum (or "petrol') and diesel. Increasingly stringent criteria which liquid fuels must meet are dictated in part by a drive to reduce the environmental impact of motor vehicles and improve sustainability of remaining hydrocarbon resources. For example, since the year 2000, the marketing of petrol comprising additives such as tetraethyl lead has been banned within the EU for most vehicles. EU-wide Directives such as 98/70/EC and 2005/55/EC specify stringent environmental specifications with associated timelines for implementation to be applied to fuels for road vehicles and non-road mobile machinery, agricultural vehicles, and recreational craft when not at sea. Until 2013, for instance, suppliers must place on the market petrol with a maximum oxygen content of 2.7% and a maximum ethanol content of 5%. These rigid specifications allow for some variations between winter and summer fuels, but set very clear parameters for the maximum levels of environmental pollutants such as sulphur, which must not have exceeded 10mg/kg in diesel fuels from 1 January 2011. Indeed, the regulatory burdens upon suppliers of petrol within the EU are such that they are currently obliged to meet a requirement to gradually reduce life cycle greenhouse gas emissions by 10 % by 31 December 2020 at the latest. These Directives provide intermediary objectives for the course of this time period.

In order to ensure compliance with EU and equivalent US regulations most modern fuels contain an increasing proportion of biofuels obtained from diverse sources such as wood, algae and crops. The biofuel content of a fuel may vary from supplier to supplier and region to region. For example, even within the US the biofuel levels within diesel fuel can vary between states from around 5%wt to as much as 20%wt of the fuel. It has been noted that biofuel content in diesel is generally higher in the Mid-Western States of the US.

It is evident that the drives to reduce the environmental impact of fossil fuel use, particularly in relation to automotive fuels, have led to improved and more sophisticated design of fuels within the US and EU. Modern automotive fuels are complex formulations of base fuel and additives, including dispersants, detergents, lubricants and other combustion control agents. The intention for fuel formulators is not just to meet regulatory requirements but also to create fuel formulations that optimise vehicle performance, reduce the cost of motoring, reduce engine wear and prolong the effective Engine development has progressed hand-in-hand with the changes made to the composition of automotive fuels to ensure that modern engines are designed to perform at their best with these new advanced fuel formulations. In addition, for engines that run on diesel fuels there are often statutory requirements for on-board diagnostic systems that ensure that during operation the engine functions within the regulatory emissions parameters.

However, in a truly global marketplace automotive manufacturers have to meet significant demand in markets that are outside of the EU and US. In many territories, such as in Asia, Africa or Central and South America the fuels available to the consumer might regularly fall below the standards required in more heavily regulated markets such as the EU. In some locations, adulteration of fuel supplies with cheaper hydrocarbon sources such as duty free heating oils like kerosene is commonplace, particularly where policing of fuel contamination is poor. This presents a significant challenge for automotive makers who aim to manufacture a consistent product that can meet the stringent emissions and efficiency requirements of the EU or US, but can also cope with the challenges of operating in less regulated markets.

It also poses a problem for automotive fuel consumers. Since automotive fuel retailers typically do not provide the composition of the fuels that they sell retail customers, it is difficult for motor vehicle users to know where to fill up their vehicle with fuel of adequate quality. Drivers that regularly use their vehicles in countries or geographical regions that do not regulate automotive fuel, risk damaging their vehicles if they are unable fill up with suitabe fuel. For example, for diesel engine vehicles, repeated use of diesel that does not meet statutory requirement may quickly damage the vehicle's diesel particulate filter (D P F).

Summary of the Invention

Therefore, against the above background it is an aim of the present invention to provide a method and system for informing a vehicle user of the quality of automotive fuel supplied by an automotive fuel retailer. Accordingly, the invention aims to provide a method and system for preventing damage to an internal combustion engine due to inadvertent use of fuel which does not meet the minimum legislative requrements. These and other uses, features and advantages of the invention should be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings provided herein.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a method for collecting data relating to fuel introduced into a vehicle. The invention also extends to a method of recording and providing information relating to fuel introduced into a vehicle. The method comprises measuring at least one characteristic of fuel introduced during a refuelling event, and determining the location of the refuelling event. The method may also comprise transmitting data comprising the at least one characteristic of the fuel introduced during a refuelling event and the location of the refuelling event to a remote server. The method may comprise communicating the data relating to the refuelling event and at least one characteristic of the fuel introduced during the refuelling event to a user of the vehicle. The method may comprise receiving from a remote server data associated with one or more refuelling events, and may comprise storing the data relating to the refuelling event.

The characteristics of a fuel provide an indication of its quality and whether it may potentially be damaging to the vehicle. The data relating to the refuelling event, which comprises the at least one characteristic of the fuel introduced during the refuelling event and the location of the refuelling event, are variables which may change with respect to each refuelling event. This data may be communicated to the operator of the vehicle so that the operator may make an informed choice regarding where to obtain the most appropriate quality fuel. By storing at least one characteristic of the fuel introduced into the vehicle during a fuelling event together with the location of the refuelling event in a data store (for example, in a database located in an engine control unit (ECU)), the inventon enables a vehicle user to review at a later time the characteristics of the fuel supplied at that location. Therefore, if the fuel supplied at the location is of inadequate quality for the vehicle, the vehicle operator may choose not to obtain fuel subsequently at that location. Conversely, if the fuel supplied at the location is high quality fuel, the vehicle operator may choose to return to that location to obtain fuel.

