Methanol supply system for engine, engine assembly and vehicle

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of vehicle technology, and more particularly to an engine methanol supply system, an engine assembly, and a vehicle. The engine methanol supply system includes a valve assembly unit and a methanol supply pipeline. The valve assembly unit includes a methanol shut-off valve and a nitrogen shut-off valve. The inlet of the methanol shut-off valve is connected to the outlet of a methanol source, and the inlet of the nitrogen shut-off valve is connected to the outlet of a nitrogen source. The methanol supply pipeline includes a main pipe, branch pipes, an exhaust pipe, and a venting solenoid valve. The outlets of the nitrogen shut-off valve and the methanol shut-off valve are respectively connected to the inlet of the main pipe. An exhaust pipe is provided at the end of the main pipe, and a venting solenoid valve is installed on the exhaust pipe. Multiple branch pipes are spaced apart along the length of the main pipe, and the outlets of the branch pipes are directed towards the cylinders. The engine methanol supply system can automatically discharge residual nitrogen in the methanol supply pipeline, ensuring that no nitrogen is mixed in when the engine injects methanol, preventing damage to system components, and ensuring smooth mode switching.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to an engine methanol supply system, an engine assembly, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Methanol engines operate in two modes: dual-fuel mode, where methanol is the primary fuel and diesel is used for ignition; and diesel mode, where the engine burns only diesel fuel. In diesel mode, the engine starts. When the control system detects that the engine has met the conditions for methanol combustion, it automatically switches to dual-fuel mode. When the engine stops or exits dual-fuel mode, the methanol supply is cut off, the system performs a methanol venting process, and then the methanol pipeline is purged with nitrogen. Therefore, when the engine switches to dual-fuel mode, nitrogen is present in the methanol supply pipeline. Introducing methanol at this time results in a gas-liquid coexistence phenomenon in the pipeline. The gas occupies pipeline volume, and if methanol is injected directly, the actual amount of methanol injected into the cylinder will decrease, reducing the quality and thermal efficiency of the air-fuel mixture, affecting the combustion organization in the cylinder, and consequently impacting engine performance. Furthermore, high-pressure bubbles in the pipeline can cause cavitation, damaging the pipeline and even the surface of the injector needle valve, affecting the lifespan of critical components.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an engine methanol supply system to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an engine methanol supply system, engine assembly, and vehicle that can automatically discharge residual nitrogen in the methanol supply pipeline, ensuring that no nitrogen is mixed in when the engine injects methanol, thus preventing damage to system components and ensuring smooth mode switching.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] Provides an engine methanol supply system, including:

[0007] The valve assembly unit includes a methanol shut-off valve and a nitrogen shut-off valve. The inlet of the methanol shut-off valve is used to connect with the outlet of the methanol source, and the inlet of the nitrogen shut-off valve is used to connect with the outlet of the nitrogen source.

[0008] A methanol supply pipeline includes a main pipe, branch pipes, an exhaust pipe, and a venting solenoid valve. The outlet of the nitrogen shut-off valve and the outlet of the methanol shut-off valve are respectively connected to the inlet of the main pipe. The main pipe is provided with multiple branch pipes at intervals along its length. The outlets of the branch pipes are directed toward the cylinder. The exhaust pipe is provided at the end of the main pipe, and the venting solenoid valve is installed at the outlet of the exhaust pipe.

[0009] As an optional technical solution for the aforementioned engine methanol supply system, the methanol supply pipeline further includes a methanol venting solenoid valve and a venting pipe, with multiple branch pipes connected through the venting pipe, and the methanol venting solenoid valve located at the outlet of the venting pipe.

[0010] As an optional technical solution for the aforementioned engine methanol supply system, there are two nitrogen shut-off valves connected together. In one of the nitrogen shut-off valves, the inlet of one nitrogen shut-off valve is connected to the outlet of the nitrogen source, and the outlet of the other nitrogen shut-off valve is connected to the inlet of the main pipe.

