Hydrogen internal combustion engine oil dilution control system and method

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of automobile manufacturing, specifically to a control system and method for oil dilution in hydrogen internal combustion engines. The control structure of this invention includes an ECU control unit, a capacitive water sensor, an oil temperature sensor, an oil electric heating device, an engine oil pan, an oil-gas separator, a PCV opening control valve, an air filter, and a turbocharger. The method collects oil parameters through a monitoring unit composed of a water content sensor and an oil temperature sensor; the ECU control unit, based on a preset control program, issues control parameters to an actuator composed of an oil electric heating device and a PCV opening control valve for precise closed-loop control of the oil temperature and PCV opening. This invention offers high control efficiency and fast adjustment speed, and has significant guiding significance for improving the reliability of hydrogen internal combustion engines.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automobile manufacturing, and more specifically to a hydrogen internal combustion engine oil dilution control system and method. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional engines primarily generate mechanical energy through the combustion of fossil fuels such as diesel and gasoline. Since these fuels are mainly composed of hydrocarbons, their combustion products are primarily carbon dioxide and water. However, hydrogen engines generate mechanical energy through the combustion of hydrogen, with water being the primary combustion product. During engine operation, the water produced by combustion is blown into the crankcase along with piston ring gas, condensing into liquid droplets that mix and dilute with the engine oil, forming an oil-water mixture. This phenomenon leads to decreased oil viscosity, deteriorated lubrication performance, and accelerated wear of moving friction pairs, potentially causing abnormal failure of the engine's friction pairs in severe cases.

[0003] In existing engine technologies, the following technical means are mainly used to alleviate the oil dilution problem: (1) Developing a special engine oil for hydrogen engines that is more tolerant to water. This technical route has high requirements for engine oil and can easily lead to a significant rise in engine oil level, making it difficult to fundamentally solve the oil dilution problem; (2) Shortening the oil change cycle. By changing the engine oil in a short cycle, combustion water can be carried out of the engine. This technical route leads to frequent oil changes for hydrogen engines and does not meet the conditions for industrialization and promotion; (3) Using engine exhaust gas to heat and demulsify the engine oil extracted from the oil pan, and using an oil pump to purify the demulsified engine oil for recycling. This technical route has a complex structure and it is not easy to control the demulsification efficiency. In actual hydrogen engine operation under low load, the demulsification efficiency and stability need to be improved due to the low exhaust temperature.

[0004] Because the combustion products of hydrogen engines differ significantly from those of traditional diesel, gasoline, and natural gas engines, the control structures and methods for oil dilution in traditional engines cannot be effectively applied to hydrogen engines. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a hydrogen internal combustion engine oil dilution control system and method. This invention utilizes an integrated heating module in the oil pan to rapidly separate water from the oil based on changes in oil water content and viscosity, combined with the oil's inherent properties. Furthermore, it achieves closed-loop precise control of the oil water content through online detection. To fully realize the oil dilution control of the hydrogen internal combustion engine, this invention includes an oil dilution structure and a closed-loop control logic flow. Through the mutual cooperation of the structure and the closed-loop control logic, closed-loop precise control of the oil water content is achieved. The specific technical solution is as follows: A hydrogen internal combustion engine oil dilution control system includes an ECU control unit, a capacitive water sensor, an oil temperature sensor, an oil electric heating device, an engine oil pan, an oil-gas separator, a PCV opening control valve, an air filter, and a turbocharger. The capacitive water sensor and oil temperature sensor are located at the bottom of the engine oil pan, submerged below the engine oil level, to ensure effective detection of the oil's water content and temperature parameters under various driving conditions, such as uphill and downhill. The oil electric heating device is a modular structure integrated at the bottom of the engine oil pan, in complete contact with the engine oil, and its purpose is to heat the engine oil based on commands from the ECU control unit and the engine oil temperature. The oil-gas separator is a combined oil-gas separation structure, connected to the air filter via the PCV opening control valve and then into the turbocharger. The ECU control unit is electrically connected to the capacitive water sensor, oil temperature sensor, oil electric heating device, and PCV opening control valve.

[0006] Furthermore, the capacitive water sensor and the oil temperature sensor are located within 10 cm below the engine oil level.

[0007] Furthermore, the oil-gas separator includes a first-stage cyclone-type oil-gas separation structure and a second-stage hydrophobic porous breathable membrane. The main purpose of the cyclone-type oil-gas separation section is to separate the oil droplets in the oil mist and control the amount of oil leakage. The main purpose of the hydrophobic porous breathable membrane is to effectively discharge water vapor.

