A marine methanol fuel engine test platform

Abstract

The application discloses a marine methanol fuel engine test platform, and belongs to the technical field of detection equipment. The platform comprises a dynamometer, a methanol fuel supply system and a data acquisition and control system. The methanol fuel supply system comprises a fuel tank, a supply pump, a fuel pipeline and a valve group assembly connected in sequence. The supply pump is used for conveying the methanol fuel in the fuel tank to the engine to be tested through the fuel pipeline. The valve group assembly is used for online separation and quantitative detection of the gas separated in the fuel pipeline. The data acquisition and control system is used for adjusting the supply parameters and collecting test data. The dynamometer is used for absorbing and measuring the power output by the engine. Through the valve group assembly, the application can quantitatively detect the amount of bubbles separated due to temperature and pressure changes in the methanol fuel supply process, thereby providing direct data support for evaluating the risk of gas blocking, establishing the correlation between gas blocking and engine performance and verifying the effectiveness of the anti-gas blocking scheme.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of testing equipment technology, and in particular to a testing platform for marine methanol fuel engines. Background Technology

[0002] During the research and development and type certification of marine methanol-fueled engines, a comprehensive evaluation of their performance, emissions, and reliability is required using a dedicated testing platform. As a marine alternative fuel, methanol's physicochemical properties differ significantly from conventional diesel, with a lower saturated vapor pressure. In the fuel supply line, factors such as engine heat radiation and pressure drop in the lines easily cause partial vaporization of liquid methanol, forming vapor bubbles, and the precipitation of dissolved gases into tiny bubbles. These two types of bubbles mixed in the fuel can cause vapor lock in the fuel supply line, leading to fluctuations in fuel pressure, inaccurate fuel injection, and in severe cases, even engine power reduction and misfires, directly affecting the accuracy of test data and the safety of engine operation.

[0003] Existing marine engine testing platforms are mostly designed for diesel or natural gas fuels. Their fuel supply systems do not take into account the easy vaporization and gas evolution characteristics of methanol fuel, and lack means to separate and quantitatively detect the amount of gas generated in the supply pipeline online. Test personnel cannot know the actual gas content in the pipeline under different operating conditions, making it difficult to establish a direct correlation between the amount of gas generated and changes in engine performance. Furthermore, it is impossible to quantitatively evaluate the actual effectiveness of different anti-vapor lock schemes on the testing platform. These shortcomings result in significant technical limitations in the existing testing platforms for supporting the development of marine methanol-fueled engines.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an experimental platform that can perform online separation and quantitative detection of gases released during the methanol fuel supply process, in order to solve the technical problems in the existing technology that cannot quantify the gas content in the pipeline and are difficult to assess the impact of gas resistance on engine performance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To detect the impact of evolved gases on the engine, this application provides a testing platform for a marine methanol-fueled engine, employing the following technical solution: A testing platform for marine methanol-fueled engines includes: Dynamometer; The methanol fuel supply system, including a fuel storage tank, a supply pump and fuel pipelines, is used to supply methanol fuel to the engine under test. A data acquisition and control system is used to adjust the supply parameters of the methanol fuel supply system and collect test data. The methanol fuel supply system also includes a valve assembly connected in series in the fuel pipeline for separating and detecting gas in the fuel pipeline.

[0006] Furthermore, the valve assembly includes: The valve body has a main channel that is connected to the fuel line. A gas collection hood is installed above the valve body, and its internal space forms a gas-liquid separation chamber; A partition plate is installed inside the gas collection hood to divide the lower part of the gas-liquid separation chamber into a liquid inlet channel and a liquid outlet channel, and a gap is left between the top of the partition plate and the top wall of the gas-liquid separation chamber for liquid overflow. The valve body is provided with an inlet and an outlet. The inlet connects the inlet side of the main channel to the inlet channel, and the outlet connects the outlet side of the main channel to the outlet channel. A guide plate is inclined upward in the valve body along the fuel flow direction, and is used to guide at least a portion of the gas-containing liquid in the liquid flowing through the main channel into the gas-liquid separation chamber through the liquid inlet; An exhaust unit, located at the top of the gas collection hood, is used to exhaust the gas separated in the gas-liquid separation chamber. A detection unit is used to detect the amount of gas discharged by the exhaust unit.

[0007] Furthermore, the flow area of ​​the liquid inlet is smaller than the flow area of ​​the liquid outlet.

[0008] Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the liquid inlet channel gradually increases from bottom to top.

[0009] Furthermore, the top of the partition plate is provided with a grid that allows liquid overflow to pass through and is used to break up bubbles.

[0010] Furthermore, the exhaust unit includes: The first drive shaft is vertically arranged in the liquid inlet channel and rotatably connected to the valve body; The first driving component is used to drive the first drive shaft to rotate. The floating disc is slidably sleeved on the first drive shaft and rotates synchronously with the first drive shaft, and is configured to slide restrictedly between the top and bottom ends of the grid. A sealing plate, fixed inside the gas collection hood and located above the grid, divides the inner cavity of the gas collection hood into an upper chamber and a lower chamber that are not connected to each other; The air-spinning plate has a rotating cavity inside the sealing plate, and the air-spinning plate is rotatably housed in the rotating cavity. The bottom wall and the top wall of the rotating cavity are respectively provided with multiple air inlets and multiple air outlets, which are staggered from each other in the circumferential direction. The air-spinning plate has multiple air storage holes distributed circumferentially along its rotation axis. During the rotation of the air-spinning plate, each of the air storage holes alternately communicates with the air inlets and the air outlets. The second drive shaft is coaxially sleeved on the outside of the first drive shaft, with its bottom end fixedly connected to the floating plate and its top end extending above the sealing plate. The connector is configured to engage the second drive shaft with the rotating air disc when the floating disc slides down to the bottom of the grid; disengage the second drive shaft from the rotating air disc when the floating disc slides up to the top of the grid; and maintain the engagement state during the upward sliding of the floating disc.

