US20050040834A1 - Fuel quality sensor assembly and method of use - Google Patents
Fuel quality sensor assembly and method of use Download PDFInfo
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- US20050040834A1 US20050040834A1 US10/961,714 US96171404A US2005040834A1 US 20050040834 A1 US20050040834 A1 US 20050040834A1 US 96171404 A US96171404 A US 96171404A US 2005040834 A1 US2005040834 A1 US 2005040834A1
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 9
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 title abstract description 43
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 57
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 43
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 14
- OKKJLVBELUTLKV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methanol Chemical compound OC OKKJLVBELUTLKV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 9
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 5
- LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethanol Chemical compound CCO LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- BZLVMXJERCGZMT-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methyl tert-butyl ether Chemical compound COC(C)(C)C BZLVMXJERCGZMT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 3
- KBPLFHHGFOOTCA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-Octanol Chemical compound CCCCCCCCO KBPLFHHGFOOTCA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- LRHPLDYGYMQRHN-UHFFFAOYSA-N N-Butanol Chemical compound CCCCO LRHPLDYGYMQRHN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- AMQJEAYHLZJPGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N N-Pentanol Chemical compound CCCCCO AMQJEAYHLZJPGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000001298 alcohols Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 2
- -1 for example Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N gold Chemical compound [Au] PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052737 gold Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010931 gold Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N platinum Chemical compound [Pt] BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- BDERNNFJNOPAEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N propan-1-ol Chemical compound CCCO BDERNNFJNOPAEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silver Chemical compound [Ag] BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfur Chemical compound [S] NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000005085 air analysis Methods 0.000 description 1
- 125000001931 aliphatic group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000004945 aromatic hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 125000003118 aryl group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000002170 ethers Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 1
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910001092 metal group alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- TVMXDCGIABBOFY-UHFFFAOYSA-N octane Chemical compound CCCCCCCC TVMXDCGIABBOFY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000011368 organic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052697 platinum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004332 silver Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 229910052717 sulfur Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
- G01N27/02—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance
- G01N27/22—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating capacitance
- G01N27/221—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating capacitance by investigating the dielectric properties
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
- G01N33/26—Oils; Viscous liquids; Paints; Inks
- G01N33/28—Oils, i.e. hydrocarbon liquids
- G01N33/2835—Specific substances contained in the oils or fuels
- G01N33/2852—Alcohol in fuels
Definitions
- Microwave fuel composition sensors utilize the fuels overall dielectric constant through microwave attenuation. Besides adding significant cost, these sensors operate at extremely high frequencies (e.g., 1-30 Giga Hertz) and generate amounts of electromagnetic noise that can interfere with other electronic components.
- these sensors operate at extremely high frequencies (e.g., 1-30 Giga Hertz) and generate amounts of electromagnetic noise that can interfere with other electronic components.
- a sensing element for measuring a fluid composition comprising: an electrode base having a first electrode and a second electrode disposed thereon; the first electrode and said second electrode being electrically isolated from one another; said first electrode and said second electrode being configured, dimensioned, and positioned to define a gap therebetween such that electrical conduction through the fluid within said gap is proportional to the composition of said fluid.
- a combined fluid pressure regulator and assembly for sensing a fluid composition, comprising: a sensing element disposed within a fluid flow path located within a fluid pressure regulator housing; said sensing element comprising: an electrode base having a first electrode and a second electrode disposed thereon; said first electrode and said second electrode being electrically isolated from one another except through an external circuitry; said electrode base having an inner surface and an outer surface separated by a thickness; said outer surface being continuously disposed around a central axis to form an essentially cylindrical shape; said electrode base defining a flow path parallel to said central axis having a flow path length; said first electrode being a plurality of first electrode teeth disposed on said inner surface depending away from said outer surface towards said central axis; said second electrode being a plurality of second electrode teeth on said inner surface depending away from said outer surface towards said central axis; said first electrode teeth and said second electrode teeth being configured, dimensioned, and positioned in a substantially alternating pattern to define a plurality of gaps therebetween such that electrical conduction
- FIG. 1 shows a combustion engine having a fuel composition sensor
- FIG. 2 shows a sensing element described herein
- FIG. 3 shows the sensing element of FIG. 2 disposed in a fuel pressure regulator housing.
- Dielectric constant is indicative of a fluid's composition, and can be measured and used either alone or in combination with other measured values to provide information as to the fluid composition. This information can in turn be used to set optimal combustion parameters within an internal combustion engine.
- a sensor assembly 20 is incorporated in a fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine 10 .
