Air intake heating device and method for an air intake system

Abstract

The application discloses an air intake heating device and method of an air intake system, which comprises an air intake pipe, a heat exchange plate, a water taking pipe, a water returning pipe and a hot water supply device. The upper side of the air intake pipe is provided with an air intake port, and the lower side is provided with a plurality of air intake manifolds. The air intake manifold is a bent pipe structure, the upper port of which is communicated with the inside of the air intake pipe, and the lower port is vertically arranged. The heat exchange plate is installed in the inside of the air intake pipe and is parallel to the air intake direction. The heat exchange plate is provided with a sandwich layer. The water taking pipe and the water returning pipe are respectively communicated with the two ends of the sandwich layer. The other ends of the water taking pipe and the water returning pipe are respectively connected with the hot water supply device. The application has the advantages of rapidly heating the air intake temperature, improving the combustion performance of methanol (ammonia fuel) and heating the air intake under the conditions of no power supply or special working conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of methanol engine technology, and in particular to an intake heating device and method for an intake system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, methanol (ammonia fuel) engines typically use in-cylinder injection. However, when methanol (ammonia fuel) is injected into the cylinder, it absorbs a large amount of heat during atomization, resulting in lower gas temperatures in the combustion chamber. This increases the required ignition energy, leads to unstable combustion, poor performance, and even the risk of misfire. Consequently, it affects the effective operation of the engine and may even disrupt its normal functioning.

[0003] Existing technologies disclose solutions that utilize heating boilers to preheat engines, but these require continuous spark plug ignition and combustion from fuel and battery, resulting in complex structures and high installation costs.

[0004] The above background information is provided only to aid in understanding the concept and technical solution of this invention. It does not necessarily belong to the prior art of this patent application. In the absence of clear evidence that the above information was disclosed on the filing date of this patent application, the above background information should not be used to evaluate the novelty and inventiveness of this application. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide an intake heating device and method for an intake system that improves the combustion performance of methanol (as a fuel) by heating the intake air temperature.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention proposes an intake heating device and method for an intake system.

[0007] Preferably, the present invention may also have the following technical features:

[0008] An air intake heating device for an air intake system includes an air intake pipe, a heat exchange plate, a water intake pipe, a water return pipe, and a hot water supply device. The air intake pipe has an air inlet on its upper side and several air intake manifolds on its lower side. The air intake manifolds are bent pipes, with their upper ends connected to the interior of the air intake pipe and their lower ends vertically positioned. The heat exchange plate is installed inside the air intake pipe and is parallel to the air intake direction. The heat exchange plate has a jacket. The water intake pipe and the water return pipe are respectively connected to the two ends of the jacket. The other ends of the water intake pipe and the water return pipe are respectively connected to the hot water supply device.

[0009] Furthermore, the heat exchange plate is a U-shaped plate.

[0010] Furthermore, the hot water supply device is an engine cooling circulation system, the water intake pipe is connected to the exhaust pipe rear water jacket of the cooling circulation system to take water; the return water pipe is connected to the thermostat of the cooling circulation system, and the water returns to the thermostat.

[0011] Furthermore, the water intake pipe is equipped with a flow control valve.

[0012] Furthermore, the hot water supply device includes a second hot water circulation system and a preheating device. The second hot water circulation system includes a coolant tank, a flow pump, a water supply pipe, and a second return pipe. One end of the water supply pipe and the second return pipe are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger jacket, and the other end of both are connected to the coolant tank. The flow pump is also provided on the water supply pipe.

[0013] The preheating device includes a reaction tank and an alkaline substance dispensing device. The alkaline substance dispensing device is installed in the reaction tank and is located above the liquid surface inside the reaction tank. The middle part of the water supply pipe extends to below the liquid surface inside the reaction tank.

[0014] Furthermore, the water supply pipe extending into the reaction tank has a coil or spiral structure.

