A control method of a methanol engine and a related device

Abstract

The application provides a control method and related device of a methanol engine, and relates to the technical field of internal combustion engine control. The methanol engine comprises a spark plug, a cooling pipeline and a first temperature sensor are arranged on the spark plug. The method comprises the following steps: detecting the body temperature of the spark plug through the first temperature sensor; and controlling the cooling medium in the cooling pipeline to be injected into the cylinder of the methanol engine according to the body temperature of the spark plug, so as to reduce the body temperature of the spark plug and the cylinder temperature of the methanol engine. According to the application, the cooling pipeline and the first temperature sensor are integrated on the spark plug, so that active cooling can be directly performed on the heat source. According to the application, the pre-ignition and knocking phenomena of the methanol engine can be effectively inhibited, and the stability and reliability of engine operation can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of internal combustion engine control technology, and in particular to a control method and related device for a methanol engine. Background Technology

[0002] Methanol fuel, as a clean alternative energy source, is increasingly being used in ignition-type engines. Methanol engines use spark plugs to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder, driving the piston to move and thus output power.

[0003] In existing methanol engine control schemes, the engine controller adjusts parameters such as fuel injection quantity and ignition timing based on the temperature of the combustion chamber and key components to maintain stable operation of the methanol engine. When an abnormal temperature rise is detected, the engine control system typically intervenes by retarding the ignition advance angle or enriching the mixture, attempting to suppress further temperature increases by altering the combustion phase or utilizing the heat absorbed by fuel evaporation.

[0004] However, during the operation of a methanol engine, the temperature of the spark plug body and the cylinder temperature can rise sharply at the same time. Simply adjusting the ignition strategy or fuel supply is often insufficient to quickly and effectively reduce the temperature of local hot spots, leading to frequent abnormal combustion phenomena such as pre-ignition and knocking. This limits the further improvement of engine power and torque and poses a threat to the reliability of engine components. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, this application provides a control method and related device for a methanol engine to solve the problem of frequent abnormal combustion caused by excessively high spark plug body temperature and cylinder temperature in methanol engines. The specific solution is as follows:

[0006] This application provides a control method for a methanol engine, the methanol engine including a spark plug, a cooling pipe and a first temperature sensor disposed on the spark plug, the control method for the methanol engine including:

[0007] The body temperature of the spark plug is detected by the first temperature sensor;

[0008] The cooling medium in the cooling pipe is injected into the cylinder of the methanol engine according to the spark plug's body temperature, so as to reduce the spark plug's body temperature and the methanol engine's cylinder temperature.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the cooling conduit includes a high-pressure air cylinder, an air conduit, and a switching assembly, the air conduit being disposed around the spark plug, and the switching assembly being disposed on the air conduit;

[0010] The step of controlling the injection of cooling medium from the cooling pipe into the cylinder of the methanol engine based on the spark plug body temperature includes:

[0011] Compare the body temperature of the spark plug with a preset first temperature threshold.

[0012] If the spark plug body temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the switch assembly is controlled to be in the first open state, so that the high-pressure air in the high-pressure air bottle is injected into the cylinder of the methanol engine through the air pipe, until the spark plug body temperature is less than the first temperature threshold, at which point the switch assembly is controlled to be in the closed state.

[0013] In one possible implementation, comparing the body temperature of the spark plug with a preset first temperature threshold includes:

[0014] Monitor the operating conditions of the methanol engine;

[0015] When the operating conditions meet the preset low load conditions, the body temperature of the spark plug is compared with the first temperature threshold.

[0016] In one possible implementation, controlling the switch assembly to be in a first open state includes:

[0017] Determine the first temperature difference between the body temperature of the spark plug and the first temperature threshold.

[0018] The first target opening degree of the switch assembly is determined based on the first temperature difference, and the switch assembly is controlled to open based on the first target opening degree, wherein the first target opening degree is positively correlated with the first temperature difference.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the methanol engine further includes a second temperature sensor, wherein controlling the injection of cooling medium from the cooling pipe into the cylinder of the methanol engine based on the body temperature of the spark plug includes:

[0020] The cylinder temperature of the methanol engine is detected by the second temperature sensor;

[0021] When the operating conditions meet the preset high load conditions, the spark plug body temperature is compared with the first temperature threshold, and the cylinder temperature is compared with the preset second temperature threshold.

[0022] If the spark plug body temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, or the cylinder temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, the switch assembly is controlled to be in a second open state, so that high-pressure air in the high-pressure air bottle is injected into the cylinder of the methanol engine through the air pipe, until the spark plug body temperature is less than the first temperature threshold and the cylinder temperature is less than the second temperature threshold, then the switch assembly is controlled to be in a closed state.

