Method for determining fuel composition using oxygen sensor feedback control
US5255661A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 24, 1992 |
| Grant date | Oct 26, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 24, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A flexible fuel vehicle is a vehicle capable of operating on alcohol, gasoline, or any combination of these two fuels. Because of the unique properties of alcohol fuels, modifications to engine operating characteristics are required to compensate for the varying percentage of alcohol in the fuel. A method is provided for determining the percent alcohol content of the fuel in the fuel tank, utilizing the oxygen sensor feedback control loop to sense changes in air/fuel ratio and relay that information to the engine controller so that dependant variables can be adjusted accordingly. The method includes placing the fuel pump in the fuel tank along with a mixed fuel accumulator so that a known and slowly varying percentage of alcohol in the fuel is provided to the engine, especially during open loop operation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.