Graphene split-flow type methanol fuel instantaneous heating device for fuel-fired automobile

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of automobile engines, in particular to a graphene split-flow type methanol fuel instantaneous heating device for a fuel automobile, which comprises a shell and standard interfaces, the standard interfaces are arranged at the upper end and the lower end of the shell, a heating core is arranged in the shell, and the heating core is composed of a plurality of independently controllable partitioned graphene heating structures. The fuel distributor is used for macroscopically distributing fuel; and a three-dimensional graphene foam body is arranged in each graphene heating structure, micropores are formed in each graphene foam body, and the micropores are integrated into a continuous micro-channel network used for microcosmic distribution of fuel. The three-dimensional graphene foam body is adopted as a heating and shunting integrated structure, microscopic shunting and instantaneous body heating of methanol fuel are achieved, and the heating efficiency and the temperature response speed are remarkably improved; the intelligent control unit monitors the fuel flow, the temperature and the engine running state in real time, each heating zone is dynamically opened and closed, the power is adjusted, dual self-adaptive control of mechanical shunting and electronic power adjustment is achieved, and the energy efficiency of the system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive engine technology, specifically to a graphene-based split-flow methanol fuel instantaneous heating device for gasoline-powered vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Methanol fuel, as a clean alternative fuel, is gaining increasing attention in the application of gasoline-powered vehicles. However, methanol fuel has characteristics such as high latent heat of vaporization, poor low-temperature startability, and slow preheating speed. Especially under cold start and low ambient temperature conditions, traditional heating methods often cannot achieve rapid and uniform heating, leading to unstable engine combustion, low efficiency, or even start-up failure.

[0003] Currently, most methanol fuel heating devices on the market use PTC heaters or metal resistance wire heating methods, which suffer from problems such as low heating efficiency, slow response speed, high energy consumption, and insufficient temperature control accuracy. In addition, existing heating devices usually do not have the ability to dynamically adjust the heating power according to the fuel flow rate, which can easily lead to fuel overheating or underheating, affecting engine performance and emissions.

[0004] Therefore, those skilled in the art have provided a graphene-based split-flow methanol fuel instantaneous heating device for gasoline-powered vehicles to solve the aforementioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a graphene-based split-flow methanol fuel instantaneous heating device for fuel vehicles, including a shell, which is a hollow cylindrical structure made of silicon carbide aluminum composite material.

[0006] Also includes:

[0007] Two standard interfaces are located at the top and bottom of the housing, one for fuel inlet and the other for fuel outlet. The standard interfaces are also used to monitor the flow rate and temperature of the fuel at the inlet and outlet, and to transmit parameter signals to the intelligent control unit.

[0008] The heating core, located inside the housing, consists of multiple independently controllable partitioned graphene heating structures used for macroscopic fuel diversion.

[0009] Each graphene heating structure contains a three-dimensional graphene foam, which has a mesh-like porous structure and contains micropores. The micropores are integrated along the longitudinal direction of the three-dimensional graphene foam to form a continuous microchannel network for microscopic fuel diversion.

[0010] The graphene heating structure functions as both a fluid channel and a heating element, and instantly heats the flowing fuel through the Joule heating effect after being energized.

[0011] The intelligent control unit is located on the outer wall of the housing. It communicates with the engine ECU via the CAN bus and uses the received fuel flow and temperature signals for load prediction and feedforward control.

[0012] The intelligent control unit independently controls the opening and closing of each graphene heating structure zone and the heating power based on the received signals, achieving adaptive adjustment of the heating power.

[0013] Preferably, the standard interface of the fuel inlet is connected to the fuel filter outlet via a fuel pipe, and the standard interface of the fuel outlet is connected to the engine high-pressure fuel pump or fuel rail inlet via a fuel pipe.

[0014] The standard interface includes an end cap and a tube. The end cap is funnel-shaped and is sealed to the inlet or outlet of the housing on one side. The other side is equipped with a tube, which is cylindrical with a flared end. A flow sensor and a temperature sensor are installed on the tube.

[0015] Preferably, the housing is fitted with two symmetrical mounting brackets with shock absorption function, located at the connection between the standard interface and the housing. The mounting bracket includes a fastening collar, a high-temperature resistant buffer pad, and a fixing support. The fastening collar is fitted on the outside of the housing. A high-temperature resistant buffer pad is provided between the inner wall of the fastening collar and the outer wall of the housing. A fixing support is provided on the outside of the fastening collar. The fixing support is installed on the body sheet metal inside the engine compartment.

