SE540346C2 - An arrangement for diagnosing check valves of a liquefied gas fuel system - Google Patents

An arrangement for diagnosing check valves of a liquefied gas fuel system

Info

Publication number
SE540346C2
SE540346C2 SE1651496A SE1651496A SE540346C2 SE 540346 C2 SE540346 C2 SE 540346C2 SE 1651496 A SE1651496 A SE 1651496A SE 1651496 A SE1651496 A SE 1651496A SE 540346 C2 SE540346 C2 SE 540346C2
Authority
SE
Sweden
Prior art keywords
fuel
tank
liquefied gas
amount
respective tank
Prior art date
Application number
SE1651496A
Other languages
Swedish (sv)
Other versions
SE1651496A1 (en
Inventor
Gralde Marcus
RUNESSON Tina
Original Assignee
Scania Cv Ab
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Scania Cv Ab filed Critical Scania Cv Ab
Priority to SE1651496A priority Critical patent/SE540346C2/en
Priority to DE102017010290.2A priority patent/DE102017010290B4/en
Publication of SE1651496A1 publication Critical patent/SE1651496A1/en
Publication of SE540346C2 publication Critical patent/SE540346C2/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M21/00—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form
    • F02M21/02—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form for gaseous fuels
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/02—Special adaptations of indicating, measuring, or monitoring equipment
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/04—Arrangement or mounting of valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C5/00—Methods or apparatus for filling containers with liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases under pressures
    • F17C5/02—Methods or apparatus for filling containers with liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases under pressures for filling with liquefied gases
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03006—Gas tanks
    • B60K2015/03026—Gas tanks comprising a valve
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K2015/03118—Multiple tanks, i.e. two or more separate tanks
    • B60K2015/03131—Systems for filling dual tanks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K2015/0321—Fuel tanks characterised by special sensors, the mounting thereof
    • B60K2015/03217—Fuel level sensors
    • B60K2015/03223—Fuel level sensors comprising at least two level fuel sensors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/03—Thermal insulations
    • F17C2203/0391—Thermal insulations by vacuum
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0123—Mounting arrangements characterised by number of vessels
    • F17C2205/013—Two or more vessels
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0335—Check-valves or non-return valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
    • F17C2221/033—Methane, e.g. natural gas, CNG, LNG, GNL, GNC, PLNG
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2223/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F17C2223/0161—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL cryogenic, e.g. LNG, GNL, PLNG
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/033—Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/01—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2225/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2225/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F17C2225/0161—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL cryogenic, e.g. LNG, GNL, PLNG
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/03—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2225/033—Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/04—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by other properties of handled fluid after transfer
    • F17C2225/042—Localisation of the filling point
    • F17C2225/043—Localisation of the filling point in the gas
    • F17C2225/045—Localisation of the filling point in the gas with a dip tube
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/01—Propulsion of the fluid
    • F17C2227/0128—Propulsion of the fluid with pumps or compressors
    • F17C2227/0135—Pumps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0408—Level of content in the vessel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2265/00—Effects achieved by gas storage or gas handling
    • F17C2265/06—Fluid distribution
    • F17C2265/066—Fluid distribution for feeding engines for propulsion
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0165—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road
    • F17C2270/0168—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road by vehicles
    • F17C2270/0171—Trucks

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Cooling, Air Intake And Gas Exhaust, And Fuel Tank Arrangements In Propulsion Units (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing check valves of a liquefied gas fuel system for a vehicle. Said fuel system (A) has two separate liquefied gas fuel tanks (10, 20) for providing fuel to the engine of the vehicle (1), a common fuel inlet (32) for providing fuel to both tanks, and a check valve (50, 60) for each tank (10, 20) for allowing liquefied gas to be introduced into the respective tank. The method comprises the steps of: determining (112a, 114a) the amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank (10, 20); and, based on the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank, performing a diagnosing of the functionality of said check valves (50, 60).The present invention also relates to a system for diagnosing check valves of a liquefied gas fuel system for a vehicle. The present invention also relates to a vehicle.

Description

AN ARRANGEMENT FOR DIAGNOSING CHECK VALVES OF A LIQUEFIED GAS FUEL SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to method for diagnosing check valves of a liquefied gas fuel system according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention relates to system for diagnosing check valves of a liquefied gas fuel system. The invention also relates to a vehicle. The invention in addition relates to a computer program and a computer readable medium.
