System and method for discharging pressurized fluid for use as fuel in engine

Abstract

A system and method for discharging gaseous fuel from an engine of an engine system is described herein. The engine system includes a plurality of drain valves that allow a controller of the engine system to drain different volumes of a fuel supply line that deliver the fuel to the engine. An engine purge controller controls closing of the isolation valve and opening of the drain valve to reduce the likelihood of remaining fuel in the isolated portion of the fuel supply line. The engine purge controller further controls introduction of purge gas to purge portions of the fuel from the fuel supply line through one or more of the drain valves.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for purging pressurized fluids. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the use of a vent valve that allows for the purging and venting of high pressure fluids through a venting passage instead of the exhaust system of an engine. BACKGROUND

[0002] Machines of various uses are increasingly using alternative fuels, such as hydrogen, to power and energize systems of these machines. For example, pressurized hydrogen can be used to power fuel cells and can also be used as fuel for pressure internal combustion engines. One advantage of using these types of fuels, such as hydrogen, is that the exhaust is primarily or entirely water vapor. However, utilizing these types of fuels, such as hydrogen, tends to present a series of challenges. These alternative fuels are typically pressurized and provided by a pressurized fluid storage vessel or another high pressure source. Additionally, there can be safety and equipment degradation issues if these high pressure alternative fluids remain within the parts of the engine when the engine is shutting down, is shut down, or is starting up.

[0003] Some efforts have been made to address the issue of residual pressurized fuel in the engine after shutdown. One method for removing gaseous fuel from a fuel line is described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2023 / 123561 to Fisher et al. (hereinafter “the ‘561 publication”). The ‘561 application describes a multi-fuel enabled engine system. The system of the ‘561 publication describes the use of a “vent valve openable in a passageway fluidly coupling a gaseous fuel supply line to atmosphere to purge gaseous fuel to atmosphere.” However, the system described in the ‘561 publication describes venting only a portion of the fuel supply line, while other volumes of the fuel supply line can still contain combustible gaseous fuel. Moreover, the system described in the ‘561 publication describes the introduction of fresh air to purge one or more portions of the fuel supply line, potentially increasing the risk of unwanted combustion.

[0004] Examples of the present disclosure are directed to overcoming the deficiencies associated with known systems. SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method of venting a fuel supply line for providing gaseous fuel to an engine, the method comprising: receiving a shutdown notification at an engine purge controller; issuing, by the engine purge controller, a fuel connection signal to cause a fuel shut-off valve to close; issuing, by the engine purge controller, a first gas shut-off valve signal to cause a first gas shut-off valve to close; and issuing, by the engine purge controller, a first vent valve signal to cause a fuel supply vent valve to open, thereby venting a first portion of the gaseous fuel that is resident in a first volume of the fuel supply line between the fuel shut-off valve and the first gas shut-off valve.

[0006] In another aspect of the disclosure, an engine system includes: an engine configured to combust a gaseous fuel; a fuel supply conduit for providing the gaseous fuel to the engine; a fuel shut-off valve configured to isolate the gaseous fuel from the fuel supply conduit when closed; a fuel supply drain valve configured to drain a first volume of the fuel supply conduit from a fuel source providing the gaseous fuel to the fuel shut-off valve when opened; a first gas shut-off valve and a second gas shut-off valve downstream of the first gas shut-off valve, wherein the first gas shut-off valve or the second gas shut-off valve is configured to isolate the first volume of the fuel supply conduit from the fuel shut-off valve to the first gas shut-off valve or the second gas shut-off valve when closed; an isolation drain valve configured to drain a second volume of the fuel supply conduit from the second gas shut-off valve to a plurality of intake valves of the engine when opened; and an engine purge controller including: a memory storing computer-executable instructions; and a processor in communication with the memory, the computer-executable instructions causing the processor to perform acts including: receiving a shutdown notification at the engine purge controller; issuing, by the engine purge controller, a fuel connect signal to cause a fuel shut-off valve to close; issuing, by the engine purge controller, a first gas shut-off valve signal to cause the first gas shut-off valve to close; issuing, by the engine purge controller, a second gas shut-off valve signal to cause the second gas shut-off valve to close; issuing, by the engine purge controller, a first drain valve signal to cause the fuel supply drain valve to open to drain the first volume; and issuing, by the engine purge controller, a second drain valve signal to cause the isolation drain valve to open to drain the second volume.

