Engine system

Abstract

The invention provides an engine system capable of coping with fuel gas containing toxic substances leaked from an engine. An engine system (1) provided with an engine (2) that is operated by a fuel containing a toxic substance is provided with: a housing (7) that surrounds the engine (2); and a fuel detection unit (8) that is disposed on the inside or outside of the housing (7) and detects fuel leaked from the outside of the engine (2). When the steam specific gravity of the fuel is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the fuel is detected by a fuel detection unit (8) disposed at the lower part of the housing (7), and when the steam specific gravity of the fuel is less than the predetermined threshold value, the fuel is detected by a fuel detection unit (8) disposed at the upper part of the housing (7). The fuel containing toxic substances is any one of ammonia and methanol.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an engine system including an engine that is operated using fuel containing a toxic substance such as ammonia or methanol (a highly toxic substance as defined in the Poison and Highly Toxic Substances Control Act). Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, some engines have been designed to operate on fuels containing toxic substances such as ammonia and methanol. Regarding engine systems equipped with such engines, there are concerns about the adverse effects of the toxic substances contained in the fuel on the human body, and therefore, methods for removing the toxic substances are required to protect the human body.

[0003] For example, the fuel supply system disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a fuel supply line extending from a fuel tank storing a fuel selected from liquefied ammonia, liquefied petroleum gas, and methanol to the engine via a recovery tank; and a fuel return line returning a portion of the fuel from the engine to the recovery tank, the fuel return line either containing an oil removal and recovery device disposed in the recovery tank. Furthermore, the fuel supply system includes a gas-liquid separator for introducing fuel into the fuel return line returning a portion of the fuel from the engine to the recovery tank and separating the fuel into vaporized ammonia, liquefied ammonia, and oil, and a detoxification device for introducing the vaporized ammonia and water separated by the gas-liquid separator to produce aqueous ammonia.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-055419 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Conventional engine systems utilize a detoxification device to remove toxic substances such as ammonia. However, this expensive detoxification device increases costs and can complicate the structure of the engine system due to the structure used to install the detoxification device. Furthermore, conventional engine systems, such as those described in Patent Document 1, can remove toxic substances such as ammonia from the fuel supply device, but are unable to address fuel gas containing toxic substances that leaks from the engine.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an engine system capable of coping with fuel gas containing toxic substances leaking from an engine.

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the engine system of the present invention includes an engine that operates using fuel containing toxic substances, and is characterized in that the engine system includes: a casing that surrounds the engine; and a fuel detection unit that is arranged on the inner side or the outer side of the casing and detects the fuel leaked from the outside of the engine. When the vapor specific gravity of the fuel is greater than a specified threshold value, the fuel is detected by the fuel detection unit arranged at the lower part of the casing. When the vapor specific gravity of the fuel is less than the specified threshold value, the fuel is detected by the fuel detection unit arranged at the upper part of the casing.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, an engine system is provided that can cope with gas containing toxic substances leaking from an engine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of an engine system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cylinder of an engine in the engine system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of an engine system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram showing another example of the engine system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram showing another example of the engine system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Description of Reference Numerals

[0018] 1…Engine system; 2…Engine; 3…Intake passage; 4…Exhaust passage; 5…Fuel supply path; 6…Supercharger; 7…Casing; 8…Fuel detection unit; 9…Notification unit; 10…Control unit; 20…Cylinder block; 21…Cylinder; 21a…Combustion chamber; 22…Crankcase; 22a…Explosion-proof valve; 23…Cylinder block; 24…Piston; 25…Cylinder head; 26…Ignition device; 27…Crankshaft; 28…Connecting rod; 29…Intake port; 30…Intake valve; 31…Exhaust port; 32…Exhaust valve; 33…Intake manifold; 34…Exhaust manifold; 35…Main fuel supply device; 40…Intake port; 41…Exhaust port; 42…Ventilation inlet; 43…Ventilation outlet; 44…Ventilation introduction passage; 45…Ventilation exhaust passage; 46…Ventilation fan DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] An engine system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 、 Figure 3 As shown, the engine system 1 includes an engine 2 , an intake passage 3 , an exhaust passage 4 , a fuel supply path 5 , a supercharger 6 , a casing 7 , a fuel detection unit 8 , a notification unit 9 , and a control unit 10 .