[0011] As an optional technical solution for the aforementioned engine methanol supply system, a nitrogen vent valve is also included. The inlet of the nitrogen vent valve is connected to a pipeline disposed between the two nitrogen shut-off valves, and the outlet of the nitrogen vent valve is used to connect to a methanol inlet / discharge device.

[0012] As an optional technical solution for the above-mentioned engine methanol supply system, the main pipe includes a first pipe and a second pipe, the first pipe is connected to the second pipe, and the second pipe is provided with a plurality of branch pipes along the axial direction.

[0013] As an optional technical solution for the aforementioned engine methanol supply system, a first pressure sensor is provided at the outlet of the methanol shut-off valve;

[0014] And / or, a second pressure sensor is provided at the end of the second tube.

[0015] As an optional technical solution for the aforementioned engine methanol supply system, the valve assembly unit further includes a ball valve, a first filter, and a flow meter. The ball valve, the first filter, and the flow meter are sequentially connected between the methanol shut-off valve and the methanol source; and / or,

[0016] A second filter is provided between the nitrogen shut-off valve and the nitrogen source.

[0017] As an optional technical solution for the aforementioned engine methanol supply system, the methanol supply pipeline further includes an injector, which is installed at the outlet of the branch pipe.

[0018] As an optional technical solution for the methanol supply system of the aforementioned engine, the methanol shut-off valve, nitrogen shut-off valve, and venting solenoid valve are all two-position two-way solenoid valves.

[0019] An engine assembly is provided, including an engine body and the aforementioned engine methanol supply system. The engine body has multiple cylinders, and the branch pipes are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the cylinders.

[0020] A vehicle is provided, including the aforementioned engine assembly.

[0021] This utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0022] This invention provides an engine methanol supply system, engine assembly, and vehicle. Methanol enters the methanol supply pipeline through a methanol shut-off valve, which is used to supply or shut off methanol within the system. Nitrogen enters the methanol supply pipeline through a nitrogen shut-off valve, purging the pipeline. A dual nitrogen shut-off valve supplies or shuts off nitrogen to the system. When the engine is started, the methanol shut-off valve opens, the nitrogen shut-off valve closes, and the venting solenoid valve opens. Methanol passes through the methanol shut-off valve, pushing the nitrogen in the methanol supply pipeline towards the exhaust pipe, where it is discharged through the exhaust pipe and the venting solenoid valve. After the nitrogen is expelled by the methanol, the venting solenoid valve closes, increasing the purity of the methanol fuel entering the cylinder. This engine methanol supply system automatically discharges residual nitrogen from the methanol supply pipeline, ensuring that no nitrogen is mixed in when the engine injects methanol, preventing damage to system components, and ensuring smooth mode transitions. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of this utility model and these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the position and structure of the engine methanol supply system and the engine body provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] In the picture:

[0026] 1. Valve assembly unit; 11. Methanol shut-off valve; 12. Nitrogen shut-off valve; 13. Nitrogen vent valve; 14. Valve block; 141. Methanol inlet; 142. Nitrogen inlet; 143. Methanol outlet; 15. Check valve; 16. Second filter; 17. Ball valve; 18. First filter; 19. Flow meter; 2. Methanol supply pipeline; 21. Main pipe; 211. First pipe; 212. Second pipe; 2121. Second pipe outlet; 22. Branch pipe; 23. Methanol venting solenoid valve; 24. Venting pipe; 25. Venting solenoid valve; 3. Injector; 4. First pressure sensor; 5. Second pressure sensor; 6. Controller; 10. Engine body; 101. Cylinder. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0030] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0031] like Figure 1As shown, this utility model provides an engine methanol supply system, which includes a valve group unit 1 and a methanol supply pipeline 2. The valve group unit 1 includes a methanol shut-off valve 11 and a nitrogen shut-off valve 12. The inlet of the methanol shut-off valve 11 is connected to the outlet of the methanol source, and the inlet of the nitrogen shut-off valve 12 is connected to the outlet of the nitrogen source. The methanol supply pipeline 2 includes a main pipe 21, branch pipes 22, an exhaust pipe, and a venting solenoid valve 25. The outlets of the nitrogen shut-off valve 12 and the methanol shut-off valve 11 are respectively connected to the inlet of the main pipe 21. An exhaust pipe is provided at the outlet of the main pipe 21, and a venting solenoid valve 25 is installed on the exhaust pipe. Multiple branch pipes 22 are spaced apart along the length of the main pipe 21, and the outlets of the branch pipes 22 are directed toward the cylinder 101.

