SE540432C2 - Fuel supply arrangement and ground based vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Herein a fuel supply arrangement (1) is disclosed for a ground based vehicle (3). The fuel supply arrangement (1) comprises a first fuel tank (5) comprising a first fuel tank connection (7), at least a second fuel tank (9) comprising a second fuel tank connection (11), a first pump (13), and a fuel vessel (15). The fuel vessel (15) comprises an outlet (17), a first inlet (19) and at least a second inlet (21). The first inlet (19) is fluidically connected to the first fuel tank connection (7), the second inlet (21) is fluidically connected to the second fuel tank connection (11), and the first pump (13) is fluidically connected to the outlet (17) of the fuel vessel (15). The first pump (13) is configured to pump fuel from the first fuel tank (5) and the at least second fuel tank (9) via the fuel vessel (15). The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle (3) comprising a fuel supply arrangement (1).

Description

FUEL SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT AND GROUND BASED VEHICLE TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a fuel supply arrangement for a ground based vehicle and a ground based vehicle comprising a combustion engine and a fuel supply arrangement.

BACKGROUND Fuel supply arrangements comprising multiple fuel tanks are common especially for heavy duty vehicles such as trucks. Multiple fuel tanks are used to prolong the possible driving range of the vehicle. Fuel supply arrangements comprising multiple fuel tanks usually comprise a fuel pump configured to pump fuel from a first fuel tank of the multiple fuel tanks. Further fuel tanks of the multiple fuel tanks are fluidically connected to the first fuel tank via ducts. During driving, fuel is pumped from the first fuel tank and as the fuel level in the first fuel tank decreases, fuel flows via the ducts from the further fuel tank to the first fuel tank by the communicating vessels principle.

A common problem of fuel supply arrangements, and especially of those described above, is suction of air in the pump configured to pump fuel from the first fuel tank. The suction of air may be caused by fuel splash in one of the fuel tanks. Such suction of air may cause problems and malfunctions of the fuel supply arrangement as well as a combustion engine connected thereto. In addition, such suction of air may be harmful for the pump.

The document WO 2013084018 A1 relates to a vehicle fuel tank arrangement for a fuel comprising at least a first fluid and a second fluid. The tank arrangement comprises a tank, a partition wall arranged inside the tank in order to create at least a first compartment for storing the first fluid and a second compartment for storing the second fluid. The position of the partition wall inside the tank can be changed to set the volume of the first compartment, respectively the second compartment, to a predetermined value.

In view of the above, there is a need for an improved fuel supply arrangement.

SUMMARY It is an object of the present invention to provide a reliable fuel supply arrangement for a ground based vehicle.

According to an aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a fuel supply arrangement for a ground based vehicle comprising a first fuel tank comprising a first fuel tank connection, at least a second fuel tank comprising a second fuel tank connection, a first pump, and a fuel vessel comprising an outlet, a first inlet and at least a second inlet. The first inlet is fluidically connected to the first fuel tank connection. The second inlet is fluidically connected to the second fuel tank connection. The first pump is fluidically connected to the outlet of the fuel vessel, and the first pump is configured to pump fuel from the first fuel tank and the at least second fuel tank via the fuel vessel. Since the first pump is configured to pump fuel from the first fuel tank and the at least second fuel tank via the fuel vessel, the risk of suction of air is reduced. This since the first pump will pump fuel directly from the first fuel tank and the at least second fuel tank via the fuel vessel, instead of relying on the communicating vessels principle. Thereby, problems and malfunction of the fuel supply arrangement, as well as a combustion engine connected thereto, can be avoided. In addition, damages of the pump can be avoided.

The fuel supply arrangement further comprises a first valve and at least a second valve, wherein the first valve is configured to close fluid connection through the first fuel tank connection in case a fuel level in the first fuel tank is below a threshold level, and wherein the at least second valve is configured to close fluid connection through the second fuel tank connection in case a fuel level in the second fuel tank is below a threshold level. Thereby, a fuel supply arrangement is provided in which the risk of suction of air is even further reduced since the first valve will close fluid connection through the first fuel tank connection in case a fuel level in the first fuel tank is below the threshold level, and the second valve will close fluid connection through the second fuel tank connection in case a fuel level in the second fuel tank is below a threshold level. Accordingly, a fuel supply arrangement is provided with even further improved reliability.