[0011] Furthermore, the connector includes: An obstacle groove is formed in the sealing plate and passes through the air disc, and is coaxially arranged with the second drive shaft; The limiting block is fixed to the inner wall of the clearance groove; A limiting plate is slidably mounted on the second drive shaft along the radial direction of the second drive shaft, and has an extended position and a retracted position; in the extended position, the limiting plate abuts against the limiting block when rotating with the second drive shaft; in the retracted position, the limiting plate disengages from the limiting block. The inner side of the limiting plate is provided with a first wedge block and a second wedge block; A push rod is fixed to the top of the gas collection hood, and its bottom end extends into the interior of the second drive shaft; the push rod is provided with a third cone and a fourth cone; When the floating platform slides down to the bottom of the grid, the third cone pushes against the first wedge block, pushing the limiting plate outward to the extended position; when the floating platform slides up to the top of the grid, the fourth cone pushes against the second wedge block, pushing the limiting plate inward to the retracted position.

[0012] Furthermore, the detection unit includes: A gas collection box is installed on one side of the valve body and is connected to the top of the gas collection hood through a pipe to receive the gas discharged by the exhaust unit; A liquid storage tank is installed inside the gas collection box and contains a liquid for absorbing methanol gas. A weighing unit is installed below the liquid storage tank to measure the weight of the liquid storage tank in order to determine the amount of gas absorbed by measuring the weight change.

[0013] Furthermore, the valve assembly also includes a gas replenishment unit, which is connected to the space below the sealing plate and is used to replenish gas into the gas-liquid separation chamber. The air replenishment unit is configured to replenish air into the gas-liquid separation chamber as the floating disc passes the top of the grid and continues to move upward, so as to prevent liquid from entering the area above the sealing plate via the air transfer plate.

[0014] Furthermore, the gas replenishment unit includes: A gas source component, connected to the gas-liquid separation chamber, is used to replenish gas to the space below the sealing plate; Displacement sensors are used to detect the position of the floating disk; The gas source component is configured to replenish gas into the gas-liquid separation chamber when the displacement sensor detects that the floating disc has passed the top of the grid and continues to move upward.

[0015] In summary, the beneficial technical effects of this application are as follows: 1. A test platform for testing marine methanol fuel engines is designed. Through valve assembly, the amount of gas bubbles released by methanol fuel due to temperature and pressure changes during the supply process can be separated and quantitatively detected online in real time. This provides direct data for quantitatively assessing the risk of gas lock under different test conditions and solves the problem that traditional test benches cannot quantify the gas content in pipelines. 2. A test platform for marine methanol fuel engines is designed to improve the bubble precipitation effect by utilizing the difference in flow area between the inlet and outlet. 3. A test platform for marine methanol fuel engines is designed, which improves the bubble precipitation effect by using a grid. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a marine methanol fuel engine testing platform according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the valve assembly structure of a marine methanol fuel engine testing platform according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The other sectional view only shows the internal structure of the gas collection hood; Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a marine methanol fuel engine testing platform according to an embodiment of this application, intended to illustrate the connecting parts; Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a marine methanol fuel engine testing platform according to an embodiment of this application, intended to demonstrate the testing unit.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 01. Engine; 1. Dynamometer; 2. Methanol fuel supply system; 21. Fuel storage tank; 22. Supply pump; 23. Fuel pipeline; 3. Valve assembly; 31. Valve body; 311. Main channel; 312. Liquid inlet; 313. Liquid outlet; 32. Gas collection hood; 321. Gas-liquid separation chamber; 322. Viewing window; 33. Divider plate; 331. Liquid inlet channel; 332. Liquid outlet channel; 333. Overflow gap; 334. Grille; 34. Guide plate; 35. Exhaust unit; 351. First drive shaft; 352. First drive component; 3521. Turbine; 3522. Gear set; 353. Float; 354. Sealing plate 3541. Blocking plate; 3542. Rotating cavity; 3543. Air inlet; 3544. Air outlet; 355. Rotating disc; 3551. Air storage hole; 356. Second drive shaft; 357. Connecting piece; 3571. Clearance groove; 3572. Limiting block; 3573. Limiting plate; 3574. First wedge block; 3575. Second wedge block; 3576. Push rod; 3577. Third cone; 3578. Fourth cone; 36. Detection unit; 361. Air collection box; 362. Liquid storage tank; 363. Weighing unit; 37. Air replenishment unit; 371. Air source component; 372. Displacement sensor; 4. Data acquisition and control system. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of this application will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0019] This application discloses a testing platform for marine methanol fuel engines.

[0020] Reference Figure 1 This application provides a test platform for a marine methanol fuel engine, including a dynamometer 1, a methanol fuel supply system 2, and a data acquisition and control system 4.