[0020] In this embodiment, engine system 1 is operated by feeding fuel containing toxic substances such as ammonia and methanol (highly toxic substances as defined in the Poison and Highly Toxic Substances Control Act) into combustion chamber 21a of engine 2. The fuel is supplied to combustion chamber 21a as a mixture of fuel and air (fuel gas). Engine system 1 is installed in a building, a housing, or a mobile object (e.g., a vehicle, a ship, or an aircraft).

[0021] The engine 2 is, for example, a 4-stroke engine, and is configured such that a cylinder block 20 includes a plurality of cylinders 21 and a crankcase 22. Figure 1 、 Figure 3 6 cylinders 21 are shown in FIG, but the number of cylinders 21 is not limited to 6. Figure 2 Only one cylinder 21 among the multiple cylinders 21 is shown. Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 2 As shown, the cylinder 21 is constructed to include a cylinder body 23 , a piston 24 and a cylinder head 25 .

[0022] The cylinder 23 is formed into a cylindrical shape in the cylinder block 20, for example, and the piston 24 is slidably received in the cylinder 23. The cylinder head 25 is mounted on the upper side of the cylinder 23, and a combustion chamber 21a is formed inside the cylinder 23 and the cylinder head 25. Figure 2 As shown, the cylinder head 25 is provided with an ignition device 26 for igniting the fuel in the combustion chamber 21a. The ignition device 26 can be a micro-pilot type device that injects a small amount of liquid fuel, or a spark ignition type device using a spark plug. Furthermore, a structure can be used to perform compression ignition of a mixture of gaseous fuel and liquid fuel.

[0023] Each cylinder block 23 of the plurality of cylinders 21 is connected to a crankcase 22, and a crankshaft 27 (crankshaft) is rotatably supported by the crankcase 22. The piston 24 of each cylinder 21 is connected to the crankshaft 27 via a connecting rod 28, and the reciprocating motion of the piston 24 is converted into rotational motion of the crankshaft 27 via the connecting rod 28. Furthermore, if the internal pressure of the crankcase 22 exceeds a certain level, there is a risk of explosion and damage. Therefore, an explosion-proof valve 22a (pressure valve) is provided to release the internal pressure.

[0024] like Figure 2As shown, the cylinder head 25 has an intake port 29 communicating with the combustion chamber 21a and an intake valve 30 that opens and closes the intake port 29. The combustion chamber 21a is connected to the intake passage 3 via the intake port 29, and a mixture of air and fuel (combustion gas) supplied from the intake passage 3 is introduced into the combustion chamber 21a. Furthermore, the cylinder head 25 has an exhaust port 31 communicating with the combustion chamber 21a and an exhaust valve 32 that opens and closes the exhaust port 31. The combustion chamber 21a is connected to the exhaust passage 4 via the exhaust port 31, and exhaust gas generated in the combustion chamber 21a is discharged into the exhaust passage 4.