- Sensor assembly 20 generates a signal indicative of the conductance between two electrodes (e.g., the dielectric constant) of the fluid (e.g., fuel mixture) about to enter the combustion chamber of engine 10 .
- This signal serves as an input to a circuitry (e.g., a computer) 24 for adjustment of the combustion parameters generated by whatever algorithm, or combinations of various algorithms used in the computer 24 either alone or in combination with other inputs such as exhaust gas composition, engine temperature, ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure, elevation, ambient air composition and the like.
- the sensing element 2 includes a first electrode depicted as a plurality of first electrode teeth 4 and a second electrode, depicted as a plurality of second electrode teeth 6 disposed on electrode base 36 of sensing element 2 .
- first electrode teeth 4 may be formed from the electrode base 36 . It is important that the first electrodes 4 and the second electrodes 6 be electrically isolated from each other.
- the term “electrically isolated” is used to indicate a lack of direct electrical contact or conduction, but can include and/or allow for an electrical connection through an external circuitry.
- the materials from which the sensing element 2 is constructed depend on the environment in which the sensor will operate.
- the sensing element 2 may be formed from any material suitable for use with hydrocarbons blends such as, for example gasoline; alcohols, such as, for example, methanol, ethanol, propanol and the like; ethers, such as, for example, MTBE and other organic materials.
- the materials must be stable in the presence of contaminants present in the fuel mixture including water, sulfur, and the like.
- the electrode base 36 may be electrically conductive or nonconductive. In one embodiment, the electrode base 36 is electrically conductive, being constructed from a metal or metal alloy.
- the electrode base is a nonconductive ceramic having the electrodes disposed thereon using, for example, a metal ink or inlay.
- the shape of the electrode base 36 generally defines a three-dimensional solid disposed around a central axis 26 .
- the shape is continuously disposed around the central axis to form a hollow three-dimensional solid having a plurality of sides spaced around the central axis 26 .
- the inner surface 8 of electrode base 36 is separated from the outer surface 14 by a thickness 30 .
- hollow it is meant a fluid passage is present along and substantially parallel to the central axis 26 within the hollow portion of the electrode base 36 . This fluid passage in turn defines a flow path having a fluid passage length 28 corresponding to the height of the sensing element 2 .
- the cross section taken perpendicular to this central axis 26 through the plane of the sensing element 2 defines a hollow polygon.
- hollow polygon it is meant two geometric shapes are coaxially disposed one within the other (e.g., an outer and an inner polygon), such as, for example, concentric hexagons, octagons, circles, ovals, squares and the like.
- the inner surface 8 is separated from the central axis 26 by an inner dimension 32 .
- the outer surface is separated from the central axis 26 by an outer dimension 34 .
- the inner dimension 32 and the outer dimension 34 need not be uniform at every point on the sensing element. For example, when the outer surface 14 of the sensing element approximates an oval, the outer dimension 34 will vary depending on the radial position of the point from which this dimension is measured. The same holds true for essentially all geometric shapes with the exception of a cylinder. Also, since the inner surface 8 need not define the same shape, as does the outer surface 14 , the thickness 30 , which separates the inner, and the outer surfaces need not remain uniform throughout.
- the two dimensional cross-section of the sensing element defines an outer polygon having an infinite number of sides, (i.e., a circle).
- the three dimensional shape of the sensing element 2 is essentially cylindrical, and the outer dimension 34 is the outer radius of the cylinder, the inner dimension 32 is the inner radius of the cylinder, and the fluid passage length 28 is the height of the cylinder.
- First electrode teeth 4 , and second electrode teeth 6 may each have a shape that is essentially rectangular, rounded, pointed, and/or the like, depending on the environmental conditions in which the sensor will operate.
- the outer contours of the electrode teeth each define a rectangular solid having a major axis perpendicular to the central axis 26 .
- each one of the second electrode teeth 6 must be disposed in proximity to the first electrode teeth 4 , and must remain electrically isolated from the first electrode teeth 4 , except as connected through external circuitry.
- each one of the second electrode teeth 6 are uniformly disposed in a substantially alternating pattern between at least one each of the first electrode teeth 4 defining an essentially uniform gap 42 there between (e.g., a first electrode, then a second electrode, then a first electrode) each being configured, dimensioned, and positioned to define the gap 42 there between such that electrical conduction through a fluid within the gap is proportional to the compositional makeup of the fluid.
- the gap width 68 is defined herein as the average distance between a side of the first electrode and a corresponding side of the second electrode that faces the side of the first electrode.
