Methanol engine cold start system and vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a methanol engine cold start system and a vehicle. The methanol engine cold start system comprises a fuel storage device, a methanol engine, a super capacitor bank, a resistance heating assembly and a control unit. The fuel storage device is connected with the methanol engine through a fuel pipeline and conveys methanol fuel to the methanol engine. And the super capacitor bank is connected with the resistance heating assembly and is used for discharging electricity to the resistance heating assembly under the control of the control unit. And the resistance heating assembly exchanges heat with the fuel storage device so as to heat the methanol fuel in the fuel storage device. According to the methanol engine cold starting system and the vehicle, the cold starting efficiency can be improved, and the cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a methanol engine cold start system and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] As a new energy source, methanol has the advantages of high octane number, good cleanliness, low cost and renewable. However, since the latent heat of vaporization of methanol itself is much higher than that of gasoline and diesel, it is difficult to burn during cold start or when the ambient temperature is low. Especially when the ambient temperature is below 15°C, the volatility of methanol is poor, and the cold start atomization effect of the injector is poor, which makes cold start difficult or even impossible to start. It also brings problems such as high methanol consumption, poor cold engine emissions, and damage to the engine. Existing methanol vehicles basically adopt the mode of gasoline cold start and hot car burning methanol. Two types of cold start are required as well as the configuration of gasoline auxiliary tank and fuel supply device, which brings inconvenience to vehicle manufacturing and user use.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an improved methanol engine cold start system and vehicle to solve the above problems. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present application provides a methanol engine cold start system and vehicle that improves efficiency and reduces cost.

[0005] The present application discloses a methanol engine cold start system, comprising a fuel storage device, a methanol engine, a supercapacitor group, a resistance heating component and a control unit, wherein the fuel storage device is connected to the methanol engine via a fuel pipeline and delivers methanol fuel to the methanol engine, the supercapacitor group is connected to the resistance heating component and is used to discharge to the resistance heating component under the control of the control unit, and the resistance heating component performs heat exchange with the fuel storage device to heat the methanol fuel in the fuel storage device.

[0006] Furthermore, the fuel storage device includes a methanol fuel tank and a liquid storage container, the volume of the liquid storage container is smaller than that of the methanol fuel tank, the liquid storage container is connected between the methanol fuel tank and the methanol engine, and the resistance heating component performs heat exchange with the liquid storage container.

[0007] Furthermore, the resistance heating component is arranged close to the liquid storage container, and the methanol engine cold start system also includes a heat exchanger arranged between the resistance heating component and the liquid storage container, and the resistance heating component and the liquid storage container perform heat exchange through the heat exchanger.

[0008] Furthermore, it also includes a coolant flow channel connecting the resistance heating component and the liquid storage container, and the heat of the resistance heating component can be transferred to the liquid storage container through the coolant in the coolant flow channel.

[0009] Furthermore, the coolant flow channel also connects the resistance heating component and the methanol engine, and the heat of the resistance heating component can be transferred to the methanol engine through the coolant in the coolant flow channel.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a first temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature and a second temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the liquid storage container. The control unit is used to control the discharge of the supercapacitor group when it is detected that the ambient temperature or the temperature of the liquid storage container is lower than a threshold when there is a need to start the methanol engine.

[0011] Furthermore, a fuel pump is provided between the methanol fuel tank and the liquid storage container; and an alcohol injector is provided between the liquid storage container and the methanol engine.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes an intake system, which is connected to the methanol engine and is used to transport air to the methanol engine. The resistance heating component exchanges heat with the intake system to heat the air entering the methanol engine.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes an exhaust system connected to the methanol engine, and the exhaust system performs heat exchange with the fuel storage device to heat the methanol fuel in the fuel storage device.

[0014] Furthermore, a charging device is included, and the charging device is used to charge the supercapacitor group.

[0015] Furthermore, thermal insulation materials are provided on the outer sides of the fuel storage device and the fuel pipeline.

[0016] The present application also discloses a vehicle, comprising the methanol engine cold start system as described above.