[0025] In order to connect the intake passage 3 and the plurality of cylinders 21, an intake manifold 33 having branched intake flow paths 33a branching from the intake passage 3 to the respective intake ports 29 of the plurality of cylinders 21 is provided between the intake passage 3 and the engine 2. In addition, in order to connect the exhaust passage 4 and the plurality of cylinders 21, an exhaust manifold 34 having branched exhaust flow paths 34a branching from the exhaust passage 4 to the plurality of cylinders 21 is provided between the exhaust passage 4 and the engine 2. Figure 1 、 Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the intake manifold 33 is indicated by a dotted line, and the exhaust manifold 34 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0026] The intake passage 3 is connected to the plurality of cylinders 21 of the engine 2 and supplies compressed and cooled air to each cylinder 21. A mixture of air supplied from the intake passage 3 and fuel containing toxic substances supplied from a fuel tank (not shown) via a fuel supply path 5 is supplied to the combustion chamber 21a of each cylinder 21. A supercharger 6 is provided on the upstream side of the intake passage 3 in the intake direction to compress the air or the mixture of fuel and air flowing in the intake passage 3 and send it to the downstream side in the intake direction. In addition, an air filter (not shown) that purifies the new air and introduces it into the intake passage 3, and an intercooler (not shown) that cools the air flowing in the intake passage 3 can be provided in the intake passage 3.

[0027] The exhaust passage 4 is connected to the plurality of cylinders 21 of the engine 2 , and allows exhaust gas generated in each cylinder 21 to flow and be discharged.

[0028] The fuel supply path 5 supplies fuel from a fuel tank (not shown) to the engine 2. For example, the fuel supply path 5 includes a plurality of branch fuel paths 5a that branch to distribute fuel to the multiple cylinders 21, and a plurality of main fuel supply devices 35 disposed at the ends of the branch fuel paths 5a to supply fuel to the combustion chambers 21a of the multiple cylinders 21. The main fuel supply devices 35 are comprised of, for example, gas intake valves and gas injectors. For example, the main fuel supply devices 35 are disposed to inject fuel into the multiple branch intake airflow paths 33a of the intake manifold 33 provided for each of the multiple cylinders 21.

[0029] The supercharger 6 compresses the air or mixed gas flowing through the intake passage 3 and delivers it downstream in the intake direction. The supercharger 6 includes a turbine 6a and a compressor 6b. The turbine 6a is located in the exhaust passage 4, and the compressor 6b is located in the intake passage 3. Exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust passage 4 rotates the turbine 6a, and the rotational force of the turbine 6a drives the compressor 6b, thereby compressing the air or mixed gas flowing through the intake passage 3.

[0030] The casing 7 is disposed in a house, a housing, or a mobile object in which the engine system 1 is installed, and is configured to surround the engine 2 .

[0031] For example, the outer casing 7 is constructed with multiple steel plate members that surround the engine 2 from various directions (front-back, left-right, up-down, and in directions inclined relative to these directions). These plate members seamlessly cover the engine 2. This provides high airtightness and improves internal pressure control. Furthermore, the outer casing 7 can be constructed with steel beams and columns that support the plate members.

[0032] Alternatively, the housing 7 may be configured to include a sheet-like member or a shroud-like member supported by beam members or column members in place of or in addition to the plate member, and to cover the engine 2 .

[0033] Alternatively, the housing 7 can be configured with gaps and multiple plate members, sheet members, or shield-like members, or it can be configured with only a single plate member. This allows the housing 7 to have airtightness appropriate to the state of the engine 2 and fuel, and can be constructed at a low cost. Furthermore, the housing 7 can be configured with a grid-like member supported by beam members or column members, or it can be configured with only beam members or column members.

[0034] The housing 7 also has an air intake 40 for drawing in air supplied to the engine 2 from the outside of the housing 7, and an exhaust 41 for discharging exhaust gas from the engine 2 to the outside of the housing 7. The housing 7 also has a ventilation inlet 42 for introducing ventilation air from the outside of the housing 7 to the inside of the housing 7 for ventilating the inside of the housing 7, and a ventilation outlet 43 for discharging the ventilation air that has ventilated the inside of the housing 7 to the outside of the housing 7.

[0035] The air inlet 40, the ventilation inlet 42, and the exhaust port 41 are independently arranged, for example, separated by a predetermined distance or more and / or arranged to have different opening directions. In particular, the air inlet 40, the ventilation inlet 42, and the ventilation outlet 43 are independently arranged, for example, separated by a predetermined distance or more and / or arranged to have different opening directions.