- the actual value of the gap width 68 depends on the characteristics of the fluid, and the operational conditions in which the sensing electrode is used. When used in a fuel delivery system, for example, this gap is on average about 0.01 millimeters (mm) to about 10 mms wide. Preferably within this range, the gap is greater than or equal to about 0.1 more preferably greater than or equal to about 0.5 mms between each of the two electrodes. Also within this range, the gap is less than or equal to about 2, more preferably less than or equal to about 1 mm between each of the two electrodes.
- the structures (e.g., teeth) that form the first electrode teeth 4 are all preferably in electrical contact with one another to form a single first electrode.
- the structures that form the second electrode teeth 6 are all preferably in electrical contact with one another to form a single second electrode.
- First and second electrical connectors 38 and 40 provide electrical conductivity between the electrodes and external circuitry. Both of which are in electrical contact with their respective electrodes 4 and 6 , but are electrically isolated from each other.
- the multiple teeth or other such structures serve to increase the available surface area available for sensing given the total size of the sensing element. This is important because the overall sensitivity of the sensing element increases as the available surface area increases.
- the value of the outer dimension 34 , the inner dimension 32 , and the fluid passage length 28 depend on the characteristics required of the sensor element 2 .
- Each of these two electrodes also has an associated total surface area.
- the total surface area of the electrodes is the underlying geometric surface area (e.g., for a rectangle, base multiplied by height)
- the total surface area of the first electrode when the sensor is used, for example, in a fuel delivery system, is greater than or equal to about 50 square millimeters (mm 2 ).
- the total surface area of the first electrode is greater than or equal to about 90, more preferably greater than or equal to about 300 mm 2 as represented by the underlying geometric area.
- the proportion of the total surface area of the first electrode to the total surface area of the second electrode determined in the same way is a ratio of about 1 to 0.01, to a ratio of about 1 to 100.
- the proportion of total surface areas of the first electrode to the total surface area of the second electrode is a ratio of greater than or equal to about 1 to 0.1, more preferably greater than or equal to about 1 to 0.5.
- the proportion of total surface areas of the first electrode to the total surface area of the second electrode is a ratio of less than or equal to about 1 to 10, more preferably less than or equal to about 1 to 2, with a ratio of 1:1 being most preferred.
- the sensing element is preferably located within a housing to form a sensing assembly 20 .
- the sensing element 2 is disposed within the housing and arranged such that the fluid of interest is able to occupy the gaps 42 between the electrodes and thus be in contact with the sensing element.
- the housing is closed except for a fluid inlet conduit and a fluid outlet conduit.
- the housing provides a conduit or flow path between the inlet an outlet conduits, and in communication with the sensing element.
- the fluid is able to enter the housing, contact the sensing element along the fluid passage length 28 , and then exit the housing.
- the sensing assembly When used to determine the composition of fuel for an internal combustion engine, for example, the sensing assembly is preferably located in close proximity to the point at which the fuel is combusted and also preferably has a total volume that does not interfere with optimal combustion of the fuel.
- the shape of the housing is preferably complementary to the shape of the outer surface of the sensing element.
- complementary is defined as the two being essentially the same.
- the housing is thus preferably essentially cylindrical and the housing also has an inner diameter in excess of the outer diameter of the sensing element to allow fuel to freely flow within the housing.
- the sensing element 2 is disposed within a fuel pressure regulator 44 .
- a regulator valve 48 disposed in sealing communication between a fluid rail conduit 18 , and a bypass conduit 22 .
- the regulator valve 48 is responsive to fluid demand via pneumatic communication with an air intake manifold through manifold conduit 46 .
- the sensor element 2 is concentrically disposed within, and bounded by the fuel pressure regulator housing 52 and by the regulator valve 48 .
- a fluid conduit or flow path 66 between the fuel rail inlet 54 and the fuel rail outlet 56 is provided by the regulator housing 52 such that the sensing element 2 is located within this flow path 66 .
- Electrical connection between the sensing element 2 and an external electronic system is preferably provided by directing the electrical connectors 38 and 40 through a sealing member 62 located within the regulator valve assembly 44 , and preferably to an external electrical connector 60 . Also, a portion of and/or all of the necessary electronics may be located as on electronics package 64 within a portion of the housing 52 , depending on space limitations and design needs.
- the sensor is in communication with, and preferably electrically connected to an electronic circuitry capable of providing information as to the composition of the fluid the sensor comes in contact with.
- the electronic circuitry may include a computer or computers capable of using the information derived from the sensor to adjust the combustion parameters of the engine to an optimal value for the fuel mixture flowing through sensor.
- the computer or computers can include a standard read only memory (ROM) containing a multiple dimensioned lookup table containing compensation factors to be repeatedly looked up with a combination of capacitance and other factors including ambient and engine temperature, exhaust gas composition, ambient air analysis and the like. These compensation factors can be used directly, or can be associated with additional inputs and lookup tables.