Accordingly, a reliable fuel supply arrangement for a ground based vehicle is provided. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

Optionally, the first pump and the fuel vessel are arranged at the first fuel tank. Thereby, a fuel supply arrangement is provided facilitating service and maintenance of the fuel supply arrangement. In addition, routing of pipes fluidically connecting the first pump to the fuel vessel and the fuel tanks may be facilitated.

Optionally, the fuel supply arrangement further comprises a buffer tank, wherein the first pump is configured to pump fuel from the first fuel tank and the at least second fuel tank to the buffer tank. Thereby, a fuel supply arrangement is provided in which air and/or water, if pumped from any of the fuel tanks, can be handled in the buffer tank.

Optionally, the fuel supply arrangement further comprises a tank module, wherein the first pump, the fuel vessel and the buffer tank are arranged in the tank module. Thereby, a fuel supply arrangement is provided which easily can be maintained. Further, routing of pipes fluidically connecting the first pump, the fuel vessel and the buffer tank may be facilitated.

Optionally, the fuel supply arrangement further comprises a second pump arranged to pump fuel from the buffer tank to a high-pressure pump of the ground based vehicle. Thereby, flow of fuel to the high-pressure pump is ensured, even if some air or water is sucked from one of the first fuel tank, or the at least second fuel tank, since the second pump is configured to pump fuel from the buffer tank. As a result, reliability of the fuel supply arrangement is further improved since in case of any suction of air or water, the air or water sucked will be handled in the buffer tank.

Optionally, the fuel supply arrangement further comprises a fuel level monitoring unit arranged to monitor a fuel level in the buffer tank, wherein the arrangement further comprises a control unit connected to the fuel level monitoring unit and the first pump, wherein the control unit is configured to keep the fuel level in the buffer tank above a predetermined threshold level by controlling pumping of the first pump. Thereby, a fuel supply arrangement is provided with even further improved reliability since a sufficient fuel level in the buffer tank can be ensured.

Optionally, the first valve and the at least second valve each comprises an electrical actuator, a valve body and a valve seat, and wherein the electrical actuator is connected to the valve body and is arranged to control the position of the valve body relative the valve seat between an open position and a closed position to control fluid connection through the respective first and at least second fuel tank connection. Thereby, a fuel supply arrangement is provided with even further improved reliability since closure is ensured of a fluid connection through the respective first and at least second fuel tank connection.

Optionally, the first valve is arranged in the first fuel tank and the at least second valve is arranged in the at least second fuel tank, wherein the first valve and the at least second valve each comprises a float and a switch, wherein the float is connected to the switch and is arranged to actuate the switch in case a fuel level in the fuel tank, is below a threshold level, and wherein the electrical actuator is connected to the switch and is arranged to, upon actuation of the switch, control the position of the valve body to the closed position. Thereby, a fuel supply arrangement is provided with even further improved reliability since closure of a fluid connection is ensured through a fuel tank connection of a fuel tank about to become empty.

Optionally, the arrangement further comprises a control unit connected to the electrical actuators of the first valve and the at least second valve, wherein one of the first fuel tank and the at least second fuel tank comprises a fuel tank inlet provided with a filler lid movably arranged at the fuel tank inlet between an open position and a closed position, wherein the arrangement further comprises a sensor connected to the control unit, wherein the sensor is arranged to detect the position of the filler lid, and wherein the control unit is configured to, in case the filler lid is moved to the open position, control the first and the at least second valves, being in a closed position to an open position. Thereby, a fuel supply arrangement is provided facilitating filling of the first fuel tank and the at least second fuel tank, since when the filler lid is moved to the open position, any of the first and the at least second valves, being in a closed position will be controlled to the open position. Thereby, the first fuel tank and the at least second fuel tank can be filled simply by filling one of the first fuel tank and the at least second fuel tank via the fuel tank inlet.