[0036] The ventilation inlet 42 is connected to a ventilation introduction passage 44 that communicates from the ventilation inlet 42 communicating with the inside of the housing 7 to the outside of the housing 7. Ventilation air is introduced from the outside of the housing 7 into the inside of the housing 7 through the ventilation introduction passage 44 and the ventilation inlet 42.

[0037] A ventilation exhaust passage 45 is connected to ventilation outlet 43. Ventilation exhaust passage 45 extends from ventilation outlet 43, which communicates with the inside of casing 7, to the outside of the house, housing, or mobile object where engine 2 is installed. Ventilation exhaust passage 45 is hermetically sealed except for the ends of ventilation outlet 43, preventing exhaust ventilation air from leaking midway. Ventilation air is discharged from the inside of casing 7 through ventilation outlet 43 and ventilation exhaust passage 45 to the outside of the house, housing, or mobile object.

[0038] Furthermore, the housing 7 is equipped with a ventilation fan 46 at the ventilation outlet 43 or the ventilation exhaust passage 45. The ventilation fan 46 is configured to be operated under the control of the control unit 10, sucking ventilation air from the interior of the housing 7 and discharging it through the ventilation outlet 43 or the ventilation exhaust passage 45. Furthermore, the housing 7 may be equipped with a single ventilation fan 46, or may be equipped with two or more ventilation fans 46. For example, the ventilation fan 46 may be controlled by the control unit 10 to operate at all times while the engine 2 is operating. The ventilation fan 46 may be configured to vary its operating intensity, i.e., suction intensity, in accordance with the control of the control unit 10.

[0039] As an example of a housing 7 configured to include a gap, when a fuel gas having a vapor specific gravity less than 1 (a predetermined threshold value) is used as the mixed gas composed of fuel and air supplied to the combustion chamber 21a, the housing 7 can be configured such that a plate member is arranged so as to have a gap in the lower portion. In this case, the air inlet 40 and the ventilation inlet 42 can be provided in the lower portion of the housing 7 or in the gap therein so as to introduce air from below or around the lower portion of the housing 7, and the ventilation outlet 43 can be provided in the upper portion of the housing 7 so as to exhaust air to above or around the upper portion of the housing 7.

[0040] Furthermore, when using a gas having a vapor specific gravity greater than 1 (a predetermined threshold value) as the mixed gas consisting of fuel and air supplied to the combustion chamber 21a, the housing 7 may be configured such that a plate member is disposed with a gap in the upper portion. In this case, the air inlet 40 and the ventilation inlet 42 may be provided in the upper portion of the housing 7 so as to introduce air from above or around the upper portion of the housing 7, and the ventilation outlet 43 may be provided in the lower portion of the housing 7 so as to discharge air downward or around the lower portion.

[0041] As an example of the shape of the housing 7, when using a gas with a steam specific gravity of less than 1 as the mixed gas consisting of fuel and air supplied to the combustion chamber 21a, the housing 7 can be configured to include a flange portion formed of a plate member with a step at its upper portion. This configuration creates a density difference inside the upper portion of the housing 7, and the resulting rise in air prevents air convection, thereby efficiently ventilating gas leaking from the engine 2. In this case, the ventilation outlet 43 can be provided at the uppermost portion of the flange portion of the housing 7, discharging air upward or toward the surrounding area of ​​the upper portion of the housing 7. Specifically, the housing 7 includes a flange portion in the shape of an isosceles triangle or a right triangle.

