Methanol engine and vehicle
By designing a pre-combustion chamber and thermal conduction check valve in a methanol engine and using heating components to increase the temperature of methanol fuel, the problem of difficulty in starting a methanol engine in a low temperature environment is solved, and the normal start and reliable operation of the engine are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422352470.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-26
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-24
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-09-26
AI Technical Summary
It is difficult to start cold in low temperature environments, and insufficient evaporation volume leads to insufficient concentration of combustible mixture gas, making it difficult to catch fire.
A methanol engine is designed, using multiple pre-combustion chambers and thermal conductivity check valves. The check valve is heated through the heating assembly to increase the temperature and vaporization of the methanol fuel, form a mixture suitable for ignition, and ignite the low-concentration methanol mixture in the main combustion chamber after ignition in the pre-combustion chamber.
The normal start of the methanol engine in a low-temperature environment has been achieved, the problem of difficulty in cold start is improved, and the engine is reliable operation under low-temperature conditions.
Smart Images
Figure CN223018759U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of vehicles, and particularly relates to a methanol engine and a vehicle. Background Art
[0002] Methanol has rich raw material sources, and its production process is relatively mature. Moreover, as a fuel, methanol has many advantages such as good combustion performance, less pollutant emissions, convenient storage and transportation, and low production cost. Therefore, methanol is regarded as one of the most promising alternative fuels for vehicles.
[0003] However, the evaporation rate of methanol is greatly affected by temperature. For example, the evaporation rate of methanol at 7°C is only 1 / 6 of that at 20°C. Therefore, in the case of low ambient temperature, the evaporation rate of methanol fuel is insufficient, the concentration of the combustible mixture cannot reach the lean limit of ignition, and it is difficult for the methanol engine to cold start. Summary of the Utility Model
[0004] The utility model provides a methanol engine and a vehicle, which are used to improve the problem of difficult cold start of the methanol engine.
[0005] To achieve the above object, the utility model provides the following technical solutions:
[0006] A methanol engine includes a cylinder block, a cylinder head, a fuel rail, an intake manifold, and a plurality of heat-conductive one-way valves. A plurality of pre-chambers are provided on the cylinder head, and at least one pre-chamber corresponds to each cylinder bore of the cylinder block. Each of the pre-chambers extends into the corresponding cylinder bore, and an ignition component is provided in each of the pre-chambers. Each of the pre-chambers has a through hole for communicating with the corresponding cylinder bore; the fuel rail is connected with a first pipeline, an electronically controlled on-off valve is provided on the first pipeline, and each of the pre-chambers is respectively connected with the first pipeline through a second pipeline; the one-way valve is provided on each of the second pipelines; a heating component is provided on the one-way valve; the intake manifold is used to deliver a methanol-air mixture to each main combustion chamber, and the intake manifold is communicated with the air inlet of each of the one-way valves.
[0007] In this application, the low-pressure active scavenging pre-chamber utilizes the pressure difference between the inside of the hole and the intake manifold to draw fresh mixture from the intake manifold into the pre-chamber. Specifically, when using the methanol engine provided in this application, when the temperature in the intake manifold is relatively low (i.e., the ambient temperature is relatively low), the heating component can be used to heat the check valve, thereby heating the methanol fuel entering the check valve. The specific working process can be as follows: When the temperature in the intake manifold is relatively low, the heating component is turned on. After the temperature of the check valve rises, the electronically controlled on-off valve is turned on; during the piston suction process, the methanol fuel from the fuel rail can be sucked into the corresponding check valve through the first pipeline and each second pipeline 5 under the action of suction. The methanol fuel entering the check valve exchanges heat in the check valve, and thus is heated and vaporized; the heated methanol vapor enters the pre-chamber through the check valve; at the same time, during the piston suction process, the methanol-air mixture in the intake manifold enters the pre-chamber through the check valve; the two-way gases are mixed to form a mixture suitable for ignition; the mixture is ignited by the ignition component in the pre-chamber to form a flame jet, and the flame jet ignites the low-concentration methanol mixture in the main combustion chamber through the through-hole of the pre-chamber, thereby realizing the start of the methanol engine in a low-temperature environment and improving the start of the methanol engine in a low-temperature environment.
[0008] Optionally, the check valve includes a valve stem and a heat-conductive valve body. The valve body has a through-hole, a plurality of air flow channels, and at least one installation cavity. The valve stem is arranged in the through-hole and can slide relative to the through-hole under the action of force to control the on-off state of each air flow channel; at least one heating component is provided in each installation cavity.
