Hydrogen augmented diesel crankcase ventilation

Abstract

A hydrogen augmented diesel crankcase ventilation system uses hydrogen to allow crankcase fumes, for example blow-by, to be burned by the engine. The system preferably includes a hydrogen generation system as a hydrogen source connected to an engine air intake by a first hose, a second hose connecting the crankcase to the air intake, and a third hose connecting a fresh air source to the crankcase. An orifice or a vacuum regulator in cooperation with the second hose may be included to regulate crankcase vacuum. A filter may reside inline with the second hose to capture solids or liquids which enter the second hose from the crankcase. A back flow preventor may be included in cooperation with the third hose to prevent a back flow of crankcase fumes through the third hose.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to reducing emissions from diesel engines and in particular mixing hydrogen with crankcase fumes to facilitate combustion. [0002] Diesel engines are commonly used in commercial applications such as trucks and stationary engines. These engines typically have much higher compression ratios than gasoline engines, and as a result, a substantial amount of diesel blow-by escapes past the piston rings. Unlike gasoline engines which use a simple crankcase ventilation, the diesel blow-by is generally vented to the outside, and presents a source of unpleasant fumes. The diesel engines typically can not simply vent the crankcase to the engine intake, because the diesel blow-by includes components which will degrade the diesel engine operation. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0003] The present invention addresses the above and other needs by providing a hydrogen augmented diesel crankcase ventilation system which uses hydrogen to ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0003] The present invention addresses the above and other needs by providing a hydrogen augmented diesel crankcase ventilation system which uses hydrogen to allow crankcase fumes, for example blow-by and / or fumes resulting from the breakdown of engine oil, to be burned in the engine. The system preferably includes a hydrogen generation system as a hydrogen source connected to an engine air intake by a first hose, a second hose connecting the crankcase to the air intake, and a third hose connecting a fresh air source to the crankcase. An orifice or a vacuum regulator in cooperation with the second hose may be included to regulate crankcase vacuum. A filter may reside inline with the second hose to capture solids or liquids which enter the second hose from the crankcase. A back flow preventor may be included in cooperation with the third hose to prevent back flow of crankcase fumes through the third hose.

[0004] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a hydrogen augmented diesel crankcase ventilation system. The system includes a hydrogen generator, a first hose connecting the hydrogen generator to an engine air intake, a second hose connecting an engine crankcase to the engine air intake, and a third hose connecting a fresh air source to the engine crankcase. The engine air intake preferably resides between an air cleaner and a supercharger, and more preferably a turbo charger. The first hose carries hydrogen gas and oxygen gas generated in the hydrogen generator to the air intake. A regulator or an orifice cooperates with the second hose to regulate a flow through the second hose and / or to regulate crankcase vacuum. A back flow preventor cooperating with the third hose to prevent a back flow of crankcase fumes through the third hose.

Problems solved by technology

These engines typically have much higher compression ratios than gasoline engines, and as a result, a substantial amount of diesel blow-by escapes past the piston rings.

Unlike gasoline engines which use a simple crankcase ventilation, the diesel blow-by is generally vented to the outside, and presents a source of unpleasant fumes.

The diesel engines typically can not simply vent the crankcase to the engine intake, because the diesel blow-by includes components which will degrade the diesel engine operation.

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