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Abstract
Described herein is a sensing element for sensing a fluid composition comprising an electrode base having a first electrode and a second electrode disposed thereon; the first electrode and the second electrode being electrically isolated from one another except through an external circuitry; the first electrode and the second electrode being configured, dimensioned, and positioned to define a gap therebetween such that electrical conduction through a fluid within the gap is proportional to a composition of the fluid. A sensing assembly is also described including a combination fuel pressure regulator and composition sensor. Also described herein is a method of using the sensing element in sensing a fluid composition.
Description
- Fuel used in internal combustion engines is typically contained in a tank or reservoir as a mixture. Depending on the source of the fuel, it may comprise one or more different fuel components in an unknown ratio. Automobile fuel, for example may be gasoline, including any of its variant blends of aliphatic, olefinic, and/or aromatic hydrocarbons. It may further include various alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, pentanol, octanol, and the like. Other components that may be present include octane improvers such as methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and the like.
- Each of these fuel components requires different parameters for optimal combustion. These parameters include specific air to fuel ratios, spark plug timing, injector volume, and the like. When the precise composition of the fuel is unknown, or is ever-changing, accurate determination of the optimal combustion parameters depends on being able to quickly and accurately sense fuel mixture composition and other parameters indicative of optimal end use parameters. One approach to optimal engine operation requires the ability to sense characteristics of the fuel, and adjust the operational conditions of the engine accordingly.
- Systems have been designed to sense the characteristics of various blends of fuels, such as gasoline and methanol. U.S. Pat. No. 4,438,749 to Schwippert is directed to an optical sensor that uses the overall refractive index of the fuel as an indication of composition. Aromatic content of the fuel and clouding of the optical sensor elements over time can result in variations of refractive index that lead to inaccuracy in the sensor output.
- Microwave fuel composition sensors utilize the fuels overall dielectric constant through microwave attenuation. Besides adding significant cost, these sensors operate at extremely high frequencies (e.g., 1-30 Giga Hertz) and generate amounts of electromagnetic noise that can interfere with other electronic components.
- Sensors, which utilize the fuel mixture as a dielectric in a capacitive cell, are also capable of correlating the dielectric constant of a fuel mixture to its composition. These sensors have the benefit of being rugged and can be designed for used in environments in which other sensors would be unacceptable. Unfortunately, the conductivity of various fuel mixtures varies in a non-linear relationship depending on component concentrations. This phenomena is made worse by impurities, especially water. These sensors also need to be made relatively large as compared to other sensors to achieve the level of sensitivity required to sense fuel in an efficient manner. Space and size limitations imposed by design, and the need to minimize void volume in fuel delivery systems, among other factors, have limited the usefulness of capacitive fuel sensors in automotive fuel delivery system applications. A rugged, compact sensor having a sensitivity capable of discriminating between a wide range of fuel blends would be beneficial to optimal combustion of fuel, especially in an internal combustion engine.
- Described herein is a sensing element for measuring a fluid composition comprising: an electrode base having a first electrode and a second electrode disposed thereon; the first electrode and said second electrode being electrically isolated from one another; said first electrode and said second electrode being configured, dimensioned, and positioned to define a gap therebetween such that electrical conduction through the fluid within said gap is proportional to the composition of said fluid.
- Also disclosed is a method of sensing a fluid composition comprising: contacting said fluid composition with a sensing element in communication with a circuitry, said sensing element comprising: an electrode base having a first electrode and a second electrode disposed thereon; said first electrode and said second electrode being electrically isolated from one another, except through said circuitry; said first electrode and said second electrode being configured, dimensioned, and positioned to define a gap therebetween such that electrical conduction through a fluid within said gap is proportional to the composition of said fluid; a first electrical connector to provide electrical communication between said first electrode and said circuitry; and a second electrical connector to provide electrical communication between said second electrode and said circuitry; determining said electrical conduction of said fluid; and correlating said electrical conduction to said fluid composition.