[0016] Preferably, the inner wall of the housing is coated with a high thermal conductivity insulating coating, which is an alumina ceramic insulating coating, and a number of heat dissipation fins are provided at equal intervals on the outer wall of the housing.

[0017] Preferably, a superconducting heat pipe is installed on one side of the housing. The superconducting heat pipe has an L-shaped structure and includes an evaporation section and a condensation section. The evaporation section is fixed to the surface of the engine exhaust manifold by a stainless steel clamp. The condensation section is pressed into the side wall of the housing by an interference fit and achieves metal contact with the housing by a high-temperature brazing process.

[0018] Preferably, the heating core includes a partition frame and a graphene heating structure. The partition frame is made of insulating material and consists of a central column, partitions, and partitioned spaces. The central column is located at the center of the shell and has a cylindrical structure. Partitions are provided at equal intervals along its circumference on its outer wall.

[0019] Preferably, the outer end of the partition is sealed to the inner wall of the shell, and adjacent partitions form partitioned spaces, each partitioned space being provided with a graphene heating structure.

[0020] Preferably, the graphene heating structure has an insulating sealing plate at the fuel inlet, the insulating sealing plate is sealed with the adjacent partition, and a miniature piezoelectric ceramic valve is installed on the insulating sealing plate.

[0021] Preferably, the three-dimensional graphene foam of the graphene heating structure is provided with two electrode plates on the outer wall. The electrode plates are planar structures and are processed on the arc-shaped surface of the outer wall of the three-dimensional graphene foam by laser sintering or high-temperature conductive silver paste bonding. Each electrode plate is laser-welded with a glass-metal sealing terminal.

[0022] Preferably, the intelligent control unit includes a housing, and an MCU motherboard is installed inside the housing. The MCU motherboard is equipped with a microprocessor, an input and sensing module, a partition control module, and a load power control module.

[0023] The microprocessor serves as the core processing unit, used to perform decision-making and calculations;

[0024] The input and sensing module is used to receive engine ECU data and fuel temperature and flow data at the inlet and outlet, and transmit the data to the microprocessor.

[0025] The microprocessor calculates the heating power required for heating based on the data, and controls the corresponding partitions to close to stop heating through the partition control module, while adjusting the power of the partitions involved in heating.

[0026] The technical effects and advantages of this invention are as follows:

[0027] (1) The present invention adopts a graphene heating structure composed of three-dimensional graphene foam. The continuous microfluidic network integrated inside realizes the micro-diversion of fuel, which greatly increases the contact area between fuel and heating body. Combined with the ultra-high thermal conductivity and low heat capacity of graphene material itself, and the Joule heating effect after it is energized as a heating resistor, heat can be generated instantaneously and directly conducted to each fuel stream, realizing heating from surface to volume, solving the problems of slow response and uneven heating in traditional heating methods.

[0028] (2) The present invention is a dual control system consisting of mechanical regulation (zone opening and closing) + electronic regulation (power modulation) composed of intelligent control unit, partitioned graphene heating structure, micro piezoelectric ceramic valve and load power control module, which enables precise matching of heating power with engine real-time operating conditions and avoids the problem of overheating at low flow rate or insufficient heating at high flow rate.

[0029] (3) In this invention, the L-shaped superconducting heat pipe recovers waste heat by fixing its evaporation section to the surface of the engine exhaust manifold and conducts heat through the condensation section and the side wall of the shell. It can continuously introduce high-temperature exhaust waste heat as an auxiliary heat source into the heating device and continuously provide heat after the engine is running normally, so that the intelligent control unit can reduce or even turn off the electric heating power, thereby reducing the demand for vehicle power and achieving the effect of energy saving and consumption reduction. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This application provides a three-dimensional graphene-based split-flow methanol fuel instantaneous heating device for gasoline-powered vehicles. Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figure 2 This application provides a three-dimensional graphene-based split-flow methanol fuel instantaneous heating device for gasoline-powered vehicles. Figure 2 ;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a front view of the graphene-based split-flow methanol fuel instantaneous heating device for gasoline vehicles provided in this application embodiment;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a partial exploded view of the graphene-based split-flow methanol fuel instantaneous heating device for gasoline vehicles provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the intelligent control unit in the graphene-based split-flow methanol fuel instantaneous heating device for gasoline vehicles provided in this application embodiment;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a top view of the heating core installed inside the housing in the graphene-based split-flow methanol fuel instantaneous heating device for gasoline vehicles provided in this application embodiment;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a bottom view of the heating core installed inside the housing in the graphene-based split-flow methanol fuel instantaneous heating device for gasoline vehicles provided in this application embodiment;