[0008] Furthermore, the purpose of the PCV opening control valve is to control the PCV valve to a suitable opening degree based on the water content, so as to enable high-temperature water vapor and exhaust gas to be quickly discharged into the front end of the turbocharger through the PCV valve, and finally enter the cylinder for mixing and combustion through the intake system, and then be discharged from the engine with the combustion exhaust gas.

[0009] Based on the above structure, this invention provides a method for controlling oil dilution in a hydrogen internal combustion engine, comprising the following steps: Step 1: Real-time monitoring. The electronic control unit obtains the water content and temperature of the engine oil in the oil pan in real time through the capacitive water sensor and the oil temperature sensor. Step 2: Condition judgment and heating start-up. When the detected water content of the engine oil is higher than the preset heating threshold and continues for a first preset time, the electronic control unit determines that the water removal program needs to be started and sends a start command to the engine oil electric heating device. Step 3: Perform heating. The oil electric heating device heats the oil according to the instruction, which accelerates the evaporation of water in the oil and forms an oil mist water mixture containing oil vapor, water vapor and exhaust gas. Step 4: Coordinated adjustment. After the oil electric heating device has been activated for a second preset time, the electronic control unit adjusts the opening of the PCV opening control valve according to the current oil water content and oil temperature, based on a preset control chart. Step 5: Separation and discharge. The oil mist and water mixture passes through the oil-gas separator, where the oil droplets are intercepted and flow back to the oil pan, while the water vapor and exhaust gas are discharged from the crankcase through the PCV opening control valve.

[0010] Furthermore, the preset control chart in step 4 stipulates that: at a constant oil temperature, the higher the water content of the oil, the larger the target opening of the PCV opening control valve; at a constant oil water content, the higher the oil temperature, the larger the target opening of the PCV opening control valve.

[0011] Furthermore, the heating threshold is set to 3% of the water content of the engine oil by mass. The first preset time is set to 10 seconds, and the second preset time is set to 60 seconds.

[0012] The system and control method of this invention can achieve rapid separation of water from engine oil based on changes in oil water content and viscosity, combined with the inherent characteristics of the oil itself, using a heating module integrated in the oil pan. Furthermore, through online detection of the oil water content, closed-loop precise control of the oil water content can be achieved. This effectively solves problems such as oil emulsification and abnormal wear of moving parts in hydrogen engines, and overcomes the inconvenience of frequent oil changes using traditional methods. It is of great significance for the development and industrial application of hydrogen engines. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the oil dilution control system for a hydrogen internal combustion engine, as shown in the example. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the process for controlling the oil dilution of a hydrogen internal combustion engine, as illustrated in the example. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the relationship between engine oil temperature and engine oil water content in the embodiments; Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the control relationship between the PCV valve opening and the engine oil temperature in the embodiment.

[0014] Figure label: 1-ECU control unit, 2-capacitive water sensor, 3-oil temperature sensor, 4-oil electric heating device, 5-engine oil pan, 6-oil-gas separator, 7-PCV opening control valve, 8-air filter, 9-turbocharger, 10-oil-water mixture, 11-filtered engine oil. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0016] like Figure 1 As shown, the hydrogen internal combustion engine oil dilution control system includes an ECU control unit 1, a capacitive water sensor 2, an oil temperature sensor 3, an oil electric heating device 4, an engine oil pan 5, an oil-gas separator 6, a PCV opening control valve 7, an air filter 8, and a turbocharger 9. The capacitive water sensor 2 and the oil temperature sensor 3 are located at the bottom of the engine oil pan and are submerged below the engine oil level to ensure effective detection of the oil's water content and temperature parameters under various usage scenarios such as climbing and descending slopes. The oil electric heating device 4 is a modular structure integrated at the bottom of the engine oil pan, in complete contact with the engine oil. Its purpose is to heat the engine oil based on the commands of the ECU control unit 1 and the engine oil temperature. The oil-gas separator is a combined oil-gas separator structure, connected to the air filter 8 via the PCV opening control valve and then into the turbocharger 9. The ECU control unit 1 is electrically connected to the capacitive water sensor 2, the oil temperature sensor 3, the oil electric heating device 4, and the PCV opening control valve 7.