The measuring, determining and storing steps may be performed for one or more further refuelling events. Thus the method according to the invention may build a depository of information regarding the quality of fuel at various locations in the data store which may be located in the vehicle, the remote server or both. The data may also comprise the time and date of the one or more refuelling events. This enables a history of the characteristics of the fuel supplied at the location of each refuelling event to be built at the, or each, location. The fuel history of each location may be communicated to the operator of the vehicle. For example, as an average of the quality of the fuel supplied at the, or each, location over a period of time. The information regarding a plurality of refuelling events may be communicated to the operator of the vehicle simultaneously.

Thus the invention enables a vehicle operator to select the most appropriate quality fuel for the vehicle.

The refuelling event history may also be used during repair or service of the vehicle to identify possible extended use of poor quality fuel which may lead to damage to the vehicle engine or other vehicle components.

The data relating to the or each refuelling event, and the characteristics of the fuel measured during each one or more of the refuelling events, may be communicated aurally, for example, via a speaker which may output an alarm or a voice recording.

Alternatively or in combination, the communication step may comprise displaying the data and the at least one characteristic of the fuel supplied during each refuelling event on a display screen. The display screen may display a map on which the data associated with the, or each, refuelling event may be displayed. The map may be a geographical map and the location of the, or each, refuelling event may be indicated on the map by a location pin. The colour of each location pin may indicate the quality of fuel supplied at the location indicated by each pin. Alternatively or in combination, the quality of the fuel may be indicated by a percentage or a star system. This enables the vehicle operator to quickly identify the location at which fuel of the most appropriate quality may be obtained while operating the vehicle.

The remote server may comprise a remote database which stores refuelling event information uploaded from a plurality of vehicles according to the invention. The method may comprise downloading information relating to one or more refuelling events, wherein the downloaded information may relate to the refuelling events of a pluralty of vehicles.

The invention also extends to a control module that operates a method according to the aforementioned aspect of the invention, and a vehicle comprising a control module that operates a method according to the aforementioned aspect of the invention.

According to an aspect, the invention relates to a method of processing on a remote server data relating to fuel introduced into a vehicle, the method comprising receiving data comprising at least one characteristic of fuel introduced during a refuelling event and the location of the refuelling event, and transmitting data relating to one or more refuelling events to a device arranged to communicate refuelling event information. The remote server may comprise a data store, and the method may comprise storing the received data in the data store.

According to an aspect, the invention also extends to a system for collecting data relating to fuel introduced into a vehicle during a refuelling event. The invention also extends to a system for providing information relating to fuel introduced into a vehicle. The system may comprise at least one sensor arranged to measure at least one characteristic of fuel introduced during a refuelling event, and location determining apparatus arranged to determine the location of the refuelling event. The system may comprise data communication apparatus for communicating, transferring or transmitting data comprising the at least one characteristic of fuel introduced during a refuelling event, and the location of the refuelling event. The system may comprise a store for storing the data relating to the refuelling event.

The system may comprise communication apparatus for communicating the data relating to the refuelling event to a user of the vehicle. The communication apparatus may comprise a display and/or at least one speaker. The display may be arranged to display a map, and the map may be a geographical map. The location of each refuelling event may be indicated on the display by a location pin. The colour of the location pin may be indicative of the quality of the fuel suppled at that location.

The data communication apparatus may be arranged to communicate with a remote server. Data communication may take place via a wired or wireless data connection, such as Wi-Fi or a mobile communications network. The data communication apparatus may be arranged to enable data relating to one or more refuelling events and/or the one or more of the characteristics of the fuel introduced during each event, to be uploaded from, or downloaded to, the remote server.

The system may further comprise a remote server comprising a server data communications module arranged to receive and transmit data relating to a refuelling event from the data communications module. The remote server may comprise a data store for storing data relating to a plurality of refuelling events.

The functionality to allow multiple refuelling events to be recorded or downloaded to a data store in the vehicle enables a plurality of locations to be displayed on the display, wherein each displayed location indicates the quality of the fuel available at that location.

The invention may also extend to a vehicle comprising a system as described above.

The at least one characteristic of the fuel includes one or more of the RON index; oxygen content; volatility; ethanol content; density; heating value; biodiesel content; cetane number/index; density; aromatics content; sulphur content; water content; FAME content; or wax content.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like components are assigned like numerals, and in which:-Figure 1(a) is a schematic diagram of a vehicle comprising a system of the inventon according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 1(b) is a schematic diagram of a vehicle comprising a system of the inventon according to a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the electronic components of a vehicle according to the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a sensor according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is an illustration of a map produced according to the invention which is displayed on a display screen in a vehicle; and Figure 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method according to one embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Prior to setting forth the invention, a number of definitions are provided that will assist in the understanding of the invention.