[0017] The methanol engine cold start system and vehicle of the present application are provided with a supercapacitor group and a resistance heating component. When there is a need for cold start, the supercapacitor group discharges to the resistance heating component, and the resistance heating component performs heat exchange with the fuel storage device, so that the methanol fuel in the fuel storage device is heated, and the methanol engine can be started normally. The discharge and heating speed of the supercapacitor group and the resistance heating component are fast, which can meet the demand for rapid heating and heating during cold start, shorten the cold start waiting time, and improve the operating efficiency of the methanol engine cold start system. And only one methanol fuel is needed to ensure the normal start of the methanol engine, reducing costs.

[0018] It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the specification and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the specification.

[0020] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a methanol engine cold start system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a flow chart of a methanol engine cold start system in operation according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0022] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0023] 10. Fuel storage device; 11. Methanol fuel tank; 12. Liquid storage container; 13. Fuel pump; 14. Methanol injector; 20. Methanol engine; 30. Supercapacitor group; 31. Charging device; 40. Resistance heating component; 50. Control unit; 60. Fuel pipeline; 70. Heat exchanger; 80. Intake system; 90. Exhaust system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Here, the technical solutions in the embodiments (or "implementations") of the present application will be described clearly and completely in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.

[0025] If there are terms involving directional indications or positional relationships in the embodiments of the present application (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, outside, top, bottom, center, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, transverse, length, width, counterclockwise, clockwise, axial, radial, circumferential, etc.), such terms are only used to explain the relative positional relationship, movement, etc. between the components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings); if the specific posture changes, the directional indication or positional relationship will also change accordingly. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. involved in the embodiments of the present application are only used for the purpose of convenience of description and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0026] Next, the embodiments of this specification are described in detail.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the present application provides a methanol engine cold start system, including a fuel storage device 10, a methanol engine 20, a supercapacitor group 30, a resistance heating component 40, a control unit 50 and a fuel pipeline 60.

[0028] The fuel storage device 10 stores methanol fuel, is connected to the methanol engine 20 through a fuel pipeline 60, and delivers the methanol fuel to the methanol engine. Specifically, the fuel storage device 10 includes a methanol fuel tank 11 and a liquid storage container 12. The volume of the liquid storage container 12 is smaller than that of the methanol fuel tank 11. Most of the methanol fuel is stored in the methanol fuel tank 11, and a small part of the methanol fuel is stored in the liquid storage container 12. The liquid storage container 12 is connected between the methanol fuel tank 11 and the methanol engine 20. The methanol fuel in the methanol fuel tank 11 first enters the liquid storage container 12, and then is delivered from the liquid storage container 12 to the methanol engine.

[0029] A fuel pump 13 is provided between the methanol fuel tank 11 and the liquid storage container 12. The fuel pump 13 is provided on the fuel pipeline 60, and can provide power for the flow of the methanol fuel, and transport the methanol fuel from the methanol fuel tank 11 to the liquid storage container 12. In addition, the fuel pump 13 can adjust the flow of the fuel in the fuel pipeline 60 according to the requirements of the methanol engine cold start system, thereby improving the cold start efficiency.

[0030] An alcohol injector 14 is provided between the liquid storage container 12 and the methanol engine 20. The methanol fuel in the liquid storage container 12 flows to the alcohol injector 14, and the alcohol injector 14 atomizes the methanol fuel to form tiny droplets and sprays them into the methanol engine 20. The atomized methanol fuel is fully mixed with air in the engine to promote combustion and realize the operation of the methanol engine 20.

[0031] The supercapacitor group 30 includes at least one supercapacitor. The supercapacitor group 30 is connected to the resistance heating component 40 and can be discharged to the resistance heating component 40 under the control of the control unit 50. The resistance heating component 40 can convert electrical energy into thermal energy and perform heat exchange with the fuel storage device 10 to heat the methanol fuel in the fuel storage device 10, so that the methanol fuel is preheated to meet the normal cold start requirements of the methanol engine 20.