BACKGROUND ART Alternative fuels such as natural gas and biogas are being introduced in vehicles such as heavy vehicles. For this purpose fuel systems for compressed natural gas, CNG and compressed biogas CBG and fuel systems for liquefied natural gas LNG and liquefied biogas LBG are being developed.
Systems for liquefied gas, i.e. LNG and LBG, require handling of relatively low temperatures, e.g. -130 degrees at 10 bar for LNG, requiring certain conduits for transporting the liquefied natural gas. Further, in order to provide sufficient fuel to be able to travel desired distances, liquefied gas fuel tanks of a certain volume are required. For this purpose it is common to provide dual liquefied gas tanks, normally one at each side of the vehicle frame.
Such a liquefied gas fuel system with two separate liquefied gas fuel tanks for providing fuel to the engine of the vehicle comprises a common fuel inlet for providing fuel to both tanks, and a check valve for each tank for allowing liquefied gas to be introduced into the respective tank.
If a malfunction of one of said check valves would occur liquefied gas fuel would then not be introduced into that tank.
There is thus a need for a method for diagnosing check valves of a liquefied gas fuel system.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a method for diagnosing check valves of a liquefied gas fuel system which is easy and efficient.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for diagnosing check valves of a liquefied gas fuel system which is easy and efficient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects, apparent from the following description, are achieved by a method, a system and a vehicle as set out in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the method and system are defined in appended dependent claims.
Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a method for diagnosing check valves of a liquefied gas fuel system for a vehicle. Said fuel system has at least two separate liquefied gas fuel tanks for providing fuel to the engine of the vehicle, a common fuel inlet for providing fuel to the respective tank, and a check valve for each tank for allowing liquefied gas to be introduced into the respective tank. The method comprises the steps of: determining the amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank; and, based on the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank, performing a diagnosing of the functionality of said check valves.
Hereby an easy and efficient way of diagnosing the function of check valves of a liquefied gas fuel system for a vehicle is obtained. Check valves may hereby be tested so that replacement of such valves may be avoided. Further it is hereby facilitated to determine which check valve is malfunctioning. By thus determining the amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank in connection to fuelling the vehicle a possible malfunction of a check valve may be determined without the need to enter a workshop.
Said at least two separate tanks comprises according to an embodiment a first tank and a second tank. The step of determining the amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank may comprise utilizing any suitable means for detecting the amount of fuel having been introduced into the first tank, i.e. utilizing detection means arranged in connection to the first tank for detecting the amount of fuel in the first tank and detection means arranged in connection to the second tank for detecting the amount of fuel in the second tank. The detection means for the first tank may comprise one or more level detectors for detecting the level of the fuel having been introduced into the first tank and the detection means for the second tank may comprise one or more level detectors for detecting the level of the fuel having been introduced into the second tank. By using level detectors easy and efficient determination of the amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank is facilitated.
According to an embodiment of the method, the step of performing a diagnosing of the functionality of said check valves based on the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank comprises the step of comparing the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank. Thus, with functioning check valves arranged in connection to the respective tank an essentially equal amount of fuel should enter the inner confined space of the respective tank, such comparison facilitating diagnosing of possible malfunction of a check valve.
According to an embodiment the method comprises the step of determining a malfunction of a check valve if the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank differs between the respective tank, the check valve for the tank having received less fuel than the other tank revealing a malfunction of that check valve. A malfunction of one of said check valves would result in the determined amount in that tank being less than in the other tank due to the malfunction of the check valve of that tank which may e.g. be incorrectly placed so that no fuel is allowed to enter into that tank or the one way function of the check valve is not functioning so that the fuel is allowed to escape out of that tank. A malfunction of a check valve is according to an embodiment determined if the determined amount of fuel in the respective tank differs more than a predetermined value.
According to an embodiment the method comprises the step of determining the amount of fuel provided to said fuel tanks via said common fuel inlet. Hereby information of the total amount of fuel expected to be essentially equally divided to the respective by introduction into the respective tank via the respective check valve. Hereby possible malfunction of the actual fuelling via said fuel inlet by means of a liquefied gas fuel pump unit at a fuel station may be determined, for example less fuel than the expected fuel pumped to the inlet is determined.
According to an embodiment of the method the step of determining the amount of fuel introduced into the respective tank comprises the step of detecting the level of fuel introduced into each tank; and presenting separated level results for the respective tank related to the common inlet fuel provision.
Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a system for diagnosing check valves of a liquefied gas fuel system for a vehicle. Said fuel system has at least two separate liquefied gas fuel tanks for providing fuel to the engine of the vehicle, a common fuel inlet for providing fuel to the respective tank, and a check valve for each tank for allowing liquefied gas to be introduced into the respective tank. The system comprises means for determining the amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank; and, means for performing a diagnosing of the functionality of said check valves based on the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank.
According to an embodiment of the system the means for performing a diagnosing of the functionality of said check valves based on the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank comprises means for comparing the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank.
According to an embodiment the system comprises means for determining a malfunction of a check valve if the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank differs between the respective tank, the check valve for the tank having received less fuel than the other tank revealing a malfunction of that check valve.
According to an embodiment the system comprises means for determining the amount of fuel provided to said fuel tanks via said common fuel inlet.
According to an embodiment of the system the means for determining the amount of fuel introduced into the respective tank comprises means for detecting the level of fuel introduced into each tank; and means for presenting separated level results for the respective tank related to the common inlet fuel provision.
The system for diagnosing check valves of a liquefied gas fuel system for a vehicle is adapted to perform the methods as set out herein.
The system according to the invention has the advantages according to the corresponding methods as set out herein.
Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a vehicle comprising a system as set out herein.
Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a computer program for diagnosing check valves of a liquefied gas fuel system for a vehicle, said computer program comprising program code which, when run on an electronic control unit or another computer connected to the electronic control unit, causes the electronic control unit to perform methods as set out herein.
Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method as set out herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention reference is made to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which: Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle with a liquefied gas fuel system; Fig. 2 schematically illustrates plan view of the vehicle in fig. 1 with a liquefied gas fuel system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a liquefied gas fuel system provided with a system for diagnosing check valves of said liquefied gas fuel system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a block diagram of system for diagnosing check valves of a liquefied gas fuel system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a block diagram of method for diagnosing check valves of a liquefied gas fuel system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter the term “link” refers to a communication link which may be a physical connector, such as an optoelectronic communication wire, or a nonphysical connector such as a wireless connection, for example a radio or microwave link.
Hereinafter the term “liquefied gas” refers to liquefied natural gas, LNG, or liquefied biogas, LBG.
Hereinafter the term “liquefied gas fuel system” refers to a fuel system for liquefied natural gas, LNG, or a fuel system for liquefied biogas, LBG.
Hereinafter the term “check valve” refers to any valve configuration arranged to allow fluid flow in only one direction, i.e. arranged to allow fluid flow in only one direction and prevent fluid flow in the opposite direction. The term “check valve” thus also refers to one-way valve, non-return valve and clack valve.
Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle 1 according to the present invention. The exemplified vehicle 1 is a heavy vehicle in the shape of a truck. The vehicle according to the present invention could be any suitable vehicle. The vehicle comprises a liquefied gas fuel system. The vehicle comprises a system for diagnosing check valves of a liquefied gas fuel system, not shown.
The vehicle 1 has two separate liquefied gas fuel tanks 10, 20 for providing fuel to the engine of the vehicle. Said two separate gas fuel tanks 10, 20 comprises a first liquefied gas fuel tank 10, here arranged in connection to a left longitudinal vehicle beam 2, and a second liquefied gas fuel tank 20, here arranged in connection to the a longitudinal beam 3 of the vehicle frame 2, 3 of the vehicle 1.
Fig. 2 schematically illustrates plan view of the vehicle in fig. 1 with said first liquefied gas fuel tank 10 arranged in connection to the left longitudinal beam 2 and the second liquefied gas fuel tank 20 arranged in connection to the right longitudinal beam 3 of the vehicle frame 2, 3.
The exemplified vehicle 1 is a heavy vehicle in the shape of a truck. The vehicle 1 in this embodiment has a forward wheeled axle X1 with opposite front wheels and a powered rear wheeled axle X2 with opposite tractive wheels.
The vehicle 1 comprises a liquefied gas fuel system A. The fuel system A comprises the two separate liquefied tanks 10, 20 for providing fuel to the engine E of the vehicle 1 via a pipe PE, said first liquefied gas fuel tank 10 said second liquefied gas fuel tank 20.