[0042] Furthermore, when using a gas having a vapor specific gravity greater than 1 as the mixed gas consisting of fuel and air supplied to the combustion chamber 21a, the housing 7 is configured to include a receiving portion such as a recess (groove) or a tray on or above the bottom surface of the inner side of the housing 7. This allows the receiving portion to receive gas leaking from the engine 2 on the inner side of the lower portion of the housing 7, facilitating its discharge, thereby preventing gas stagnation and enabling efficient ventilation. In this case, the ventilation outlet 43 can be provided at the lowest portion of the housing 7's eaves, discharging air downward or toward the surrounding area of ​​the lower portion. Furthermore, the housing 7's sloped receiving portion facilitates the discharge of gas received by the receiving portion, further preventing gas stagnation and enabling efficient ventilation.

[0043] Fuel detection unit 8 is located inside or outside of casing 7 and detects gas leaking outside engine 2. Fuel detection unit 8 can be comprised of a sensor that detects the amount and concentration of toxic substances (ammonia, methanol, etc.) in the surrounding air and detects gas based on the detection results. Alternatively, fuel detection unit 8 can be comprised of a sensor that detects environmental information such as the temperature and pressure of the surrounding air and detects gas based on changes in that environmental information.

[0044] As an example of the arrangement of the fuel detection unit 8, when a gas having a vapor specific gravity greater than 1 is used as a mixed gas composed of fuel and air supplied to the combustion chamber 21a, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the fuel detection unit 8 is disposed in the lower portion of the housing 7 to detect the gas that descends to the lower portion of the housing 7. For example, as an example of the arrangement of the lower portion of the housing 7, the fuel detection unit 8 may be disposed on the inner side of the housing 7, near the bottom surface, above the bottom surface, or the like, or may be disposed on the outer side of the housing 7, below or to the side of the lower portion.

[0045] In addition, when using a gas having a steam specific gravity less than 1 as a mixed gas composed of fuel and air supplied to the combustion chamber 21a, as shown in FIG. Figure 3As shown, the fuel detection unit 8 is disposed on the upper portion of the housing 7 to detect the gas rising to the upper portion of the housing 7. For example, the fuel detection unit 8 may be disposed on the inner side of the housing 7, near the top surface, below the top surface, or below the top surface, or may be disposed on the outer side of the housing 7, above or to the side of the upper portion.

[0046] The notification unit 9 uses sound, such as a buzzer, or light, such as a lamp, to notify an alarm regarding an abnormality occurring in the engine system 1. The notification unit 9 can be configured to notify the alarm using sound and / or light under the control of the control unit 10. Furthermore, the notification unit 9 can vary the length, interval, and intensity of the sound and light depending on the type of abnormality, i.e., the type of alarm. The notification unit 9 can include multiple lights at various locations, and can illuminate the lights at the locations where the abnormality has occurred.

[0047] The control unit 10 is a computer such as an ECU (Engine Control Unit) that controls the operation of the engine 2. It includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and is configured to control various components of the engine 2. The control unit 10 can store various programs for controlling the engine 2 and read and execute the programs to control the engine 2.

[0048] Specifically, the control unit 10 controls various components to respond to leaks based on predetermined conditions, such as the detection of a gas leak from the engine 2 by the fuel detector 8. For example, if a gas leak is detected, the control unit 10 controls the notification unit 9 to issue an alarm corresponding to the fuel detection. In this case, the control unit 10 causes the notification unit 9 to issue an alarm that uses sound and / or light to identify the fuel detection. Furthermore, the control unit 10 can issue different alarms depending on the location of the fuel detector 8 that detected the fuel, or can issue an alarm using the notification unit 9 at a location corresponding to the location of the fuel detector 8.

[0049] Furthermore, if a gas leak is detected, the control unit 10 controls the ventilation fans 46 provided at the ventilation outlet 43 and ventilation exhaust passage 45 of the housing 7 to perform operations corresponding to the detection of fuel. In this case, the control unit 10 controls the ventilation fans 46, which are always in operation during engine 2 operation, to operate at a lower intensity when no fuel is detected and to operate at a higher intensity when fuel is detected. Furthermore, if multiple ventilation fans 46 are provided, the control unit 10 may control the ventilation fans 46 to stop when no fuel is detected and to increase the number of ventilation fans 46 in operation when fuel is detected.