[0037] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the heating core separated from the shell in the graphene-based instantaneous methanol fuel heating device for gasoline vehicles provided in this application embodiment;

[0038] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the heating core in the graphene-based split-flow methanol fuel instantaneous heating device for gasoline vehicles provided in this application embodiment;

[0039] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the graphene heating structure in the graphene-based split-flow methanol fuel instantaneous heating device for gasoline vehicles provided in this application embodiment;

[0040] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating the working principle of the intelligent control unit in the graphene-based split-flow methanol fuel instantaneous heating device for gasoline vehicles provided in this application embodiment.

[0041] In the picture:

[0042] 1. Housing; 2. Standard interface; 3. Mounting bracket; 4. Intelligent control unit; 5. Superconducting heat pipe; 6. Heating core;

[0043] 11. High thermal conductivity insulating coating; 12. Heat dissipation fins;

[0044] 21. End cap; 22. Pipe body; 23. Flow sensor; 24. Temperature sensor;

[0045] 31. Fastening collar; 32. High-temperature resistant buffer pad; 33. Fixed support;

[0046] 41. Housing; 42. MCU mainboard; 43. Microprocessor; 44. Input and sensing module; 45. Zone control module; 46. Load power control module; 51. Condensation section; 52. Evaporation section;

[0047] 61. Divider; 611. Central column; 612. Partition; 613. Divided space;

[0048] 62. Graphene heating structure; 621. Three-dimensional graphene foam; 622. Micropores (microfluidic network); 623. Electrode sheet; 624. Glass-metal sealed terminal;

[0049] 63. Insulating sealing plate; 64. Miniature piezoelectric ceramic valve. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The embodiments of the present invention are given for illustrative and descriptive purposes only, and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described to better illustrate the principles and practical application of the invention, and to enable those skilled in the art to understand the invention and design various embodiments with various modifications suitable for a particular purpose.

[0051] Example

[0052] Please see Figures 1 to 11 This embodiment provides a graphene-based split-flow methanol fuel instantaneous heating device for gasoline-powered vehicles. The overall structure of the heating device is as follows: Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, it includes a housing 1, which is a hollow cylindrical structure. Since the device needs to be installed in the engine compartment of a vehicle, it needs to be resistant to vibration and deformation and have good thermal conductivity. Therefore, the housing 1 is made of silicon carbide aluminum composite material, which takes into account ultra-high thermal conductivity, low coefficient of thermal expansion, lightweight and sufficient mechanical strength.

[0053] Standard interfaces 2 are provided at both the upper and lower ends of the housing 1. One end is a fuel inlet and the other end is a fuel outlet. The heating device is connected in series on the low-pressure fuel line between the fuel filter and the high-pressure fuel pump. The standard interface 2 at the inlet is connected to the outlet of the fuel filter through the fuel line to receive low-temperature methanol fuel from the fuel tank. The standard interface 2 at the outlet is connected to the inlet of the engine high-pressure fuel pump or fuel rail through the fuel line to deliver heated methanol fuel to the engine. In this embodiment, the standard interface 2 has the function of monitoring the inlet and outlet fuel flow and temperature. The parameter signals it senses are transmitted to the intelligent control unit 4 for it to judge the state of the fuel so as to further formulate a heating strategy and adjust and control the heating process to achieve better and more efficient fuel heating.