The term "vehicle" as used herein includes any conveyance, or model of a conveyance, where the conveyance was originally designed for the purpose of moving one or more tangible objects, such as people, animals, cargo, under motive power. Typical vehicles may include but are in no way limited to cars, trucks, lorries, motorcycles, buses, automobiles, trains, railed conveyances, boats, ships, marine conveyances, aircraft and the like.

The term Thel' is used herein to denote hydrocarbon based fluids -typically liquids -that are used as the basis for an internal combustion reaction within an automotive engine.

Suitably the internal combustion engine is of the spark ignition or compression ignition type. For spark ignition engines the fuel will suitably comprise gasoline or refined petroleum. Gasoline may be supplemented with a minor or even major component of ethanol in some cases derived from biological sources. For compression ignition engines the fuel will comprise diesel fuel. Diesel fuel may be supplemented with a minor or major component of biofuel such as a vegetable-derived or oilseed based biodiesel.

As used herein the term "fuel quality" refers to a number of parameters that contribute to the efficiency and energy rating of hydrocarbon fuels used in spark or compression ignition engines. Higher quality fuels w11 enable engines to operate with greater energy efficiency, producing fewer harmful emissions for longer periods and with reduced wear.

For gasoline-based fuels factors such as the so-called octane rating -which measures the fuel's resistance to autoignition via comparison with a standard mixture of 2,2,4-trimethylpentane to give a research octane number (RON) number -as well as other parameters such as density and content of oxygenates and aromatics, are considered important in determining fuel quality. Compression ignition fuels, such as diesel fuels, are assessed for quality via parameters such as heating value, cetane number (see below), and density, as well as content of aromatics, wax (cloud point), and biodiesel. Biodiesel content is important to determine as many biodiesels comprise fatty-acid alkyl ester (FAAE) compounds which can cause degradation of rubber and polymer based engine components that come into contact with the fuel, especially seals and gaskets. Adverse fuel quality may be defined as fuel exhibiting properties or parameters that fall below certain benchmark performance levels -which may include EU or US standards -or fuel quality that may cause either long tern loss of efficiency or damage to the engine, or even acute engine failure. It should be noted however, that the determination of fuel quality is distinct and different from the assessment of whether the correct fuel has been introduced into the vehicle. For example, the effects of chronic use of low quality diesel or gasoline fuel on an engine are different and distinct from the acute effect of mistakenly fuelling a diesel equipped vehicle with gasoline. The present invention is directed primarily at ensuring that the former situation is prevented rather than the latter.

The term "cetane number" or "CN" as used herein denotes the measurement of a compression ignition (e.g. diesel) fuel's ignition delay, which corresponds to the time interval between the start of an injection cycle and the first identifiable pressure increase during combustion of the fuel. In a gven diesel engine, higher cetane number fuels demonstrate shorter ignition delay periods when compared to fuels having a lower cetane number. The current standard for diesel sold in the EU, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland is set in EN 590, with a minimum cetane index of 46 and a minimum cetane number of 51. Premium diesel fuel can have a cetane number as high as 60.

Understandably, many factors contribute to the cetane number of a given diesel fuel some of which may derive from the additive package comprised within the fuel itself.

However, the cetane number and, thus, fuel quality will be reduced when low energy value hydrocarbons, some biofuels and adulterants are included in the fuel supply.

The term "refuelling event' as used herein refers to the occasion where a new or novel fuel composition is introduced into the fuel line of a vehicle. As mentioned previously, fuel compositions typically comprise a diverse mixture of components. As such, a refuelling event is defined as when the fuel comprised within the fuel line exhibits a detectable change in composition. Usually this change is caused by the need to take on-board additional fuel following depletion of exsting fuel stocks through normal operation of the engine. Hence, the refuelling event may involve introduction of up to 100% of an entirely new fuel load, such as in instances where the fuel is drained from the engine and entirely replaced. However, more often the refuelling event will involve introduction of less than 100% of the fuel load, as the operator lills up' the vehicle. In these instances the newly introduced fuel will mix fully or partially with the residual fuel load in order to form a mixed fuel load that typically will exhibit at least some changed chemical or physical properties (dependent upon the source of the fuel). The resultant hybrid fuel mixture can be considered as representing a new fuel composition.

The term measurement' as used herein refers to the assessment or determination of at least one characteristic associated with a parameter of a given fuel. Typically the at least one characteristic will be associated with or contributory to an assessment of fuel quality.

Suitably, at least two characteristics may be determined as part of a measurement. The at least two characteristics may be linked in some way so that other characteristics may be determined or calculated as a result of knowledge of the at least two characteristics.

Even more suitably, the measurement may include determination of a plurality of characteristics of, or associated with, a given fuel under test. Optionally, the number of characteristics determined may be more than three, more than five or more than six.