[0017] Specifically, after the engine starts, the real-time water content and oil temperature information are read by the capacitive water sensor 2 and the oil temperature sensor 3. When the oil water content exceeds the 3% heating threshold and remains above it for 10 seconds, the ECU control unit 1 sends a command to the oil electric heating device 4, based on... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The system heats and maintains the engine oil temperature according to the corresponding relationship, and adjusts the opening of the PCV control valve based on the oil temperature to promote efficient water removal. The heating power design of the oil electric heating device can be comprehensively selected based on engine displacement information, oil filling amount, vehicle battery charge, and power consumption of electrical units. Considering various factors such as layout, this embodiment selects a 500-watt electric heater. After heating, the water in the engine oil evaporates rapidly, forming an oil-water mixture 10 with engine exhaust gas, which eventually enters the oil-gas separator 6, where the oil droplets are fully filtered. The filtered oil 11 returns to the engine oil pan 5 for recycling. The exhaust gas and water vapor are quickly discharged through the PCV opening control valve into the turbocharger intake, where they are mixed and burned in the intake system before being discharged from the engine. The opening control of the PCV opening control valve is set 60 seconds after the engine oil electric heating device is started, based on... Figure 4The opening degree of the PCV valve is adjusted; the higher the moisture content, the larger the PCV valve opening, with the aim of promoting faster water discharge. The overall flow chart is as follows. Figure 2 As shown.

[0018] This invention collects engine oil parameters through a monitoring unit consisting of a water content sensor and an oil temperature sensor. The ECU control unit, based on a preset control program, issues control parameters to an actuator consisting of an oil electric heating device and a PCV opening control valve for precise closed-loop control of the oil temperature and PCV opening. This method offers high control efficiency and fast adjustment speed, and has significant guiding significance for improving the reliability of hydrogen internal combustion engines. By arranging a suitable monitoring system and actuator on the engine, efficient and accurate control of the water content in the engine oil of a hydrogen internal combustion engine can be achieved.

[0019] The preferred embodiments of this patent have been described in detail above. However, this patent is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this patent.

Claims

1. A hydrogen internal combustion engine oil dilution control system, characterized in that: The system includes an ECU control unit, a capacitive water sensor, an oil temperature sensor, an oil heating device, an engine oil pan, an oil-gas separator, a PCV opening control valve, an air filter, and a turbocharger. The capacitive water sensor and oil temperature sensor are located at the bottom of the engine oil pan and are submerged below the engine oil level. The oil heating device is a modular structure integrated into the bottom of the engine oil pan and is in complete contact with the engine oil. The oil-gas separator is a combined oil-gas separator structure that is connected to the air filter via the PCV opening control valve and then enters the turbocharger. The ECU control unit is electrically connected to the capacitive water sensor, oil temperature sensor, oil heating device, and PCV opening control valve.

2. The hydrogen internal combustion engine oil dilution control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The capacitive water sensor and the oil temperature sensor are located within 10 cm below the engine oil level.

3. The hydrogen internal combustion engine oil dilution control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The oil-gas separator includes a first-stage cyclone-type oil-gas separation structure and a second-stage hydrophobic porous breathable membrane.

4. The hydrogen internal combustion engine oil dilution control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ECU control unit electrically controls the PCV opening control valve to an appropriate opening degree based on the water content.

5. The control method of the hydrogen internal combustion engine oil dilution control system according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: Step 1: Real-time monitoring. The electronic control unit obtains the water content and temperature of the engine oil in the oil pan in real time through the capacitive water sensor and the oil temperature sensor. Step 2: Condition judgment and heating start-up. When the detected water content of the engine oil is higher than the preset heating threshold and continues for a first preset time, the electronic control unit determines that the water removal program needs to be started and sends a start command to the engine oil electric heating device. Step 3: Perform heating. The oil electric heating device heats the oil according to the instruction, which accelerates the evaporation of water in the oil and forms an oil mist water mixture containing oil vapor, water vapor and exhaust gas. Step 4: Coordinated adjustment. After the oil electric heating device has been activated for a second preset time, the electronic control unit adjusts the opening of the PCV opening control valve according to the current oil water content and oil temperature, based on a preset control chart. Step 5: Separation and discharge. The oil mist and water mixture passes through the oil-gas separator, where the oil droplets are intercepted and flow back to the oil pan, while the water vapor and exhaust gas are discharged from the crankcase through the PCV opening control valve.

6. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The preset control chart in step 4 specifies that: at a constant oil temperature, the higher the water content in the oil, the larger the target opening of the PCV opening control valve; at a constant oil water content, the higher the oil temperature, the larger the target opening of the PCV opening control valve.

7. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that... The heating threshold is set to 3% of the water content in the engine oil by mass. The first preset time is set to 10 seconds, and the second preset time is set to 60 seconds.

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