[0021] The methanol fuel supply system 2 includes a fuel storage tank 21, a supply pump 22, a fuel pipeline 23, and a valve assembly 3 connected in series on the fuel pipeline 23. The supply pump 22 is used to deliver methanol fuel from the fuel storage tank 21 to the engine under test via the fuel pipeline 23. The valve assembly 3 is used to perform online separation and quantitative detection of gases released in the fuel pipeline 23 due to temperature and pressure changes, so as to obtain the amount of gas bubbles generated in the pipeline under different test conditions.

[0022] The data acquisition and control system 4 is electrically connected to the methanol fuel supply system 2 and the valve assembly 3. It is used to adjust the supply parameters, collect test data, and record the amount of gas evolution detected by the valve assembly 3. In this way, the amount of bubble generation is correlated with the engine power fluctuation data collected by the dynamometer 1, and the degree of influence of air resistance on engine performance is accurately assessed.

[0023] The dynamometer 1 is connected to the output shaft of the engine under test. It is used to absorb and measure the power output of the engine, providing data support for analyzing the relationship between air resistance and engine performance.

[0024] Through the coordinated operation of the above components, this application achieves online separation and quantitative detection of gas evolution during methanol fuel supply, which can accurately determine the impact of vapor lock on engine performance. At the same time, by comparing the gas detection data before and after adding different anti-vapor lock measures, the defoaming effect of valve assembly 3 and the actual effectiveness of various anti-vapor lock schemes can be evaluated intuitively and quantitatively, providing reliable data basis for the system optimization of the test platform.

[0025] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The valve assembly 3 includes a valve body 31, a gas collection hood 32, a partition plate 33, a guide plate 34, an exhaust unit 35, and a detection unit 36. The valve body 31 has a main flow channel 311, which is connected to the fuel line 23. The gas collection hood 32 is installed above the valve body 31, and its internal space forms a gas-liquid separation chamber 321. The partition plate 33 is disposed inside the gas collection hood 32, dividing the lower part of the gas-liquid separation chamber 321 into a liquid inlet channel 331 and a liquid outlet channel 332, and the top of the partition plate 33 is connected to the gas... A gap for liquid overflow is left between the top walls of the liquid separation chamber 321; the valve body 31 is provided with an inlet 312 and an outlet 313, the inlet 312 connects the inlet side of the main channel 311 with the inlet channel 331, and the outlet 313 connects the outlet side of the main channel 311 with the outlet channel 332; the guide plate 34 is inclined upward in the valve body 31 along the fuel flow direction, and is used to guide at least part of the gas-containing liquid in the liquid flowing through the main channel 311 into the gas-liquid separation chamber 321 through the inlet 312; The exhaust unit 35 is located on the top of the gas collection hood 32 and is used to exhaust the gas separated in the gas-liquid separation chamber 321. The detection unit 36 ​​is used to detect the amount of gas discharged by the exhaust unit 35; During the test, methanol fuel continuously flows towards the engine along the main flow channel 311. As it flows past pipelines and various hot components near the engine, the methanol absorbs heat, causing its temperature to rise. Some of the liquid methanol reaches its saturation temperature and vaporizes, forming methanol vapor bubbles. Simultaneously, pressure fluctuations within the pipeline cause dissolved gases to precipitate, forming tiny bubbles. These two types of bubbles are mixed in the fuel and flow along with the upper liquid flow. When the bubble-containing liquid flow passes through the guide plate 34, the guide plate 34, with its upward-sloping geometry, intercepts at least a portion of the gas-containing liquid flowing through the main flow channel 311 and guides it upwards, smoothly entering the gas-liquid separation chamber 321 within the gas collection hood 32 through the inlet 312.

[0026] The gas-containing liquid entering the gas-liquid separation chamber 321 first enters the inlet channel 331 separated by the partition plate 33 and flows upward along the channel. During this process, the liquid flow velocity gradually decreases, providing sufficient time for the mixed air bubbles to rise. Under the action of buoyancy, the air bubbles rise continuously and converge at the top of the gas collection hood 32, separating from the liquid. The separated liquid continues to rise to the top of the partition plate 33, passes over the top, enters the outlet channel 332 through the overflow gap 333, and then flows back to the main flow channel 311 of the valve body 31 through the outlet 313, merging with the main fluid that did not enter the gas-liquid separation chamber 321, and continuing to supply the engine. The gas that converges at the top of the gas collection hood 32 is controlled to be discharged through the exhaust unit 35, and the amount of discharged gas is quantitatively detected by the detection unit 36.

[0027] Through the aforementioned structure and operating process, this valve assembly 3 achieves online separation and precise quantitative detection of bubbles generated in the fuel pipeline 23 due to methanol vaporization and dissolved gas precipitation. On the one hand, it can obtain the total amount of bubbles generated in the pipeline under different test conditions in real time, providing direct data support for assessing the risk of vapor lock caused by the combined effects of temperature rise and pressure drop. On the other hand, by comparing the changes in gas volume detected before and after adding different anti-vapor lock measures, the actual effect of each anti-vapor lock scheme on suppressing methanol vaporization and gas precipitation can be evaluated intuitively and quantitatively, providing a reliable basis for the system optimization of the test platform.

[0028] Reference Figure 3 In order to further promote the release and aggregation of bubbles in the liquid inlet channel 331, the flow area of ​​the liquid inlet 312 is smaller than that of the liquid outlet 313.