The liquefied gas fuel system A comprises a liquefied gas pipe arrangement 30 for providing said liquefied gas fuel to the respective tank 10, 20. The liquefied gas pipe arrangement comprises a common fuel inlet 32 for providing fuel to both tanks 10, 20. The liquefied gas pipe arrangement comprises a common pipe 34 connected to said fuel inlet 32. Said common pipe 34 is branched into a first pipe portion 34a connected to the first tank 10 and a second pipe portion 34b connected to the second tank 20.
The first pipe portion 34a is arranged to provide liquefied gas fuel from said common fuel inlet 32 into the first tank 10 via a first check valve, not shown here, and the second pipe portion 34b is arranged to provide liquefied gas fuel from said common fuel inlet 32 into the second tank 20 via a second check valve. Fig. 3 illustrates said liquefied gas fuel system A in more detail, said check valves being illustrated in fig. 3.
The first liquefied gas fuel tank 10 is according to this embodiment denoted the main tank 10 and the second liquefied gas fuel tank 20 is denoted the auxiliary tank 20 of the dual tank installation. The tank 10 may also be denoted master tank and the tank 20 may also be denoted slave tank.
Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a liquefied gas fuel system A provided with a system for diagnosing check valves of said liquefied gas fuel system A according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The liquefied fuel system A thus comprises said first liquefied gas fuel tank 10 said second liquefied gas fuel tank 20 for providing fuel to the engine of a vehicle.
As described in fig. 2, the liquefied gas fuel system A comprises a liquefied gas pipe arrangement 30 for providing said liquefied gas fuel to the respective tank 10, 20. The liquefied gas pipe arrangement comprises a common fuel inlet 32 for providing fuel to both tanks 10, 20. The liquefied gas pipe arrangement comprises a common pipe 34 connected to said fuel inlet 32. Said common pipe 34 is branched into a first pipe portion 34a connected to the first tank 10 and a second pipe portion 34b connected to the second tank 20.
The first pipe portion 34a is arranged to provide liquefied gas fuel from said common fuel inlet 32 into the first tank 10 via a first check valve 50 and the second pipe portion 34b is arranged to provide liquefied gas fuel from said common fuel inlet 32 into the second tank 20 via a second check valve 60. The liquefied gas fuel system A thus comprises a check valve 50, 60 for each tank 10, 20 for allowing liquefied gas to be introduced into the respective tank The first tank 10 is a cryogenic tank 10/cryogenic vessel having an isolated portion 12 having a vacuum based outer casing and an inner casing surrounding the inner space into which said liquefied gas is arranged to be introduced, an isolation being formed between said inner and outer casing. The first tank 10 has a cover portion 14, here denoted shroud, with a casing with an inner space for housing e.g. valves and pipes/pipe arrangements such as said check valve 50 and at least parts of said pipe arrangement 30.
Correspondingly the second tank 20 is a cryogenic tank 20/cryogenic vessel having an isolated portion 22 having a vacuum based outer casing and an inner casing surrounding the inner space into which said liquefied gas is arranged to be introduced, an isolation being formed between said inner and outer casing. The second tank 20 has a cover portion 24, here denoted shroud, with a casing with an inner space for housing e.g. valves and pipes/pipe arrangements such as said check valve 60 and at least parts of said pipe arrangement 30.
The system for diagnosing check valves of the liquefied gas fuel system A comprises level detection means 112a, 114a for determining the amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank.
The first tank 10 is provided with a level detection means 112a constituted by a level detector arranged in said inner space of the isolated portion 12 for detecting the level of the liquefied gas therein.
The second tank 20 is provided with a level detection means 114a constituted by a level detector arranged in said inner space of the isolated portion 12 for detecting the level of the liquefied gas therein.
The system for diagnosing check valves of said liquefied gas fuel system A comprises a level detection control unit C1 operably connected to said level detection means 112a of said first tank 10 via a link C1a. Said level detection control unit C1 is arranged to receive information about level of liquefied gas in said tank 10, i.e. level result of the level of liquefied gas in said isolation portion 12 of the tank 10.
The system for diagnosing check valves of said liquefied gas fuel system A comprises a level detection control unit C2 operably connected to said level detection means 114a of said second tank 20 via a link C2a. Said level detection control unit C2 is arranged to receive information about level of liquefied gas in said tank 20, i.e. level result of the level of liquefied gas in said isolation portion 22 of the tank 20.