[0032] Methanol enters the methanol supply line 2 through the methanol shut-off valve 11, which is used to supply or shut off methanol in the system. Nitrogen enters the methanol supply line 2 through the nitrogen shut-off valve 12, thereby purging the methanol supply line 2 with nitrogen. The nitrogen dual shut-off valve is used to supply or shut off nitrogen in the system. When the engine is started, the methanol shut-off valve 11 is opened, the nitrogen shut-off valve 12 is closed, and the venting solenoid valve 25 is opened. Methanol passes through the methanol shut-off valve 11, and the methanol forces the nitrogen in the methanol supply line 2 towards the exhaust pipe, where it is discharged through the exhaust pipe and the venting solenoid valve 25. After the nitrogen is expelled by the methanol, the venting solenoid valve 25 is closed, thus increasing the purity of the methanol fuel entering the cylinder 101. The engine methanol supply system provided by this utility model can automatically discharge residual nitrogen in the methanol supply line 2, ensuring that the engine does not mix with nitrogen when injecting methanol, preventing damage to system components, and ensuring smooth mode switching.

[0033] In some embodiments, the methanol supply pipeline 2 further includes a methanol discharge solenoid valve 23 and a discharge pipe 24, with multiple branch pipes 22 connected through the discharge pipe 24, and the methanol discharge solenoid valve 23 located at the outlet of the discharge pipe 24.

[0034] When the engine assembly stops working or is in use, after the methanol release solenoid valve 23 is opened, the residual methanol in the methanol supply line 2 is drained out. The release pipe 24 is connected to multiple branch pipes 22, thereby ensuring that the residual methanol in each branch pipe 22 can be discharged. When the cylinder 101 needs to work, the methanol release solenoid valve 23 needs to be closed.

[0035] A vent pipe 24 is installed between the branch pipes 22, at the bottom end of the branch pipe 22. Specifically, the vent pipe 24 is close to the injector 3, and methanol is discharged through the vent pipe 24 by gravity. The vent pipe 24 is connected to a methanol vent solenoid valve 23, which opens during venting. When venting from the methanol supply line 2, the methanol vent solenoid valve 23 is closed.

[0036] In some embodiments, there are two nitrogen shut-off valves 12, which are connected adjacent to each other. One of the nitrogen shut-off valves 12 has its inlet connected to the outlet of a nitrogen source, while the outlet of the other nitrogen shut-off valve 12 is connected to the inlet of the main pipe 21. The two nitrogen shut-off valves 12 can either shut off or supply nitrogen.

[0037] In some embodiments, the engine methanol supply system further includes a nitrogen vent valve 13. The inlet of the nitrogen vent valve 13 is connected to a pipeline between two nitrogen shut-off valves 12, and the outlet of the nitrogen vent valve 13 is connected to a methanol inlet 141 or a drain device. The nitrogen vent valve 13 can divert the nitrogen-methanol mixture between the two nitrogen shut-off valves 12 out of the valve assembly unit 1, divert methanol back to the methanol source (e.g., a methanol tank), or discharge the nitrogen-methanol mixture into the drain device.