[0023] In one possible implementation, controlling the switch assembly to be in a second open state includes:

[0024] Determine a second temperature difference between the spark plug body temperature and the first temperature threshold, and a third temperature difference between the cylinder temperature and the second temperature threshold;

[0025] The second target opening degree of the switch assembly is determined based on the second temperature difference and the third temperature difference, and the switch assembly is controlled to open based on the second target opening degree. The second target opening degree is positively correlated with the second temperature difference and the third temperature difference.

[0026] A second aspect of this application provides a control device for a methanol engine, the methanol engine including a spark plug, a cooling pipe and a first temperature sensor disposed on the spark plug, the control device for the methanol engine including:

[0027] A temperature detection module is used to detect the body temperature of the spark plug through the first temperature sensor;

[0028] An injection control module is used to control the injection of cooling medium in the cooling pipe into the cylinder of the methanol engine based on the spark plug body temperature, so as to reduce the spark plug body temperature and the cylinder temperature of the methanol engine.

[0029] A third aspect of this application provides a computer program product including computer-readable instructions that, when executed on an electronic device, cause the electronic device to implement the control method for a methanol engine described in the first aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0030] A fourth aspect of this application provides an electronic device, including at least one processor and a memory connected to the processor, wherein:

[0031] The memory is used to store computer programs;

[0032] The processor is used to execute the computer program so that the electronic device can implement the control method of the methanol engine according to the first aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0033] The fifth aspect of this application provides a computer storage medium carrying one or more computer programs, which, when executed by an electronic device, enable the electronic device to implement the control method for a methanol engine described in the first aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0034] By utilizing the above technical solution, this application provides a control method for a methanol engine. The methanol engine includes a spark plug, on which a cooling pipe and a first temperature sensor are deployed. The method includes: detecting the spark plug's body temperature using the first temperature sensor; and controlling the injection of a cooling medium from the cooling pipe into the cylinder of the methanol engine based on the spark plug's body temperature, thereby reducing the spark plug's body temperature and the cylinder temperature of the methanol engine. This application, by integrating a cooling pipe and a first temperature sensor onto the spark plug, can directly and actively cool the heat source. The spark plug's body temperature is monitored in real time by a first temperature sensor, allowing for precise control of the thermal state of the core ignition components. Based on this spark plug temperature, the cooling medium in the cooling pipes is injected into the methanol engine cylinder. This process utilizes the cooling medium flowing through the cooling pipes to absorb heat from the spark plug, while the injection of the cooling medium directly lowers the cylinder temperature. This effectively reduces pre-ignition and knocking caused by excessively high spark plug and cylinder temperatures, preventing abnormal combustion from hindering engine performance, improving the methanol engine's operational stability and reliability, extending the service life of key components, and ensuring that the methanol engine maintains high-efficiency power output even under extreme operating conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The above and other features, advantages, and aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. It should be understood that the drawings are schematic, and the originals and elements are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a spark plug provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a methanol engine provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 3 A schematic flowchart illustrating a control method for a methanol engine provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a partial flowchart illustrating a control method for a methanol engine provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a control device for a methanol engine provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terminology used in the implementation section of this application is for explaining specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0043] The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, with technological advancements and the emergence of new scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0044] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms are interchangeable where appropriate; this is merely a way of distinguishing objects with the same attributes in the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not explicitly listed or inherent to those processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0045] Compared to traditional fuels like gasoline, methanol fuel is more prone to pre-ignition and knocking in ignition-based engines, especially under high-load conditions. This abnormal combustion not only limits the power and torque output of methanol engines but also causes serious damage to critical components such as pistons and valves. Mild damage can lead to valve erosion and piston crown melting, while severe damage can result in cylinder scoring, crankshaft breakage, or even complete engine failure, posing a significant challenge to engine reliability. Currently, there is a lack of a control strategy that can directly and efficiently cool the spark plug heat source and simultaneously reduce cylinder temperature, making it difficult to effectively suppress abnormal combustion caused by localized high temperatures.

[0046] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a control method for a methanol engine. Through the synergistic cooperation of structural integration and control strategies, it achieves precise intervention from temperature sensing, significantly enhancing the methanol engine's ability to cope with complex thermal loads. The control method for the methanol engine according to this application embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] See Figure 1 , Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a spark plug 11 provided in an embodiment of this application, with reference to... Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a methanol engine provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of this application provides a methanol engine including a methanol nozzle 16 and... Figure 1 Spark plug 11 is shown. (As shown) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the methanol engine includes a spark plug 11 on which a cooling pipe 12 and a first temperature sensor 13 are deployed.

[0048] The cooling pipe 12 is a fluid channel that surrounds or runs through the spark plug 11 and is used to transport the cooling medium. It takes away the heat of the spark plug 11 body by utilizing the heat absorption effect of the cooling medium during the depressurization expansion process. At the same time, it uses low-temperature gas mixing to enter the combustion chamber in the cylinder to reduce the overall cylinder temperature.