The system for diagnosing check valves of said liquefied gas fuel system A comprises means in the form of an electronic control unit 100 for comparing the thus detected level of liquefied gas in the first tank 10 and the thus determined level of liquefied gas in the second tank 20.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to said detection control unit C1 via a link C1b. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link C1b arranged to receive data representing level of liquefied gas in said first tank 10.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to said detection control unit C2 via a link C2b. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link C2b arranged to receive data representing level of liquefied gas in said second tank 20.
Thus, separated level results for the respective tank related to the common inlet fuel provision are hereby provided.
The electronic control unit 100 is arranged to process said data from said control units C1, C2 by comparing the determined level of liquefied gas in the first tank 10 and the determined level of liquefied gas in the second tank 20 for performing said diagnosing of the check valve 50 of the first tank 10 and the check valve 60 of the second tank 20.
A malfunction of a check valve is determined if the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank 10, 20 differs between the respective tank. Thus, if a difference between the determined level of liquefied gas in the first tank differs from the determined level of liquefied gas in the second tank 20, e.g. differs more than a predetermined value, e.g. a certain percentage, a malfunction of the check valve of the tank in which a lower level of liquefied gas has been determined is determined to malfunction.
Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a block diagram of system I for diagnosing check valves of a liquefied gas fuel system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Said fuel system has at least two separate liquefied gas fuel tanks for providing fuel to the engine of the vehicle, a common fuel inlet for providing fuel to the respective tank, and a check valve for each tank for allowing liquefied gas to be introduced into the respective tank. Said fuel system thus comprises two separate liquefied gas fuel tanks, a first tank and a second tank.
The system I comprises an electronic control unit 100.
The system comprises means 110 for determining the amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank.
Said means 110 for determining the amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank comprises means 112 for determining the amount of fuel having been introduced into the first tank. Said means 112 for determining the amount of fuel having been introduced into the first tank may comprise any suitable means for detecting the amount of fuel having been introduced into the first tank. Said means 112 for determining the amount of fuel having been introduced into the first tank comprises according to an embodiment means 112a for detecting the level of the fuel introduced into the first tank. The means 112a for detecting the level of the fuel introduced into the first tank may comprise one or more level detectors.
Said means 110 for determining the amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank comprises means 114 for determining the amount of fuel having been introduced into the second tank. Said means 114 for determining the amount of fuel having been introduced into the second tank may comprise any suitable means for detecting the amount of fuel having been introduced into the first tank. Said means 114 for determining the amount of fuel having been introduced into the second tank comprises according to an embodiment means 114a for detecting the level of the fuel introduced into the first tank. The means 114a for detecting the level of the fuel introduced into the second tank may comprise one or more level detectors.
Thus, according to an embodiment of the system I the means 110 for determining the amount of fuel introduced into the respective tank comprises means 112a, 114a for detecting the level of fuel introduced into each tank.
Said means 110 for determining the amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank comprises means 116 for presenting separated level result for the first tank related to the common inlet fuel provision.
Said means 110 for determining the amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank comprises means 118 for presenting separated level result for the second tank related to the common inlet fuel provision.
Thus, according to an embodiment of the system I the means 110 for determining the amount of fuel introduced into the respective tank comprises means 116, 118 for presenting separated level results for the respective tank related to the common inlet fuel provision.
The system comprises means 120 for performing a diagnosing of the functionality of said check valves based on the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank.
According to an embodiment of the system I the means 120 for performing a diagnosing of the functionality of said check valves based on the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank comprises means 122 for comparing the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank.
Said means 122 for comparing the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank may comprise any suitable processing unit. Said means 122 for comparing the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank is according to an embodiment comprised in said electronic control unit 100. Said means 122 for comparing is thus arranged to compare the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the first tank with the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the second tank.
According to an embodiment the system I comprises means 130 for determining a malfunction of a check valve if the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank differs between the respective tank, the check valve for the tank having received less fuel than the other tank revealing a malfunction of that check valve. A malfunction is according to an embodiment determined if the amount differs more than a pre-determined value.
According to an embodiment said means 130 for determining a malfunction of a check valve is comprised in the means 120 for preforming a diagnosing.