[0050] Furthermore, the control unit 10 can determine the gas detection results (e.g., concentration, amount per unit time) of the fuel detector 8 in stages and control the ventilation fans 46 in stages based on the determination results. For example, the control unit 10 can control the ventilation fans 46 to operate at a higher intensity or with a higher number of ventilation fans 46 in operation as the gas concentration or amount increases.

[0051] As described above, according to this embodiment, an engine system 1 including an engine 2 that operates using fuel containing a toxic substance includes: a housing 7 that surrounds the engine 2; and a fuel detector 8 that is disposed inside or outside the housing 7 and detects fuel leaking outside the engine 2. When the vapor specific gravity of the fuel is greater than a predetermined threshold value (e.g., 1), the fuel is detected by the fuel detector 8 disposed at the bottom of the housing 7. When the vapor specific gravity of the fuel is less than the predetermined threshold value (e.g., 1), the fuel is detected by the fuel detector 8 disposed at the top of the housing 7. The fuel containing the toxic substance is either ammonia or methanol.

[0052] Thus, the engine system 1 can suppress the diffusion of fuel (gas) containing toxic substances leaked from the engine 2 to the outside of the engine system 1 by the casing 7. In addition, the engine system 1 can detect the fuel containing toxic substances leaked from the engine 2 by the fuel detection unit 8 and respond quickly to the fuel leak.

[0053] According to this embodiment, the engine system 1 includes: an air intake 40, which is used to suck air supplied to the engine 2 from the outside of the casing 7; and a ventilation outlet 43, which is independently configured relative to the air intake 40 and is used to ventilate the inside of the casing 7 and discharge gas to the outside of the casing 7.

[0054] This prevents toxic substances leaking from engine 2 from mixing with air other than the fuel supplied to engine 2. Furthermore, in conventional generator packages employing engine systems, the engine's air intake typically doubles as a ventilation port (ventilator). In such cases, fuel (gas) containing toxic substances leaking from the engine could potentially leak from the ventilation port into spaces outside the engine system where people are present. In contrast, in this embodiment, fuel containing toxic substances leaking from engine 2 is discharged from ventilation outlet 43 to a space separate from air intake 40, preventing it from being discharged outside engine system 1 into spaces where people are present.

[0055] According to this embodiment, the engine system 1 has a ventilation exhaust passage 45, which is connected from a ventilation outlet 43 connected to the inner side of the outer casing 7 to the outside of the house, shell or mobile body where the engine 2 is installed. The ventilation exhaust passage 45 is constructed to be closed except for the two ends including the ventilation outlet 43.

[0056] Thus, the ventilation exhaust passage 45 is structured so that the exhausted ventilation air does not leak in the middle, and fuel containing toxic substances leaked from the engine 2 can be safely guided to a place away from the engine system 1 where no people are present.

[0057] According to the present embodiment, the engine system 1 includes the notification unit 9 that notifies an alarm in response to the fuel detection unit 8 detecting fuel.

[0058] Thus, when fuel containing toxic substances leaks from the engine 2 , the danger can be notified by announcing an alarm, and measures to deal with the leak can be urged.

[0059] According to the present embodiment, the engine system 1 includes the ventilation fan 46 , and the ventilation fan 46 operates in response to the fuel detection unit 8 detecting fuel.

[0060] Thus, in the event of leakage of fuel containing toxic substances from the engine 2 , the ventilation fan 46 is automatically actuated, thereby ensuring safety from the toxic substances for people outside the engine system 1 .

[0061] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example is described in which, in engine system 1, when using gas having a vapor specific gravity greater than 1, fuel detection unit 8 is located in the lower portion of casing 7, and when using gas having a vapor specific gravity less than 1, fuel detection unit 8 is located in the upper portion of casing 7. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, fuel detection unit 8 may be located in both the upper and lower portions of casing 7, and engine system 1 may switch between using fuel detection unit 8 located in the upper portion and fuel detection unit 8 located in the lower portion, depending on the vapor specific gravity of the gas being used.