[0015] Furthermore, the alkaline substance dispensing device includes a lifting device and an alkaline substance collection device. The lifting device is a cylinder, which is installed on the top of the reaction tank, and its telescopic rod extends downward into the interior of the reaction tank. The lower end of the cylinder telescopic rod is provided with the alkaline substance collection device.

[0016] Furthermore, the alkaline substance has a rod-shaped structure.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes an exhaust gas passage, with an interlayer on the outside of the coolant tank, and the two ends of the exhaust gas passage are respectively connected to the upper part of the reaction tank and the interlayer of the coolant tank.

[0018] A method of using an intake heating device for an intake system as described above includes the following steps:

[0019] S1. The intake air temperature is monitored by the ECU. When the intake air temperature is lower than the first preset temperature, the intake air heating device is activated.

[0020] S2. The lifting device extends downwards, moving the alkaline container below the reaction tank so that the alkaline substance in the container comes into contact with the water in the reaction tank.

[0021] S3. When the water temperature in the reaction tank reaches 45±5℃, start the flow pump to circulate the aqueous solution in the coolant tank in the second hot water circulation system.

[0022] S4. Obtain the real-time water temperature and air inlet temperature of the reaction tank. When the water temperature of the reaction tank is greater than 80°C and the air inlet temperature reaches the second preset temperature, control the lifting device to retract and move the alkaline material box upward to reduce the contact area between the alkaline material and the aqueous solution in the reaction tank.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this invention compared to the prior art include:

[0024] (1) After collecting water temperature and air temperature, this system can achieve closed-loop control under ECU control conditions after calibration.

[0025] (2) A cooling system that allows for controllable water flow is adopted.

[0026] (3) The heat exchange plate is used to conduct heat radiation, heat convection and heat conduction inside the intake pipe, which is beneficial to increase the intake temperature. In addition, when the air enters the intake pipe and flows into the intake manifold, some of the air comes into contact with the heat exchange plate and is rapidly heated, further increasing the intake temperature, thereby improving the vaporization effect of methanol fuel and improving combustion performance.

[0027] (4) In the embodiment of using engine coolant as preheating intake air, the intake system adopts a U-shaped heat exchange plate in the intake pipe to realize energy exchange between air and coolant, improve the energy and temperature of the gas entering the combustion chamber, and preheat the methanol fuel.

[0028] (5) In the embodiment of using alkaline substances as preheated air intake, the alkaline substances are loaded into the alkaline substance delivery device and connected to the second hot water circulation system; by placing the alkaline substances below the surface of the aqueous solution inside the reaction tank through the alkaline substance delivery device, the alkaline substances and the aqueous solution come into contact and undergo an exothermic reaction, and the heat generated heats the aqueous solution in the reaction tank; the aqueous solution in the reaction tank is used to heat the water supply pipe, so that the coolant flowing through the water supply pipe is heated and its temperature rises; the heated coolant enters the heat exchanger plate and raises the air intake temperature.

[0029] (6) A large amount of heat is generated by mixing alkaline substances with water, and this heat is used to heat the circulating water. The heated circulating water then heats the methanol fuel intake air, enabling rapid engine preheating under extreme conditions and improving engine combustion performance, cold start effect, and operational stability. For example, it preheats the engine coolant, allowing for early engine warm-up. It also preheats the engine oil, improving its fluidity and enabling rapid start-up and quick entry into operating conditions at low temperatures. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the air intake heating device of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the cooling liquid heating circulation flow direction of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a diagram of the coolant flow direction of the present invention, with the arrows indicating the direction of coolant flow.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the air intake pipe of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the hot water supply device of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings. It should be emphasized that the following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the scope or application of the present invention.