Optionally, the valve seat is frustoconical and wherein a surface of the valve body arranged to abut against the valve seat is convex. When a fuel tank is about to become empty, the risk is increased that particles in the fuel becomes trapped between the valve body and the valve seat. However, since the valve seat is frustoconical and since the surface of the valve body arranged to abut against the valve seat is convex, such risk is reduced. Accordingly, a fuel supply arrangement is provided with even further improved reliability since the risk is reduced that any particles in the fuel is hindering a fully closure of the respective valve.

Optionally, each fuel tank comprises a partition compartment arranged at a bottom of respective fuel tank and wherein each valve is arranged in a respective partition compartment. Thereby, suction of air caused by fuel splash is avoided. In addition, the risk for any particles in the fuel hindering a fully closure of the respective valve is further reduced. Accordingly, a fuel supply arrangement is provided with even further improved reliability.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a ground based vehicle having conditions for a reliable operation of a combustion engine of the ground based vehicle.

According to an aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a ground based vehicle comprising a combustion engine and a fuel supply arrangement according to some embodiments, wherein the fuel supply arrangement is configured to supply fuel to the combustion engine of the ground based vehicle. Since the ground based vehicle comprises a fuel supply arrangement according to some embodiments being configured to supply fuel to the combustion engine of the ground based vehicle, a ground based vehicle is provided having conditions for a reliable operation of the combustion engine.

As a result, the above mentioned object is achieved.

Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the example embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a fuel supply arrangement for a ground based vehicle, according to some embodiments, Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a first fuel tank of a fuel supply arrangement, according to some embodiments.

Fig. 3a schematically illustrates a valve in an open position, according to some embodiments.

Fig. 3b schematically illustrates the valve illustrated in Fig. 3a in a closed position, and Fig. 4 illustrates a ground based vehicle comprising a combustion engine and a fuel supply arrangement, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Aspects of the present invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a fuel supply arrangement 1 for a ground based vehicle. The fuel supply arrangement 1 comprises a first fuel tank 5 comprising a first fuel tank connection 7, a second fuel tank 9 comprising a second fuel tank connection 11, and a third fuel tank 10 comprising a third fuel tank connection 12. Accordingly, the fuel supply arrangement 1 comprises multiple fuel tanks 5, 9, 10, in the illustrated embodiments, three fuel tanks 5, 9, 10. The fuel supply arrangement 1 may comprise another number of fuel tanks than three, for example two, four, five, six, seven eight, etc., where each tank is provided with a fuel tank connection. The fuel supply arrangement 1 further comprises a fuel vessel 15 comprising an outlet 17, a first inlet 19, a second inlet 21, and a third inlet 22. The first inlet 19 is fluidically connected to the first fuel tank connection 7 of the first fuel tank 5. The second inlet 21 is fluidically connected to the second fuel tank connection 11 of the second fuel tank 9. The third inlet 22 is fluidically connected to the third fuel tank connection 12 of the third fuel tank 10. Accordingly, the fuel vessel 15 comprises one inlet 19, 21, 22 per fuel tank 5, 9, 10. In embodiments of the fuel supply arrangement 1 comprising two fuel tanks, the fuel vessel 15 comprises two inlets, and embodiments where the fuel supply arrangement 1 comprises four or more fuel tanks, the fuel vessel 15 comprises a number of inlets corresponding to the number of tanks, where a tank connection of each tank is fluidically connected to an inlet of the fuel vessel 15. The fuel vessel 15 comprises an inner volume fluidically connected to the outlet 17 and to each of the inlets 19, 21, 22. The fuel vessel 15 illustrated in Fig. 1 comprises a circular cross section and may be referred to as a fuel rail, fuel canister, or similar. According to further embodiments, the fuel vessel 15 may comprise a square cross section, or the like. In still further embodiments, the fuel vessel 15 may be spherical.