[0054] The housing 1 is also fitted with two symmetrical mounting brackets 3. The mounting brackets 3 are located at the connection between the standard interface 2 and the housing 1. The installation positions are dispersed, which can better support and fix the entire device. The mounting brackets 3 have a shock absorption effect to protect the device. Furthermore, the end of the mounting bracket 3 away from the housing 1 is fixed to the body sheet metal in the engine compartment, thereby fixing the heating device as a whole.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, the housing 1 contains a heating core 6, which is composed of multiple independently controllable partitioned graphene heating structures 62 to achieve macroscopic fuel diversion. Each graphene heating structure 62 contains a three-dimensional graphene foam 621 with a mesh-like porous structure, which serves as the core structure. It contains a large number of micron-sized micropores 622, which are integrated longitudinally along the three-dimensional graphene foam 621 to form a continuous microchannel network for fuel flow.

[0056] Fuel enters through the standard interface 2 at the outlet and is first macroscopically divided into multiple streams by the partitioned graphene heating structure 62. Then, each stream of fuel is further microscopically divided by the microchannel network after entering the three-dimensional graphene foam 621, achieving extreme flow division at the molecular level. This maximizes the contact area between the fuel and the graphene material. The graphene heating structure 62 itself integrates heating functionality. Combined with its low heat capacity and high thermal conductivity, the Joule heat energy generated after energization is instantly conducted through the graphene network to the cavity walls of each microchannel network, directly and efficiently heating the flowing fuel streams. The graphene heating structure 62 simultaneously serves as a fluid channel and a heating element, achieving efficient flow division and rapid heat conduction. The system provides instantaneous and uniform heating of the fuel, with each zone capable of independent temperature control. This allows for individual control and selective activation of heating zones based on fuel flow rate. The heating power is adaptively adjusted to prevent overheating. This adaptive adjustment is achieved through an intelligent control unit 4 mounted on the outer wall of the housing 1. Coarse adjustments are made via mechanical adjustment (opening and closing of zoned channels), combined with fine adjustments via electronic adjustment (heating power). This results in wider-range, higher-precision control with greater control redundancy, addressing issues such as poor low-temperature start-up performance, high latent heat of vaporization, slow preheating speed, and the inability to automatically adjust heating power based on fuel flow rate in automotive applications using methanol fuel.

[0057] The intelligent control unit 4 needs to be at a certain distance from the housing 1 to avoid the heat from the housing 1 affecting the intelligent control unit 4. The intelligent control unit 4 receives temperature and flow parameters from the standard interface 2, and also connects to the vehicle engine ECU via the CAN bus. It should be noted that the intelligent control unit 4 is connected to other control components using wiring harnesses. The intelligent control unit 4 receives data from the engine ECU, such as engine speed, load, coolant temperature, and exhaust temperature. This data is used to predict load changes and implement feedforward control. It also sends some data from the heating device to the engine ECU, such as the heating device's operating status and fault codes (such as heating timeout, sensor failure, etc.). The engine ECU can adjust the fuel supply strategy accordingly, or illuminate a malfunction indicator lamp to alert the driver in case of system failure.

[0058] Moreover, after receiving the data, the intelligent control unit 4 can perform load change prediction and feedforward control calculation based on the real-time temperature and flow data collected from the standard interface 2, combined with parameters such as speed, load, coolant temperature and exhaust temperature provided by the engine ECU. This enables the independent opening and power adjustment of each zone of the graphene heating structure 62 to adapt to changes in fuel flow and achieve automated and adaptive heating.

[0059] Furthermore, a superconducting heat pipe 5 is installed on one side of the casing 1, and its overall structure is L-shaped, such as... Figure 4 As shown, it includes an evaporation section 52 and a condensation section 51. The evaporation section 52 is tightly clamped and fixed to the surface of the engine exhaust manifold by a stainless steel clamp for efficient collection of waste heat. The condensation section 51 is pressed into the side wall of the housing 1 by an interference fit and a high-temperature brazing process is used to ensure that it achieves the maximum area of ​​metal contact with the housing 1, thereby achieving efficient heat conduction. The superconducting heat pipe 5 efficiently introduces the engine waste heat into the housing 1 as the main continuous heat source, realizing efficient recovery and utilization of waste heat from exhaust gas, and significantly reducing the energy consumption of electric heating. When the engine exhaust temperature rises, the superconducting heat pipe 5 efficiently conducts the waste heat to the housing 1 to maintain its operating temperature. The intelligent control unit 4 can reduce or turn off the electric heating power, thereby saving energy.