[0036] Non-limiting and non-exclusive embodiments will be described with reference to the following figures, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same parts unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0037] like Figure 1-5 The air intake heating device shown includes an air intake pipe 1, a heat exchange plate 2, a water intake pipe 3, a water return pipe 4, and a hot water supply device. The air intake pipe 1 has an air inlet on its upper side and several air intake manifolds 11 on its lower side. Each air intake manifold 11 has a bent pipe structure, with its upper end connected to the interior of the air intake pipe 1 and its lower end vertically positioned. The heat exchange plate 2 is installed inside the air intake pipe 1 and is parallel to the air intake direction. The heat exchange plate 2 has a sandwich structure, and the water intake pipe 3 and the water return pipe 4 are respectively connected to the two ends of the sandwich structure. The other ends of the water intake pipe 3 and the water return pipe 4 are respectively connected to the hot water supply device. Thus, during air intake, the air blows downwards, i.e., the intake air moves vertically. Since the heat exchange plate 2 is parallel to the air intake direction, it is also vertically positioned, reducing the influence of the heat exchange plate 2 on the air intake resistance.

[0038] In the above embodiment, the water intake pipe 3 draws water from the hot water supply device and delivers it to the heat exchange plate 2. The water then flows through the interlayer of the heat exchange plate 2 into the return water pipe 4, and then back to the hot water supply device. In this way, the heat exchange plate 2 radiates heat into the interior of the intake pipe 1, which can increase the internal temperature of the intake pipe 1. Furthermore, as air enters the intake pipe 1 and flows into the intake manifold 11, some of the air comes into contact with the heat exchange plate and is rapidly heated, further increasing the intake air temperature. As the intake air temperature rises, the methanol fuel intake air can be preheated.

[0039] Preferably, to further improve the efficiency of heating the intake air, the heat exchange plate 2 is a U-shaped plate. The U-shaped structure design increases the contact area between the air and the heat exchange plate 2, thereby improving the efficiency of heating the intake air temperature. Moreover, the U-shaped plate design allows the inlet and outlet to be located on the same side, simplifying the pipeline layout.

[0040] In one embodiment of the hot water supply device, the hot water supply device is an engine cooling circulation system. The water intake pipe 3 is connected to the exhaust pipe 7 of the cooling circulation system to draw water from the water jacket. The exhaust pipe 7 is located at the end of the cooling accessories of the cooling circulation system. After the coolant completes cooling through the exhaust pipe 7, the water temperature is high, and the high-temperature coolant is transported to the heat exchange plate 2 for heat exchange. The return water pipe 4 is connected to the thermostat of the cooling circulation system, returning water to the thermostat 6. In this embodiment, the engine cooling circulation system is used to transport the high-temperature coolant to the heat exchange plate 2, and then the return water pipe 4 returns the coolant to the thermostat 6 to enter the small circulation pipeline and return to the circulation system. Preferably, the water intake pipe 3 is equipped with a flow control valve 5 to regulate the coolant flow rate.

[0041] After cooling high-temperature components such as pistons, combustion chambers, and exhaust pipes, the engine coolant reaches a temperature of 80-90°C or even higher, while the air in the engine is typically between 30-40°C. Through the heat exchange plate 2 built into the intake manifold 1, energy is exchanged between the air in the intake manifold 1 and the high-temperature engine coolant. Energy is transferred from the coolant to the relatively cooler fresh air in the intake manifold 1, effectively increasing the temperature of the gas entering the combustion chamber and reducing the impact of methanol (ammonia fuel) atomization heat absorption.

[0042] Implementation: The engine detects the temperature of the gas in the intake system and also detects the water temperature in the water-cooled exhaust pipe (for non-water-cooled models, the water temperature can also be detected and sampled at the high-temperature part of the small circulation loop). The corresponding data is transmitted to the ECU. According to the set conditions, when the intake temperature is below a certain limit, such as 10°C, and the coolant temperature is above 50°C (which can be adjusted according to actual operating conditions), the ECU sends a command to the flow control valve 6 to control the opening and closing of the flow control valve 6. The opening range is adjusted according to the combined water temperature and gas temperature. The high-temperature coolant flows into the heat exchange plate 2 set in the intake pipe 1 and exchanges heat with the low-temperature gas in the intake pipe. The flow control valve 6 can achieve arbitrary flow rate adjustment and control to ensure that the gas entering the combustion chamber reaches the preset gas temperature. After heat exchange, the coolant flows out of the heat exchange plate 2 and flows into the small circulation loop to enter the next cooling and heat exchange cycle.