[0049] In addition, the first temperature sensor 13 is a temperature detection element deployed on the spark plug 11 body. It can be a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector (RTD), or a semiconductor temperature sensor, and can collect the thermal state of the spark plug 11, i.e., the body temperature, in real time. Specifically, the first temperature sensor 13 can be integrated and installed in a specific location inside or on the surface of the spark plug 11, such as embedded in the area of ​​the spark plug 11 insulator near the electrode, to ensure that it can accurately reflect the temperature change of the hottest spot of the spark plug 11.

[0050] See Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a methanol engine provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown in the embodiment of this application, a control method for a methanol engine is provided and applied to an engine controller. It may include steps S101 to S102, which are described in detail below.

[0051] S101, the body temperature of the spark plug 11 is detected by the first temperature sensor 13.

[0052] In this embodiment, the first temperature sensor 13 captures the temperature change of the spark plug 11, converts the analog voltage signal into a digital temperature (i.e., the body temperature of the spark plug 11), and sends the body temperature of the spark plug 11 to the engine controller.

[0053] S102, the cooling medium in the cooling pipe 12 is injected into the cylinder of the methanol engine according to the body temperature of the spark plug 11, so as to reduce the body temperature of the spark plug 11 and the cylinder temperature of the methanol engine.

[0054] In this embodiment, the engine controller controls the in-cylinder injection of the cooling medium in the cooling pipe 12 based on the spark plug 11's body temperature. Specifically, when the spark plug 11's body temperature is detected to meet the injection triggering conditions, the controller controls the cooling medium to flow through the cooling pipe 12 and inject it into the methanol engine cylinder. This allows the cooling medium to absorb heat around the spark plug 11 electrode before being injected into the cylinder 15, thereby reducing the cylinder temperature. By directly injecting the cooling medium into the cylinder, not only can the temperature of the spark plug 11 be quickly reduced to prevent it from becoming a pre-ignition point, but the temperature of the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder can also be reduced simultaneously, thus suppressing knocking at its source.

[0055] In this embodiment, a cooling pipe 12 and a first temperature sensor 13 are integrated into the spark plug 11, enabling precise temperature control of the heat source and coordinated cooling of the in-cylinder environment. The first temperature sensor 13 monitors the spark plug 11 body temperature in real time and controls the injection of cooling medium from the cooling pipe 12 into the cylinder, directly cooling the area of ​​the spark plug 11 prone to pre-ignition, significantly improving cooling response speed. Simultaneously, the injected cooling medium also lowers the in-cylinder temperature, improving combustion stability. This dual cooling mechanism effectively solves the problems of pre-ignition and knocking caused by localized high temperatures in methanol engines, thereby significantly improving the power output limit and operational reliability of methanol engines.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the cooling conduit 12 includes a high-pressure air cylinder, an air duct, and a switching assembly. The air duct is arranged around the spark plug 11, and the switching assembly is mounted on the air duct. Specifically, the air duct is arranged around the periphery of the spark plug 11, and the switching assembly is connected in series on the air duct. The high-pressure air cylinder, as a gas source, is connected to the switching assembly through a pipe, and the switching assembly is used to control the on / off state of the air path. The high-pressure air cylinder stores high-pressure air medium, and its internal pressure can be set according to the actual application to ensure sufficient flow rate and heat absorption capacity during injection. The air duct's arrangement around the spark plug 11 allows the cooling airflow to completely surround the spark plug 11 body, especially providing uniform cooling for the electrode areas prone to hot spots.

[0057] See Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a partial flowchart illustrating a control method for a methanol engine provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 As shown in the embodiment of this application, a control method for a methanol engine is provided. In step S102, "controlling the injection of cooling medium in cooling pipe 12 into the cylinder of methanol engine according to the body temperature of spark plug 11" may include steps S201 to S202. These steps are described in detail below.

[0058] S201, compare the body temperature of spark plug 11 with the preset first temperature threshold.

[0059] In this embodiment, the first temperature threshold is a pre-set critical temperature value used to determine whether active cooling of the spark plug 11 needs to be initiated. Its value can be calibrated based on the material tolerance limit and knock sensitivity of the methanol engine. The engine controller compares the actual detected body temperature of the spark plug 11 with the first temperature threshold to determine whether the current thermal state of the spark plug 11 is within a safe range. If the body temperature of the spark plug 11 is less than the first temperature threshold, it indicates that the spark plug 11 is dissipating heat normally and no additional intervention is needed. Conversely, if the body temperature of the spark plug 11 is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, it indicates an overheating risk, requiring the triggering of subsequent cooling procedures.

[0060] S202, if the body temperature of spark plug 11 is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the control switch assembly is in the first open state, so that the high-pressure air in the high-pressure air bottle is injected into the cylinder of the methanol engine through the air pipe until the body temperature of spark plug 11 is less than the first temperature threshold, at which point the control switch assembly is in the closed state.