[0062] In the engine system 1 , the fuel detection unit 8 may be disposed at another position in addition to or in place of the upper portion and / or lower portion of the housing 7 .

[0063] For example, Figure 4As shown, the fuel detection unit 8 can be arranged near the crankshaft 27 to detect fuel (gas) containing toxic substances leaking from the outside of the engine 2 and near the crankshaft 27 (crankshaft) of the engine 2. In this case, the fuel detection unit 8 can be configured to detect the fuel containing toxic substances before the interior of the housing 7 is filled with the fuel. Specifically, the fuel detection unit 8 can be installed and arranged near the shaft hole of the crankshaft 27 of the crankcase 22, or it can be arranged separately from the crankcase 22.

[0064] In an engine 2 that uses fuel containing toxic substances, blowby gas generated within crankcase 22 also contains toxic substances. The crankshaft 27 is sometimes not airtightly supported by an oil seal such as a labyrinth seal in the axial hole of crankcase 22, and blowby gas from crankcase 22 may leak from the axial hole of crankshaft 27. In contrast, engine system 1 can detect fuel containing toxic substances using fuel detection unit 8 located near crankshaft 27, thereby enabling the system to address situations where fuel containing toxic substances leaks from near crankshaft 27.

[0065] In addition, if Figure 5 As shown, the fuel detection unit 8 can be positioned near the explosion-proof valve 22a of the engine 2 to detect fuel (gas) containing toxic substances leaking from the outside of the engine 2 and near the explosion-proof valve 22a of the engine 2. In this case, the fuel detection unit 8 can be configured to detect the fuel containing toxic substances before the interior of the housing 7 is filled with the fuel. Specifically, the fuel detection unit 8 can be mounted near the explosion-proof valve 22a of the crankcase 22 or be positioned separately from the crankcase 22.

[0066] When the internal pressure of the crankcase 22 increases, the explosion-proof valve 22a of the crankcase 22 opens, and thus, the blowby gas inside the crankcase 22 may leak through the explosion-proof valve 22a. In contrast, the engine system 1 can detect fuel containing toxic substances using the fuel detection unit 8 arranged near the explosion-proof valve 22a, thereby being able to deal with the situation where the fuel containing toxic substances leaks from the vicinity of the explosion-proof valve 22a.

[0067] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the following example is described: in the engine system 1, as a response to a leak in the case where the fuel detection unit 8 detects fuel containing a toxic substance, a notification based on an alarm from the notification unit 9 and an operation of the ventilation fan 46 are performed, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, with respect to the engine system 1, as a response to a leak, an emergency stop or deceleration of the engine 2 may be included. Furthermore, with respect to the engine system 1, in the case where the engine 2 is a dual-fuel engine, as a response to a leak, the engine 2 may be controlled to operate in a manner that reduces the amount of fuel containing a toxic substance used. Furthermore, the control unit 10 may determine the detection results of the gas by the fuel detection unit 8 in stages and control the engine in a manner that uses the various leak response strategies described above, respectively, based on the determination results.

[0068] Furthermore, the fuel containing a toxic substance (a highly toxic substance as defined in the Poison and Highly Toxic Substances Control Act) in the present invention may be a fuel containing a toxic substance such as ammonia or methanol.

[0069] Furthermore, the present invention may be modified as appropriate within the scope not departing from the gist or concept of the invention as reflected in the claims and the entire specification, and engine systems accompanying such modifications are also encompassed within the technical concept of the present invention.

[0070] [Supplementary Notes on the Invention]

[0071] The following is a supplementary note on the outline of the invention extracted from the above embodiments. In addition, the various structures and processing functions described in the following supplementary notes can be selected and combined arbitrarily.