Alternatively, the number of characteristics comprised within the measurement may be less than ten, or at most five. The characteristics associated with fuel parameters that are assessed for any given fuel may include one or more of the following non-limiting

examples:

* Heating value * Density * Temperature * Viscosity * Lubricity * Volatility (e.g. Reid vapour pressure) * RON index * Cetane number/index * Ethanol content * Sulphur content * Oxygen content * Water content * Aromatics content * Biodiesel content * FAME (fatty acid methyl ester) content * Wax content (e.g. cloud point) * Cold flow The term "sensor" as used herein refers to a device -or a series of devices that may cooperate -that undertake one or more measurements of the characteristics of a fuel intended for or introduced into the fuel Hne of a vehicle. The sensor(s) may be comprised within an integral unit suitably placed within or in close proximity to a fuel line or fuel storage tank within a vehicle. The sensor(s) may operate continuously (e.g. in real time) or may perform one or more measurements on a periodic basis. The sensor(s) will perform measurements on the fuel and may either output the measurements to a processor located externally to the sensor device, or may process the measurements within the sensor device. Suitably, the sensor may comprise one or more sensing means that contact the fuel directly in order to perform at least one measurement on the fuel.

As used herein, the term "engine control unit" (ECU) refers to device or system disposed within a vehicle that undertakes processing, monitoring and management of engine functions during operation of the vehicle. Typically the ECU will comprise a controller that may be in the form of one or more processors that that undertake said processing, monitoring and management of engine functions in response to a computer program.

The controller may include, but not be limited to, a processor(s), computer(s), memory, storage, register(s), timing, interrupt(s), communication interfaces, and input/output signal interfaces, as well as combinations of the aforementioned. Typically the ECU is configured to be in communication with at least one sensor as defined above. Such communication may suitably occur via a direct link (e.g. through a wire, cable or optic fibre) or wirelessly (e.g. via radiofrequency such as Wi-Fi).

All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In this respect, a system and method of determining the quality of a new or novel fuel introduced into a vehicle is described in United Kingdom Patent Application No. GB 1320643.8. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. For brevity the detailed operation of spark ignition and compression ignition engines is omitted as such operation is conventional.

Referring to Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the present invention provides a method and system for colecting data, and recording and providing information, relating to fuel introduced into a fuel storage tank 21 of a vehicle 10 during a refuelling event. Suitably the method and system measures at least one characteristic of fuel introduced into the vehicle 10 using one or more sensors 30. The ore or more characteristics are used to determine the quality of the fuel. The method and system determines the geographical location of the vehicle 10 during the refuelling event using a OPS receiver 45. The invention is arranged to store the location of the refuelling event and the at least one characteristic of the fuel introduced during the refuelling event in a database 44 so that this information may be communicated to a vehicle operator 60. The information may be transmitted to a remote server 70. Thus the system and method provides a means to inform a vehicle operator 60 of the characteristics of a fuel provided at certain geographical locations. The vehicle operator 60 is able to choose the most appropriate fuel to use in the vehicle 10, and avoid using fuel that falls below a predetermined threshold and, thus, may be adverse to the continuing operation of the vehicle 10.

In order to obtain data on fuel supplied at a geographical location, during a refuelling event the method is initiated by the opening or removal of the fuel cap 11 (or opening of the fuel flap). New fuel is introduced into the fuel storage tank 21 where it may mix fully or partially with residual fuel so as to form a novel fuel composition 22. The storage tank 21 is in fluid communication with the engine 20 via the fuel line 23. In the event that the engine 20 is of the compression ignition type the fuel line 23 will typically lead from the tank 21 to a common rail compressor (not shown). The fuel composition 22 is taken into the fuel line 23 toward the engine 20. In one embodiment of the invention all of the fuel line 23 passes through a sensor 30 (see Figure 1 (a)). In an alternative embodiment of the invention the fuel line 23 is bifurcated and a side flow 24 of the fuel 22 is diverted into the sensor 30, whilst the main flow proceeds down the fuel line 23 (see Figure 1(b)). Fuel 22 passes through the sensor 30 which performs one or more measurements. Fuel 22 exits the sensor 30 -if diverted, the fuel 22 re-joins the main fuel line 23 -where it proceeds to the engine 20.

The sensor 30 is in communication with an ECU 40 and may undertake simple taking of measurements of the fuel 22 which are then transmitted to the ECU 40 for further processing. As illustrated in Figure 2, the ECU 40 comprises a processor 42 for processing the measurements taken by the sensor 30, and a database 44 for storing data relating to the measurements. Alternatively, the sensor 30 may comprise full or partial processing functionality in the form of an internal processor (not shown) and, thus, output information regarding the characteristics of the fuel 22 directly to the ECU 40 which is stored in the database 44. The form of the characteristics of the fuel 22 may vary but can range from detailed measured characteristics to calculated characteristics derived from the measured characteristics. Calculated fuel characteristc information is generated via the processor 42 located within the ECU 40.