[0043] Combination Figure 6In another embodiment of the hot water supply device, the hot water supply device includes a second hot water circulation system and a preheating device. The second hot water circulation system includes a coolant tank 8, a flow pump 10, a supply pipe 16, and a second return pipe 18. One end of the supply pipe 16 and the second return pipe 18 are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger jacket 21, and the other end is connected to the coolant tank 8. The flow pump 10 is also installed on the supply pipe 16. The middle part of the supply pipe 16 is heated by the preheating device. That is, the heat exchange plate 2 and the coolant tank 8 are connected to form a second hot water circulation system through the supply pipe 16 and the second return pipe 18, so that the heated coolant circulates to the heat exchange plate. The preheating device includes a reaction tank 12 and an alkaline substance dosing device. The alkaline substance dosing device is installed on the top of the reaction tank and is located above the liquid surface inside the reaction tank. The middle part of the supply pipe 16 extends to below the liquid surface inside the reaction tank 12. In this way, by placing the alkaline substance into the alkaline substance dispensing device and connecting it to the second hot water circulation system, and by adjusting the height of the alkaline substance in the dispensing device, when the alkaline substance is placed below the surface of the aqueous solution in the reaction tank 12, an exothermic reaction occurs upon contact between the alkaline substance and the aqueous solution. The heat generated heats the aqueous solution in the reaction tank 12, thereby heating the middle section of the water supply pipe 16. Thus, when water from the coolant tank 8 flows through the middle section of the water supply pipe 16, the aqueous solution within the water supply pipe 16 is heated. The heated coolant then enters the heat exchanger plate 2, heating the intake air temperature and thus increasing the intake air temperature. In this embodiment, on the one hand, the property of the alkaline substance dissolving in water and rapidly releasing heat is utilized to quickly heat the aqueous solution inside the reaction tank 12; on the other hand, heating the water supply pipe 16 facilitates rapid heat exchange, quickly raising the temperature of the coolant flowing through the water supply pipe 16, and enabling a rapid response to the need for rapid heating of the engine intake air.

[0044] Preferably, both the reaction vessel 12 and the coolant tank 8 are filled with coolant. Commercially available coolants are usually made of ethylene glycol and water. Even if the ambient temperature is below 0°C, the reaction vessel 12 and the coolant tank 8 still contain non-frozen water, which can still provide exothermic heat at low temperatures.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the pipe body 13 of the water supply pipe 16 extending into the reaction tank 12 is a coil or spiral tube structure, which increases the contact area and contact time between the water supply pipe 16 and the aqueous solution in the reaction tank 12, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0046] The alkaline substance dispensing device includes a lifting device 15 and an alkaline substance receiving device 14. The lifting device 15 can be a cylinder, which is installed on the top of the reaction tank 12, and its telescopic rod extends downward into the interior of the reaction tank 12. The alkaline substance receiving device 14 is located at the lower end of the cylinder telescopic rod. The height of the alkaline substance receiving device 14 is adjusted by the extension and retraction of the cylinder. For example, when it is not necessary to increase the inlet air temperature, the cylinder retracts to its initial state, and the alkaline substance receiving device 14 is located above the liquid surface in the reaction tank 12; when it is necessary to increase the inlet air temperature, the cylinder telescopic rod extends, lowering the alkaline substance receiving device 14 below the liquid surface in the reaction tank 12, so that the alkaline substance in the alkaline substance receiving device comes into contact with water to carry out an exothermic reaction.