[0029] Under the action of the guide plate 34, when the gas-containing liquid is guided to the vicinity of the inlet 312, the local pressure increases due to the narrowing of the flow channel cross-section, making the pressure at the inlet 312 higher than the internal pressure of the main flow channel 311, thereby driving the gas-containing liquid to enter the gas-liquid separation chamber 321 more smoothly. After entering the gas-liquid separation chamber 321, the liquid flow rate naturally decreases due to the increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the chamber, providing ample time for the bubbles to rise and aggregate. At the same time, the flow area of ​​the outlet 313 is larger than that of the inlet 312, making the pressure at the outlet 313 lower than that at the inlet 312. Driven by this pressure difference, the liquid after gas-liquid separation can be quickly drawn into the outlet channel 332 and smoothly discharged, effectively avoiding the internal pressure buildup caused by poor drainage and preventing the separated bubbles from being re-entrained into the liquid flow. Thus, through the synergistic effect of the pressurized injection by the guide plate 34 and the pressure difference driven by the inlet and outlet 313, a favorable flow pattern of "smooth liquid inlet and smooth liquid outlet" is formed in the gas-liquid separation chamber 321, which significantly improves the bubble separation efficiency and the working efficiency of the exhaust unit 35.

[0030] Reference Figure 3 To further enhance the bubble release effect, the top of the partition plate 33 is provided with a grid 334 that allows liquid overflow to pass through and is used to break up bubbles.

[0031] As the liquid flows upward along the inlet channel 331 and passes the top of the partition plate 33, a small number of incompletely separated tiny air bubbles may still be carried along with the flow. At the instant the liquid flows through the grid 334, the grid structure of the grid 334 cuts and breaks down larger bubbles into smaller bubbles, making them easier to detach from the liquid and float to the surface under gravity, thus preventing them from entering the outlet channel 332 with the liquid flow. Simultaneously, the grid 334 also plays a role in equalizing the overflow liquid surface, reducing local turbulence caused by the liquid tumbling over the partition plate 33, and effectively suppressing the risk of air bubbles being drawn into the outlet flow. Therefore, through the dual effects of bubble breaking and flow equalization by the grid 334, the thoroughness of bubble separation within the gas-liquid separation chamber 321 is further improved, ensuring a significant reduction in the gas content of the liquid entering the outlet channel 332, providing purer liquid flow conditions for the centralized collection by the exhaust unit 35 and the accurate measurement by the detection unit 36.

[0032] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4The exhaust unit 35 includes a first drive shaft 351, a first drive component 352, a float 353, a sealing plate 354, a rotating disc 355, a second drive shaft 356, and a connector 357. The first drive shaft 351 is vertically disposed within the liquid inlet channel 331 and rotatably connected to the valve body 31; the first drive member 352 is used to drive the first drive shaft 351 to rotate; the float 353 is slidably sleeved on the first drive shaft 351 and rotates synchronously with the first drive shaft 351, and is configured to slide restrictedly between the top and bottom ends of the grille 334; the sealing plate 354 is fixed inside the gas collecting hood 32 and located above the grille 334, dividing the inner cavity of the gas collecting hood 32 into an upper chamber and a lower chamber that are not interconnected; the sealing plate 354 is provided with a rotating cavity 3541, and the rotating disc 355 is rotatably accommodated in the rotating cavity 3541; multiple air inlets 3542 and multiple air outlets 3543 are respectively opened on the bottom wall and top wall of the rotating cavity 3541, and the air inlets 3542 and the air outlets 3543 are connected to each other. The air outlets 3543 are staggered in the circumferential direction; the rotating disk 355 has multiple air storage holes 3551 distributed circumferentially along its rotation axis. During the rotation of the rotating disk 355, each air storage hole 3551 alternately communicates with the air inlet 3542 and the air outlet 3543; the second drive shaft 356 is coaxially sleeved on the outside of the first drive shaft 351, its bottom end is fixedly connected to the floating disk 353, and its top end extends to the top of the sealing plate 354; the connecting piece 357 is configured to engage the second drive shaft 356 with the rotating disk 355 when the floating disk 353 slides down to the bottom end of the grille 334; and to disengage the second drive shaft 356 from the rotating disk 355 when the floating disk 353 slides up to the top end of the grille 334; and to maintain the engagement state during the upward sliding of the floating disk 353.

[0033] During the experiment, as the gas in the gas-liquid separation chamber 321 continuously accumulates, the gas volume at the top of the gas collecting hood 32 gradually increases, and the liquid level is gradually pushed down, thereby driving the float 353 to slide downward along the first drive shaft 351. When the float 353 slides down to the bottom of the grid 334, it indicates that sufficient gas has accumulated in the chamber. At this position, the connecting member 357 establishes a transmission connection between the second drive shaft 356 and the rotating gas disk 355. At this time, the first drive member 352 continuously drives the float 353 and the second drive shaft 356 to rotate through the first drive shaft 351, and the second drive shaft 356 in turn drives the rotating gas disk 355 to rotate in the rotating chamber 3541. During rotation, the gas storage hole 3551 on the rotating disk 355 alternately connects with the air inlet 3542 on the bottom wall and the air outlet 3543 on the top wall of the rotating chamber 3541: when air is introduced, the gas storage hole 3551 is aligned with the air inlet 3542, and the gas below the sealing plate 354 is drawn into the gas storage hole 3551; as the rotating disk 355 continues to rotate, the gas storage hole 3551 is displaced from the air inlet 3542 and enters a closed state; when the gas storage hole 3551 rotates to align with the air outlet 3543, the gas inside the hole is released into the upper chamber above the sealing plate 354, completing one gas transfer. Each gas storage hole 3551 cycles through this process sequentially, continuously and quantitatively transporting the gas accumulated below the sealing plate 354 to the upper chamber.