[0007] In yet another aspect of the disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: receiving, at an engine purge controller, a shutdown notification to shut down an engine of an engine system, the engine system comprising: an engine configured to combust a gaseous fuel; a fuel supply conduit to provide the gaseous fuel to the engine; a fuel shut-off valve configured to isolate the gaseous fuel from the fuel supply conduit when closed; a fuel supply vent valve configured to vent a first volume of the fuel supply conduit from a fuel source providing the gaseous fuel to the fuel shut-off valve when opened; a first gas shut-off valve and a second gas shut-off valve downstream of the first gas shut-off valve, wherein the first gas shut-off valve or the second gas shut-off valve is configured to isolate the first volume of the fuel supply conduit from the fuel shut-off valve to the first gas shut-off valve or the second gas shut-off valve when closed; an isolation vent valve configured to vent a second volume of the fuel supply conduit from the second gas shut-off valve to a plurality of intake valves of the engine when opened; issuing, by the engine purge controller, a fuel connect signal to cause the fuel shut-off valve to close; issuing, by the engine purge controller, a first gas shut-off valve signal to cause the first gas shut-off valve to close; issuing, by the engine purge controller, a second gas shut-off valve signal to cause the second gas shut-off valve to close; issuing, by the engine purge controller, a first vent valve signal to cause the fuel supply vent valve to open to vent the first volume; and issuing, by the engine purge controller, a second vent valve signal to cause the isolation vent valve to open to vent the second volume. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is an internal combustion engine system capable of venting a gaseous fuel, such as hydrogen, in accordance with various embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a flowchart depicting a venting method used by an engine purge controller in accordance with various embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of an engine purge controller in accordance with various embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in all drawings to depict the same or similar parts. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an engine system 100 capable of venting a gaseous fuel, such as hydrogen, in accordance with various embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure. Figure 1An engine system 100 capable of discharging a gaseous fuel (such as, but not limited to, hydrogen) according to various embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter is illustrated. The engine system 100 includes an engine 102 having a cylinder block 104. A first group of combustion cylinders 106A and a second group of combustion cylinders 106B (hereinafter individually referred to as "combustion cylinders 106" and collectively referred to as "combustion cylinders 106") are formed in the cylinder block 104. The combustion cylinders 106 may have any suitable arrangement, such as a V-type, in-line, or other arrangement. The engine 102 may have any number of combustion cylinders 106. It will be understood that the combustion cylinders 106 are associated with pistons (not shown) that are capable of moving between a top dead center position and a bottom dead center position in a generally conventional manner, typically in a four-stroke engine cycle, although other combustion cycles may also be used and are considered within the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter. The pistons are coupled to a crankshaft (not shown) that is capable of rotating to provide torque for vehicle propulsion, operate a generator to generate electrical energy, or be used in other applications (such as operating a compressor, pump, or various other types of equipment).

[0012] The engine 102 is fueled by a fuel 108 provided by a fuel source 110. In some examples, the fuel 108 may be, but is not limited to, hydrocarbon-based fuels, hydrogen-based fuels, hydrogen, natural gas, propane, other gaseous fluids, and various mixtures thereof. Figure 1 For purposes of this disclosure, fuel 108 is described as hydrogen, but as previously noted, other fuels may be used. In some examples, fuel source 110 may be a generation unit capable of generating fuel. In other examples, the fuel source may be a tank in which fuel 108 is stored. In yet other examples, fuel source 110 may be a supply line to a facility that provides fuel 108. The present disclosure is not limited to any type of fuel source 110. Fuel 108 is provided to engine 102 via fuel supply line 112. Fuel shut-off valve 114 may be used to isolate fuel source 110 from fuel supply line 112 during various operations, including but not limited to shutting down engine 102. In some examples, fuel shut-off valve 114 is a manually operated valve. In other examples, fuel shut-off valve 114 may be an electrically actuated valve, a pneumatically actuated valve, or a hydraulically actuated valve.

[0013] The cylinders 106 of the engine 102 are in fluid communication with the fuel source 110 through a fuel shut-off valve 114, a first gas shut-off valve 116, a second gas shut-off valve 118 downstream of the first gas shut-off valve 116, and a regulator valve 120. As discussed below, in some examples, there can be one gas shut-off valve, two gas shut-off valves, or more than two gas shut-off valves. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular number of gas shut-off valves. The fuel 108 is introduced separately into each of the cylinders 106 through complementary intake valves 122A and 122B, whereby each of the cylinders 106 has an associated intake valve 122A and 122B that open and close to allow or reduce the flow of fuel 108 into the particular cylinder 106. The intake valve 122A receives the fuel 108 through a fuel rail 124A. In a similar manner, the intake valve 122B receives the fuel 108 through a fuel rail 124B. Figure 1 The inert gas 126 is also included in the fuel supply line 112. When the inert gas shut-off valve 130 is open, the inert gas 126 is introduced into the cylinders 106 through an inert gas rail 128. When the inert gas 126 is introduced into the cylinders 106, it is used to expel the fuel 108 in the cylinders 106 out of the cylinders 106. A check valve 132 can be used to prevent the fuel 108 from entering the inert gas rail 128.