[0032] The supercapacitor group 30 has the characteristics of fast charging and discharging, can provide instantaneous high power, quickly provide a large amount of electrical energy when there is a heating demand for methanol fuel, support the resistance heating component 40 to heat in a short time, and transfer heat to the fuel storage device 10 to make the methanol fuel reach the required temperature. The fast response of the supercapacitor group 30 can effectively shorten the preheating time of methanol fuel, improve cold start efficiency and response speed. In addition, by using the supercapacitor group 30, the power load can be better balanced, reducing the demand for the main power supply of the vehicle, thereby extending the service life of the vehicle battery and optimizing energy management.

[0033] By preheating the methanol fuel to meet the normal cold start requirements of the methanol engine 20, the methanol engine cold start system of the present application only requires one type of fuel to ensure the normal operation of the methanol engine 20, thereby reducing costs and improving economic performance.

[0034] The fuel storage device 10 and the fuel pipeline 60 are both provided with heat-insulating materials on their outer sides, which can effectively reduce heat loss and save energy. Specifically, the heat-insulating materials are polyurethane heat-insulating materials or rubber-plastic heat-insulating materials.

[0035] Specifically, the resistance heating component 40 performs heat exchange with the liquid storage container 12. When the methanol fuel needs to be heated, the resistance heating component 40 heats the methanol fuel stored in the liquid storage container 12 to make the temperature of the methanol fuel reach the normal cold start temperature (generally 20°C to 30°C). The preheated methanol fuel enters the methanol engine 20, so that the methanol engine 20 can be cold started normally.

[0036] Since the volume of the liquid storage container 12 is relatively small, the resistance heating component 40 preheats the methanol fuel in the liquid storage container 12. On the one hand, it can achieve rapid temperature rise of the methanol fuel inside the liquid storage container 12, improve the heating speed, and enable the methanol fuel in the liquid storage container 12 that reaches the normal cold start temperature to be quickly transported to the methanol engine 20 to participate in the cold start, thereby improving the cold start efficiency of the methanol engine 20. On the other hand, it can reduce the heat required for heating, avoid excessive heat loss, and improve overall energy efficiency.

[0037] In addition, the use of a small-volume liquid storage container 12 can distribute heat more evenly, avoiding local overheating or overcooling that is prone to occur when heating a large-volume methanol fuel tank 11, and improving the consistency of the heating effect. This makes the temperature of the fuel delivered to the methanol engine 20 more stable, enhancing the stability and reliability of the operation of the methanol engine 20.

[0038] The methanol engine cold start system of the present application also includes an intake system 80. The intake system 80 is connected to the methanol engine 20 and is used to deliver air to the methanol engine 20. The resistance heating component 40 can perform heat exchange with the intake system 80 to heat the air entering the methanol engine 20. After the air entering the methanol engine 20 is heated, it can react more fully with the methanol fuel, shorten the cold start time of the methanol engine 20, and improve the cold start performance of the methanol engine 20.

[0039] The methanol engine cold start system of the present application also includes a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor is used to detect the ambient temperature of the vehicle, and the second temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the methanol fuel in the liquid storage container 12. When the methanol engine 20 has a start demand, if it is detected that the ambient temperature of the vehicle or the temperature of the methanol fuel in the liquid storage container 12 is lower than the threshold, the control unit 50 controls the supercapacitor group 30 to discharge to the resistance heating component 40 to achieve heat exchange with the liquid storage container 12 and the intake system 80. Specifically, the threshold in this embodiment is not less than 15°C.

[0040] When the ambient temperature and the temperature in the liquid storage container 12 are both higher than the threshold, the temperature of the methanol fuel in the liquid storage container 12 is sufficient to meet the cold start requirement of the methanol engine 20 , and there is no need to use the supercapacitor group 30 to discharge.

[0041] When the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor detect that the air temperature and the temperature in the liquid storage container 12 have reached the normal cold start temperature, or the methanol engine 20 is operating normally, the control unit 50 controls the supercapacitor group 30 to end discharging.

[0042] Furthermore, the methanol engine cold start system of the present application also includes a charging device 31. The charging device 31 is a low-voltage power source such as a low-voltage battery or a generator of the vehicle, and is used to charge the supercapacitor group 30. The charging device 31 can charge the supercapacitor group 30 when the methanol engine 20 is running normally after starting, and can also charge the supercapacitor group 30 before or during the starting process of the methanol engine 20.