[0047] The alkaline substance receiving device 14 is an alkaline substance box. Preferably, the alkaline substance box has several mesh holes on its four sides and bottom surface. The mesh-like alkaline substance box can prevent the alkaline substance and the aqueous solution from coming into rapid contact and causing an overly violent reaction. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the mesh holes at the top of the alkaline substance box is smaller than that at the bottom. Generally, a rapid exothermic temperature rise is required in the initial stage of an exothermic reaction, so the mesh hole diameter at the bottom of the alkaline substance box is designed to be larger to ensure the reaction rate. As the reaction proceeds, when it is necessary to increase the temperature of the coolant in the water supply pipe 16 again, the alkaline substance box is lowered further. As the mesh hole diameter at the top of the alkaline substance box decreases, the contact area between the alkaline substance and the aqueous solution is controlled, which is more conducive to steady temperature control.

[0048] Preferably, the alkaline substance contained in the alkaline substance box has a rod-shaped structure, such as a round rod, and the alkaline substance rod is in a vertical or near-vertical state, which is beneficial for controlling the reaction rate. Alternatively, depending on the engine displacement, when heating the intake air of a large displacement engine, several alkaline substance blocks can be placed at the bottom of the alkaline substance box to carry out a rapid exothermic reaction, and the alkaline substance rods can be placed upright on the alkaline substance blocks.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the system further includes an exhaust gas channel 17. An interlayer 19 is provided on the outer side of the coolant tank 8. The two ends of the exhaust gas channel 17 are respectively connected to the upper part of the reaction vessel 12 and the coolant tank interlayer 19. In this way, the flue gas generated by the reaction of the alkaline substance and water can enter the coolant tank interlayer 19 through the exhaust gas channel 17 to heat the coolant tank 8, raising the water temperature inside the coolant tank 8 and making full use of resources. The coolant tank interlayer 19 is also provided with an exhaust port 20.

[0050] In the above-mentioned configuration, the coolant in the coolant tank 8 and the aqueous solution in the reaction tank 12 are independent of each other. Although some thermal efficiency is lost, the second hot water circulation system is protected, preventing the products of the exothermic reaction of alkaline substances and the alkaline solution from entering the heat exchange plate 2. This reduces the risk of corrosion and blockage of the heat exchange plate 2, and facilitates later maintenance. Furthermore, the products of the exothermic reaction of alkaline substances deposit at the bottom of the reaction tank 12, making cleaning easier. Inlet air temperature heating can be achieved through chemical exothermic processes, solving the problem of inlet air temperature heating under conditions of no electricity or special operating conditions.

[0051] A method of using an intake heating device for an intake system includes the following steps:

[0052] S1. The intake air temperature is monitored by the ECU. When the intake air temperature is lower than the first preset temperature, the intake air heating device is activated. The first preset temperature is the ambient temperature, and its preset value is 10℃. In particular, the intake air heating device is activated in advance before the engine is cold started, which will use the preheating device to raise the temperature of the solution inside the reaction tank 12.

[0053] S2. The lifting device extends downwards, moving the alkaline container below the reaction tank so that the alkaline substance in the container comes into contact with the water in the reaction tank.

[0054] S3. When the water temperature in the reaction tank reaches 45±5℃, start the flow pump 10 to circulate the aqueous solution in the coolant tank 8 in the second hot water circulation system.

[0055] S4. Obtain the real-time water temperature and air inlet temperature of reaction tank 12. When the water temperature of reaction tank 12 is greater than 80℃ and the air inlet temperature reaches the second preset temperature, control the lifting device to retract and move the alkaline substance box upward to reduce the contact area between the alkaline substance and the aqueous solution in reaction tank 12. For example, the second preset temperature is 45-55℃.

[0056] In one of the variations described above, the middle of the water intake pipe 3 can be inserted into a preheating device. The preheating device's reaction tank 12 and alkaline substance dispensing device then perform an exothermic reaction to heat the engine coolant flowing through the water intake pipe 3. This provides a synergistic heating effect, not only heating the intake air temperature but also heating the engine, significantly improving the engine's cold start performance. The flue gas generated by the reaction tank 12 is treated and then discharged into the atmosphere. When the water temperature in the reaction tank is heated to 45±5℃, the flow control valve 5 opens, introducing engine coolant into the water intake pipe 3.