[0034] During this exhaust process, the rotary disc 355 transfers gas by alternately connecting the intake port 3542 and the exhaust port 3543 through the gas storage hole 3551. The intake port 3542 and the exhaust port 3543 are always staggered in the circumferential direction and are not connected at the same time, so that the gas-liquid separation chamber 321 below the sealing plate 354 and the space above the sealing plate 354 are never directly connected at any time. As a result, the exhaust process avoids direct connection between the gas-liquid separation chamber 321 and the external air pressure, and the entire fuel supply pipeline is always in a closed state, effectively reducing the pressure fluctuation in the pipeline caused by the exhaust action and ensuring the stability of the engine fuel supply pressure.

[0035] As gas is continuously discharged, the amount of gas in the gas-liquid separation chamber 321 decreases, and the liquid level gradually rises, pushing the float 353 to slide upward along the first drive shaft 351. During this upward sliding process, the connecting piece 357 remains in a transmission engagement state, and the rotating air disc 355 continues to rotate and exhaust gas until the float 353 slides to the top of the grid 334. At this point, the gas in the chamber has been basically exhausted, and the connecting piece 357 disengages the transmission engagement between the second drive shaft 356 and the rotating air disc 355 at this position. The rotating air disc 355 stops rotating, and the exhaust action automatically terminates.

[0036] Through the above structure and working process, this exhaust unit 35 achieves an intermittent quantitative exhaust function that automatically starts and stops based on the actual amount of gas accumulated in the gas-liquid separation chamber 321. Its exhaust action is entirely mechanically triggered by the float 353 sensing changes in liquid level, requiring no external electronic control signal intervention, ensuring timely gas discharge. Simultaneously, the volume of the gas storage hole 3551 in the rotating disc 355 is fixed, and the amount of gas delivered with each rotation is essentially consistent, giving the discharged gas a quantitative characteristic. Furthermore, the entire exhaust process is completed within a closed system, without introducing external pressure disturbances, providing favorable conditions for the accurate measurement of the detection unit 36 ​​and the stable operation of the engine fuel supply system.

[0037] Reference Figure 2 The gas collection hood 32 is provided with a viewing window 322 so that the test personnel can observe the liquid level in the gas-liquid separation chamber 321 and the working status of each moving part in real time.

[0038] During the operation of the test platform, test personnel can directly monitor the positional changes of the gas-liquid interface within the gas-liquid separation chamber 321 through the viewing window 322 to determine whether the bubble separation effect and gas accumulation rate are normal. Simultaneously, the viewing window 322 allows observation of whether the floating disc 353 slides smoothly along the first drive shaft 351, whether the limiting sliding range of the floating disc 353 between the top and bottom of the grid 334 is accurate, and whether there are any abnormalities such as jamming or unusual noises in the various transmission components. When the gas replenishment unit 37 triggers a gas replenishment action due to seal failure, test personnel can also observe a direct sign of an abnormal rise in the liquid level through the viewing window 322, allowing for timely shutdown and maintenance.

[0039] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this application, the first driving component 352 includes a turbine 3521 and a gear set 3522. The turbine 3521 is coaxially rotatably connected to the main channel 311, and the output shaft of the turbine 3521 is connected to the first drive shaft 351 through the gear set 3522.

[0040] During the test, methanol fuel flows continuously along the main flow channel 311. When it flows through the turbine 3521, it drives the turbine blades to rotate, converting the kinetic energy of the fuel flow into mechanical energy. The output shaft of the turbine 3521 transmits power to the first drive shaft 351 through the gear set 3522, driving the first drive shaft 351 to rotate continuously. Since the rotational speed of the turbine 3521 is positively correlated with the flow rate of the fuel in the main flow channel 311, the higher the engine load and the greater the fuel supply, the higher the rotational speed of the turbine 3521, and the rotational speed of the first drive shaft 351 also increases synchronously, thereby driving the float 353, the second drive shaft 356, and the rotating disc 355 in the engaged state to operate at corresponding speeds.

[0041] Through the aforementioned structure and operating process, the first drive component 352 achieves hydrodynamic drive of the exhaust unit 35, enabling the entire process of gas-liquid separation, gas discharge, and detection to be completed entirely by relying on the flow energy of the fuel supply system itself, without the need for an additional electric or pneumatic power source. This design not only simplifies the platform structure and reduces energy consumption, but more importantly, it allows the operating rhythm of the exhaust unit 35 to be naturally synchronized with the engine's fuel supply status. Under high load, the amount of bubble generation increases, the turbine 3521 speed increases accordingly, and the exhaust rate also accelerates, achieving an adaptive adjustment effect of on-demand drive.

[0042] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The connector 357 includes a relief groove 3571, a limiting block 3572, a limiting plate 3573, and a push rod 3576. A clearance groove 3571 is formed in the sealing plate 354 and passes through the rotating disc 355, and is coaxially arranged with the second drive shaft 356; a limiting block 3572 is fixed on the inner wall of the clearance groove 3571; a limiting plate 3573 is slidably installed on the second drive shaft 356 along the radial direction of the second drive shaft 356, and has an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the limiting plate 3573 abuts against the limiting block 3572 when rotating with the second drive shaft 356, and in the retracted position, the limiting plate 3573 disengages from the limiting block 3572; a first wedge block 3574 and a second wedge block 3575 are provided on the inner side of the limiting plate 3573; a push rod 3576 is fixed to the top of the air collecting hood 32, and its bottom end extends into the interior of the second drive shaft 356. A third cone 3577 and a fourth cone 3578 are provided on the push rod 3576.

