초록 ▼

An active bladder system and method for using same minimizes vapor formation in a fuel tank. A low-permeation, flexible conductive bladder (18) is contained within a fuel tank (12). The bladder (18) holds or contains the liquid fuel (25) in the fuel tank (12). The bladder (18) has air pressure appli

An active bladder system and method for using same minimizes vapor formation in a fuel tank. A low-permeation, flexible conductive bladder (18) is contained within a fuel tank (12). The bladder (18) holds or contains the liquid fuel (25) in the fuel tank (12). The bladder (18) has air pressure applied to the outside of the bladder (18) to keep the bladder (18) against the fuel (25) to prevent vapor formation during engine running modes and diurnal cycles. A fuel delivery pump (23), external to the fuel tank, pressurizes the fuel to a desired pressure for use by an engine. The system is depressurized during refueling stages. Because vapor generation is minimized during running mode and diurnal cycles, no carbon canister or purge system is required by the present invention, resulting in cost savings and lower emissions levels. The present invention is compatible with conventional fueling infrastructures and may reduce fuel pump (23) current draw due to positive pressure on the bladder (18) during running modes. An additional thermal barrier (14) is added to the outside of the fuel tank (12) to further prevent vapor formation.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A fuel storing device for a motor vehicle comprising:an exterior shell; a flexible bladder disposed in said exterior shell and separating said exterior shell into a fuel storage portion and a space portion, said flexible bladder capable of containing fuel; a refueling pipe hermetically sealed to

1. A fuel storing device for a motor vehicle comprising:an exterior shell; a flexible bladder disposed in said exterior shell and separating said exterior shell into a fuel storage portion and a space portion, said flexible bladder capable of containing fuel; a refueling pipe hermetically sealed to said exterior shell and coupled with said fuel storage portion; a fuel delivery pump fluidically coupled with said fuel storage portion, said fuel delivery pump being external from said exterior shell; a pressure sensor for monitoring pressure in said space portion; an air temperature sensor; an air pump coupled to said space portion capable of increasing the pressure within said space portion; a vent solenoid relief valve coupled to said space portion for decreasing the pressure within said space portion; and a controller electronically coupled to said pressure sensor, said air temperature sensor, said air pump and said vent solenoid relief valve, wherein said controller is capable of directing said air pump to pump air into said space portion to increase pressure in said space portion and is capable of directing said vent solenoid relief valve to open to decrease pressure in said space portion.