[0057] To further enhance the control of the alkaline substance dispensing device, a manual control button is also included. Activating the manual control mode via this button controls the operation of the lifting device 15. When the manual control button is pressed to activate the manual control mode, the lifting device 15 (e.g., a cylinder) drives the alkaline substance container to descend to a predetermined height and contact the solution in the reaction tank 12 to initiate an exothermic reaction. Pressing the manual control button again resets the manual control mode, and the lifting device 15 returns the alkaline substance container to its initial position, disengaging the alkaline substance from the solution in the reaction tank 12. Adding a manual control mode as a supplementary and emergency backup option further enriches the application scenarios and functionality.

[0058] Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous variations are possible with respect to the above description, and the embodiments and figures are merely for describing one or more specific implementations.

[0059] Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and substitutions can be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt specific situations to the doctrine of the invention without departing from the central concepts of the invention described herein. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but may include all embodiments and equivalents that fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An intake heating device for an intake system, characterized in that: It includes an air inlet pipe, a heat exchange plate, a water intake pipe, a water return pipe, and a hot water supply device. The air inlet pipe has an air inlet on its upper side and several air intake manifolds on its lower side. The heat exchange plate is installed inside the air inlet pipe and is parallel to the air intake direction. The heat exchange plate has a jacket. The water intake pipe and the water return pipe are respectively connected to the two ends of the jacket. The other ends of the water intake pipe and the water return pipe are respectively connected to the hot water supply device.

2. The intake heating device for the intake system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchange plate is a U-shaped plate.

3. The intake heating device for the intake system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The hot water supply device is an engine cooling circulation system. The water intake pipe is connected to the exhaust pipe rear water jacket of the cooling circulation system to take water. The return water pipe is connected to the thermostat of the cooling circulation system and returns water to the thermostat.

4. The intake heating device for the intake system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The water intake pipe is equipped with a flow control valve.

5. The intake heating device for the intake system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The hot water supply device includes a second hot water circulation system and a preheating device. The second hot water circulation system includes a coolant tank, a flow pump, a water supply pipe and a second return pipe. One end of the water supply pipe and the second return pipe are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger jacket, and the other end of the two are connected to the coolant tank. The flow pump is also provided on the water supply pipe. The preheating device includes a reaction tank and an alkaline substance dispensing device. The alkaline substance dispensing device is installed in the reaction tank and is located above the liquid surface inside the reaction tank. The middle part of the water supply pipe extends to below the liquid surface inside the reaction tank.

6. The intake heating device for the intake system as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The water supply pipe extending into the reaction tank has a coil or spiral structure.

7. The intake heating device for the intake system as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The alkaline substance dispensing device includes a lifting device and an alkaline substance collection device. The lifting device is a cylinder, which is installed on the top of the reaction tank, and its telescopic rod extends downward into the interior of the reaction tank. The alkaline substance collection device is located at the lower end of the cylinder telescopic rod.

8. The intake heating device for the intake system as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The alkaline substance has a rod-like structure.

9. The intake heating device for the intake system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an exhaust gas passage, and the coolant tank has an outer layer. The two ends of the exhaust gas passage are respectively connected to the upper part of the reaction tank and the coolant tank interlayer.

10. A method of using the intake heating device of the intake system as described in claim 5, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1. The intake air temperature is monitored by the ECU. When the intake air temperature is lower than the first preset temperature, the intake air heating device is activated. S2. The lifting device extends downwards, moving the alkaline substance collection device below the reaction tank, so that the alkaline substance in the alkaline substance collection device comes into contact with the water in the reaction tank. S3. When the water temperature in the reaction tank reaches 45±5℃, start the flow pump to circulate the aqueous solution in the coolant tank in the second hot water circulation system. S4. Obtain the real-time water temperature and air inlet temperature of the reaction tank. When the water temperature of the reaction tank is greater than 80°C and the air inlet temperature reaches the second preset temperature, control the lifting device to retract and move the alkaline material box upward to reduce the contact area between the alkaline material and the aqueous solution in the reaction tank.

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