[0061] In this embodiment, if the body temperature of the spark plug 11 is greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold, the engine controller controls the switching assembly to be in a first open state. This first open state corresponds to an opening mode that allows high-pressure air to flow. Specifically, the controller sends an opening command to the switching assembly, placing it in the first open state. At this time, high-pressure air is released from the high-pressure air cylinder and flows through the surrounding air pipe. During this process, the high-pressure air undergoes adiabatic expansion and absorbs heat from the spark plug 11 body, and is then injected into the cylinder of the methanol engine. This process not only directly reduces the temperature of the spark plug 11, but the injected low-temperature high-pressure air also dilutes the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder and reduces the overall temperature of the combustion chamber, thereby suppressing knocking.

[0062] Furthermore, after the control switch assembly is in the first open state, the engine controller continues to monitor the body temperature of the spark plug 11 and compare it with a first temperature threshold. If the body temperature of the spark plug 11 is lower than the first temperature threshold, the engine controller sends a shutdown command to the switch assembly again, switching it from the first open state to the closed state, thereby stopping the injection. Through this closed-loop feedback control logic, the cooling action is started and stopped on demand, ensuring the cooling effect while avoiding the impact of over-cooling on engine thermal efficiency.

[0063] In this embodiment, the coordinated operation of the high-pressure air cylinder, air pipes, and switching components achieves a rapid-response and compact active cooling effect. The high-pressure air cylinder provides a stable high-pressure air source, ensuring a large flow rate of cooling medium can be output instantly when needed; the surrounding air pipes maximize the heat exchange area, improving heat dissipation efficiency per unit time; the switching components act as the actuator, achieving precise volume control injection based on temperature thresholds. The combined control of the cooling pipes 12 and the engine controller enables the methanol engine to quickly eliminate localized high-temperature hot spots on the spark plugs 11 and inside the cylinder during operation, effectively blocking the paths of pre-ignition and knock, and significantly improving the operational reliability and power output limit of the methanol engine under harsh operating conditions.

[0064] In one possible implementation, by monitoring the operating conditions of the methanol engine, the injection of high-pressure air can be controlled by the body temperature of the spark plug 11 in the low-load operating range. In this regard, an embodiment of this application provides a control method for a methanol engine, wherein step S201, "comparing the body temperature of the spark plug 11 with a preset first temperature threshold," can be performed using the following steps:

[0065] Monitor the operating conditions of the methanol engine; when the operating conditions meet the preset low load conditions, compare the body temperature of spark plug 11 with the first temperature threshold.

[0066] In this embodiment, the operating conditions of the methanol engine can include key indicators such as engine speed, torque, intake air volume, and throttle opening. These key indicators can indicate the current load level of the methanol engine. To this end, the engine controller can determine whether the methanol engine meets low-load conditions by monitoring its operating conditions. For example, when the engine speed is below 2000 rpm and the engine torque is less than 30% of the maximum peak torque, it is determined that the low-load conditions are met, meaning it is in the low-load operating condition range. Furthermore, when the operating conditions are determined to meet low-load conditions, the engine controller compares the detected spark plug 11 body temperature with a first temperature threshold. Through this real-time monitoring of the operating conditions, the energy demand stage of the methanol engine can be accurately identified, thereby enabling differentiated cooling control strategies.

[0067] It should be noted that the low-load condition is a pre-set operating range based on the combustion characteristics and knock sensitivity of the methanol engine under different loads. Low-load conditions typically correspond to scenarios such as vehicle idling, low-speed cruising, or light-load acceleration. In these scenarios, the airflow in the cylinder is relatively weak, and a localized high-temperature zone easily forms around the spark plug 11 with slow heat dissipation. Through the coordinated operation of monitoring the operating conditions and comparing temperature thresholds, precise intervention can be achieved in this specific low-load scenario where carbon buildup or localized overheating is likely. This ensures the thermal safety of the spark plug 11 while also taking into account the power response characteristics of the methanol engine under different loads, thereby improving the overall control precision and economy of the engine.

[0068] In one possible implementation, by monitoring the temperature difference between the spark plug 11 body temperature and a first temperature threshold, the current risk level can be accurately identified, thereby dynamically adjusting the opening degree of the switching assembly. In this regard, an embodiment of this application provides a control method for a methanol engine, wherein step S202, "controlling the switching assembly to the first open state," can be achieved through the following steps:

[0069] Determine a first temperature difference between the body temperature of spark plug 11 and a first temperature threshold; determine a first target opening degree of the switching assembly based on the first temperature difference, and control the switching assembly to open with the first target opening degree, wherein the first target opening degree is positively correlated with the first temperature difference.

[0070] In this embodiment of the application, the engine controller can use the difference between the body temperature of the spark plug 11 and the first temperature threshold as the first temperature difference. The first temperature difference can quantify the current overheating degree of the spark plug 11. By quantifying this temperature difference, the specific extent to which the spark plug 11 deviates from the safe temperature can be accurately sensed, thereby serving as the basis for subsequent adjustment of the cooling intensity.