The fuel supply arrangement 1 comprises a first pump 13 fluidically connected to the outlet 17 of the fuel vessel 15. The first pump 13 is configured to pump fuel from the first fuel tank 5, the second fuel tank 9 and the third fuel tank 10 via the fuel vessel 15. Due to this arrangement, the first pump 13 causes an under-pressure in the inner volume of the fuel vessel 15 which is evenly distributed to each inlet 19, 21, 22 of the fuel vessel 15. As a result, an essentially even flow rate of fuel from each fuel tank 5, 9, 10 through the fuel vessel 15 will be obtained.

The fuel supply arrangement 1 further comprises a buffer tank 23, wherein the first pump 13 is configured to pump fuel from the first fuel tank 5, the second fuel tank 9 and the third fuel tank 10 to the buffer tank 23 via a water separating filter 26. The fuel supply arrangement 1 further comprises a second pump 25 arranged to pump fuel from the buffer tank 23 to a highpressure pump 27 of the ground based vehicle. The high-pressure pump 27 is arranged to increase pressure of fuel before the fuel is supplied to an internal combustion engine 57 of the ground based vehicle. Due to this arrangement, any water or air sucked from any of the tanks 5, 9, 10 by the first pump 13 is handled in the buffer tank 23. The first pump 13, the second pump 25 and the high-pressure pump 27 may comprise a CAN-type pump. In the illustrated embodiments, the second pump 25 is arranged to pump fuel from the buffer tank 23 to a high-pressure pump 27 of the ground based vehicle via a fuel filter 28. The fuel supply arrangement 1 may comprise more fuel filters, for example between the buffer tank 23 and the second pump 25.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a first fuel tank 1 of a fuel supply arrangement 1, according to some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiments, the first pump 13 and the fuel vessel 15 are arranged at the first fuel tank 5. The fuel supply arrangement 1 further comprises a tank module 24, wherein the first pump 13, the fuel vessel 15 and the buffer tank 23 are arranged in the tank module 24. Thereby, a fuel supply arrangement 1 is provided facilitating service and maintenance of the fuel supply arrangement 1. In further embodiments, the fuel vessel 15 may be arranged under the first tank 5, e.g. under the tank module 24.

The fuel supply arrangement 1 according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1, further comprises a fuel level monitoring unit 29 arranged to monitor a fuel level in the buffer tank 23. The fuel supply arrangement 1 further comprises a control unit 31 connected to the fuel level monitoring unit 29 and the first pump 13. The control unit 31 is configured to keep the fuel level in the buffer tank 23 above a predetermined threshold level by controlling pumping of the first pump 13 on the basis of the fuel level in the buffer tank 23 monitored by the fuel level monitoring unit 29. Thereby, a sufficient fuel level in the buffer tank 23 is ensured and suction of air of the second pump 25 can be avoided. As mentioned, the first pump 13 is configured to pump fuel to the buffer tank 23 and the second pump 25 is configured to pump fuel from the buffer tank 23. Further, as illustrated, the control unit 31 may also be connected to the second pump 25 and may be configured to control pumping thereof. The control unit 31 may control pumping of the first pump 13 on the basis of pumping of the second pump 25 to keep the fuel level in the buffer tank 23 above a predetermined threshold level and may supplement such control on the basis of the monitored fuel level in the buffer tank 23.

The fuel supply arrangement 1 further comprises a first valve 33, a second valve 35 and a third valve 36. The first valve 33 is arranged at the first fuel tank connection 7 of the first fuel tank 5 and is configured to close fluid connection through the first fuel tank connection 7 in case a fuel level in the first fuel tank 5 is below a threshold level. The second valve 35 is arranged at the second fuel tank connection 11 of the second fuel tank 9 and is configured to close fluid connection through the second fuel tank connection 11 in case a fuel level in the second fuel tank 9 is below a threshold level. The third valve 36 is arranged at the third fuel tank connection 12 of the third fuel tank 10 and is configured to close fluid connection through the third fuel tank connection 12 in case a fuel level in the third fuel tank 10 is below a threshold level. Accordingly, the fuel tanks 5, 9, 10 comprises a valve 33, 35, 36 each at the respective fuel tank connection 7, 11, 12 configured to close fluid connection therethrough in case the fuel level in the fuel tank 5, 9, 10 is below a threshold level.