[0009] Optionally, the valve body is provided with a plurality of installation cavities, and one heating component is provided in each installation cavity.
[0010] Optionally, the installation cavities and the air flow channels are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the through-hole.
[0011] Optionally, at the intake end of the check valve, the installation cavity is closed.
[0012] Optionally, the heating component includes an electric heating wire.
[0013] Optionally, a temperature measuring component is provided in the intake manifold, and both the temperature measuring component and the electronically controlled on-off valve are used to be electrically connected to the electronic control unit of the vehicle.
[0014] Optionally, two temperature measuring components are provided in the intake manifold.
[0015] Optionally, a pressure reducing valve is further provided on the first pipeline.
[0016] The present utility model further provides a vehicle, which includes the above-mentioned methanol engine, enabling the methanol engine to start in a low-temperature environment and improving the starting performance of the methanol engine in a low-temperature environment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Figure 1 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of a methanol engine provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0018] Figure 2 FIG. is a cross-sectional view of a check valve in a methanol engine provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0019] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of the check valve shown from another angle;
[0020] Figure 4 FIG. is a schematic diagram of the working process of a methanol engine provided by an embodiment of the present utility model.
[0021] Reference numerals: 1 - fuel rail; 2 - intake manifold; 3 - check valve; 301 - heating component; 31 - valve stem; 32 - valve body; 321 - air flow channel; 322 - installation cavity; 4 - first pipeline; 41 - electronically controlled on-off valve; 5 - second pipeline; 6 - temperature measuring component; 7 - electronic control unit; 8 - pressure reducing valve; 9 - third pipeline; 100 - pre-combustion chamber; 200 - main combustion chamber. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0022] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present utility model. Apparently, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present utility model, rather than all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0023] Figure 1 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of a methanol engine provided by an embodiment of the present application, Figure 2 FIG. is a cross-sectional view of a check valve 3 in a methanol engine provided by an embodiment of the present application, and the heating component 301 is also shown. As Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown in the figure, a methanol engine provided by an embodiment of the present application includes a cylinder block, a cylinder head, an alcohol rail 1, an intake manifold 2, and a plurality of heat-conducting check valves 3. The cylinder head is provided with a plurality of pre-chambers, and each cylinder bore of the cylinder block corresponds to at least one pre-chamber. Each pre-chamber extends into the corresponding cylinder bore, and an ignition assembly is provided in each pre-chamber. Each pre-chamber has a through hole for communicating with the corresponding cylinder bore; the alcohol rail 1 is connected to a first pipeline 4, and an electronically controlled on-off valve 41 is provided on the first pipeline 4. Each pre-chamber is respectively connected to the first pipeline 4 through a second pipeline 5; a check valve 3 is provided on each second pipeline 5; a heating assembly 301 is provided on the check valve 3; the intake manifold 2 is used to deliver a methanol-air mixture to each main combustion chamber 200, and the intake manifold 2 is communicated with the intake ports of each check valve 3. Specifically, the alcohol rail 1 injects methanol into the intake manifold 2 through a methanol injector. Exemplarily, the electronically controlled on-off valve 41 can be a solenoid valve, and the ignition assembly can be a spark plug; the intake manifold 2 can be communicated with the intake ports of each check valve 3 through a third pipeline 9.
[0024] In the present application, the low-pressure active scavenging pre-chamber utilizes the pressure difference between the inside of the pre-chamber and the intake manifold 2 to draw fresh mixture from the intake manifold 2 into the pre-chamber. Specifically, when the methanol engine provided by the present application is used, when the temperature in the intake manifold 2 is relatively low (that is, the ambient temperature is relatively low), the check valve 3 can be heated by the heating assembly 301, so as to heat the methanol fuel entering the check valve 3. The specific working process can be as follows: when the temperature in the intake manifold 2 is relatively low, the heating assembly 301 is turned on. After the temperature of the check valve 3 rises, the electronically controlled on-off valve 41 is turned on; during the piston suction process, the methanol fuel from the alcohol rail 1 can be sucked into the corresponding check valve 3 through the first pipeline 4 and each second pipeline 5 under the suction force. The methanol fuel entering the check valve 3 exchanges heat in the check valve 3, so as to be heated and vaporized; the heated methanol vapor enters the pre-chamber through the check valve 3; at the same time, during the piston suction process, the methanol-air mixture in the intake manifold 2 enters the pre-chamber through the check valve 3; the two-way gases are mixed to form a mixture suitable for ignition; the mixture is ignited by the ignition assembly in the pre-chamber to form a flame jet, and the flame jet ignites the low-concentration methanol mixture in the main combustion chamber 200 through the through hole of the pre-chamber, so as to realize the start of the methanol engine in a low-temperature environment.