An illustration of the sensor 30 is provided in Figure 3. The sensor 30 may suitably comprise internal walls that define a chamber 31, the chamber 31 also comprising an inlet 32 and an outlet 33. The sensor 30 is located within a low pressure region of the fuel supply system, typically either directly on the fuel line 23, or side flow line 24 that is in fluid communication with the fuel line 23. The sensor 30 is positioned on the fuel line 23 (or side flow line 24) such that it intersects the line and allows for the fuel 22 to pass through the chamber via the inlet 32 and out towards the engine 20 via the outlet 33.

Whilst Figure 3 shows for convenience that the flow path through the sensor 30 is substantially linear it will be appreciated that alternative configurations are also possible and the that path may be bifurcated or tortuous as required in order to obtain an arrangement that permits accurate and reliable measurement of fuel quality. The chamber 31, therefore, broadly defines an enclosed zone in which measurements of the characteristics of the fuel 22 may occur.

In an embodiment of the invention the sensor 30 comprises an infrared spectrometer that allows for measurement of optical absorption of the fuel composition in the near infrared spectral range (i.e. 0.8-2.5 pm wavelength) as it passes through the chamber 31.

Several chemical species and fuel characteristics that are determinative of fuel quality are known to have distinct fingerprints that can be detected in the near infrared spectra.

Hence, the sensor 30 will comprise a measurement cell made of a suitable IR transparent material, such as glass, within the chamber 31. The measurements may be taken over several wavelengths in the near infrared so that different parameters may be obtained. Spectral data including absorption data may be interpreted directly within the sensor 30 or by the ECU 40 in order to determine the values of certain parameters. In addition, spectral data may be combined or subjected to further processing via one or more algorithms in order to determine other parameters. Again, this further processing may occur within a processor located in the sensor 30 or the processor 42 located within the ECU processor 40. Hence, this embodiment of the invention allows for online sensor readings to be taken in real time for a specified period of time during or after a refuelling event.

In a specific embodiment of the invention the sensor 30 comprises a micro-opto-electro-mechanical system (MOEMS) that contains a microspectrometer that includes an integrated voltage controlled tuneable interferometer together with a thermopile detector.

This arrangement provides the advantage of allowing a large range of tuneable wavelengths of only a few nm in the spectral band of 1 to 2 pm, thus, facilitating the taking of many measurements from the fuel 22 as it passes through the sensor 30.

Measurements made by the sensor 30 will be optimised for the particular type of engine installed in the vehicle 10. Hence, for a spark ignition engine the sensor 30 will be optimised to perform measurements that are suited to determining the fuel quality of gasoline type fuels, including but not limited to one or more of the group consisting of: * RON index * Oxygen content (%wt) * Volatility (e.g. Reid vapour pressure) * Ethanol content (%wt) * Density (kg/m3) Whereas, for a compression ignition engine the sensor 30 will be optimised to perform measurements that are suited to determining the fuel quality of diesel type fuels, including but not limited to one or more of the group consisting of: * Heating value (MJ/kg) * Biodiesel content (%wt) * Cetane number/index * Density (kg/m3) * Aromatics content (%wt) * Sulphur content (%wt) * Water content (%wt) * FAME content (%wt) * Wax content (%wt) The sensor 30 may be configured to include a temperature sensor, for example by integrating an IR thermometer, a thermocouple, a thermopile or a thermistor into the sensor 30. Measurements of fuel 22 temperature along with the other stated parameters can be used to calculate other parameters including viscosity and lubricity of the fuel 22, such as via a prediction matrix or by reference to log table data stored within a memory in the sensor 30 or in the ECU 40. Such prediction matrices or log tables may be based upon reference data generated for near infrared spectra of fuel samples that comply with the relevant EU or US standards as well as market data obtained from fuel composition surveys. Hence, a reference database of fuel quality parameters can be built for each relevant parameter. This allows for a model to be built that enables prediction of fuel quality characteristics from a so-called unknown sample -i.e. from the novel fuel mix which contains the fuel newly introduced into the fuel tank.

Fuel characteristics are determined for the novel fuel introduced into the fuel tank and may then be assessed to determine whether the newly introduced fuel meets minimum threshold levels. This assessment may occur within the ECU 40 or wthin a separate CPU comprised within the vehicle 10 (not shown). The assessment may be made by reference to stored data tables located within memory located within the ECU 40 or separate CPU. Alternatively, the assessment may be made via telemetry to a remotely located server 70 or cloud-based server (not shown) via conventional transmitter/receiver apparatus such as the communications module 55. The communications module 55 is arranged to operate on a wireless (Wi-Fi) or other mobile telecommunications network.

Whether the fuel quality assessment is performed locally or remotely the outcome of the assessment results in a determination of the quality of the fuel 22 with respect to ensuring efficient and continued safe running of the vehicle 10. By way of example, the threshold may correspond with an established international standard for fuel quality such as European Standards EN590 (diesel fuel), EN228 (gasoline fuel) or a pre-determined reference fuel. Reference fuels may be used by vehicle and engine manufacturers to provide a baseline against which their vehicles and engines may be tested. The determination of the quality of the fuel ntroduced into the tank 21 may be logged within the ECU 40, separate CPU or at the remote server 70.