Accordingly, in embodiments where the fuel supply arrangement 1 comprises more than three fuel tanks, for example five fuel tanks, each of the five fuel tanks comprises a valve at the fuel tank connection configured to close fluid connection therethrough in case the fuel level in the respective fuel tank is below a threshold level. Thereby, suction of air of the first pump 13 is avoided.

Fig. 3a schematically illustrates a first valve 33 in an open position, according to some embodiments. Fig. 3b schematically illustrates the first valve 33 illustrated in Fig. 3a in a closed position. The second and third valve 35, 36 illustrated in Fig. 1 may comprise the same type of valve with the layout of the valve as is illustrated in Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b. Thus, in such embodiments, the valve 33 illustrated in Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b can also be said to represent the second and/or third valve 35, 36. The first valve 33 comprises an electrical actuator 37, a valve body 39 and a valve seat 41. The electrical actuator 37 is connected to the valve body 39 and is arranged to control the position of the valve body 39 relative the valve seat 41 between an open position, as illustrate in Fig. 3a, and a closed position, as illustrated in Fig. 3b, to control fluid connection through the first fuel tank connection 7.

The electrical actuator 37 may comprise an electro-mechanical actuator such as a solenoid. According to the illustrated embodiments, the valve seat 41 is frustoconical and a surface 53 of the valve body 39 arranged to abut against the valve seat 41 is convex. Thereby, the risk is reduced that any particles in the fuel becomes trapped between the valve body 39 and the valve seat 41 thereby hindering a fully closure of the valve 33. In addition, a greater cross section between the valve body 39 and the valve seat 41 is provided for a shorter stroke of the actuator 37. Therefore, less flow resistance through the valve 33 can be provided whilst using an electrical actuator 37 with a short stroke distance. In the illustrated embodiments, the valve body 39 is dome-shaped. However, the valve body 39 may comprise another shape, such as a shape where at least the surface 53 of the valve body 39 arranged to abut against the valve seat 41 is convex. In further embodiments, the valve seat 41 may be convex and a surface 53 of the valve body 39 arranged to abut against the valve seat 41 may be frustoconical. Even though it may be more difficult to produce, the same advantages may be obtained with such a valve.

The valve 33 comprises a partition compartment 55 formed by partition walls 56 and a screen 58 in an upper portion of the partition compartment 55. The screen 58 comprises a plurality of openings arranged to allow flow of fuel from the fuel tank through the screen 58 into the partition compartment 55. The screen 58 may also function as a fuel filter hindering particles over a certain size to enter the partition compartment 55. A valve 33 with the partition compartment 55 as illustrated in Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b is arranged at bottom of respective fuel tank 5, 9, 10, illustrated in Fig. 1.

According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3a and 3b, the valve 33 comprises a float and a switch 45. The float 43 is connected to the switch 45 and is arranged to actuate the switch 45 in case a fuel level in the fuel tank 5, 9 is below a threshold level. In the illustrated embodiments, the threshold level is determined on the basis of a height of the partition walls 56 and of the size of the fuel tank. That is, if the fuel level in one of the fuel tanks becomes below the threshold level, i.e. below an upper edge of the partition walls 56, the float will sink and actuate the switch 45 as the fuel in the partition compartment 55 is pumped out of the partition compartment via the tank connection 7. The electrical actuator 37 is connected to the switch 45 and is arranged to, upon actuation of the switch 45, control the position of the valve body 39 from the open position, as is illustrated in Fig. 3a, to the closed position, as is illustrated in Fig. 3b.

As illustrated in Fig. 1, the first valve 33 is arranged in the first fuel tank 5, the second valve 35 is arranged in the second fuel tank 9 and the third valve 36 is arranged in the third fuel tank 10. Therefore, if the fuel level in one of the fuel tanks becomes below the threshold level, the float will sink and actuate the switch and the electrical actuator will control the position of the valve body to the closed position. Thereby, suction of air in the first pump 13 is avoided.