[0014] Various aspects of the engine system 100 can be controlled using an engine purge controller 134. The engine purge controller 134 can be an engine control unit (ECU), an engine control module (ECM), or a component of a separate control unit used to control various aspects of the engine system 100. The engine purge controller 134 includes one or more processors and a memory having instructions stored therein that, when executed by the processors of the engine purge controller 134, cause the engine purge controller 134 to control various components of the engine system 100. The task of the engine purge controller 134 is to manipulate the various valves of the engine system 100 to purge the fuel 108 from various portions of the fuel supply line 112 to the fuel rails 124. For example, there can be a situation with the engine 102 (such as an emergency shutdown) where the intake valves 122 are closed while the fuel 108, which can be a pressurized gas, is in the fuel rails 124. The fuel shut-off valve 114 can be closed along with the intake valves 122 to isolate the fuel 108 from the engine 102, preventing further introduction of the fuel 108 into the cylinders 106. While the fuel 108 can be isolated from the cylinders 106 in this configuration, there is a portion of potentially pressurized, combustible fuel 108 remaining in various volumes of the fuel supply line 112.

[0015] For example, if the closed fuel shut-off valve 114 and the intake valve 122 are closed, high pressure fuel 108 can remain in the fuel supply volumes 136, 138, 140, and 142. Various valves can be used to isolate the various volumes of the fuel supply from one another. For example, upon receiving a shutdown notification 144, which can be received from an engine MCU or ECU, the engine purge controller 134 can issue a shut-off valve signal 146 to the first and second gas shut-off valves 116, 118 to cause the first and second gas shut-off valves 116, 118 to close. In some examples, upon receiving the shutdown notification 144, which can be received from an engine MCU or ECU, the engine purge controller 134 can also issue a regulator valve control signal 148 to cause the regulator valve 120 to close. It should be noted that in some examples, closing the regulator valve 120 can not completely isolate the fuel supply volume 140 from the fuel supply volume 142, as some regulator valves are not considered to be completely isolating valves. In yet other examples, upon receiving the shutdown notification 144, which can be received from an engine MCU or ECU, the engine purge controller 134 can also issue a fuel connection signal 150 to cause the fuel shut-off valve 114 to close (or shut). It should be noted, however, as mentioned above, that some or all of the valves described herein can be manual valves. In those examples, the "signal" can be an indication of the valve state (e.g., open, closed, or throttled). Also, in some examples, some valves, such as the regulator valve 120, can be controlled by other controllers, and in the same manner as described with respect to manually operated valves, the "signal" can be an indication of the valve state (e.g., open, closed, or throttled).

[0016] In examples as described above, the engine purge controller 134 thus receives the close notification 144 causing the fuel shut-off valve 114, the first gas shut-off valve 116, the second gas shut-off valve 118, and the regulator valve 120 to close, pressurized fuel 108 can remain in the fuel supply volumes 136, 138, 140, and 142. To purge the fuel 108 from the fuel supply volumes 136, 138, 140, and 142, the engine purge controller 134 can issue a purge valve signal 152. To purge the fuel 108 in the fuel supply volume 136, the purge valve signal 152 can be issued by the engine purge controller 134 to the fuel supply purge valve 154. To purge the fuel 108 in the fuel supply volume 140, the purge valve signal 152 can be issued to the isolation purge valve 156. When the engine 102 is shut down, the fuel 108 in the fuel supply volume 142 can be drawn into the cylinder 106, or if the regulator valve 120 remains open, the fuel can be purged through the isolation purge valve 156. In some examples, the engine purge controller 134 can also issue an inert gas signal 158 to open the gas shut-off valve 130, causing the pressure of the inert gas 126 to open the check valve 132, purging the residual fuel 108 in the fuel rail 124 through the isolation purge valve 156.