[0043] Figure 2 The process of the methanol engine cold start system of the present application during operation is shown. First, it is determined whether the methanol engine 20 needs to be started. If the methanol engine 20 does not need to be started, the supercapacitor group 30 does not need to be discharged. If the methanol engine 20 needs to be started, the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor respectively obtain the ambient temperature and the temperature of the liquid storage container 12, and determine whether the ambient temperature or the temperature of the liquid storage container 12 is lower than the set temperature threshold. If both the ambient temperature and the temperature of the liquid storage container 12 are not lower than the set temperature threshold, the supercapacitor group 30 does not need to be discharged, and the methanol engine 20 starts normally.

[0044] If the ambient temperature or the temperature of the liquid storage container 12 is lower than the set temperature threshold, it is determined whether the power of the supercapacitor group 30 reaches the set threshold. If the power of the supercapacitor group 30 does not reach the set threshold, the control unit 50 controls the charging device 31 to charge the supercapacitor group 30, and determines again whether the power of the supercapacitor group 30 reaches the set threshold.

[0045] If the power of the supercapacitor group 30 reaches the set threshold, the control unit 50 controls the supercapacitor group 30 to discharge to the resistance heating component 40 and heat the fuel storage device 10 to enable the methanol engine 20 to start normally. After the methanol engine 20 starts to operate normally, the supercapacitor group 30 stops discharging, and the charging device 31 charges the supercapacitor group 30.

[0046] In some cases, the methanol engine cold start system further includes a heat exchanger 70. The resistance heating component 40 is disposed close to the liquid storage container 12, and the heat exchanger 70 is disposed between the resistance heating component 40 and the liquid storage container 12. The resistance heating component 40 and the liquid storage container 12 can achieve heat exchange through the heat exchanger 70. The resistance heating component 40 can also achieve heat exchange with the intake system 80 through the heat exchanger 70.

[0047] In addition, the resistance heating component 40 can also transfer heat to the methanol engine 20 and the methanol fuel tank 11 through the heat exchanger to heat the methanol engine 20 and the methanol fuel tank 11. The fuel pipeline 60 can also conduct heat to achieve heat transfer in the methanol engine cold start system, which helps to quickly start the methanol engine 20.

[0048] In some cases, the methanol engine cold start system further includes a coolant flow channel (not shown in the figure). The coolant flow channel connects the resistance heating component 40 with the liquid storage container 12, and the heat of the resistance heating component 40 can be transferred to the liquid storage container 12 through the coolant in the coolant flow channel. The coolant flow channel can also connect the resistance heating component 40 with the methanol engine 20, the intake system 80 and the methanol fuel tank 11, and the heat of the resistance heating component 40 can be transferred to the methanol engine 20, the intake system 80 and the methanol fuel tank 11 through the coolant in the coolant flow channel.

[0049] It is understandable that the resistance heating component 40 can transfer heat to the liquid storage container 12, the intake system 80, the methanol engine 20 and the methanol fuel tank 11. However, considering that the heat consumed by heating the methanol engine 20 and the methanol fuel tank 11 is relatively large, in the actual working process, the resistance heating component 40 will first transfer heat to the liquid storage container 12 to achieve heating of the methanol fuel in the liquid storage container 12 and ensure the normal operation of the cold start of the methanol engine 20. Then consider transferring heat to the intake system 80 to achieve heating of the air entering the methanol engine 20. Finally, consider transferring heat to the methanol engine 20 and the methanol fuel tank 11.

[0050] The number of the supercapacitor group 30 and the resistance heating component 40 can be one, and the number of the supercapacitor group 30 and the resistance heating component 40 can be multiple, so as to provide heat to different components in the cold start system of the methanol engine.

[0051] The methanol engine cold start system of the present application further includes an exhaust system 90 connected to the methanol engine 20. When the methanol engine 20 is running, high-temperature exhaust gas is generated, and the high-temperature exhaust gas is discharged through the exhaust system 90. In some cases, the exhaust system 90 and the fuel storage device 10 can perform heat exchange to heat the methanol fuel in the fuel storage device 10. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the exhaust system 90 and the liquid storage container 12 achieve heat transfer via the heat exchanger 70 .