According to an embodiment the system I comprises means 140 for determining the amount of fuel provided to said fuel tanks via said common fuel inlet. The means 140 for determining the amount of fuel provided to said fuel tanks via said common fuel inlet may comprise any suitable means for determining the amount of fuel provided to said fuel tanks via said common fuel inlet comprising any suitable detector such as e.g. a flow sensor or the like. The means 140 for determining the amount of fuel provided to said fuel tanks via said common fuel inlet may comprise means for determining the amount of fuel provided to said fuel inlet arranged in connection to the actual tank unit from which fuel is provided to said fuel inlet.
According to an embodiment the system I comprises means 150 for comparing said determined amount of fuel provided to said fuel tanks via said common fuel inlet with said determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank. Said means 150 for comparing said determined amount of fuel provided to said fuel tanks via said common fuel inlet with said determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank may comprise any suitable processing unit. Said means 150 for comparing said determined amount of fuel provided to said fuel tanks via said common fuel inlet with said determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank is according to an embodiment comprised in said electronic control unit 100.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 112 for determining the amount of fuel having been introduced into the first tank via a link 112-1. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 112-1 arranged to receive a signal from said means 112 representing data for amount of fuel having been introduced into the first tank.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 112a for detecting the level of the fuel introduced into the first tank via a link 112a1. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 112a1 arranged to receive a signal from said means 112a representing data for level of the fuel having been introduced into the first tank.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 114 for determining the amount of fuel having been introduced into the second tank via a link 114-1. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 114-1 arranged to receive a signal from said means 114 representing data for amount of fuel having been introduced into the second tank.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 114a for detecting the level of the fuel introduced into the second tank via a link 114a1. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 114a1 arranged to receive a signal from said means 114a representing data for level of the fuel having been introduced into the second tank.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 116 for presenting separated level result for the first tank related to the common inlet fuel provision via a link 116a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 116a arranged to send a signal to said means 116 representing presentation data for level of the fuel having been introduced into the first tank.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 118 for presenting separated level result for the second tank related to the common inlet fuel provision via a link 118a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 118a arranged to send a signal to said means 118 representing presentation data for level of the fuel having been introduced into the second tank.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 122 for comparing the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank via a link 122a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 122a arranged to send a signal to said means 122 representing data for amount of fuel having been introduced into the first tank.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 122 for comparing the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank via a link 122b. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 122b arranged to send a signal to said means 122 representing data for amount of fuel having been introduced into the second tank.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 120 for performing a diagnosing of the functionality of said check valves based on the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank via a link 120a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 120a arranged to receive a signal from said means 120 representing data for diagnosing of the functionality of said check valves comprising according to an embodiment data for possible difference between the amount of fuel in the respective tank.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 130 for determining a malfunction of a check valve if the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank differs between the respective tank, the check valve for the tank having received less fuel than the other tank revealing a malfunction of that check valve via a link 130a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 130a arranged to send a signal to said means 130 representing data for possible difference between the amount of fuel in the respective tank.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 130 for determining a malfunction of a check valve if the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank differs between the respective tank, the check valve for the tank having received less fuel than the other tank revealing a malfunction of that check valve via a link 130b. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 130b arranged to receive a signal from said means 130 representing data for malfunction of a check valve.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 140 for determining the amount of fuel provided to said fuel tanks via said common fuel inlet via a link 140a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 140a arranged to receive a signal from said means 140 representing data for amount of fuel provided to said fuel tanks via said common fuel inlet.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 150 for comparing said determined amount of fuel provided to said fuel tanks via said common fuel inlet with said determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank via a link 150a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 150a arranged to send a signal to said means 150 representing data determined for amount of fuel provided to said first fuel tank.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 150 for comparing said determined amount of fuel provided to said fuel tanks via said common fuel inlet with said determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank via a link 150b. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 150b arranged to send a signal to said means 150 representing data for determined amount of fuel provided to said second fuel tank.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 150 for comparing said determined amount of fuel provided to said fuel tanks via said common fuel inlet with said determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank via a link 150c. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 150c arranged to send a signal to said means 150 representing data for determined amount of fuel provided to said fuel tanks via said common fuel inlet.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 150 for comparing said determined amount of fuel provided to said fuel tanks via said common fuel inlet with said determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank via a link 150d. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 150c arranged to receive a signal from said means 150 representing data for comparison of determined amount of fuel provided to said fuel tanks via said common fuel inlet with said determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank via a link.
Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a block diagram of method for diagnosing check valves of a liquefied gas fuel system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Said fuel system has at least two separate liquefied gas fuel tanks for providing fuel to the engine of the vehicle, a common fuel inlet for providing fuel to the respective tank, and a check valve for each tank for allowing liquefied gas to be introduced into the respective tank.
According to the embodiment the method for diagnosing check valves of a liquefied gas fuel system comprises a step S1. In this step the amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank is determined.
According to the embodiment the method for diagnosing check valves of a liquefied gas fuel system comprises a step S2. In this step diagnosing of the functionality of said check valves is performed based on the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank.
Said at least two separate tanks comprises according to an embodiment a first tank and a second tank. The step of determining the amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank may comprise utilizing any suitable means for detecting the amount of fuel having been introduced into the first tank, i.e. utilizing detection means arranged in connection to the first tank for detecting the amount of fuel in the first tank and detection means arranged in connection to the second tank for detecting the amount of fuel in the second tank. The detection means for the first tank may comprise one or more level detectors for detecting the level of the fuel having been introduced into the first tank and the detection means for the second tank may comprise one or more level detectors for detecting the level of the fuel having been introduced into the second tank.
According to an embodiment of the method, the step of performing a diagnosing of the functionality of said check valves based on the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank comprises the step of comparing the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank.
According to an embodiment the method comprises the step of determining a malfunction of a check valve if the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank differs between the respective tank, the check valve for the tank having received less fuel than the other tank revealing a malfunction of that check valve. A malfunction of one of said check valves would result in the determined amount in that tank being less than in the other tank due to the malfunction of the check valve of that tank which may e.g. be incorrectly placed so that no fuel is allowed to enter into that tank or the one way function of the check valve is not functioning so that the fuel is allowed to escape out of that tank. A malfunction of a check valve is according to an embodiment determined if the determined amount of fuel in the respective tank differs more than a predetermined value.
According to an embodiment the method comprises the step of determining the amount of fuel provided to said fuel tanks via said common fuel inlet.
According to an embodiment of the method the step of determining the amount of fuel introduced into the respective tank comprises the step of detecting the level of fuel introduced into each tank; and presenting separated level results for the respective tank related to the common inlet fuel provision.
With reference to figure 6, a diagram of an apparatus 500 is shown. The control unit 100 described with reference to fig. 4 may according to an embodiment comprise apparatus 500. Apparatus 500 comprises a nonvolatile memory 520, a data processing device 510 and a read/write memory 550. Non-volatile memory 520 has a first memory portion 530 wherein a computer program, such as an operating system, is stored for controlling the function of apparatus 500. Further, apparatus 500 comprises a bus controller, a serial communication port, I/O-means, an A/D-converter, a time date entry and transmission unit, an event counter and an interrupt controller (not shown). Non-volatile memory 520 also has a second memory portion 540.
A computer program P is provided comprising routines for diagnosing check valves of a liquefied gas fuel system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Said fuel system has two separate liquefied gas fuel tanks for providing fuel to the engine of the vehicle, a common fuel inlet for providing fuel to both tanks, and a check valve for each tank for allowing liquefied gas to be introduced into the respective tank. The program P comprises routines for determining the amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank. The program P comprises routines for performing a diagnosing of the functionality of said check valves based on the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank. The routines for performing a diagnosing of the functionality of said check valves based on the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank comprises routines for comparing the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank. The program P comprises routines for determining a malfunction of a check valve if the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank differs between the respective tank, the check valve for the tank having received less fuel than the other tank revealing a malfunction of that check valve. The program P comprises routines for determining the amount of fuel provided to said fuel tanks via said common fuel inlet. The routines for determining the amount of fuel introduced into the respective tank comprises the step of detecting the level of fuel introduced into each tank; and presenting separated level results for the respective tank related to the common inlet fuel provision. The computer program P may be stored in an executable manner or in a compressed condition in a separate memory 560 and/or in read/write memory 550.
When it is stated that data processing device 510 performs a certain function it should be understood that data processing device 510 performs a certain part of the program which is stored in separate memory 560, or a certain part of the program which is stored in read/write memory 550.
Data processing device 510 may communicate with a data communications port 599 by means of a data bus 515. Non-volatile memory 520 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 512. Separate memory 560 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 511. Read/write memory 550 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 514. To the data communications port 599 e.g. the links connected to the control units 100 may be connected.