[0017] In some examples, the timing of the closing of the various valves by the engine purge controller 134 can be used to purge the fuel supply volumes of fuel 108 without the venting valves, or in some other examples, can be used to provide various timing delays for various reasons, such as but not limited to confirming the position of the valves prior to manipulating the other valves. In examples as described above where fuel 108 can be left in the isolated fuel volumes without the venting valves, the engine purge controller 134 can delay the closing to allow the fuel 108 to vent. For example, upon receiving the shutdown notification 144, the engine purge controller 134 can issue a shutoff valve signal 146 to the first gas shutoff valve 116, but initially not to the second gas shutoff valve 118. Closing the first gas shutoff valve 116 while leaving the second gas shutoff valve 118 open can allow the fuel 108 to vent from the fuel supply volume 138 through the isolation vent valve 156 before the engine purge controller 134 causes the second gas shutoff valve 118 to close. In some examples, the delay can be based on a predetermined time, such as a five (5) second delay. In other examples, the delay can be based on a pressure detected in one or more of the volumes. For example, the engine purge controller 134 can use a pressure signal of the pressure detector 160 that indicates the pressure in the fuel supply volume 142. In this example, the engine purge controller 134 can first issue a shutoff valve signal 146 to cause the first gas shutoff valve 116 to close and the isolation vent valve 156 to open. Once the engine purge controller 134 receives a pressure signal from the pressure detector 160 that the pressure within the fuel supply volume 142 is below a predetermined pressure (indicating that the fuel 108 in the fuel supply volume 140 and the fuel supply volume 142 is fully or partially vented), the engine purge controller 134 can issue a shutoff valve signal 146 to cause the second gas shutoff valve 118 to close.

[0018] In other examples, the engine purge controller 134 can use a pressure detector, such as the pressure detector 160, to provide input as to when certain valves are opened or closed, as well as input to determine whether the valves are actually closed. For example, the engine purge controller 134 can monitor the pressure detected by the pressure detector 160 to determine whether one or more valves are not closed, etc. In this example, the engine purge controller 134 can have sent the shutoff valve signal 146 to close the first gas shutoff valve 116 and to close the second gas shutoff valve 118. In addition, the engine purge controller 134 can have sent the vent valve signal 152 to open the isolation vent valve 156. The engine purge controller 134 can then monitor the pressure indicated by the pressure detector 160. If the pressure detected by the pressure detector 160 does not drop to or near atmospheric pressure within a predetermined time period (assuming the isolation vent valve 156 is venting the fuel 108 to the atmosphere), the engine purge controller 134 can determine that the isolation vent valve 156 is not open, or that the fuel 108 is still in some way entering the fuel supply volume 142. Accordingly, in this example, the engine purge controller 134 can resend the above-mentioned signals in an attempt to have the valves open or close as planned.

[0019] In another example, if the pressure detected by the pressure detector 160 does not drop to or near atmospheric pressure within a predetermined time period, the engine purge controller 134 can use another pressure detector, such as the fuel pressure detector 162, to isolate potential problems. In this example, if the pressure detected by the pressure detector 160 does not drop to or near atmospheric pressure within a predetermined time period, but the pressure detected by the fuel pressure detector 162 does drop to or near atmospheric pressure within a predetermined time period (indicating that the fuel shutoff valve 114 is closed, and the fuel supply vent valve 154 is open), the engine purge controller 134 can determine that the isolation vent valve 156 is not open. The engine purge controller 134 can resend the vent valve signal 152 in an attempt to open the isolation vent valve 156. In this same example, if the pressure detected by the pressure detector 160 does not drop to or near atmospheric pressure within a predetermined time period, and the pressure detected by the fuel pressure detector 162 does not drop to or near atmospheric pressure within a predetermined time period, the engine purge controller 134 can determine that one or more valves, such as the fuel shutoff valve 114 and the first gas shutoff valve 116 / second gas shutoff valve 118, are not closed.

[0020] In some examples, the engine purge controller 134 can utilize a vent valve to reduce the effects of pressure transients within the engine system 100, including the fuel supply volume 142. When the engine 102 experiences a relatively large, relatively sudden decrease in the amount of fuel 108 required (such as a decrease in required power from a relatively high power level to a relatively low power level), a pressure transient can be experienced. In these instances, there can be a difference between the amount of fuel 108 allowed in the fuel supply volume 142 by the regulator valve 120 (a relatively high flow rate) and the amount of fuel 108 used by the engine 102 (a relatively low flow rate). In this configuration, the engine purge controller 134 can receive a pressure signal from the pressure detector 160 indicating that the pressure transient is increasing above a predetermined setpoint. For example, if the power level of the engine 102 is relatively quickly decreased from 100% power to idle (or about 2% power), the transient pressure detected by the pressure detector 160 can indicate a pressure increase of 5 psi. If the pressure increase (or change) is above a predetermined rate of change (e.g., psi / second) or a predetermined amount (e.g., 5 psi above a standard operating pressure), the engine purge controller 134 can issue a vent valve signal 152 to open the isolation vent valve 156 to at least partially vent the fuel supply volume 142 to reduce the pressure transient. Once the pressure detected by the pressure detector 160 is below the predetermined rate of change or predetermined amount, the engine purge controller 134 can issue a vent valve signal 152 to close the isolation vent valve 156. It should be understood that the use of the isolation vent valve 156 is merely by way of example, as other vent valves (including the fuel supply vent valve 154) can be used and are considered within the scope of the present disclosure. The engine purge controller 134 can reissue the vent valve signal 152 and the shutoff valve signal 146 to attempt to configure the engine system 100 for venting. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Functional aspects of the engine purge controller 134 are described.