[0071] Furthermore, the first target opening degree characterizes the cross-sectional size or flow capacity of the switching assembly when it is in the open state, allowing high-pressure air to pass through. The engine controller reads the pre-stored mapping relationship between temperature difference and opening degree, and determines the corresponding opening degree as the first target opening degree based on the first temperature difference. This first temperature difference is positively correlated with the first target opening degree; that is, the larger the first temperature difference, the larger the first target opening degree. Subsequently, the engine controller controls the operation of the switching assembly based on this first target opening degree.

[0072] For example, when the first temperature difference is small, the engine controller determines the first target opening degree to be 20%. At this time, only a small amount of high-pressure air flows through the air pipe and is injected into the cylinder for gentle cooling, avoiding drastic disturbances to the air-fuel mixture concentration and flow field in the combustion chamber. When the first temperature difference is large, the engine controller determines the first target opening degree to be 80% or even fully open. At this time, a large amount of high-pressure air is rapidly injected, using its depressurization and heat absorption effect to quickly remove heat from the spark plug 11 and the surrounding area. Through this adaptive adjustment mechanism, a continuous cooling flow can be output according to the actual heat load demand, achieving fine matching of cooling intensity. This prevents fuel waste and unstable combustion caused by excessive cooling during slight overheating, while ensuring strong intervention during severe overheating, effectively improving response speed and control accuracy.

[0073] In this embodiment, the positive correlation between the first temperature difference and the first target opening degree is utilized to dynamically adjust the opening degree of the switching component, ensuring a precise match between the high-pressure air injection flow rate and the heat dissipation requirements. This coordination not only solves the problems of insufficient cooling leading to knocking or excessive cooling affecting combustion efficiency that may occur under fixed opening degree control mode, but also significantly improves the utilization efficiency of the medium inside the high-pressure air cylinder. Furthermore, the continuously adjustable cooling strategy reduces the impact on the combustion environment inside the engine cylinder, maintaining the stability of the air-fuel ratio. This suppresses pre-ignition knocking while ensuring the smooth power output and operational reliability of the methanol engine under different operating conditions.

[0074] like Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of this application provides a methanol engine including a methanol nozzle 16, Figure 1 The spark plug 11 and the second temperature sensor 14 are shown. The second temperature sensor 14 is a temperature detection element deployed at a specific location in the cylinder 15 of the methanol engine or inside the combustion chamber. It can be a high-temperature resistant thermocouple or a thin-film resistance thermometer, etc., and can collect the cylinder temperature in real time. The cylinder temperature can characterize the intensity of combustion of the air-fuel mixture and the heat load level in the cylinder.

[0075] In this regard, the control method for a methanol engine provided in this application embodiment, wherein step S102, "controlling the injection of cooling medium in cooling pipe 12 into the cylinder of methanol engine according to the body temperature of spark plug 11", may further include the following steps:

[0076] The cylinder temperature of the methanol engine is detected by the second temperature sensor 14. Under the condition that the operating conditions meet the preset high load conditions, the body temperature of the spark plug 11 is compared with the first temperature threshold and the cylinder temperature is compared with the preset second temperature threshold. If the body temperature of the spark plug 11 is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold or the cylinder temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, the control switch assembly is in the second open state, so that the high-pressure air in the high-pressure air bottle is injected into the cylinder of the methanol engine through the air pipe until the body temperature of the spark plug 11 is less than the first temperature threshold and the cylinder temperature is less than the second temperature threshold, then the control switch assembly is in the closed state.

[0077] In this embodiment, the second temperature sensor 14 captures the temperature change inside the cylinder 15, converts the analog voltage signal into a digital temperature (i.e., the cylinder temperature), and sends the cylinder temperature to the engine controller.

[0078] The second temperature threshold is a pre-set critical temperature value used to determine whether active cooling of cylinder 15 needs to be initiated. Its value can be calibrated based on the upper limit of the safe temperature of the in-cylinder mixture. The engine controller monitors the operating conditions of the methanol engine to determine whether high-load conditions are met. For example, when the engine speed is greater than or equal to 2000 rpm and the engine torque is greater than or equal to 30% of the maximum peak torque, high-load conditions are met, placing the engine within the high-load operating range. When high-load conditions are determined, the engine controller compares the detected spark plug 11 body temperature with the first temperature threshold and the in-cylinder temperature with the second temperature threshold to determine whether the current thermal state of the spark plug 11 and cylinder 15 is within a safe range. If the spark plug 11 body temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, or the in-cylinder temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, it indicates an overheating risk, triggering the subsequent cooling process. This dual comparison mechanism can more accurately identify potential pre-ignition or knocking risks under high loads, avoiding thermal damage caused by missing a single indicator.