[0038] The combination of two nitrogen shut-off valves 12 and a nitrogen vent valve 13 connected in series is to prevent high-pressure methanol from flowing back into the nitrogen pipeline after it pushes open the nitrogen shut-off valve 12 through the circuit. When the nitrogen shut-off valve 12 is closed and the nitrogen vent valve 13 is open, if the methanol pressure rises for some reason and pushes open the nitrogen shut-off valve 12 through the circuit, the methanol will be discharged through the nitrogen vent valve 13. The nitrogen shut-off valve 12 will then stop the methanol between the two nitrogen shut-off valves 12, preventing the methanol from continuing to enter the front end of the nitrogen pipeline.

[0039] The nitrogen vent valve 13 prevents methanol backflow. Methanol is a liquid, and the nitrogen vent valve 13 discharges nitrogen mixed with methanol, so it needs to be discharged to the methanol storage device or a special sewage discharge device.

[0040] A one-way valve 15 is provided between the nitrogen shut-off valve 12 and the main pipe 21. The one-way valve 15 is provided to prevent methanol from flowing back into the nitrogen shut-off valve 12.

[0041] The main pipe 21 includes a first pipe 211 and a second pipe 212. The first pipe 211 is connected to the second pipe 212, and the second pipe 212 has multiple branch pipes 22 arranged along the axial direction. The first pipe 211 and the second pipe 212 are connected by a corrugated pipe according to the size of the engine body 10. This not only facilitates installation, but the corrugated pipe can also absorb the vibration of the engine body 10 during operation.

[0042] It should be noted that the end of the second pipe 212 is the end point of gas flow, which is prone to gas accumulation. Also, considering that the gas density is less than that of liquid, it will naturally rise to the top of the pipe. Therefore, the exhaust pipe is set at the top of the second pipe 212 to effectively discharge the residual gas.

[0043] In order to uniformly spray methanol into cylinder 101, methanol supply line 2 also includes injector 3, which is installed at the outlet of branch line 22. The outlet of injector 3 faces cylinder 101, and injector 3 sprays uniform methanol droplets to provide combustion for cylinder 101.

[0044] In some embodiments, a first pressure sensor 4 is provided at the outlet of the methanol shut-off valve 11, and the first pressure sensor 4 is used to detect the gas pressure P1 at the outlet of the methanol shut-off valve 11.

[0045] In some embodiments, a second pressure sensor 5 is provided at the outlet of the second pipe 212. The second pressure sensor 5 is used to detect the gas pressure P2 at the outlet of the second pipe 212. The second pipe 212 has an outlet at its end, defined as the second pipe outlet 2121. The second pipe outlet 2121 is connected to an exhaust pipe, which is equipped with a venting solenoid valve 25. When the venting solenoid valve 25 is opened, gas is discharged from the pipe. The second pressure sensor 5 is used to detect the gas pressure P2 at the second pipe outlet 2121.

[0046] In some embodiments, the methanol shut-off valve 11, the nitrogen shut-off valve 12, the venting solenoid valve 25, the nitrogen breather valve 13, and the methanol release solenoid valve 23 are all two-position two-way solenoid valves. That is, the methanol shut-off valve 11, the nitrogen shut-off valve 12, the venting solenoid valve 25, the nitrogen breather valve 13, and the methanol release solenoid valve 23 are all on / off valves, capable of automatically opening or closing.

[0047] The methanol shut-off valve 11, nitrogen shut-off valve 12, and nitrogen vent valve 13 are integrated in the valve block 14. The valve block 14 has a methanol inlet 141 to connect with the methanol source (i.e., the methanol pipe), and also has a nitrogen inlet 142 and a methanol outlet 143. The nitrogen inlet 142 is connected to the nitrogen shut-off valve 12, while the methanol outlet 143 is connected to the nitrogen vent valve 13.

[0048] In some embodiments, valve assembly 1 further includes a ball valve 17, a first filter 18, and a flow meter 19. The ball valve 17, the first filter 18, and the flow meter 19 are sequentially connected between the methanol shut-off valve 11 and the methanol source. The ball valve 17 functions as an on / off switch, the first filter 18 filters the methanol, and the flow meter 19 detects the flow rate of the methanol flowing through it. The first filter 18 is a fine filter, thus improving the filtration effect.