[0021] Figure 2 is a flow diagram depicting a method 200 of venting fuel 108 from an engine system 100 in accordance with various examples described herein. The method 200 and the method 300 below are illustrated as a collection of blocks in a logical flow graph, which represent a sequence of operations that can be implemented in software and executed in hardware. In the context of software, the blocks represent computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, perform the recited operations. Generally, computer-executable instructions include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform the functions and / or implement the abstract data types. The order in which the operations are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described operations can be omitted or combined in any order and / or in parallel to implement the processes. For disclosure purposes, reference is made to Figure 1Methods 200 and 300 are described using the engine purge controller 134 used in the engine system 100, but other contexts can be used.

[0022] At step 202, the engine purge controller 134 receives a shutdown notification 144. As noted above, the shutdown notification 144 can be received from a variety of sources, such as the ECU / ECM of the engine system 100. The shutdown notification 144 can be provided in response to an instruction or control input by an operator of a work machine or vehicle (not shown) using the engine system 100. In other examples, the shutdown notification 144 can be received in response to an emergency or fault condition in which the engine system 100 shuts down the engine 102 in a rapid or emergency manner. The subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited to any reason or source of the shutdown notification 144.

[0023] At step 204, the engine purge controller 134 issues a shutoff valve signal 146 to close the first gas shutoff valve 116 and the second gas shutoff valve 118 and to open the isolation drain valve 156. In some examples, the intake valve 122 can remain open to combust residual fuel 108. In further examples, the engine purge controller 134 can also issue a regulator valve control signal 148 to close the regulator valve 120.

[0024] At step 206, prior to, after, or in conjunction with step 204, the engine purge controller 134 can issue a fuel connection signal 150 to close the fuel shutoff valve 114. As noted above, in some examples, the fuel shutoff valve 114 can be operated by the fuel connection signal 150, and in other examples, the fuel shutoff valve can be a manually operated valve. In examples in which the fuel shutoff valve 114 is a manually operated valve, the fuel connection signal 150 can be an indication sent to the engine purge controller 134 to indicate that the fuel shutoff valve 114 is closed.

[0025] At step 208, prior to, after, or in conjunction with steps 202 and 204, the engine purge controller 134 can issue a drain valve signal 152 to open the fuel supply drain valve 154 and the isolation drain valve 156. As noted above, the engine purge controller 134 can close and open valves based on determined conditions within the engine system 100, rather than closing the isolation valves and opening the drain valves after receiving the shutdown notification 144, examples of which are described in Figure 3 .

[0026] Figure 3 Method 300 is illustrated in which the engine purge controller 134 delays opening the isolation drain valve 156 and closing the second gas shutoff valve 118 and the regulator valve 120 to drain fuel 108 from the fuel supply volume 138 prior to isolating the fuel supply volume 138 by closing both shutoff valves.

[0027] At step 302, the engine purge controller 134 receives a shutdown notification 144. As noted above, the shutdown notification 144 can be received from a variety of sources, such as an ECU / ECM of the engine system 100. The shutdown notification 144 can be provided in response to an instruction or control input by an operator of a work machine or vehicle (not shown) that uses the engine system 100. In other examples, the shutdown notification 144 can be received in response to an emergency or fault condition in which the engine system 100 shuts down the engine 102 in a rapid or emergency manner. The subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited to any reason or source of the shutdown notification 144.

[0028] At step 304, the engine purge controller 134 issues a fuel connection signal 150 to close the fuel shutoff valve 114. As noted above, in some examples, the fuel shutoff valve 114 can be operated by the fuel connection signal 150, and in other examples, the fuel shutoff valve can be a manually operated valve. In examples in which the fuel shutoff valve 114 is a manually operated valve, the fuel connection signal 150 can be an indication sent to the engine purge controller 134 to indicate that the fuel shutoff valve 114 is closed.

[0029] At step 306, prior to, after, or in conjunction with step 304, the engine purge controller 134 issues a shutoff valve signal 146 to close the first gas shutoff valve 116 and an exhaust valve signal 152 to open the fuel supply exhaust valve 154.