[0052] By providing heat exchange between the exhaust system 90 and the fuel storage device 10, the heat in the methanol engine cold start system is circulated and utilized, making the methanol engine cold start system more economical and environmentally friendly during operation.

[0053] The present application also provides a vehicle, comprising the methanol engine cold start system as described above.

[0054] The methanol engine cold start system and vehicle of the present application are provided with a supercapacitor group 30 and a resistance heating component 40. When there is a need for cold start, the supercapacitor group 30 discharges to the resistance heating component 40, and the resistance heating component 40 performs heat exchange with the fuel storage device 10, so that the methanol fuel in the fuel storage device 10 is heated, and the methanol engine 20 can be started normally. The discharge and heating speed of the supercapacitor group 30 and the resistance heating component 40 are fast, which can meet the demand for rapid heating and heating during cold start, shorten the cold start waiting time, and improve the operating efficiency of the cold start system of the methanol engine 20. And only one methanol fuel is needed to ensure the normal start of the methanol engine 20, which reduces the cost.

[0055] It should be noted that the technical solutions or technical features described in the above embodiments can be combined or supplemented with each other without causing conflicts. The scope of protection of this application is not limited to the precise structures described in the above embodiments and shown in the drawings; all modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A methanol engine cold start system, It is characterized in that The invention comprises a fuel storage device, a methanol engine, a super capacitor group, a resistance heating component and a control unit. The fuel storage device is connected to the methanol engine through a fuel pipeline and delivers methanol fuel to the methanol engine. The super capacitor group is connected to the resistance heating component and is used to discharge to the resistance heating component under the control of the control unit. The resistance heating component performs heat exchange with the fuel storage device to heat the methanol fuel in the fuel storage device.

2. The methanol engine cold start system according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The fuel storage device includes a methanol fuel tank and a liquid storage container. The volume of the liquid storage container is smaller than that of the methanol fuel tank. The liquid storage container is connected between the methanol fuel tank and the methanol engine. The resistance heating component performs heat exchange with the liquid storage container.

3. The methanol engine cold start system according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The resistance heating component is arranged close to the liquid storage container, and the methanol engine cold start system also includes a heat exchanger arranged between the resistance heating component and the liquid storage container, and the resistance heating component and the liquid storage container perform heat exchange through the heat exchanger.

4. The methanol engine cold start system according to claim 2, It is characterized in that It also includes a coolant flow channel connecting the resistance heating component and the liquid storage container, and the heat of the resistance heating component can be transferred to the liquid storage container through the coolant in the coolant flow channel.

5. The methanol engine cold start system according to claim 4, It is characterized in that The coolant flow channel also connects the resistance heating component and the methanol engine, and the heat of the resistance heating component can be transferred to the methanol engine through the coolant in the coolant flow channel.

6. The methanol engine cold start system according to claim 2, It is characterized in that It also includes a first temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature and a second temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the liquid storage container. The control unit is used to control the discharge of the supercapacitor group when there is a need to start the methanol engine and if it is detected that the ambient temperature or the temperature of the liquid storage container is lower than a threshold.

7. The methanol engine cold start system according to claim 2, It is characterized in that A fuel pump is arranged between the methanol fuel tank and the liquid storage container; and an alcohol injector is arranged between the liquid storage container and the methanol engine.

8. The methanol engine cold start system according to claim 1, It is characterized in that It also includes an air intake system, which is connected to the methanol engine and used to transport air to the methanol engine. The resistance heating component performs heat exchange with the air intake system to heat the air entering the methanol engine.

9. The methanol engine cold start system according to claim 1, It is characterized in that It also includes an exhaust system connected to the methanol engine, and the exhaust system performs heat exchange with the fuel storage device to heat the methanol fuel in the fuel storage device.

10. The methanol engine cold start system according to claim 1, It is characterized in that Also included is a charging device, which is used to charge the supercapacitor bank.

11. The methanol engine cold start system according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The outer sides of the fuel storage device and the fuel pipeline are both provided with heat-insulating materials.

12. A vehicle, It is characterized in that It comprises the methanol engine cold start system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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