[0079] If the spark plug 11 body temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, or the cylinder temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, the engine controller controls the switching assembly to be in a second open state. This second open state is an opening action performed by the switching assembly according to a specific duty cycle or opening degree under high load conditions. Its flow capacity is generally greater than that of the first open state under low load conditions to ensure sufficient cooling medium flow. Specifically, the controller sends an opening command to the switching assembly to put it in the second open state. At this time, high-pressure air is released from the high-pressure air cylinder and flows through the surrounding air pipes. During this process, the high-pressure air undergoes adiabatic expansion and absorbs the heat of the spark plug 11 body, and is then injected into the cylinder of the methanol engine. This process not only directly reduces the spark plug 11 temperature, but the injected low-temperature high-pressure air also dilutes the in-cylinder mixture and reduces the overall combustion chamber temperature, thereby suppressing knocking.

[0080] Furthermore, after the engine controller puts the control switch assembly in the second open state, it continues to monitor the spark plug 11 body temperature and cylinder temperature, comparing them with the first and second temperature thresholds respectively. If the spark plug 11 body temperature is lower than the first temperature threshold and the cylinder temperature is lower than the second temperature threshold, the engine controller sends a shutdown command to the switch assembly again, switching it from the second on state to the off state, thereby stopping high-pressure injection control. For example, in a continuous high-load climbing scenario, if the cylinder temperature exceeds the second temperature threshold first, triggering injection, even if the spark plug 11 body temperature has not yet exceeded the threshold, high-pressure gas will continue to be injected until the cylinder temperature drops below the second temperature threshold, and it is confirmed that the spark plug 11 temperature has also fallen below the first temperature threshold, at which point the switch assembly will be shut off. Through this closed-loop feedback control logic, it is ensured that critical engine components are adequately and thoroughly cooled under high thermal load impact, effectively suppressing pre-ignition and knocking.

[0081] In this embodiment, the combined use of the second temperature sensor 14 and the first temperature sensor 13 enables comprehensive monitoring of local hot spots and the overall thermal environment of the engine. Based on this, a control strategy is adopted that triggers when any temperature exceeds a certain threshold and stops only when all thresholds are met. High-pressure air injection simultaneously cools the spark plug 11 and lowers the cylinder temperature, rapidly eliminating the heat source that could induce knocking and improving combustion stability through the dilution effect of the air.

[0082] In one possible implementation, by monitoring the temperature difference between the spark plug 11 body temperature and a first temperature threshold, and the temperature difference between the cylinder temperature and a second temperature threshold, the current risk level can be accurately identified, thereby dynamically adjusting the opening degree of the switching assembly. In this regard, an embodiment of this application provides a control method for a methanol engine, wherein the above step of "controlling the switching assembly to a second open state" can be implemented using the following steps:

[0083] Determine the second temperature difference between the body temperature of the spark plug 11 and the first temperature threshold, and the third temperature difference between the cylinder temperature and the second temperature threshold; determine the second target opening degree of the switching assembly based on the second temperature difference and the third temperature difference, and control the switching assembly to open with the second target opening degree. The second target opening degree is positively correlated with the second temperature difference and the third temperature difference.

[0084] In this embodiment, the engine controller can use the difference between the spark plug 11 body temperature and a first temperature threshold as a second temperature difference, and the difference between the cylinder temperature and the second temperature threshold as a third temperature difference. The second temperature difference can quantify the current overheating degree of the spark plug 11, and the third temperature difference can quantify the urgency of the risk of in-cylinder knocking. By calculating these second and third temperature differences respectively, the thermal load state of the ignition system and the combustion chamber can be captured independently and accurately.

[0085] Furthermore, the second target opening degree characterizes the cross-sectional area or flow capacity of high-pressure air allowed to pass through when the switching assembly is open in the high-load operating region. It can be calculated by substituting the second and third temperature differences into a preset mapping function or weighted algorithm. The second target opening degree is positively correlated with both the second and third temperature differences. That is, when the second temperature difference increases, it means that the risk of spark plug 11 overheating increases, requiring a larger airflow for direct cooling, thus increasing the second target opening degree. Conversely, when the third temperature difference increases, it means that the tendency for in-cylinder knocking intensifies, requiring more high-pressure air to be injected into the cylinder to absorb heat and dilute the air-fuel mixture, thus also increasing the second target opening degree. This positive correlation ensures a dynamic match between cooling intensity and heat load demand.

[0086] The methanol engine control method provided in this application embodiment can, on the one hand, utilize the cooling medium flowing through the cooling pipe 12 to absorb the heat of the spark plug, and on the other hand, the cooling medium injected into the cylinder can directly reduce the cylinder temperature. This effectively reduces the pre-ignition and knocking phenomena caused by excessively high spark plug body temperature and cylinder temperature, avoids the restriction of abnormal combustion on engine performance, improves the operating stability and reliability of the methanol engine, extends the service life of key components, and ensures that the methanol engine can still maintain efficient power output under extreme operating conditions.

[0087] The above describes a control method for a methanol engine provided by the embodiments of this application. The following describes the apparatus for implementing the above control method for a methanol engine.