- Further disclosed herein is a combined fluid pressure regulator and assembly for sensing a fluid composition, comprising: a sensing element disposed within a fluid flow path located within a fluid pressure regulator housing; said sensing element comprising: an electrode base having a first electrode and a second electrode disposed thereon; said first electrode and said second electrode being electrically isolated from one another except through an external circuitry; said electrode base having an inner surface and an outer surface separated by a thickness; said outer surface being continuously disposed around a central axis to form an essentially cylindrical shape; said electrode base defining a flow path parallel to said central axis having a flow path length; said first electrode being a plurality of first electrode teeth disposed on said inner surface depending away from said outer surface towards said central axis; said second electrode being a plurality of second electrode teeth on said inner surface depending away from said outer surface towards said central axis; said first electrode teeth and said second electrode teeth being configured, dimensioned, and positioned in a substantially alternating pattern to define a plurality of gaps therebetween such that electrical conduction through a fluid within said plurality of gaps is proportional to a composition of said fluid; said fluid pressure regulator housing comprising a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit which allows said fluid to travel through said fluid flow path located with said fluid pressure regulator housing; a regulator valve mounted therein responsive to a fluid demand and disposed in sealing communication between said first conduit and a bypass conduit; a first electrical connector being channeled through a sealing member disposed in said regulator valve to provide electrical communication between said first electrode and said external circuitry; and a second electrical connector being channeled through a sealing member disposed in said regulator valve to provide electrical communication between said second electrode and said external circuitry.
- The above described and other features are exemplified by the following figures and detailed description.
- Referring now to the figures wherein like elements are numbered alike:
-
FIG. 1 shows a combustion engine having a fuel composition sensor; -
FIG. 2 shows a sensing element described herein; and -
FIG. 3 shows the sensing element ofFIG. 2 disposed in a fuel pressure regulator housing. - Dielectric constant is indicative of a fluid's composition, and can be measured and used either alone or in combination with other measured values to provide information as to the fluid composition. This information can in turn be used to set optimal combustion parameters within an internal combustion engine.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , asensor assembly 20 is incorporated in a fuel delivery system for aninternal combustion engine 10.Sensor assembly 20 generates a signal indicative of the conductance between two electrodes (e.g., the dielectric constant) of the fluid (e.g., fuel mixture) about to enter the combustion chamber ofengine 10. This signal serves as an input to a circuitry (e.g., a computer) 24 for adjustment of the combustion parameters generated by whatever algorithm, or combinations of various algorithms used in thecomputer 24 either alone or in combination with other inputs such as exhaust gas composition, engine temperature, ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure, elevation, ambient air composition and the like. - An embodiment of the sensing element used by the
sensor assembly 20 is shown inFIG. 2 . Thesensing element 2 includes a first electrode depicted as a plurality offirst electrode teeth 4 and a second electrode, depicted as a plurality ofsecond electrode teeth 6 disposed onelectrode base 36 ofsensing element 2. As shown inFIG. 2 ,first electrode teeth 4 may be formed from theelectrode base 36. It is important that thefirst electrodes 4 and thesecond electrodes 6 be electrically isolated from each other. As used herein, the term “electrically isolated” is used to indicate a lack of direct electrical contact or conduction, but can include and/or allow for an electrical connection through an external circuitry. - The materials from which the
sensing element 2 is constructed depend on the environment in which the sensor will operate. For use in a fuel delivery system, for example, thesensing element 2 may be formed from any material suitable for use with hydrocarbons blends such as, for example gasoline; alcohols, such as, for example, methanol, ethanol, propanol and the like; ethers, such as, for example, MTBE and other organic materials. In addition, the materials must be stable in the presence of contaminants present in the fuel mixture including water, sulfur, and the like. Theelectrode base 36 may be electrically conductive or nonconductive. In one embodiment, theelectrode base 36 is electrically conductive, being constructed from a metal or metal alloy. Examples of suitable materials include steel, stainless steel, iron, nickel, gold, silver, platinum and the like with gold being most preferred. In an alternative embodiment, the electrode base is a nonconductive ceramic having the electrodes disposed thereon using, for example, a metal ink or inlay. - The shape of the
electrode base 36 generally defines a three-dimensional solid disposed around acentral axis 26. Preferably, the shape is continuously disposed around the central axis to form a hollow three-dimensional solid having a plurality of sides spaced around thecentral axis 26. Theinner surface 8 ofelectrode base 36 is separated from theouter surface 14 by athickness 30. By hollow, it is meant a fluid passage is present along and substantially parallel to thecentral axis 26 within the hollow portion of theelectrode base 36. This fluid passage in turn defines a flow path having afluid passage length 28 corresponding to the height of thesensing element 2. - Preferably, the cross section taken perpendicular to this