[0060] The following is a detailed description of the structure of each part of the heating device:

[0061] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the standard interface 2 includes an end cap 21 and a tube body 22. The end cap 21 is funnel-shaped, and one side of it is connected and sealed to the inlet or outlet of the housing 1. The other side is provided with a tube body 22, which is a cylindrical tube with a flared end to facilitate connection with other pipelines. A flow sensor 23 and a temperature sensor 24 are installed on the tube body 22. The flow sensor 23 and the temperature sensor 24 can be NTC temperature sensor and Hall effect flow sensor, respectively, to monitor the temperature and flow rate of methanol fuel when it enters and exits. The temperature and flow data are transmitted to the intelligent control unit 4 so as to serve as a data reference for controlling the heating power and adjusting the opening and closing of the zones.

[0062] A mounting bracket 3 is fitted at the connection between the end cap 21 and the housing 1. The mounting bracket 3 includes a fastening collar 31, a high-temperature resistant buffer pad 32, and a fixing support 33. The fastening collar 31 is fitted on the outside of the housing 1. A high-temperature resistant buffer pad 32 is provided between the inner wall of the fastening collar 31 and the outer wall of the housing 1. The high-temperature resistant buffer pad 32 can be made of rubber material, which has the effects of corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance, and can maintain the long-term use effect. In addition, it also has the function of buffering, which can reduce vibration and protect the internal structural components of the housing 1. A fixing support 33 is provided on the outside of the fastening collar 31. The fixing support 33 is installed on the body sheet metal in the engine compartment. Thus, the mounting bracket 3 can be used to fix the entire heating device.

[0063] like Figure 4 and Figure 8As shown, a high thermal conductivity insulating coating 11 is coated on the inner wall of the housing 1. It needs to have both high thermal conductivity and insulation. In this embodiment, the high thermal conductivity insulating coating 11 is an alumina ceramic insulating coating. An alumina ceramic insulating coating is prepared on the inner wall of the housing 1 using a plasma spraying process to ensure that the housing 1 is electrically insulated from the internal heating module. This is because the housing 1 needs to be insulated from the internal heating core 6. However, it also needs to have thermal conductivity and hardness. Therefore, the silicon carbide aluminum composite material is selected and the form of adding an insulating coating is used in combination to achieve this.

[0064] Furthermore, a plurality of heat dissipation fins 12 are provided at equal intervals on the outer side wall of the housing 1. In this embodiment, the heat dissipation fins 12 not only serve as heat dissipation fins, but also achieve thermal balance management. Regardless of whether the heat comes from internal electric heating or external waste heat, the housing 1 itself can be kept within a safe and reasonable operating temperature range, avoiding the accumulation of heat on the housing 1, which could lead to problems such as aging of structural components, sensor malfunction, or overheating of internal control circuits. By maintaining the temperature stability of the housing 1, a more stable operating environment is indirectly provided for the internal components, thereby improving control accuracy.

[0065] When the vehicle is cold-started (electric heating mode), the Joule heat generated by the internal graphene heating structure 62 is transferred to the flowing low-temperature fuel, and the heat dissipation fins 12 dissipate the excess heat into the air to prevent the housing 1 from overheating and protect the internal components.

[0066] During vehicle startup and operation (waste heat dominant mode), exhaust waste heat is transferred through superconducting heat pipe 5 to the flowing fuel. Since the waste heat may be large, the heat dissipation fins 12 help to dissipate the excess waste heat, maintain the system at an optimal operating temperature, and avoid overheating the fuel.

[0067] In zero heating (fuel cooling mode), if the temperature of the flowing fuel is very high and the system does not need to be heated, the temperature of the casing 1 may even be lower than the temperature of the fuel. In this case, the thermal conductivity of the heat dissipation fins 12 will help the fuel dissipate heat into the air, thus playing a cooling role.

[0068] like Figure 4 and Figures 6-10As shown, the structure of the heating core 6 includes a partition frame 61 and a graphene heating structure 62. The partition frame 61 is made of insulating material and consists of a central column 611, partitions 612, and partition spaces 613. The central column 611 is located at the center of the shell 1 and has a cylindrical structure. Partitions 612 are provided at equal intervals along its circumference on its outer side wall. The outer ends of the partitions 612 are sealed to the inner wall of the shell 1 to prevent fuel leakage to different areas. The partition spaces 613 are formed between adjacent partitions 612. In this embodiment, six independent partition spaces 613 are formed. A graphene heating structure 62 is provided in each partition space 613, thereby forming a macroscopic fuel diversion channel in the structure.