[0025] It is not difficult to understand that in each cylinder bore, the space between the piston and the cylinder head, except for the pre-chamber, is the main combustion chamber 200 of the cylinder bore.
[0026] Please continue to refer to Figure 2, in some embodiments, the one-way valve 3 includes a valve stem 31 and a valve body 32 capable of conducting heat. The valve body 32 has a through-hole, a plurality of air flow channels 321, and at least one mounting cavity 322. The valve stem 31 is disposed in the through-hole and can slide relative to the through-hole under the action of force to control the on-off state of each air flow channel 321; at least one heating component 301 is provided in each mounting cavity 322. Exemplarily, the valve body 32 is provided with a plurality of mounting cavities 322 to increase the preheating speed of the valve body 32 and the heating rate of the methanol fuel flowing through the valve body 32. Specifically, one heating component 301 can be provided in each mounting cavity 322. Of course, multiple heating components 301 can also be provided in each mounting cavity 322, for example: two or three, etc.
[0027] Figure 3 For Figure 2 the sectional view of the one-way valve 3 shown from another angle, as Figure 3 shown, in some embodiments, in the circumferential direction of the through-hole on the valve body 32, the mounting cavities 322 and the air flow channels 321 are alternately arranged to uniformly heat the methanol fuel flowing through the one-way valve 3 and increase the heating speed of the methanol fuel.
[0028] Exemplarily, the methanol-air mixture entering the one-way valve 3 from the intake manifold 2 and the methanol fuel entering the corresponding one-way valve 3 from the fuel rail 1, through the first pipeline 4 and each second pipeline 5, can be different air flow channels 321 of the one-way valve 3 through which they flow. As Figure 3 shown, the methanol fuel entering the corresponding one-way valve 3 from the fuel rail 1, through the first pipeline 4 and each second pipeline 5, can flow through two air flow channels 321a of the one-way valve 3, and the methanol-air mixture entering the one-way valve 3 from the intake manifold 2 can flow through two air flow channels 321b of the one-way valve 3.
[0029] Please continue to refer to Figure 2 , during specific implementation, at the intake end of the one-way valve 3, the mounting cavity 322 is closed to prevent the upstream methanol fuel from entering the mounting cavity 322.
[0030] In some embodiments, the heating component 301 can include an electric heating wire. Using the heating wire as the heating component 301 has a lower cost and is beneficial to reducing the structural complexity.
[0031] During specific implementation, a temperature measuring component 6 can be arranged in the intake manifold 2. Both the temperature measuring component 6 and the electronically controlled on-off valve 41 are electrically connected to the electronic control unit 7 (Electronic Control Unit, ECU) of the vehicle, so that when the temperature in the intake manifold 2 reaches a preset value, the electronically controlled on-off valve 41 can be opened under the control of the electronic control unit 7, enabling the methanol fuel in the methanol rail 1 to enter the check valve 3 through the electronically controlled on-off valve 41. Exemplarily, two temperature measuring components 6 can be arranged in the intake manifold 2, so that when one temperature measuring component 6 fails, the other temperature measuring component 6 can still work, allowing the methanol engine to operate normally.
[0032] The methanol fuel pressure in the methanol rail 1 is relatively high, so a pressure reducing valve 8 can be installed between the electronically controlled on-off valve 41 and the check valve 3 to reduce the pressure of the methanol fuel entering the check valve 3 to atmospheric pressure. Exemplarily, the pressure reducing valve 8 can be arranged on the first pipeline 4.
[0033] This solution heats the inside of the check valve 3 by installing a glow plug inside the check valve 3, ensuring the temperature of the air-fuel mixture passing through the check valve 3, increasing the temperature of the methanol entering the pre-chamber, enabling the air-fuel mixture to burn normally, generating high-temperature and high-pressure combustion products in the small space of the pre-chamber, and spraying them into the main combustion chamber through the pre-chamber injection holes to ignite the low-temperature methanol air-fuel mixture in the main combustion chamber, thereby improving cold start performance.