central axis 26 through the plane of thesensing element 2 defines a hollow polygon. By hollow polygon, it is meant two geometric shapes are coaxially disposed one within the other (e.g., an outer and an inner polygon), such as, for example, concentric hexagons, octagons, circles, ovals, squares and the like. - The
inner surface 8 is separated from thecentral axis 26 by aninner dimension 32. The outer surface is separated from thecentral axis 26 by anouter dimension 34. Theinner dimension 32 and theouter dimension 34 need not be uniform at every point on the sensing element. For example, when theouter surface 14 of the sensing element approximates an oval, theouter dimension 34 will vary depending on the radial position of the point from which this dimension is measured. The same holds true for essentially all geometric shapes with the exception of a cylinder. Also, since theinner surface 8 need not define the same shape, as does theouter surface 14, thethickness 30, which separates the inner, and the outer surfaces need not remain uniform throughout. - Preferably, the two dimensional cross-section of the sensing element defines an outer polygon having an infinite number of sides, (i.e., a circle). Also preferably, the three dimensional shape of the
sensing element 2 is essentially cylindrical, and theouter dimension 34 is the outer radius of the cylinder, theinner dimension 32 is the inner radius of the cylinder, and thefluid passage length 28 is the height of the cylinder. -
First electrode teeth 4, andsecond electrode teeth 6 may each have a shape that is essentially rectangular, rounded, pointed, and/or the like, depending on the environmental conditions in which the sensor will operate. Preferably, the outer contours of the electrode teeth each define a rectangular solid having a major axis perpendicular to thecentral axis 26. - Each one of the
second electrode teeth 6 must be disposed in proximity to thefirst electrode teeth 4, and must remain electrically isolated from thefirst electrode teeth 4, except as connected through external circuitry. Preferably, each one of thesecond electrode teeth 6 are uniformly disposed in a substantially alternating pattern between at least one each of thefirst electrode teeth 4 defining an essentiallyuniform gap 42 there between (e.g., a first electrode, then a second electrode, then a first electrode) each being configured, dimensioned, and positioned to define thegap 42 there between such that electrical conduction through a fluid within the gap is proportional to the compositional makeup of the fluid. - The
gap width 68 is defined herein as the average distance between a side of the first electrode and a corresponding side of the second electrode that faces the side of the first electrode. The actual value of thegap width 68 depends on the characteristics of the fluid, and the operational conditions in which the sensing electrode is used. When used in a fuel delivery system, for example, this gap is on average about 0.01 millimeters (mm) to about 10 mms wide. Preferably within this range, the gap is greater than or equal to about 0.1 more preferably greater than or equal to about 0.5 mms between each of the two electrodes. Also within this range, the gap is less than or equal to about 2, more preferably less than or equal to about 1 mm between each of the two electrodes. - The structures (e.g., teeth) that form the
first electrode teeth 4 are all preferably in electrical contact with one another to form a single first electrode. Also, the structures that form thesecond electrode teeth 6 are all preferably in electrical contact with one another to form a single second electrode. First and secondelectrical connectors respective electrodes - The value of the
outer dimension 34, theinner dimension 32, and thefluid passage length 28 depend on the characteristics required of thesensor element 2. Each of these two electrodes also has an associated total surface area. By defining the total surface area of the electrodes as being the underlying geometric surface area (e.g., for a rectangle, base multiplied by height), the total surface area of the first electrode, when the sensor is used, for example, in a fuel delivery system, is greater than or equal to about 50 square millimeters (mm2). Preferably within this range, the total surface area of the first electrode is greater than or equal to about 90, more preferably greater than or equal to about 300 mm2 as represented by the underlying geometric area. - Also, by defining the total surface area of the first electrode as being equal to unity (i.e., equal to one), the proportion of the total surface area of the first electrode to the total surface area of the second electrode determined in the same way is a ratio of about 1 to 0.01, to a ratio of about 1 to 100. Preferably within this range, the proportion of total surface areas of the first electrode to the total surface area of the second electrode is a ratio of greater than or equal to about 1 to 0.1, more preferably greater than or equal to about 1 to 0.5. Also within this range, the proportion of total surface areas of the first electrode to the total surface area of the second electrode is a ratio of less than or equal to about 1 to 10, more preferably less than or equal to about 1 to 2, with a ratio of 1:1 being most preferred.
- The sensing element is preferably located within a housing to form a
sensing assembly 20. Thesensing element 2 is disposed within the housing and arranged such that the fluid of interest is able to occupy thegaps 42 between the electrodes and thus be in contact with the sensing element. Preferably, the housing is closed except for a fluid inlet conduit and a fluid outlet conduit. The housing provides a conduit or flow path between the inlet an outlet conduits, and in communication with the sensing element. Preferably, the fluid is able to enter the housing, contact the sensing element along thefluid passage length 28, and then exit the housing. - When used to determine the composition of fuel for an internal combustion engine, for example, the sensing assembly is preferably located in close proximity to the point at which the fuel is combusted and also preferably has a total volume that does not interfere with optimal combustion of the fuel.