[0043] During operation, as gas continuously accumulates in the gas-liquid separation chamber 321 and the liquid level presses down the float 353 to the bottom of the grid 334, the float 353 drives the second drive shaft 356 to move down synchronously, causing the third cone 3577 set on the push rod 3576 to meet the first wedge block 3574 inside the limiting plate 3573. The third cone 3577 pushes against the first wedge block 3574, pushing the limiting plate 3573 to slide outward along the radial direction of the second drive shaft 356 to the extended position. At this time, the outer end of the limiting plate 3573 enters the rotation path range of the upper limit block 3572 on the inner wall of the clearance groove 3571. As the first drive shaft 351 continues to drive the second transmission shaft 356 to rotate, the limiting plate 3573 abuts against the limiting block 3572 during the rotation process, thereby transmitting the torque of the second transmission shaft 356 to the air disc 355 through the limiting plate 3573, establishing a transmission engagement, and the air disc 355 begins to rotate and exhaust.

[0044] As the gas is gradually discharged, the rising liquid level pushes the float 353 and the second drive shaft 356 upwards synchronously. During this upward sliding process, the limiting plate 3573 remains in the extended position, continuously abutting against the limiting block 3572, and the rotating gas disc 355 works continuously. When the float 353 slides to the top of the grille 334, the gas in the cavity has been basically discharged. At this time, the fourth cone 3578 set on the push rod 3576 meets the second wedge block 3575 on the inner side of the limiting plate 3573. The fourth cone 3578 pushes against the second wedge block 3575, pushing the limiting plate 3573 to slide radially inward to the retracted position. The limiting plate 3573 disengages from the limiting block 3572, the transmission engagement is released, the rotating gas disc 355 stops rotating, and the exhaust action automatically terminates.

[0045] Through the aforementioned structure and working process, this connector 357 achieves purely mechanical automatic control of transmission engagement and disengagement. Its action is entirely triggered by the position change of the float 353, requiring no additional solenoid valves, sensors, or electronic control units. It features a compact structure and direct response. The wedge-shaped block design ensures that the clutch action only occurs at the two extreme positions of the float 353's stroke, maintaining the transmission state during the intermediate stroke and guaranteeing the continuity of the exhaust process. Simultaneously, the abutment transmission method between the limiting plate 3573 and the limiting block 3572 ensures reliable torque transmission, preventing slippage or disengagement during engagement, and providing reliable driving force for the stable rotation of the rotary valve 355 and quantitative exhaust.

[0046] Reference Figure 4 To prevent the end of the limiting plate 3573 from directly contacting the end of the limiting block 3572 and causing jamming when the limiting plate 3573 moves to the outward position, the outward end of the limiting plate 3573 is set as an arc-shaped surface.

[0047] When the floating plate 353 slides down to the bottom of the grid 334 and the third cone 3577 pushes against the first wedge block 3574, causing the limiting plate 3573 to extend outward, the arc-shaped end face of the limiting plate 3573 first contacts the end of the limiting block 3572. The curved contour of the arc-shaped surface allows the contact between the two to gradually transition from point to surface, rather than a sudden collision between two planes. This design allows the limiting plate 3573 to smoothly slide into the rotation path of the limiting block 3572, effectively avoiding interference and jamming at the ends of the two due to machining errors or assembly deviations, ensuring smooth and reliable transmission engagement. At the same time, the arc-shaped surface also reduces the impact force at the initial contact moment between the limiting plate 3573 and the limiting block 3572, reducing the wear degree at the end of the limiting block 3572 during long-term use, and improving the service life and operational consistency of the connector 357.

[0048] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 5The detection unit 36 ​​includes a gas collection box 361, a liquid storage tank 362, and a weighing unit 363. The gas collection box 361 is installed on one side of the valve body 31 and is connected to the top of the gas collection hood 32 through a pipe to receive the gas discharged by the exhaust unit 35; the liquid storage tank 362 is disposed inside the gas collection box 361 and contains a liquid for absorbing methanol gas; the weighing unit 363 is disposed below the liquid storage tank 362 and is used to measure the weight of the liquid storage tank 362 to determine the amount of gas absorbed by the change in its weight.

[0049] During the detection process, the exhaust unit 35 transports the methanol vapor and evolved gas separated in the gas-liquid separation chamber 321 to the gas collection box 361 via a pipeline. After entering the gas collection box 361, the gas comes into contact with the absorbent liquid in the storage tank 362. The methanol vapor rapidly dissolves in the absorbent liquid, and the remaining soluble gas components are also captured by the liquid, achieving complete gas absorption. As the exhaust unit 35 sequentially and quantitatively discharges gas, the amount of gas absorbed in the storage tank 362 continuously accumulates, and the total weight of the storage tank 362 increases accordingly. The weighing unit 363 measures the weight of the storage tank 362 in real time or intermittently. By comparing the weight difference before and after exhaust, the total mass of the absorbed gas can be accurately calculated. Therefore, this detection unit 36 ​​transforms the detection of gas volume into a more direct and accurate weight measurement, avoiding the problem of insufficient accuracy of gas flow meters at low flow rates, and providing a reliable data basis for the quantitative assessment of gas resistance risk. Meanwhile, the entire testing process is completed within the sealed gas collection box 361, ensuring that the gas does not come into direct contact with the external environment, thus guaranteeing the safety of the test process and avoiding interference from external factors on the measurement results.