The opening or removal of the fuel cap 11 (or opening of the fuel flap) also triggers the processor 42 to obtain the geographical location of the refuelling event. The time and date of the opening or removal of the fuel cap 11 (or opening of the fuel flap) is recorded by the processor. The processor 42 communicates with the OPS receiver 45 to obtain the geographical location of the vehicle 10. If the OPS receiver 45 is unable to receive a GPS signal, the processor 42 uses the last known geographical location recorded by the GPS receiver 45.

Once the geographical location corresponding to the refuelling event has been obtained by the processor 42, the processor 42 then assigns the geographical location to the result of the fuel quality determination, and determines the frequency of visits by the vehicle 10 at that location. The processor 42 then stores the geographical location of the refuelling event together with the characteristics of the fuel introduced in that refuelling event in the database 44. The determination of the quality of the fuel introduced into the tank 21 may be stored in the database 44. The geographical location may be stored according to a geographic location system, such as universal transvers Mercator (UTM) or universal polar stereographic (UPS), or a post code.

A human machine interface (HMI) 50 which comprises a HMI processor 51 and screen 52, such as LCD or LED screen, which is mounted on the dashboard of the vehicle 10.

The HMI 50 is arranged to display a map 80 on the screen 52. Locations of previous fuelling events are shown on the map 80 using location pins 82, three of which are indicated with reference numerals in Figure 4. In an embodiment of the invention, the location pins are shown on a map displayed by a satellite navigation system incorporated in the vehicle 10. For example, location pins 82 may be displayed on a navigation route.

Associated with each location pin 82 is the quality of the fuel supplied at that location.

The quality of the fuel available may be represented by an information box containing details of any previous times fuel was supplied from that location, and the quality of fuel supplied in each of those refuelling events. An information box may be displayed when a particular location pin 82 is selected. Alternatively, or in combination, the average level of quality of the fuel supplied at a location may be indicated by the colour of the location pin 82. For example, fuel of the most appropriate quality may be indicated by a green location pin, fuel of adequate quality may be indicated by an amber location pin, and fuel of inappropriate quality may be indicated by a red location pin. Alternatively, the quality of fuel supplied by a location may be indicated by a percentage or a star system where a single star represents low quality fuel and five stars represent high quality fuel. In this way, the invention enables the operator 60 to select a location at which the most appropriate fuel is available.

The ECU 40 may also issue an alert or notification regarding the quality of fuel introduced into the tank 21 to the operator 60 via the HMI 50 at the time of the refuelling event or after repeated use of fuel of unsuitable quality. The alert may be in the form of a warning light, a warning message or icon displayed on the screen or a high level display front (HLDF). Alternatively or in combination, the alert may be an audio alarm or recorded voice message which provides a detailed diagnostic report concerning fuel quality. This allows the operator to make an informed choice at the next refuelling event regarding the quality of fuel subsequently introduced into the fuel tank 21. For example, the operator 60 may choose to refill the tank 21 with fuel of inadequate quality if in the preceding refuelling event the operator 60 filled the tank 21 with fuel which exceeds the level of quality required by the vehicle 10.

The ECU 40 communicates with the communications module 55. The communications module 55 is arranged to enable fuel quality and location data stored in the database 44 to be transmitted and/or uploaded to the remotely located server 70. Alternatively, or in addition, the fuel quality and location data stored in the database 44 may be updated by downloading the latest fuel quality and location data via the communications module 55 from the remotely located server 70. The communications module 55 is arranged to enable communication by either a wired data connection and/or a wireless data connection such as via WiFi or a mobile data communications network. In an embodiment of the invention, to facilitating the uploading and downloading of fuel quality and location information, the communications module 44 may automatically connect to a WiFi network provided by a service station.

In this way the remotely located server 70 is able to receive fuel quaHty and location information from a plurality of vehicles 10 which may be used over a wide geographical area. The remotely located server 70 is able to construct a detailed database (not shown) of the quality of fuel available from a large number of locations. All or a portion of the information stored in the server database may be downloaded to a vehicle 10, which may be displayed to the vehicle operator 60 via the screen 50. Therefore, the vehicle operator is able to obtain information on the quality of fuel available at service station locations at which the vehicle 10 has not been refuelled.

The database 44 in the vehicle 10 provides a history of the quality and characteristics of the fuel used in the vehicle 10, and where that fuel was obtained. This record of the fuel used in the vehicle 10 may be used to assist in diagnosing a fault or when servicing the vehicle 10.