[0069] An insulating sealing plate 63 is provided at the fuel inlet of the graphene heating structure 62. The insulating sealing plate 63 is sealed with the adjacent partition plate 612. Furthermore, a miniature piezoelectric ceramic valve 64 is installed on the insulating sealing plate 63. Thus, the opening or closing of the miniature piezoelectric ceramic valve 64 corresponds to the opening or closing of the flow channel in the corresponding partition. Therefore, the intelligent control unit 4 can independently control each graphene heating structure 62 by the corresponding miniature piezoelectric ceramic valve 64, so as to selectively open different partition flow channels with different flow rates.

[0070] Two electrode plates 623 are provided on the outer wall of the three-dimensional graphene foam 621 of the graphene heating structure 62. The electrode plates 623 have a planar structure. Two parallel metal electrode plates 623 with a certain area are made on the arc-shaped outer surface of the outer wall of the three-dimensional graphene foam 621 by laser sintering or high-temperature conductive silver paste bonding. The electrode plates 623 can be made of copper. At the same time, a glass metal sealing terminal 624 is laser welded on each electrode plate 623 as a base for external power supply. Its outer end penetrates the shell 1. The glass metal sealing terminal 624 is a very mature technology in the fields of aerospace, military and high-end automobiles. It is used to achieve the functions of electrical conduction and gas sealing on the shell 1.

[0071] On each three-dimensional graphene foam 621, the external current forms a path through two electrode plates 623, and the three-dimensional graphene foam 621 is used as a heating resistor carrier. After the three-dimensional graphene foam 621 is heated, the heat generated can directly heat the inner wall of the microfluidic network, thereby directly heating the methanol fuel flowing through it, achieving a rapid instantaneous heating effect.

[0072] In this implementation, it is necessary to explain why the three-dimensional graphene foam 621 can serve as a heating resistor carrier. This is mainly based on the synergistic effect of the unique material structure of graphene and the electrode design, as detailed below:

[0073] The three-dimensional graphene foam 621 is not solid graphite, but a three-dimensional continuous porous network composed of interconnected graphene microsheets. Structurally, it can be compared to a metal wire sponge. This structure has high interconnectivity and porosity, providing a large number of pathways for current. According to the permeation theory, when current is transmitted from the positive electrode to the negative electrode, it will automatically disperse and choose multiple paths to migrate, rather than just flowing along a single shortest path. Due to the uniform network density and strong interconnectivity, the resistance difference between different paths is very small, so the current distribution is relatively uniform, thereby achieving overall heating.

[0074] On the other hand, the surface electrode design further optimizes the uniformity of current distribution. The electrode is fabricated on the outer side of the fan-shaped area, so that the current can be injected into the three-dimensional network from the entire contact surface. Combined with the high intrinsic conductivity of graphene itself, the electron migration resistance is very small, and the current can quickly diffuse into the interior of the material, avoiding current congestion at the electrode inlet.

[0075] Therefore, the surface electrode and the three-dimensional interconnected network work together to enable the current to penetrate the material body uniformly rather than just be conducted along the surface. Its macroscopic conductive heating behavior can be compared with that of a solid graphite plate. Despite the presence of pores, the current still spreads throughout the whole through countless parallel branches due to the highly interconnected structure, thus achieving stable and uniform volume heating.

[0076] The heating power of the graphene heating structure 62 and the closure of the corresponding area are controlled by the intelligent control unit 4 in actual use. The structure of the intelligent control unit 4 is as follows: Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, it includes a housing 41, and an MCU motherboard 42 is provided inside the housing 41. The MCU motherboard 42 is provided with a microprocessor 43, an input and sensing module 44, a partition control module 45 and a load power control module 46.