[0030] At step 308, the engine purge controller 134 determines whether the first gas shutoff valve 116 is closed. The engine purge controller 134 can use a valve position sensor on the first gas shutoff valve to determine whether the first gas shutoff valve 116 is closed. If the engine purge controller 134 determines that the first gas shutoff valve 116 is closed, at step 310, the engine purge controller 134 can wait for a period of time and continuously recheck the position of the first gas shutoff valve before re-executing step 308.

[0031] If at step 308, the engine purge controller 134 determines that the first gas shutoff valve 116 is closed, at step 312, the engine purge controller 134 issues an exhaust valve signal 152 to open the isolation exhaust valve 156. Prior to, during, or after step 312, at step 314, the engine purge controller 134 also issues a shutoff valve signal 146 to close the second gas shutoff valve 118.

[0032] As mentioned above, at step 310, the engine purging controller 134 will wait for a period of time and recheck the status of the first gas shut-off valve 116. However, after the predetermined period of time, the engine purging controller 134 can determine that there is a fault, in that the first gas shut-off valve 116 has not closed, or the indication of the position of the first gas shut-off valve 116 has not changed from the open position to the closed position. In either case, after the predetermined period of time, the engine purging controller 134 can determine that there is a fault condition and proceed to step 312 to continue the venting process. Upon determining that there is a fault condition, the engine purging controller 134 can reissue the shut-off valve signal to close the first gas shut-off valve 116 and issue the second gas shut-off valve signal to close the second gas shut-off valve 118.

[0033] Figure 4 A component-level view of an engine purging controller 134 for use with the systems and methods described herein according to various examples of the present disclosure is depicted. The engine purging controller 134 can be any device capable of providing the functionality associated with the systems and methods described herein. The engine purging controller 134 can include several components to perform the above-described functions. The engine purging controller 134 can include hardware, software, or various combinations thereof. As disclosed below, the engine purging controller 134 can include a memory 402 including an operating system (OS) 404 and one or more standard applications 406. For example, the standard applications 406 can include applications that generate the shut-off valve signal 146, the regulator valve control signal 148, the fuel connection signal 150, the inert gas signal 158, and the vent valve signal 152.

[0034] The engine purging controller 134 can also include one or more of a removable storage device 412, a non-removable storage device 414, a transceiver 416, an output device 418, and an input device 420. In various implementations, the memory 402 can be volatile (such as random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile (such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.), or some combination of the two.

[0035] The memory 402 can also include an OS 404. The OS 404 varies depending on the manufacturer of the engine purging controller 134. The OS 404 contains the modules and software that support the basic functions of the engine purging controller 134, such as scheduling tasks, executing application programs, and controlling the peripheral devices. The OS 404 can also enable the engine purging controller 134 to transmit and retrieve other data and perform other functions, such as determining the position of the valves and issuing the shut-off valve signal 146, the regulator valve control signal 148, the fuel connection signal 150, the inert gas signal 158, and the vent valve signal 152.

[0036] The engine purge controller 134 can also include one or more processors 410. In some implementations, the processors 410 can be one or more central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), both CPUs and GPUs, or any other combination and number of processing units. The engine purge controller 134 can also include additional (removable and / or non-removable) data storage such as, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated in FIG. 4 by the removable storage 412 and the non-removable storage 414. Figure 4

[0037] Non-transitory computer-readable media can include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable tangible, physical media implemented in technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. The memory 402, the removable storage 412, and the non-removable storage 414 are all examples of non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, compact disc ROM (CD-ROM), digital versatile disks (DVDs), or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tapes, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other tangible, physical medium that can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the engine purge controller 134. Any such non-transitory computer-readable media can be part of the engine purge controller 134, or be separate databases, repositories, remote servers, or cloud-based servers.

[0038] In some implementations, the transceiver 416 includes any transceiver known in the art. In some examples, the transceiver 416 can include a wireless modem to facilitate wireless connections to other components (e.g., between the engine purge controller 134 and one or more valves of the engine system 100), the Internet, and / or an intranet. Specifically, the transceiver 416 can include one or more transceivers that can enable the engine purge controller 134 to transmit the shutoff valve signal 146, the regulator valve control signal 148, the fuel connection signal 150, the inert gas signal 158, and the exhaust valve signal 152. The transceiver 416 can enable the engine purge controller 134 to connect to a plurality of networks including, but not limited to, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and Wi-Fi networks. The transceiver 416 can also include one or more transceivers to enable the engine purge controller 134 to connect to future (e.g., 6G) networks, the Internet of Things (IoT), machine-to-machine (M2M), and other current and future networks.