According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1, the fuel supply arrangement 1 further comprises a control unit 31 connected to the electrical actuators of the respective valve 33, 35, 36 of the respective fuel tank 5, 9, 10, which in the illustrated embodiments are the first valve 33, the second valve 35 and the third valve 36. According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1, the first fuel tank 5 comprises a fuel tank inlet 47 provided with a filler lid 49 movably arranged at the fuel tank inlet 47 between an open position and a closed position. The fuel supply arrangement 1 further comprises a sensor 51 connected to the control unit 31, wherein the sensor 51 is arranged to detect the position of the filler lid 49. The control unit 31 is configured to, in case the filler lid 49 is moved to the open position, control the all of the valves, i.e. the first valve 33, the second valve 35 and the third valve 36 in the illustrated embodiments, being in a closed position to an open position. Thereby, during filling of the first tank 5, the fuel will flow through the first tank connection 7 to the other fuel tanks 9, 10 via the fuel vessel 15. Accordingly, a user can, due to this arrangement, refill all fuel tanks 5, 9, 10 simply by filling the first tank 5. Accordingly, a fuel supply arrangement 1 is provided having multiple fuel tanks 5, 9, 10 and the above described advantages of avoidance of sucking of air and/or water into the fuel pumps 13, 25 while being simple to refill.

According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1, the first fuel tank 5 comprises the fuel tank inlet 47 provided with the filler lid 49. However, according to further embodiments, one of the other fuel tanks 9, 10 may comprise the fuel tank inlet 47 provided with the filler lid 49. In the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1, the filler lid 49 is illustrated as a filler cap. However, according to further embodiments, the filler lid 49 comprises an inner lid inside the fuel tank inlet 47 being movably arranged at the fuel tank inlet 47 between an open position and a closed position. Thus, in such embodiments, the sensor 51 is arranged to detect the position of the inner lid.

The control unit 31 may comprise a calculation unit which may take the form of substantially any suitable type of processor circuit or microcomputer, e.g. a circuit for digital signal processing (digital signal processor, DSP), a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a processing unit, a processing circuit, a processor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a microprocessor, or other processing logic that may interpret and execute instructions. The herein utilised expression “calculation unit” may represent a processing circuitry comprising a plurality of processing circuits, such as, e.g., any, some or all of the ones mentioned above. The control unit 31 may comprise a memory unit connected to a calculation unit of the control unit 31 which may provide the calculation unit with, for example, the stored programme code and/or stored data which the calculation unit needs to enable it to do calculations.

Control systems in modern vehicles generally comprise a communication bus system consisting of one or more communication buses for connecting a number of electronic control units (ECUs), or controllers, to various components on board the vehicle. Such a control system may comprise a large number of control units and taking care of a specific function may be shared between two or more of them. Vehicles of the type here concerned are therefore often provided with significantly more control units than depicted in FIG. 1, as one skilled in the art will surely appreciate.

Fig. 4 illustrates a ground based vehicle 3 comprising a combustion engine 57 and a fuel supply arrangement 1 according to some embodiments. The fuel supply arrangement 1 is configured to supply fuel to the combustion engine 57 of the ground based vehicle 3. The combustion engine 57 may comprise a diesel engine or a petrol engine. The vehicle 3 illustrated in Fig. 4 is a truck. However, the fuel supply arrangement 1 provided may be configured to supply fuel to a combustion engine 57 of another type of manned or unmanned vehicle for land based propulsion such as a lorry, a construction vehicle, a tractor, a car, etc.

It is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and that the invention is defined only by the appended claims. A person skilled in the art will realize that the example embodiments may be modified, and that different features of the example embodiments may be combined to create embodiments other than those described herein, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

As used herein, the term "comprising" or "comprises" is open-ended, and includes one or more stated features, elements, steps, components or functions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components, functions or groups thereof.