[0077] The microprocessor 43, as the core processing unit, is used for decision-making and calculation. The input and sensing module 44 receives data from the engine ECU and the temperature and flow rate of fuel at the inlet and outlet, and transmits it to the microprocessor 43. The microprocessor 43 calculates the heating power required for heating, and then controls the corresponding partition to close through the partition control module 45, preventing the partition from participating in heating. At the same time, it also makes corresponding adjustments to the power of the partitions that participate in heating, so as to achieve instantaneous and rapid heating of the fuel flowing through the partition. This control logic can be referenced. Figure 11 ;

[0078] When the intelligent control unit 4 is working:

[0079] (1) State perception:

[0080] The intelligent control unit 4 collects the following signals in real time: total fuel flow, outlet fuel temperature, and engine operating parameters;

[0081] (2) Decision calculation:

[0082] Based on current flow and temperature data, and combined with engine status, microprocessor 43 makes two-stage adjustment decisions:

[0083] A: Mechanical adjustment (coarse adjustment: zone opening and closing)

[0084] The number of partitions to be opened is determined based on the total traffic, thus achieving macro-level traffic distribution:

[0085] Low flow (e.g., idling): Enable 1 partition;

[0086] Medium flow (medium load): Enable 2 partitions;

[0087] High traffic (full load): Enable all partitions (6 in this example);

[0088] B: Electronic regulation (fine-tuning: power modulation)

[0089] For each activated partition, the microprocessor 43 independently calculates its required heating power and outputs it as a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal:

[0090] At full load: each zone operates at higher efficiency (e.g., 80% power);

[0091] At low to medium loads: each zone operates at higher power (e.g., 95%) to ensure heating efficiency and avoid overheating. At this time, fewer zones are activated, resulting in higher power.

[0092] (3) Execution control: The microprocessor 43 drives the opening and closing of the valves of the corresponding partition through the micro piezoelectric ceramic valve 64 to ensure that the fuel flows only through the open partition; at the same time, the power supply is only supplied to the open partition, and the power supply to the closed partition is completely cut off; the fuel in the open partition achieves extreme diversion and instantaneous body heating through the three-dimensional graphene foam 621 microchannel network; the closed partition neither flows fuel nor consumes electricity, achieving optimal energy efficiency;

[0093] (4) Thermal management coordination: The system integrates superconducting heat pipe 5 to recover the exhaust heat of the engine as an auxiliary heat source; when the exhaust heat is sufficient, the microprocessor 43 can further reduce the electric heating power, or even completely shut down some zones to achieve energy saving; the heat dissipation fins 12 dynamically adjust the temperature of the shell 1 to ensure that it is always in a safe and efficient working range.

[0094] This invention achieves efficient, adaptive, and instantaneous heating of methanol fuel through a dual regulation mechanism of "mechanical diversion + electronic power adjustment," combined with waste heat recovery and intelligent temperature control. It is suitable for the fuel heating needs of fuel vehicles under various operating conditions, and significantly improves low-temperature start-up performance and operating efficiency.

[0095] Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art and related fields based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Structures, devices, and operating methods not specifically described and explained in the present invention, unless otherwise specified or limited, shall be implemented according to conventional means in the art.

Claims

1. A graphene-based split-flow methanol fuel instantaneous heating device for gasoline-powered vehicles, comprising a housing (1), wherein the housing (1) is a hollow cylindrical structure made of silicon carbide aluminum composite material, characterized in that, Also includes: Two standard interfaces (2) are respectively located at the upper and lower ends of the housing (1), one of which is a fuel inlet and the other is a fuel outlet; the standard interface (2) is also used to monitor the flow rate and temperature of the inlet and outlet fuels and transmit parameter signals to the intelligent control unit (4). The heating core (6) is located inside the housing (1) and consists of multiple independently controllable partitioned graphene heating structures (62) for macroscopic fuel diversion. Each graphene heating structure (62) has a three-dimensional graphene foam (621) inside. The three-dimensional graphene foam (621) has a mesh porous structure and micropores (622) inside. The micropores (622) are integrated into a continuous microchannel network along the longitudinal direction of the three-dimensional graphene foam (621) for micro-diversion of fuel. The graphene heating structure (62) combines the functions of a fluid channel and a heating element, and instantly heats the fuel flowing through it through the Joule heating effect after being energized; The intelligent control unit (4) is located on the outer wall of the housing (1), communicates with the engine ECU via the CAN bus, and uses the received fuel flow and temperature signals for load prediction and feedforward control. The intelligent control unit (4) independently controls the opening and closing of each graphene heating structure (62) partition and the heating power according to the received signal, so as to achieve adaptive adjustment of the heating power.