[0050] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 5 The valve assembly 3 also includes an air replenishment unit 37, which communicates with the space below the sealing plate 354 and is used to replenish gas into the gas-liquid separation chamber 321. The air replenishment unit 37 is configured to replenish gas into the gas-liquid separation chamber 321 when the float 353 passes the top of the grid 334 and continues to move upward, so as to prevent liquid from entering the area above the sealing plate 354 via the gas transfer plate 355.

[0051] Under normal operating conditions, the sliding range of the float 353 is limited to between the top and bottom of the grille 334. When the gas in the gas-liquid separation chamber 321 is exhausted, the float 353 slides up to the top of the grille 334, the connecting piece 357 disengages from the transmission engagement, and the exhaust action stops. However, if the seal between the rotating disc 355 and the sealing plate 354 fails due to long-term wear or assembly misalignment, liquid below the sealing plate 354 may leak upwards through the gap between the rotating disc 355 and the rotating chamber 3541, causing liquid accumulation in the upper chamber and resulting in an abnormal rise in the liquid level. This pushes the float 353 past the top of the grille 334 and upwards. At this time, the gas replenishment unit 37 detects this abnormal displacement and immediately replenishes gas into the gas-liquid separation chamber 321, increasing the pressure inside the chamber and forming an air cushion barrier below the sealing plate 354. This prevents the liquid from continuing to penetrate upwards, protecting the detection pipeline and gas collection box 361 above the rotating disc 355 from liquid intrusion.

[0052] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 The gas replenishment unit 37 includes a gas source component 371 and a displacement sensor 372. The gas source component 371 is connected to the gas-liquid separation chamber 321 and is used to replenish gas into the space below the sealing plate 354; the displacement sensor 372 is used to detect the position of the floating disk 353. Specifically, the gas source component 371 is configured to replenish gas into the gas-liquid separation chamber 321 when the displacement sensor 372 detects that the floating disk 353 has passed the top of the grille 334 and continues to move upward.

[0053] During the operation of the test platform, displacement sensor 372 monitors the height of the floating disk 353 within the gas-liquid separation chamber 321 in real time. Under normal operating conditions, the sliding range of the floating disk 353 is always limited between the top and bottom of the grid 334, and displacement sensor 372 continuously outputs a normal position signal. When the seal between the gas rotating disc 355 and the sealing plate 354 fails, liquid leaks through the gap to the top of the sealing plate 354, causing an abnormal rise in the liquid level within the gas-liquid separation chamber 321, pushing the floating disk 353 past the top of the grid 334 and continuing upward. After detecting this abnormal displacement, displacement sensor 372 immediately triggers gas source component 371 to replenish gas to the space below the sealing plate 354, causing the pressure inside the chamber to rise rapidly, forming a pressure barrier and preventing liquid from continuing to permeate upward.

[0054] Building upon this, the air replenishment unit 37 also provides a diagnostic function for the sealing status. During the test, the data acquisition and control system 4 records the trigger time and frequency of each air replenishment action. If the air replenishment action occurs only occasionally, it indicates a slight, intermittent leak in the seal, and the platform can still maintain operation. If the air replenishment frequency gradually increases or significantly exceeds the normal level under the same test conditions, it indicates that the sealing effect between the air transfer plate 355 and the sealing plate 354 has significantly decreased, posing a risk of continuous liquid leakage. Test personnel can promptly determine the wear degree of the seal based on the trend of the air replenishment frequency, and perform targeted maintenance or replacement during test intervals to avoid further deterioration of the seal failure, which could lead to distorted test data or equipment damage. Thus, the air replenishment unit 37 not only has an immediate protection function but also provides a quantitative basis for the preventive maintenance of the seal, effectively improving the operational reliability and maintenance efficiency of the test platform.

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terms "first," "second," "third," and similar words used in this application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. The terms "a" or "an," and similar words do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising," "including," and similar words mean that the elements or objects preceding "comprising" or "including" encompass the elements or objects listed following "comprising" or "including" and their equivalents, but do not exclude other elements or objects. "Above," "below," "left," "right," etc., are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0056] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A testing platform for marine methanol-fueled engines, characterized in that, include: Dynamometer (1); The methanol fuel supply system (2) includes a fuel storage tank (21), a supply pump (22) and a fuel pipeline (23) for supplying methanol fuel to the engine under test; The data acquisition and control system (4) is used to adjust the supply parameters of the methanol fuel supply system (2) and collect test data. The methanol fuel supply system (2) also includes a valve assembly (3) connected in series in the fuel line (23) for separating and detecting the gas in the fuel line (23).

2. The marine methanol fuel engine testing platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve assembly (3) includes: The valve body (31) has a main channel (311) connected to the fuel line (23); A gas collection hood (32) is installed above the valve body (31), and its internal space forms a gas-liquid separation chamber (321); A partition plate (33) is provided inside the gas collection hood (32) to divide the lower part of the gas-liquid separation chamber (321) into a liquid inlet channel (331) and a liquid outlet channel (332), and a gap for liquid overflow is left between the top of the partition plate (33) and the top wall of the gas-liquid separation chamber (321). The valve body (31) is provided with an inlet (312) and an outlet (313). The inlet (312) connects the inlet side of the main channel (311) with the inlet channel (331), and the outlet (313) connects the outlet side of the main channel (311) with the outlet channel (332). A guide plate (34) is inclined upward in the valve body (31) along the fuel flow direction, and is used to guide at least part of the gas-containing liquid in the liquid flowing through the main channel (311) into the gas-liquid separation chamber (321) through the liquid inlet (312); An exhaust unit (35) is disposed on the top of the gas collection hood (32) and is used to exhaust the gas separated in the gas-liquid separation chamber (321); The detection unit (36) is used to detect the amount of gas discharged by the exhaust unit (35).