[0072] Note 1

[0073] An engine system comprising an engine that is operated using fuel containing a toxic substance, characterized in that:

[0074] The engine system comprises:

[0075] a housing surrounding the engine; and

[0076] a fuel detection unit, which is arranged inside or outside the housing and detects the fuel leaked outside the engine,

[0077] When the vapor specific gravity of the fuel is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the fuel is detected by the fuel detection unit disposed at the lower portion of the housing.

[0078] When the vapor specific gravity of the fuel is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, the fuel is detected by the fuel detection unit disposed on the upper portion of the housing.

[0079] Note 2

[0080] The engine system according to Supplementary Note 1 is characterized in that:

[0081] The engine system comprises:

[0082] an air intake for taking in air supplied to the engine from outside the housing; and

[0083] The ventilation outlet is independently configured relative to the air inlet and is used to ventilate the inside of the shell and discharge the gas to the outside of the shell.

[0084] Note 3

[0085] The engine system according to Supplementary Note 2 is characterized in that:

[0086] The engine system includes a ventilation exhaust passage that communicates from the ventilation outlet communicating with the inside of the casing to the outside of a house, a housing, or a mobile body where the engine is installed.

[0087] The ventilation exhaust passage is configured to be sealed except for both ends including the ventilation outlet.

[0088] Note 4

[0089] The engine system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, characterized in that:

[0090] The engine system includes the fuel detection unit configured to detect the fuel leaked outside the engine near a crankshaft of the engine.

[0091] <Note 5>

[0092] The engine system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, characterized in that:

[0093] The engine system includes the fuel detection unit configured to detect the fuel leaked outside the engine near an explosion-proof valve of the engine.

[0094] <Note 6>

[0095] The engine system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, characterized in that:

[0096] The engine system includes a notification unit configured to issue an alarm in response to the fuel detection unit detecting the fuel.

[0097] <Note 7>

[0098] The engine system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, characterized in that:

[0099] The engine system includes a ventilation fan that operates in response to detection of the fuel by the fuel detection unit.

[0100] <Note 8>

[0101] The engine system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, characterized in that:

[0102] The fuel is any one of ammonia and methanol.

Claims

1. An engine system comprising an engine that is operated using fuel containing a toxic substance, It is characterized by: The engine system comprises: a housing surrounding the engine; and a fuel detection unit, which is arranged inside or outside the housing and detects the fuel leaked outside the engine, When the vapor specific gravity of the fuel is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the fuel is detected by the fuel detection unit disposed at the lower portion of the housing. When the vapor specific gravity of the fuel is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, the fuel is detected by the fuel detection unit disposed on the upper portion of the housing.

2. The engine system according to claim 1, characterized in that The engine system comprises: an air intake for taking in air supplied to the engine from outside the housing; and The ventilation outlet is independently configured relative to the air inlet and is used to ventilate the inside of the shell and discharge the gas to the outside of the shell.

3. The engine system according to claim 2, characterized in that The engine system includes a ventilation exhaust passage that communicates from the ventilation outlet communicating with the inside of the casing to the outside of a house, a housing, or a mobile body where the engine is installed. The ventilation exhaust passage is configured to be sealed except for both ends including the ventilation outlet.

4. The engine system according to claim 1, wherein: The engine system includes the fuel detection unit configured to detect the fuel leaked outside the engine near a crankshaft of the engine.

5. The engine system according to claim 1, wherein: The engine system includes the fuel detection unit configured to detect the fuel leaked outside the engine near an explosion-proof valve of the engine.

6. The engine system according to claim 1, wherein: The engine system includes a notification unit configured to issue an alarm in response to the fuel detection unit detecting the fuel.

7. The engine system according to claim 1, wherein: The engine system includes a ventilation fan that operates in response to detection of the fuel by the fuel detection unit.

8. The engine system according to claim 1, wherein: The fuel is any one of ammonia and methanol.

Images