[0088] See Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a control device for a methanol engine provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5As shown in the embodiment of this application, a control device for a methanol engine includes:

[0089] Temperature detection module 501 is used to detect the body temperature of the spark plug through the first temperature sensor;

[0090] The injection control module 502 is used to control the injection of cooling medium in the cooling pipe into the cylinder of the methanol engine according to the spark plug body temperature, so as to reduce the spark plug body temperature and the cylinder temperature of the methanol engine.

[0091] In one possible implementation, the cooling conduit includes a high-pressure air cylinder, an air duct, and a switching assembly, with the air duct arranged around the spark plug and the switching assembly disposed on the air duct.

[0092] The injection control module 502, used to control the injection of cooling medium from the cooling pipe into the cylinder of the methanol engine based on the spark plug body temperature, is specifically used for:

[0093] The spark plug body temperature is compared with a preset first temperature threshold. If the spark plug body temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the control switch assembly is in the first open state, so that the high-pressure air in the high-pressure air bottle is injected into the cylinder of the methanol engine through the air pipe until the spark plug body temperature is less than the first temperature threshold, at which point the control switch assembly is in the closed state.

[0094] In one possible implementation, the injection control module 502, used to compare the spark plug body temperature with a preset first temperature threshold, is specifically used for:

[0095] Monitor the operating conditions of the methanol engine; when the operating conditions meet the preset low load conditions, compare the spark plug body temperature with the first temperature threshold.

[0096] In one possible implementation, the injection control module 502, used to control the switching assembly to the first open state, is specifically used for:

[0097] Determine a first temperature difference between the spark plug body temperature and a first temperature threshold; determine a first target opening degree of the switching assembly based on the first temperature difference, and control the switching assembly to open with the first target opening degree, wherein the first target opening degree is positively correlated with the first temperature difference.

[0098] In one possible implementation, the methanol engine also includes a second temperature sensor for controlling the injection control module 502, which controls the injection of cooling medium from the cooling pipes into the cylinder of the methanol engine based on the spark plug body temperature. Specifically, this module is used for:

[0099] The cylinder temperature of the methanol engine is detected by a second temperature sensor. Under the condition that the operating conditions meet the preset high load conditions, the spark plug body temperature is compared with the first temperature threshold and the cylinder temperature is compared with the preset second temperature threshold. If the spark plug body temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold or the cylinder temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, the control switch assembly is in the second open state, so that the high-pressure air in the high-pressure air cylinder is injected into the cylinder of the methanol engine through the air pipe until the spark plug body temperature is less than the first temperature threshold and the cylinder temperature is less than the second temperature threshold, at which point the control switch assembly is in the closed state.

[0100] In one possible implementation, the injection control module 502, used to control the switching assembly to the second open state, is specifically used for:

[0101] Determine a second temperature difference between the spark plug body temperature and a first temperature threshold, and a third temperature difference between the cylinder temperature and the second temperature threshold; determine a second target opening degree of the switching assembly based on the second temperature difference and the third temperature difference, and control the switching assembly to open with the second target opening degree, wherein the second target opening degree is positively correlated with the second temperature difference and the third temperature difference.

[0102] It should be noted that the detailed functions of each module in the embodiments of this application can be found in the corresponding disclosure of the above-mentioned methanol engine control method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0103] This application also provides an electronic device in its embodiments. See also... Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. The electronic device in this embodiment may include, but is not limited to, fixed terminals such as mobile phones, laptops, PDAs (personal digital assistants), PADs (tablet computers), desktop computers, etc. Figure 6 The electronic device shown is merely an example and should not impose any limitation on the functionality and scope of use of the embodiments of this application.

[0104] like Figure 6 As shown, the electronic device may include a processing unit (e.g., a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, etc.) 601, which can perform various appropriate actions and processes according to a program stored in a read-only memory (ROM) 602 or a program loaded from a storage device 608 into a random access memory (RAM) 603. When the electronic device is powered on, the RAM 603 also stores various programs and data required for the operation of the electronic device. The processing unit 601, ROM 602, and RAM 603 are interconnected via a bus 604. An input / output (I / O) interface 605 is also connected to the bus 604.

[0105] Typically, the following devices can be connected to I / O interface 605: input devices 606 including, for example, touchscreens, touchpads, keyboards, mice, cameras, microphones, accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc.; output devices 607 including, for example, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), speakers, vibrators, etc.; storage devices 608 including, for example, memory cards, hard drives, etc.; and communication devices 609. Communication device 609 allows electronic devices to communicate wirelessly or wiredly with other devices to exchange data. Although Figure 6 Electronic devices with various devices are shown, but it should be understood that it is not required to implement or have all of the devices shown. More or fewer devices may be implemented or have instead.

[0106] This application also provides a computer program product including computer-readable instructions, which, when executed on an electronic device, cause the electronic device to implement any of the methanol engine control methods provided in this application.