3. The marine methanol fuel engine testing platform according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flow area of ​​the inlet (312) is smaller than that of the outlet (313).

4. The marine methanol fuel engine testing platform according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of ​​the liquid inlet channel (331) gradually increases from bottom to top.

5. The marine methanol fuel engine testing platform according to claim 4, characterized in that, The top of the partition plate (33) is provided with a grid (334) that allows liquid overflow and is used to break up bubbles.

6. The marine methanol fuel engine testing platform according to claim 5, characterized in that, The exhaust unit (35) includes: The first drive shaft (351) is vertically disposed in the liquid inlet channel (331) and rotatably connected to the valve body (31); The first driving element (352) is used to drive the first drive shaft (351) to rotate; The floating disc (353) is slidably sleeved on the first drive shaft (351) and rotates synchronously with the first drive shaft (351), and is configured to slide restrictedly between the top and bottom ends of the grid (334); The sealing plate (354) is fixed inside the gas collection hood (32) and located above the grid (334), dividing the inner cavity of the gas collection hood (32) into an upper chamber and a lower chamber that are not connected to each other; A rotating disk (355) is provided in the sealing plate (354), and the rotating disk (355) is rotatably accommodated in the rotating cavity (3541). The bottom wall and top wall of the rotating cavity (3541) are respectively provided with multiple air inlets (3542) and multiple air outlets (3543), and the air inlets (3542) and the air outlets (3543) are staggered in the circumferential direction. The rotating disk (355) is provided with multiple air storage holes (3551) distributed circumferentially along its rotation axis. During the rotation of the rotating disk (355), each of the air storage holes (3551) alternately communicates with the air inlets (3542) and the air outlets (3543). The second drive shaft (356) is coaxially sleeved on the outside of the first drive shaft (351), with its bottom end fixedly connected to the floating plate (353) and its top end extending above the sealing plate (354); The connector (357) is configured to engage the second drive shaft (356) with the rotating air disc (355) when the float (353) slides down to the bottom of the grid (334); disengage the second drive shaft (356) from the rotating air disc (355) when the float (353) slides up to the top of the grid (334); and maintain the engagement state during the upward sliding of the float (353).

7. The marine methanol fuel engine testing platform according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connector (357) includes: The clearance groove (3571) is formed in the sealing plate (354) and passes through the air disc (355), and is coaxially arranged with the second drive shaft (356); The limiting block (3572) is fixed to the inner wall of the clearance groove (3571); A limiting plate (3573) is slidably mounted on the second drive shaft (356) radially along the second drive shaft (356), and has an extended position and a retracted position; in the extended position, the limiting plate (3573) abuts against the limiting block (3572) when rotating with the second drive shaft (356); in the retracted position, the limiting plate (3573) disengages from the limiting block (3572); The inner side of the limiting plate (3573) is provided with a first wedge block (3574) and a second wedge block (3575); A push rod (3576) is fixed to the top of the gas collection hood (32), and its bottom end extends into the interior of the second drive shaft (356); the push rod (3576) is provided with a third truncated cone (3577) and a fourth truncated cone (3578); When the floating disc (353) slides down to the bottom of the grille (334), the third cone (3577) pushes against the first wedge (3574), pushing the limiting plate (3573) outward to the extended position; when the floating disc (353) slides up to the top of the grille (334), the fourth cone (3578) pushes against the second wedge (3575), pushing the limiting plate (3573) inward to the retracted position.

8. The marine methanol fuel engine testing platform according to claim 7, characterized in that, The detection unit (36) includes: A gas collection box (361) is installed on one side of the valve body (31) and is connected to the top of the gas collection hood (32) through a pipe to receive the gas discharged by the exhaust unit (35); A liquid storage tank (362) is disposed inside the gas collection box (361) and contains a liquid for absorbing methanol gas. A weighing unit (363) is disposed below the liquid storage tank (362) for measuring the weight of the liquid storage tank (362) in order to determine the amount of gas absorbed by measuring the weight change.

9. A testing platform for a marine methanol fuel engine according to claim 8, characterized in that, The valve assembly (3) further includes a gas replenishment unit (37), which is connected to the space below the sealing plate (354) and is used to replenish gas into the gas-liquid separation chamber (321); The air replenishment unit (37) is configured to replenish air into the gas-liquid separation chamber (321) when the floating plate (353) passes the top of the grid (334) and continues to move upward, so as to prevent liquid from entering the area above the sealing plate (354) via the air transfer plate (355).

10. A test platform for a marine methanol fuel engine according to claim 9, characterized in that, The gas replenishment unit (37) includes: The gas source component (371) is connected to the gas-liquid separation chamber (321) and is used to replenish gas to the space below the sealing plate (354); A displacement sensor (372) is used to detect the position of the floating disk (353); The gas source component (371) is configured to supply gas to the gas-liquid separation chamber (321) when the displacement sensor (372) detects that the floating disk (353) has passed the top of the grid (334) and continues to move upward.

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