- To prevent extraneous effects between the housing and the sensing element, the shape of the housing is preferably complementary to the shape of the outer surface of the sensing element. As used herein the term complementary is defined as the two being essentially the same. For example, when the outer surface of the sensing element is essentially cylindrical, the housing is thus preferably essentially cylindrical and the housing also has an inner diameter in excess of the outer diameter of the sensing element to allow fuel to freely flow within the housing.
- In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 3 , thesensing element 2 is disposed within afuel pressure regulator 44. Within the fuel pressure regulator-housing 52 is aregulator valve 48 disposed in sealing communication between afluid rail conduit 18, and abypass conduit 22. Preferably, theregulator valve 48 is responsive to fluid demand via pneumatic communication with an air intake manifold throughmanifold conduit 46. In this arrangement, thesensor element 2 is concentrically disposed within, and bounded by the fuelpressure regulator housing 52 and by theregulator valve 48. A fluid conduit or flowpath 66 between thefuel rail inlet 54 and thefuel rail outlet 56 is provided by theregulator housing 52 such that thesensing element 2 is located within thisflow path 66. - Electrical connection between the
sensing element 2 and an external electronic system is preferably provided by directing theelectrical connectors member 62 located within theregulator valve assembly 44, and preferably to an externalelectrical connector 60. Also, a portion of and/or all of the necessary electronics may be located as onelectronics package 64 within a portion of thehousing 52, depending on space limitations and design needs. - The sensor is in communication with, and preferably electrically connected to an electronic circuitry capable of providing information as to the composition of the fluid the sensor comes in contact with. The electronic circuitry may include a computer or computers capable of using the information derived from the sensor to adjust the combustion parameters of the engine to an optimal value for the fuel mixture flowing through sensor. For this purpose, the computer or computers can include a standard read only memory (ROM) containing a multiple dimensioned lookup table containing compensation factors to be repeatedly looked up with a combination of capacitance and other factors including ambient and engine temperature, exhaust gas composition, ambient air analysis and the like. These compensation factors can be used directly, or can be associated with additional inputs and lookup tables.
- While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the apparatus and method have been described by way of illustration only, and such illustrations and embodiments as have been disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting to the claims.
Claims (14)
1. A sensing element for measuring a fluid composition comprising:
an electrode base being disposed about an axis, said electrode base having an inner surface defining an aperture extending through the electrode base for allowing a fluid to flow therethrough; and
a first electrode and a second electrode coupled to said electrode base and electrically isolated from one another, said first electrode in electrical communication with said electrode base and having a first plurality of electrode teeth extending radially inwardly from said inner surface of the electrode base into said aperture, and said second electrode having a second plurality of electrode teeth extending radially inwardly from said inner surface into said aperture, said first plurality of electrode teeth being electrically connected together, and said second plurality of electrode teeth being electrically connected together, wherein said second plurality of electrode teeth are arranged in a substantially alternating pattern between said first plurality of electrode teeth to form a plurality of gaps having average widths of about 0.01 to about 10 millimeters and disposed between each of said first plurality of electrode teeth and said second plurality of electrode teeth, wherein electrical conduction through the fluid between said plurality of gaps is indicative of the composition of said fluid.
2. (Cancelled)
3. The sensing element of claim 1 , wherein said electrode base has both said inner surface and an outer surface disposed around said axis;
said inner surface being separated from said outer surface by a thickness; and
said electrode base defining a flow path parallel to said axis, and said flow path having a flow path length.
4. The sensing element of claim 3 , wherein the total surface area of said first electrode is greater than or equal to about 50 square millimeters.
5. The sensing element of claim 3 , wherein a ratio of the total surface area of said first electrode to the total surface area of said second electrode is about 1:0.01 to about 1:100.
6. The sensing element of claim 3 , wherein the total surface area of said first electrode is about equal to the total surface area of said second electrode.
7. (Cancelled)
8. A method of sensing a fluid composition comprising:
contacting said fluid composition with a sensing element in communication with a circuitry, said sensing element comprising:
an electrode base being disposed about an axis, said electrode base having an inner surface defining an aperture extending through the electrode base for allowing a fluid to flow therethrough, and a first electrode and a second electrode coupled to said electrode base and electrically isolated from one another, said first electrode in electrical communication with said electrode base and having a first plurality of electrode teeth extending radially inwardly from said inner surface of the electrode base into said aperture, and said second electrode having a second plurality of electrode teeth extending radially inwardly from said inner surface into said aperture, said first plurality of electrode teeth being electrically connected together, and said second plurality of electrode teeth being electrically connected together, wherein said second plurality of electrode teeth are arranged in a substantially alternating pattern between said first plurality of electrode teeth to form a plurality of gaps having average widths of about 0.01 to about 10 millimeters and disposed between each of said first plurality of electrode teeth and said second plurality of electrode teeth, wherein electrical conduction through the fluid between said plurality of gaps is indicative of the composition of said fluid, and a first electrical connector to provide electrical communication between said first electrode and said circuitry, and a second electrical connector to provide electrical communication between said second electrode and said circuitry;
determining said electrical conduction of said fluid; and
correlating said electrical conduction to said fluid composition.