[0107] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium carrying one or more computer programs. When the one or more computer programs are executed by an electronic device, the electronic device can implement any of the methanol engine control methods provided in this application.

[0108] It should also be noted that the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. In addition, in the device embodiment drawings provided in this application, the connection relationship between modules indicates that they have a communication connection, which can be implemented as one or more communication buses or signal lines.

[0109] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that this application can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware, or it can be implemented by special-purpose hardware including application-specific integrated circuits, special-purpose CPUs, special-purpose memory, special-purpose components, etc. Generally, any function performed by a computer program can be easily implemented by corresponding hardware, and the specific hardware structure used to implement the same function can also be diverse, such as analog circuits, digital circuits, or special-purpose circuits. However, for this application, software program implementation is more often the preferred implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a readable storage medium, such as a computer floppy disk, USB flash drive, mobile hard disk, ROM, RAM, magnetic disk, or optical disk, etc., and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, training equipment, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[0110] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product.

[0111] The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, training device, or data center to another website, computer, training device, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can store or a data storage device such as a training device or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state drives (SSDs)).

Claims

1. A control method for a methanol engine, characterized in that, The methanol engine includes a spark plug, on which a cooling pipe and a first temperature sensor are deployed. The control method of the methanol engine includes: The body temperature of the spark plug is detected by the first temperature sensor; The cooling medium in the cooling pipe is injected into the cylinder of the methanol engine according to the spark plug's body temperature, so as to reduce the spark plug's body temperature and the methanol engine's cylinder temperature.

2. The control method for a methanol engine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling conduit includes a high-pressure air cylinder, an air conduit, and a switching assembly. The air conduit is arranged around the spark plug, and the switching assembly is disposed on the air conduit. The step of controlling the injection of cooling medium from the cooling pipe into the cylinder of the methanol engine based on the spark plug body temperature includes: Compare the body temperature of the spark plug with a preset first temperature threshold. If the spark plug body temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the switch assembly is controlled to be in the first open state, so that the high-pressure air in the high-pressure air bottle is injected into the cylinder of the methanol engine through the air pipe, until the spark plug body temperature is less than the first temperature threshold, at which point the switch assembly is controlled to be in the closed state.

3. The control method for a methanol engine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The comparison of the spark plug's body temperature with a preset first temperature threshold includes: Monitor the operating conditions of the methanol engine; When the operating conditions meet the preset low load conditions, the body temperature of the spark plug is compared with the first temperature threshold.

4. The control method for a methanol engine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control of the switch assembly to be in the first open state includes: Determine the first temperature difference between the body temperature of the spark plug and the first temperature threshold. The first target opening degree of the switch assembly is determined based on the first temperature difference, and the switch assembly is controlled to open based on the first target opening degree, wherein the first target opening degree is positively correlated with the first temperature difference.

5. The control method for a methanol engine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The methanol engine also includes a second temperature sensor, wherein controlling the injection of cooling medium from the cooling pipe into the cylinder of the methanol engine based on the spark plug body temperature includes: The cylinder temperature of the methanol engine is detected by the second temperature sensor; When the operating conditions meet the preset high load conditions, the spark plug body temperature is compared with the first temperature threshold, and the cylinder temperature is compared with the preset second temperature threshold. If the spark plug body temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, or the cylinder temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, the switch assembly is controlled to be in a second open state, so that high-pressure air in the high-pressure air bottle is injected into the cylinder of the methanol engine through the air pipe, until the spark plug body temperature is less than the first temperature threshold and the cylinder temperature is less than the second temperature threshold, then the switch assembly is controlled to be in a closed state.

6. The control method for a methanol engine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control of the switch assembly to be in the second open state includes: Determine a second temperature difference between the spark plug body temperature and the first temperature threshold, and a third temperature difference between the cylinder temperature and the second temperature threshold; The second target opening degree of the switch assembly is determined based on the second temperature difference and the third temperature difference, and the switch assembly is controlled to open based on the second target opening degree. The second target opening degree is positively correlated with the second temperature difference and the third temperature difference.

7. A control device for a methanol engine, characterized in that, The methanol engine includes a spark plug, on which a cooling pipe and a first temperature sensor are disposed; the control device for the methanol engine includes: A temperature detection module is used to detect the body temperature of the spark plug through the first temperature sensor; An injection control module is used to control the injection of cooling medium in the cooling pipe into the cylinder of the methanol engine based on the spark plug body temperature, so as to reduce the spark plug body temperature and the cylinder temperature of the methanol engine.

8. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes computer-readable instructions that, when executed on an electronic device, cause the electronic device to implement the control method for a methanol engine as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor and a memory connected to the processor, wherein: The memory is used to store computer programs; The processor is used to execute the computer program to enable the electronic device to implement the control method of the methanol engine as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. A computer storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium carries one or more computer programs that, when executed by an electronic device, enable the electronic device to implement the control method for a methanol engine as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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