Tools and Techniques for Intelligent Characterization of Fuels

The on-going adoption of biofuels is presenting problems for automotive diesel engine systems, due to the differing mixture preparation and combustion properties of the widely varying fuel blends in the vehicle tank. Diesel engine management has improved enormously, yet it still relies largely on look-up tables and 'reactive' exhaust treatment technologies. 'Intelligent Fuel Characterization' facilitates a 'proactive' engine management role by gathering, processing and making available information about the precise fuel blend which is about to be combusted in the engine. The engine management system can then use this information to optimise engine system operating points for the exact blend of fuel. This paper introduces the concept of Intelligent Fuel Characterization and presents ideas for its implementation, including promising sensor and data analysis technologies.