2. The graphene-based split-flow methanol fuel instantaneous heating device for gasoline vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The standard interface (2) of the fuel inlet is connected to the fuel filter outlet through the fuel pipe, and the standard interface (2) of the fuel outlet is connected to the engine high-pressure fuel pump or fuel rail inlet through the fuel pipe. The standard interface (2) includes an end cap (21) and a tube (22). The end cap (21) is funnel-shaped, and one side of it is connected and sealed to the inlet or outlet of the housing (1). The other side is provided with a tube (22). The tube (22) is a cylindrical tube with a horn-shaped end. A flow sensor (23) and a temperature sensor (24) are installed on the tube (22).

3. The graphene-based split-flow methanol fuel instantaneous heating device for gasoline vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (1) is fitted with two symmetrical mounting brackets (3) with shock absorption function and located at the connection between the standard interface (2) and the housing (1). The mounting bracket (3) includes a fastening collar (31), a high-temperature resistant buffer pad (32) and a fixed support (33). The fastening collar (31) is fitted on the outside of the housing (1). A high-temperature resistant buffer pad (32) is provided between the inner wall of the fastening collar (31) and the outer wall of the housing (1). A fixed support (33) is provided on the outside of the fastening collar (31). The fixed support (33) is installed on the body sheet metal inside the engine compartment.

4. The graphene-based split-flow methanol fuel instantaneous heating device for gasoline vehicles according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inner wall of the housing (1) is coated with a high thermal conductivity insulating coating (11), which is an alumina ceramic insulating coating. Several heat dissipation fins (12) are provided at equal intervals on the outer wall of the housing (1).

5. The graphene-based split-flow methanol fuel instantaneous heating device for gasoline vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that, A superconducting heat pipe (5) is installed on one side of the housing (1). The superconducting heat pipe (5) has an L-shaped structure, including an evaporation section (52) and a condensation section (51). The evaporation section (52) is fixed to the surface of the engine exhaust manifold by a stainless steel clamp. The condensation section (51) is pressed into the side wall of the housing (1) by an interference fit and achieves metal contact with the housing (1) by a high-temperature brazing process.

6. The graphene-based split-flow methanol fuel instantaneous heating device for gasoline vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating core (6) includes a partition frame (61) and a graphene heating structure (62). The partition frame (61) is made of insulating material and consists of a central column (611), partitions (612) and partition space (613). The central column (611) is located at the center of the shell (1). The central column (611) is a cylindrical structure, and partitions (612) are provided at equal intervals along its circumference on its outer side wall.

7. The graphene-based split-flow methanol fuel instantaneous heating device for gasoline vehicles according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outer end of the partition (612) is sealed to the inner wall of the shell (1), and adjacent partitions (612) form partition spaces (613), each partition space (613) is provided with a graphene heating structure (62).

8. The graphene-based split-flow methanol fuel instantaneous heating device for gasoline vehicles according to claim 7, characterized in that, The graphene heating structure (62) has an insulating sealing plate (63) at the fuel inlet, which is sealed to the adjacent partition (612). A miniature piezoelectric ceramic valve (64) is installed on the insulating sealing plate (63).

9. The graphene-based split-flow methanol fuel instantaneous heating device for gasoline vehicles according to claim 8, characterized in that, The graphene heating structure (62) has two electrode plates (623) on the outer wall of the three-dimensional graphene foam (621). The electrode plates (623) are planar structures and are processed on the arc-shaped surface of the outer wall of the three-dimensional graphene foam (621) by laser sintering or high-temperature conductive silver paste bonding. Each electrode plate (623) is laser-welded with a glass-metal sealing terminal (624).

10. The graphene-based split-flow methanol fuel instantaneous heating device for gasoline vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intelligent control unit (4) includes a housing (41), and an MCU motherboard (42) is provided inside the housing (41). The MCU motherboard (42) is provided with a microprocessor (43), an input and sensing module (44), a partition control module (45), and a load power control module (46). The microprocessor (43) serves as the core processing unit for performing decision-making and calculations; The input and sensing module (44) is used to receive engine ECU data and fuel temperature and flow data at the inlet and outlet, and transmit the data to the microprocessor (43). The microprocessor (43) calculates the heating power required for heating based on the data, and controls the corresponding partition to close to stop heating through the partition control module (45), while adjusting the power of the partitions involved in heating.

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