[0039] The transceiver 416 can also include one or more radio transceivers that perform the functions of a radio transceiver via an antenna (e.g., a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth® antenna). The transceiver 416 can enable the engine purge controller 134 to connect to a plurality of networks including, but not limited to, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and Wi-Fi networks. The transceiver 416 can also include one or more radio transceivers to enable the engine purge controller 134 to connect to future (e.g., 6G) networks, the Internet of Things (IoT), machine-to-machine (M2M), and other current and future networks.​ ) transmit and receive radio frequency communications. In other examples, the transceiver 416 can include wired communication components, such as a wired modem or Ethernet port, for communicating via one or more wired networks. The transceiver 416 can enable the engine purge controller 134 to facilitate audio and video calls, download files, access web applications, and provide other communications associated with systems and methods as described above.

[0040] In some implementations, the output device 418 includes any output device known in the art, such as a display (e.g., a liquid crystal or thin-film transistor (TFT) display), a touchscreen, a speaker, a vibrating mechanism, or a haptic feedback mechanism. Thus, the output device can include a screen or display. The output device 418 can also include a speaker or similar device to play sounds or ring tones when receiving audio or video calls. The output device 418 can also include a port for one or more peripheral devices, such as headphones, a peripheral speaker, or a peripheral display.

[0041] In various implementations, the input device 420 includes any input device known in the art. For example, the input device 420 can include a camera, a microphone, or a keyboard / keypad. The input device 420 can include a touch-sensitive display or a keyboard to enable a user to input data and make requests via web applications (e.g., in a web browser) and receive responses, make and receive audio and video calls, and use the standard applications 406, among others. The touch-sensitive display or keyboard / keypad can be a standard button alphanumeric multi-key keyboard, such as a conventional QWERTY keyboard, virtual controls on a touch screen, or one or more other types of keys or buttons, and can also include a joystick, a scroll wheel, and / or designated navigation buttons, among others. The touch-sensitive display can function as both the input device 420 and the output device 418.

[0042] One of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that the principles of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific examples disclosed or illustrated in the figures.

[0043] Industrial applicability

[0044] The present disclosure uses drain valves to remove combustible gaseous fuel (such as pressurized hydrogen) from different volumes (or portions) of the fuel supply line 112 of the engine 102. The engine purge controller 134 is used to manipulate the shut-off valves and drain valves of the engine system 100 to drain the fuel 108 from the fuel supply line 112. The engine purge controller 134 uses the drain valves in conjunction with the inert gas 126 introduced through the inert gas rail 128 to push the fuel 108 out through one or more drain valves (154, 156). In some examples, the ability to use multiple drain valves in conjunction with multiple shut-off valves can help to remove the fuel 108 from the fuel supply line 112 of the engine 102. For example, in an emergency situation, the engine 102 can be immediately shut down, thereby allowing the fuel 108 to flow into the intake valves 122 of the individual cylinders 106 that can be closed, preventing the fuel 108 from being removed through the cylinders 106. The engine system 100 uses the first gas shut-off valve 116, the second gas shut-off valve 118, and the fuel shut-off valve 114 to isolate the engine 102 from the fuel 108. Thereafter, the engine system 100 uses the fuel supply drain valve 154 to drain the fuel 108 that remains between the fuel shut-off valve 114 and the first gas shut-off valve 116. The engine system 100 also uses the isolation drain valve 156 to drain the fuel 108 that remains in the volume between the second gas shut-off valve 118 and the fuel rail 124. Also, the engine system 100 can further delay closing the second gas shut-off valve 118 according to closing the first gas shut-off valve 116 to allow the fuel 108 that remains in the volume between the first gas shut-off valve 116 and the second gas shut-off valve 118 to be drained. Thus, the fuel 108 that remains in different volumes of the fuel supply line 112 can be individually drained. The engine purge controller 134 can also use the drain valves (such as the isolation drain valve 156) to reduce the effects of pressure transients in the fuel supply volume 142 caused by relatively large drops in power of the engine 102.

[0045] The use of a singular to describe an item or items, structure or structures, or operation or operations does not exclude the use of plural of such item or items, structure or structures, or operation or operations or equivalents thereof, unless explicitly stated. As used herein, the word “or” means any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase “A, B, or C” means at least one of A, B, C, or any combination thereof, such as A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or any multiple of an item, such as A and A; B, B, and C; A, A, B, B, C, and C; etc.