In Figure 5 a flow diagram is provided that illustrates a method 100 of one embodiment of the present invention. The method 100 may be initiated at step 102 by opening the fuel flap 11, removal of the fuel cap or by commencing a refuelling event. In this embodiment of the invention, a threshold is set for determination of a refuelling event that is effective to change the composition of the fuel held within the storage tank 21. The threshold shown in FigureS has been set at 10% (either by mass or volume) at step 104, whereupon if there is greater than 10% of residual fuel remaining in the tank 21 the resultant combined fuel mix 22 is not considered to be a novel mixture and the system is reset. However, if there is less than 10% residual fuel in the tank 21 then the resultant combined fuel mix 22 is considered to be a novel mixture that should be subject to measurement. It will be understood that the residual fuel threshold need not be set only at 10% and may vary in a range of between about 1% and about 80%, suitably between about 30% and 70%, more suitably between about 40% and 60% (by mass or volume of fuel). The threshold may vary between countries/territories, as well as between winter and summer, and may be changed by accessing the ECU 40 (or sensor 30 or separate CPU where appropriate). The determination of residual fuel load in the tank 21 is made using conventional apparatus. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the fuel may be subject to measurement whenever the method is initiated by opening of the fuel flap 11, removal of the fuel cap or by commencing a refuelling event.

According to the method 100 of the invention as set out in Figure 5, if at step 104 the fuel tank 21 is less than 10% full the sensor 30 is activated. Alternatively, if the fuel tank is more than 10% full the sensor 30 is reset at step 106. New fuel is introduced into the tank 21 at step 108. At step 110 the fuel in the tank is subjected to measurement that detects the physical and chemical properties of the fuel 22. Suitably this step occurs within the sensor 30. The sensor 30 sends a signal corresponding to the physical and chemical properties of the fuel 22 to the processor 42 of the ECU 40. The processor 42 obtains the location of the vehicle 10 at step 112 from the GPS receiver 45 and stores at step 114 the location of vehicle with the fuel properties in the database 44. When required, the location of the refuelling event is displayed to the vehicle operator 60 at step 116.

The sensor 30 is suitably located within a low pressure region of the fue supply system, typically upstream of the engine 20. As described previously, the sensor 30 provides measurement functionality for at least one physical or chemical parameter or property associated with the fuel 22.

It is to be understood that embodiments of the invention are suitable for use with and within a wide variety of vehicle types and modes of operation.

Further aspects of the present invention are set out in the following numbered clauses: 1. A method for collecting data relating to fuel introduced into a vehicle, the method comprising: measuring at least one characteristic of fuel introduced during a refuelling event; determining the location of the refuelling event; and transmitting data comprising the at least one characteristic of the fuel introduced during a refuelling event and the location of the refuelling event to a remote server.

2. The method of clause 1, wherein the method comprises storing the data comprising the at least one characteristic of the fuel introduced during a refuelling event and the location of the refuelling event.

3. The method of clause 1, wherein the data also comprises the time and date of the refuelling event.

4. The method of clause 1, wherein the measuring, determining and transmitting steps are performed for at least one further refuelling event.

5. The method of clause 1, wherein the method comprises communicating to a user of the vehicle data relating to one or more refuelling events.

6. The method of clause 5, wherein the communicating step comprises displaying data associated with the, or each, refuelling event on a display screen.

7. The method of clause 6, wherein the display screen displays a geographical map on which the data associated with the or each refuelling event is displayed.

8. The method of clause 7, wheren the location of the, or each, refuelling event is indicated on the geographical map by a location pin.

9. The method of clause 8, wherein the colour of the location pin is indicative of a characteristic of the fuel supplied at that location.

10. The method of clause 1, wherein data associated with one or more refuelling events is downloaded from the remote server.

11. The method of clause 1, wherein measuring at least one characteristic of fuel introduced during a refuelling event provides an indication of the quality of the fuel.

12. The method of clause 1, wherein the at least one characteristic of the fuel includes one or more of the RON index; oxygen content; volatility; ethanol content; density; heating value; biodiesel content; cetane number/index; density; aromatics content; sulphur content; water content; FAME content; or wax content.

13. A control module that operates a method as claimed in clause 1.

14. A vehicle comprising a control module of clause 1.

15. A method of processing on a remote server data relating to fuel introduced into a vehicle, the method comprising: receiving data comprising at least one characteristic of fuel introduced during a refuelling event and the location of the refuelling event; and transmitting data relating to one or more refuelling events to a device arranged to communicate refuelling event information.

16. The method of clause 15, wherein the method comprises storing the received data in a data store.

17. A system for collecting data relating to fuel introduced into a vehicle during a refuelling event, the system comprising: at least one sensor for measuring at least one characteristic of fuel introduced during a refuelling event; location determining apparatus arranged to determine the location of the refuelling event; and data communication apparatus arranged to transfer data comprising the at least one characteristic of fuel introduced during a refuelling event, and the location of the refuelling event.

18. The system of clause 17, wherein the system comprises a store arranged to store the data relating to the refuelling event.

19. The system of clause 17, wherein the system further comprises communication apparatus arranged to communcate the data relating to the refuelling event to a user of the vehicle.

20. The system of clause 19, wherein the communication apparatus comprises a display.

21. The system of clause 20, wherein the display is arranged to display a map.

22. The system of clause 21, wherein the map is a geographical map.

23. The system of clause 20, wherein the location of the refuelling event is indicated on the display by a location pin.

24. The system of clause 23, wheren the colour of the location pin is indicative of the quality of the fuel supplied at that location.