When data is received on data port 599 it is temporarily stored in second memory portion 540. When the received input data has been temporarily stored, data processing device 510 is set up to perform execution of code in a manner described above. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for determining the amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for performing a diagnosing of the functionality of said check valves based on the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank. The signals used by apparatus 500 for performing a diagnosing of the functionality of said check valves based on the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank are used for comparing the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 determining a malfunction of a check valve if the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank differs between the respective tank, the check valve for the tank having received less fuel than the other tank revealing a malfunction of that check valve. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 determining the amount of fuel provided to said fuel tanks via said common fuel inlet. The signals used by apparatus 500 for determining the amount of fuel introduced into the respective tank comprises signals used for detecting the level of fuel introduced into each tank; and presenting separated level results for the respective tank related to the common inlet fuel provision.
Parts of the methods described herein can be performed by apparatus 500 by means of data processing device 510 running the program stored in separate memory 560 or read/write memory 550. When apparatus 500 runs the program, parts of the methods described herein are executed.
The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims (13)

1. A method for diagnosing check valves of a liquefied gas fuel system for a vehicle (1), said fuel system (A) having at least two separate liquefied gas fuel tanks (10, 20) for providing fuel to the engine (E) of the vehicle (1), a common fuel inlet (32) for providing fuel to the respective tank, and a check valve (50, 60) for each tank (10, 20) for allowing liquefied gas to be introduced into the respective tank, characterized by the steps of: determining the amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank (10, 20); and, based on the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank, performing a diagnosing of the functionality of said check valves (50, 60).
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of performing a diagnosing of the functionality of said check valves (50, 60) based on the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank (10, 20) comprises the step of comparing the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank (10, 20).
3. A method according to claim 2, comprising the step of determining a malfunction of a check valve (50, 60) if the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank (10, 20) differs between the respective tank (10, 20), the check valve (50, 60) for the tank (10, 20) having received less fuel than the other tank (10, 20) revealing a malfunction of that check valve (50, 60).
4. A method according to any of claims 1-3, comprising the step of determining the amount of fuel provided to said fuel tanks (10, 20) via said common fuel inlet.
5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the step of determining the amount of fuel introduced into the respective tank (10, 20) comprises the step of detecting the level of fuel introduced into each tank (10, 20); and presenting separated level results for the respective tank (10, 20) related to the common inlet fuel provision.
6. A system for diagnosing check valves of a liquefied gas fuel system for a vehicle (1), said fuel system having at least two separate liquefied gas fuel tanks (10, 20) for providing fuel to the engine (E) of the vehicle (1), a common fuel inlet (32) for providing fuel to the respective tank (10, 20), and a check valve (50, 60) for each tank (10, 20) for allowing liquefied gas to be introduced into the respective tank (10, 20), characterized by means (110) for determining the amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank (10, 20); and, means (120) for performing a diagnosing of the functionality of said check valves (50, 60) based on the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank (10, 20).
7. A system according to claim 6, wherein the means (120) for performing a diagnosing of the functionality of said check valves (50, 60) based on the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank (10, 20) comprises means (122) for comparing the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank (10, 20).
8. A system according to claim 7, comprising means (130) for determining a malfunction of a check valve (50, 60) if the determined amount of fuel having been introduced into the respective tank (10, 20) differs between the respective tank (10, 20), the check valve (50, 60) for the tank (10, 20) having received less fuel than the other tank (10, 20) revealing a malfunction of that check valve (50, 60).
9. A system according to any of claims 6-8, comprising means (140) for determining the amount of fuel provided to said fuel tanks (10, 20) via said common fuel inlet.
10. A system according to claim 9, wherein the means (110) for determining the amount of fuel introduced into the respective tank (10, 20) comprises means (112a, 114a) for detecting the level of fuel introduced into each tank (10, 20); and means (116, 118) for presenting separated level results for the respective tank (10, 20) related to the common inlet fuel provision.
11. A vehicle (1) comprising a system according to any of claims 6-10.
12. A computer program (P) for diagnosing check valves of a liquefied gas fuel system for a vehicle, said computer program (P) comprising program code which, when run on an electronic control unit (100) or another computer (500) connected to the electronic control unit (100), causes the electronic control unit to perform the steps according to claim 1-5.
13. A computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to anyone of claim 1 -5.
SE1651496A 2016-11-16 2016-11-16 An arrangement for diagnosing check valves of a liquefied gas fuel system SE540346C2 (en)

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