[0046] While aspects of the disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments can be anticipated, modified, and / or combined by modifying the disclosed machine, systems, and methods. These embodiments should be understood as falling within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A method of purging a fuel supply line for providing a gaseous fuel to an engine, the method comprising: receiving a shutdown notification at an engine purge controller; issuing, by the engine purge controller, a fuel shut-off valve signal to close a fuel shut-off valve; issuing, by the engine purge controller, a first gas shut-off valve signal to close a first gas shut-off valve; and issuing, by the engine purge controller, a first purge valve signal to open a fuel supply purge valve to purge a first portion of the gaseous fuel remaining in a first volume of the fuel supply line between the fuel shut-off valve and the first gas shut-off valve.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: issuing, by the engine purge controller, a second gas shut-off valve signal to close a second gas shut-off valve; and issuing, by the engine purge controller, a second purge valve signal to open an isolation purge valve to purge a portion of the gaseous fuel remaining in a second volume of the fuel supply line between the second gas shut-off valve and the engine.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein issuing, by the engine purge controller, the second gas shut-off valve signal to close the second gas shut-off valve comprises: waiting a predetermined time period after issuing the first gas shut-off valve signal; and issuing the second gas shut-off valve signal after the predetermined time period.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein issuing, by the engine purge controller, the second gas shut-off valve signal to close the second gas shut-off valve comprises: waiting a predetermined time period after issuing the first gas shut-off valve signal; determining, by the engine purge controller, whether the first gas shut-off valve is closed; if the engine purge controller determines that the first gas shut-off valve is closed, issuing the second gas shut-off valve signal; if the engine purge controller determines that the first gas shut-off valve is not closed, determining that a fault condition exists: reissuing the first gas shut-off valve signal; and issuing the second gas shut-off valve signal.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein issuing, by the engine purge controller, the second gas shut-off valve signal to close the second gas shut-off valve comprises: receiving, by the engine purge controller, a pressure signal from a pressure detector, the pressure signal indicating that a pressure in a volume of the fuel supply line is below a predetermined pressure; and issuing the second gas shut-off valve signal.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the gaseous fuel comprises a hydrocarbon-based fuel, a hydrogen-based fuel, hydrogen, natural gas, or a mixture of the hydrocarbon-based fuel, the hydrogen-based fuel, hydrogen, natural gas.

7. An engine system, comprising: an engine configured to combust a gaseous fuel; a fuel supply line for providing the gaseous fuel to the engine; a fuel shut-off valve configured to isolate the gaseous fuel from the fuel supply line when closed; ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ a fuel supply drain valve configured to, when open, drain the first volume of the fuel supply conduit from a fuel source providing the gaseous fuel to the fuel shut-off valve; a first gas shut-off valve and a second gas shut-off valve downstream of the first gas shut-off valve, wherein the first gas shut-off valve or the second gas shut-off valve is configured to, when closed, isolate the first volume of the fuel supply conduit from the fuel shut-off valve to the first gas shut-off valve or the second gas shut-off valve; an isolation drain valve configured to, when open, drain the second volume of the fuel supply conduit from the second gas shut-off valve to a plurality of intake valves of the engine; and an engine purge controller comprising: a memory storing computer-executable instructions; and a processor in communication with the memory, the computer-executable instructions causing the processor to perform acts comprising: receiving, at the engine purge controller, a shutdown notification; issuing, by the engine purge controller, a fuel connection signal to cause the fuel shut-off valve to close; issuing, by the engine purge controller, a first gas shut-off valve signal to cause the first gas shut-off valve to close; issuing, by the engine purge controller, a second gas shut-off valve signal to cause the second gas shut-off valve to close; issuing, by the engine purge controller, a first drain valve signal to cause the fuel supply drain valve to open to drain the first volume; and issuing, by the engine purge controller, a second drain valve signal to cause the isolation drain valve to open to drain the second volume.

8. The engine system of claim 7, further comprising computer-executable instructions causing the processor to perform acts comprising: waiting, after issuing the first gas shut-off valve signal, for a predetermined time period; and issuing the second gas shut-off valve signal after the predetermined time period.

9. The engine system of claim 7, further comprising computer-executable instructions causing the processor to perform acts comprising: waiting, after issuing the first gas shut-off valve signal, for a predetermined time period; determining, by the engine purge controller, whether the first gas shut-off valve is closed; if the engine purge controller determines that the first gas shut-off valve is closed, issuing the second gas shut-off valve signal; and if the engine purge controller determines that the first gas shut-off valve is not closed, determining that a fault condition exists: re-issuing the first gas shut-off valve signal; and issuing the second gas shut-off valve signal.

10. The engine system of claim 7, further comprising computer-executable instructions causing the processor to perform acts comprising: ​ issuing an inert gas signal from the engine purge controller to open an inert gas shut-off valve to introduce inert gas into the fuel supply line to purge the gaseous fuel from the engine; and issuing a regulator control signal from the engine purge controller to close a regulator valve.

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