Claims (12)

1. A fuel supply arrangement (1) for a ground based vehicle (3) comprising: - a first fuel tank (5) comprising a first fuel tank connection (7), - at least a second fuel tank (9) comprising a second fuel tank connection (11), - a first pump (13), and a fuel vessel (15) comprising an outlet (17), a first inlet (19) and at least a second inlet (21), wherein the first inlet (19) is fluidically connected to the first fuel tank connection (7), wherein the second inlet (21) is fluidically connected to the second fuel tank connection (11), wherein the first pump (13) is fluidically connected to the outlet (17) of the fuel vessel (15), and wherein the first pump (13) is configured to pump fuel from the first fuel tank (5) and the at least second fuel tank (9) via the fuel vessel (15), characterized in that the supply arrangement (1) further comprises a first valve (33) and at least a second valve (35), wherein the first valve (33) is configured to close fluid connection through the first fuel tank connection (7) in case a fuel level in the first fuel tank (5) is below a threshold level, and wherein the at least second valve (35) is configured to close fluid connection through the second fuel tank connection (11) in case a fuel level in the second fuel tank (9) is below a threshold level.

2. The fuel supply arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first pump (13) and the fuel vessel (15) are arranged at the first fuel tank (5).

3. The fuel supply arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a buffer tank (23), wherein the first pump (13) is configured to pump fuel from the first fuel tank (5) and the at least second fuel tank (9) to the buffer tank (23).

4. The fuel supply arrangement (1) according to claim 3, further comprising a tank module (24), wherein the first pump (13), the fuel vessel (15) and the buffer tank (23) are arranged in the tank module (24).

5. The fuel supply arrangement (1) according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising a second pump (25) arranged to pump fuel from the buffer tank (23) to a high-pressure pump (27) of the ground based vehicle (3).

6. The fuel supply arrangement (1) according to any one of the claims 3 - 5, further comprising a fuel level monitoring unit (29) arranged to monitor a fuel level in the buffer tank (23), wherein the arrangement (1) further comprises a control unit (31) connected to the fuel level monitoring unit (29) and the first pump (13), wherein the control unit (31) is configured to keep the fuel level in the buffer tank (23) above a predetermined threshold level by controlling pumping of the first pump (13).

7. The fuel supply arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first valve (33) and the at least second valve (35) each comprises an electrical actuator (37), a valve body (39) and a valve seat (41), and wherein the electrical actuator (37) is connected to the valve body (39) and is arranged to control the position of the valve body (39) relative the valve seat (41) between an open position and a closed position to control fluid connection through the respective first and at least second fuel tank connection (7, 11).

8. The fuel supply arrangement (1) according to claim 7, wherein the first valve (33) is arranged in the first fuel tank (5) and the at least second valve (35) is arranged in the at least second fuel tank (9), wherein the first valve (33) and the at least second valve (35) each comprises a float (43) and a switch (45), wherein the float (43) is connected to the switch (45) and is arranged to actuate the switch (45) in case a fuel level in the fuel tank (5, 9) is below a threshold level, and wherein the electrical actuator (37) is connected to the switch (45) and is arranged to, upon actuation of the switch (45), control the position of the valve body (39) to the closed position.

9. The fuel supply arrangement (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the arrangement (1) further comprises a control unit (31) connected to the electrical actuators (37) of the first valve (33) and the at least second valve (35), wherein one of the first fuel tank (5) and the at least second fuel tank (9) comprises a fuel tank inlet (47) provided with a filler lid (49) movably arranged at the fuel tank inlet (47) between an open position and a closed position, wherein the arrangement (1) further comprises a sensor (51) connected to the control unit (31), wherein the sensor (51) is arranged to detect the position of the filler lid (49), and wherein the control unit (31) is configured to, in case the filler lid (49) is moved to the open position, control the first and the at least second valves (33, 35) being in a closed position to an open position.

10. The fuel supply arrangement (1) according to claim 7-9, wherein the valve seat (41) is frustoconical and wherein a surface (53) of the valve body (39) arranged to abut against the valve seat (41) is convex.

11. The fuel supply arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each fuel tank (5, 9) comprises a partition compartment (55) arranged at a bottom of respective fuel tank (5, 9), and wherein each valve (33, 35) is arranged in a respective partition compartment (55).

12. A ground based vehicle (3) comprising a combustion engine (57) and a fuel supply arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fuel supply arrangement (1) is configured to supply fuel to the combustion engine (57) of the ground based vehicle (3).