9. (Cancelled)
10. The method of claim 8 , wherein said electrode base has both said inner surface and an outer surface disposed around said axis;
said inner surface being separated from said outer surface by a thickness;
said electrode base defining a flow path parallel to said axis; and
said flow path having a flow path length.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the total surface area of said first electrode is greater than or equal to about 50 square millimeters.
12. The method of claim 10 , wherein a ratio of the total surface area of said first electrode to the total surface area of said second electrode is about 1:0.01 to about 1:100.
13. The method of claim 10 , wherein the total surface area of said first electrode is about equal to the total surface area of said second electrode.
14. (Cancelled)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/961,714 US20050040834A1 (en) | 2002-09-25 | 2004-10-08 | Fuel quality sensor assembly and method of use |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/254,347 US6803775B2 (en) | 2002-09-25 | 2002-09-25 | Fuel quality sensor assembly and method of use |
US10/961,714 US20050040834A1 (en) | 2002-09-25 | 2004-10-08 | Fuel quality sensor assembly and method of use |
Related Parent Applications (1)
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US10/254,347 Continuation US6803775B2 (en) | 2002-09-25 | 2002-09-25 | Fuel quality sensor assembly and method of use |
Publications (1)
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US20050040834A1 true US20050040834A1 (en) | 2005-02-24 |
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US10/254,347 Expired - Fee Related US6803775B2 (en) | 2002-09-25 | 2002-09-25 | Fuel quality sensor assembly and method of use |
US10/961,714 Abandoned US20050040834A1 (en) | 2002-09-25 | 2004-10-08 | Fuel quality sensor assembly and method of use |
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US10/254,347 Expired - Fee Related US6803775B2 (en) | 2002-09-25 | 2002-09-25 | Fuel quality sensor assembly and method of use |
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US20080230146A1 (en) * | 2007-01-16 | 2008-09-25 | Veeder-Root Company | Automated Fuel Quality Detection and Dispenser Control System and Method, Particularly for Aviation Fueling Applications |
US20090079445A1 (en) * | 2007-09-25 | 2009-03-26 | Yingjie Lin | Isolated fuel sensor |
CN102539932A (en) * | 2010-10-19 | 2012-07-04 | 恩德莱斯和豪瑟尔测量及调节技术分析仪表两合公司 | Conductivity sensor |
US9530290B2 (en) | 2013-01-18 | 2016-12-27 | Fuel Guard Systems Corporation | Apparatuses and methods for providing visual indication of dynamic process fuel quality delivery conditions with use of multiple colored indicator lights |
US10364139B2 (en) | 2015-01-29 | 2019-07-30 | Ray Hutchinson | Automated water and particle detection for dispensing fuel including aviation fuel, and related apparatuses, systems, and methods |
US10816427B2 (en) | 2018-05-09 | 2020-10-27 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Integrated fuel composition and pressure sensor |
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JP4260053B2 (en) * | 2004-03-26 | 2009-04-30 | Ntn株式会社 | Oil check sensor |
JP4643243B2 (en) * | 2004-12-13 | 2011-03-02 | Ntn株式会社 | Oil check sensor |
US7228735B2 (en) * | 2005-02-03 | 2007-06-12 | Integrated Sensing Systems, Inc. | Fluid sensing device with integrated bypass and process therefor |
DE102006015385A1 (en) * | 2006-04-03 | 2007-10-04 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Sensor for detecting e.g. sooty particle in fluid, has blowing unit with blowing opening for directing local flow of fluid such that local flow of fluid for each electrode section is provided parallel to main extension direction |
ITTO20110258A1 (en) * | 2011-03-24 | 2012-09-25 | Eltek Spa | SENSOR AND / OR DUCT FOR DETECTION OF LIQUIDS, IN PARTICULAR FUELS FOR VEHICLES |
US8677819B2 (en) * | 2011-04-18 | 2014-03-25 | Parker-Hannifin Corporation | In-line fuel properties measurement unit |
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US20040056670A1 (en) | 2004-03-25 |
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