[0034] This solution heats the inside of the check valve 3 by installing a heating component 301 inside the check valve 3, ensuring the temperature of the air-fuel mixture passing through the check valve 3, increasing the temperature of the methanol entering the pre-chamber, and enabling the air-fuel mixture to burn normally. High-temperature and high-pressure combustion products are generated in the small space of the pre-chamber and sprayed into the main combustion chamber 200 through the through holes of the pre-chamber to ignite the low-temperature methanol air-fuel mixture in the main combustion chamber 200, thus achieving cold start. Compared with heating the entire space of the cylinder bore, the heat loss is small. The pre-chamber spark plug can enhance the ignition energy. After successful ignition in the pre-chamber, it is easier to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the main combustion chamber 200. Heating only the space part inside the check valve 3 can form a high-temperature air-fuel mixture near the spark plug electrode, requiring less energy, which is beneficial to reducing the power consumption of the vehicle-mounted battery.
[0035] Please refer to the following Figure 4 , the working process of a methanol engine (hereinafter simply referred to as the engine) provided by this application can be as follows:
[0036] When the engine starts, it is detected by the temperature measuring component 6 on the intake manifold 2. If the temperature in the intake manifold 2 is lower than 16°C, it is fed back to the ECU. When the ECU determines that this is a cold start condition, it controls the heating component 301 to continuously heat the check valve 3. After heating for 5 seconds, the overall temperature of the check valve 3 rises and the solenoid valve is opened. During the piston suction process, the methanol after the pressure reducing valve 8 is sucked into the air flow channel 321a of the check valve 3 for heating, and then the heated methanol vapor enters the pre-combustion chamber through the check valve 3. At the same time, during the piston suction process, the methanol mixture in the intake manifold 2 enters the pre-combustion chamber through the air flow channel 321b of the check valve 3. Since the temperature in the intake manifold 2 is relatively low, less methanol injected into the intake manifold 2 by the methanol injector vaporizes, and the methanol concentration in the intake manifold 2 is relatively low. This low-concentration methanol mixture is mixed with the high-temperature methanol vapor in the first pipeline 4 and the second pipeline 5 to form a mixture suitable for ignition. The mixture is ignited by the spark plug in the pre-combustion chamber to form a flame jet, which ignites the low-concentration methanol mixture in the main combustion chamber 200, thus achieving the starting purpose.
[0037] When the engine detects that the pressure in the cylinder bore is normal, after the heating component 301 continues to operate for 30s, the heating component 301, the solenoid valve and the pressure reducing valve 8 are turned off to complete the cold start.
[0038] A vehicle provided by the present application includes the above methanol engine. Therefore, it can at least achieve the technical effects that the above engine can achieve. The specific effects are not elaborated here.
[0039] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present invention fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention and their equivalent technologies, the present invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.
Claims
1. A methanol engine, characterized in that: It comprises a cylinder block, a cylinder head, an alcohol rail, an intake manifold and a plurality of one-way valves capable of conducting heat, wherein the cylinder head is provided with a plurality of pre-combustion chambers, each cylinder hole of the cylinder block corresponds to at least one pre-combustion chamber, each of the pre-combustion chambers extends into the corresponding cylinder hole, and each of the pre-combustion chambers is provided with an ignition assembly, and each of the pre-combustion chambers has a through hole for communicating with the corresponding cylinder hole; The alcohol rail is connected to a first pipeline, an electrically controlled on-off valve is arranged on the first pipeline, and each of the pre-combustion chambers is connected to the first pipeline via a second pipeline; each of the second pipelines is provided with a one-way valve; a heating assembly is arranged on the one-way valve; the intake manifold is used to transport a methanol-air mixture to each main combustion chamber, and the intake manifold is connected to an air inlet of each of the one-way valves.
2. The methanol engine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The one-way valve includes a valve stem and a valve body capable of conducting heat, wherein the valve body has a through hole, a plurality of air flow channels and at least one installation cavity, wherein the valve stem is arranged in the through hole and can slide relative to the through hole under the action of force to control the on / off state of each of the air flow channels; at least one heating component is arranged in each of the installation cavities.
3. The methanol engine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The valve body is provided with a plurality of the installation cavities, and each of the installation cavities is provided with a heating component.
4. The methanol engine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The mounting cavities and the air flow channels are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the through hole.
5. The methanol engine according to claim 3, characterized in that: At the air inlet end of the one-way valve, the mounting cavity is closed.
6. The methanol engine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating component includes a heating wire.
7. The methanol engine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: A temperature measuring component is provided in the intake manifold, and both the temperature measuring component and the electrically controlled on-off valve are used to be electrically connected to an electronic control unit of the vehicle.
8. The methanol engine according to claim 7, characterized in that: Two temperature measuring components are arranged in the intake manifold.
9. The methanol engine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The first pipeline is also provided with a pressure reducing valve.
10. A vehicle, characterized in that: A methanol engine comprising the methanol engine described in any one of claims 1 to 9.