25. The system of clause 17, wherein the system further comprises a remote server comprising a server data communications module arranged to receive and transmit data relating to a refuelling event from the data communications module.

26. The system of clause 25, wherein the remote server comprises a data store arranged to store data relating to a plurality of refuelling events.

27. The system of clause 17, wherein the at least one characteristic of fuel introduced during a refuelling event provides an indication of the quality of the fuel.

28. The system of clause 17, wherein the at least one characteristic of the fuel includes one or more of the RON index; oxygen content; volatility; ethanol content; density; heating value; biodiesel content; cetane number/index; density; aromatics content; sulphur content; water content; FAME content; or wax content.

29. The invention may also extend to a vehicle comprising a system of clause 17.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been disclosed herein in detail, this has been done by way of example and for the purposes of illustration only. The aforementioned embodiments are not intended to be limiting with respect to the scope of the appended claims, which follow. It is contemplated by the inventors that various substitutions, alterations, and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A method for collecting data relating to fuel introduced into a vehicle, the method comprising: measuring at least one characteristic of fuel introduced during a refuelling event; determining the location of the refuelling event; and transmitting data comprising the at least one characteristic of the fuel introduced during a refuelling event and the location of the refuelling event to a remote server.
2. The method of Claim 1, wherein the method comprises storing the data comprising the at least one characteristic of the fuel introduced during a refuelling event and the location of the refuelling event.
3. The method of Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the data also comprises the time and date of the refuelling event.
4. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the measuring, determining and transmitting steps are performed for at least one further refuelling event.
5. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the method comprises communicating to a user of the vehicle data relating to one or more refuelling events.
6. The method of Claim 5, wheren the communicating step comprises displaying data associated with the, or each, refuelling event on a display screen.
7. The method of Claim 6, wherein the display screen displays a geographical map on which the data associated with the or each refuelling event is displayed.
8. The method of Claim 7, wherein the location of the, or each, refuelling event is indicated on the geographical map by a location pin.
9. The method of Claim 8, wherein the colour of the location pin is indicative of a characteristic of the fuel supplied at that location.
10. The method of any preceding claim, wherein data associated with one or more refuelling events is downloaded from the remote server.
11. The method of any preceding claim, wherein measuring at least one characteristic of fuel introduced during a refuelling event provides an indication of the quality of the fuel.
12. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one characteristic of the fuel includes one or more of the RON index; oxygen content; volatility; ethanol content; density; heating value; biodiesel content; cetane number/index; density; aromatics content; sulphur content; water content; FAME content; or wax content.
13. A control module that operates a method as claimed in any preceding claim.
14. A vehicle comprising a control module of Claim 13.
15. A method of processing on a remote server data relating to fuel introduced into a vehicle, the method comprising: receiving data comprising at least one characteristic of fuel introduced during a refuelling event and the location of the refuelling event; and transmitting data relating to one or more refuelling events to a device arranged to communicate refuelling event information.
16. The method of Claim 15, wherein the method comprises storing the received data in a data store.
17. A system for collecting data relating to fuel introduced into a vehicle during a refuelling event, the system comprising: at least one sensor for measuring at least one characteristic of fuel introduced during a refuelling event; location determining apparatus for determining the location of the refuelling event; and data communication apparatus for transferring data comprising the at least one characteristic of fue introduced during a refuelling event, and the location of the refuelling event.
18. The system according to Claim 17, wherein the system comprises a store for storing the data relating to the refuelling event.
19. The system according to Claim 17 or Claim 18, wherein the system further comprises communication apparatus for communicating the data relating to the refuelling event to a user of the vehicle.
20. The system of Claim 19, wherein the communication apparatus comprises a display.
21. The system of Claim 20, wherein the display is arranged to display a map.
22. The system of Claim 21, wherein the map is a geographical map.
23. The system of any of Claims 20 to 22, wherein the location of the refuelling event is indicated on the display by a location pin.
24. The system of Claim 23, wherein the colour of the location pin is indicative of the quality of the fuel supplied at that location.
25. The system of any of Claims 17 to 24, wherein the system further comprises a remote server comprising a server data communications module arranged to receive and transmit data relating to a refuelling event from the data communications module.
26. The system of Claim 25, wherein the remote server comprises a data store for storing data relating to a plurality of refuelling events.
27. The system of any of Claims 17 to 26, wherein the at least one characteristic of fuel introduced during a refuelling event provides an indication of the quality of the fuel.
28. The system of any of Claims 17 to 27, wherein the at least one characteristic of the fuel includes one or more of the RON index; oxygen content; volatility; ethanol content; density; heating value; biodiesel content; cetane number/index; density; aromatics content; sulphur content; water content; FAME content; or wax content.
29. The invention may also extend to a vehicle comprising a system of any of Claims 17 to 28.
30. A method substantially as bereinbetore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
31. A system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.