[0049] In some embodiments, a second filter 16 is provided between the nitrogen shut-off valve 12 and the nitrogen source. The second filter 16 is a Y-type filter, which can filter the nitrogen entering the nitrogen shut-off valve 12.

[0050] When the engine body 10 is started, it is first started in diesel mode. After the engine body 10 runs smoothly and meets the conditions for switching to dual-fuel mode, the dual-fuel mode is started through the control software interface. The controller 6 receives the signal and issues the command. The system automatically executes the following steps to discharge the nitrogen in the methanol supply pipeline 2 in preparation for the injector 3 to inject methanol into the cylinder 101.

[0051] (1) Nitrogen shut-off valve 12 is closed and nitrogen vent valve 13 is open;

[0052] (2) The methanol shut-off valve 11 is opened, the venting solenoid valve 25 is opened, methanol is introduced into the main pipe 21, and the methanol squeezes the nitrogen in the main pipe 21 toward the exhaust pipe and discharges it.

[0053] (3) The controller 6 monitors the gas pressure P1 at the outlet of the methanol shut-off valve 11 and the gas pressure P2 at the outlet of the second pipe 212. When P1 = P2, it is held for 5 seconds. At this time, it is considered that the nitrogen in the system has been completely discharged.

[0054] (4) After 5 seconds, close the venting solenoid valve 25, keep the methanol shut-off valve 11 in its current state, maintain the methanol pressure in the system pipeline, and the preparation work before methanol injection is complete.

[0055] (5) Based on the operating conditions of the engine body 10, the controller 6 issues a command, the injector 3 injects methanol into the cylinder 101, and the engine officially enters the dual-fuel mode.

[0056] The methanol supply system for engines provided by this utility model can ensure that nitrogen in the methanol supply pipeline 2 is completely discharged, thereby avoiding the cavitation effect of residual gas in the pipeline on the pipeline and fuel injection device; ensure that methanol is not mixed with nitrogen when injected into cylinder 101; ensure that the engine mode switching process is smooth and the combustion process is complete; and improve the reliability and safety of the engine.

[0057] This utility model also provides an engine assembly, including an engine body 10 and an engine methanol supply system provided in this embodiment of the utility model. The engine body 10 has a plurality of cylinders 101, and the branch pipes 22 are arranged one-to-one with the cylinders 101.

[0058] The engine assembly provided by this utility model includes an engine methanol supply system. Methanol enters the methanol supply line 2 through a methanol shut-off valve 11, which is used to supply or shut off methanol within the system. Nitrogen enters the methanol supply line 2 through a nitrogen shut-off valve 12, thereby purging the methanol supply line 2 with nitrogen. A nitrogen dual shut-off valve is used to supply or shut off nitrogen to the system. When the engine is started, the methanol shut-off valve 11 is opened, the nitrogen shut-off valve 12 is closed, and the venting solenoid valve 25 is opened. Methanol passes through the methanol shut-off valve 11, and the methanol moves the nitrogen in the methanol supply line 2 towards the exhaust pipe and is discharged through the venting solenoid valve 25. After the nitrogen is expelled by the methanol, the venting solenoid valve 25 is closed, thereby increasing the purity of the methanol fuel entering the cylinder 101. The engine methanol supply system provided by this utility model can automatically discharge residual nitrogen in the methanol supply line 2, ensuring that no nitrogen is mixed in when the engine injects methanol, preventing damage to system components, and ensuring smooth mode switching.

[0059] Since it includes the methanol supply system for the engine described above, the engine assembly of this utility model embodiment has all the advantages and beneficial effects of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0060] Furthermore, the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention, the scope of which is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An engine methanol supply system, characterized in that, include: The valve assembly unit (1) includes a methanol shut-off valve (11) and a nitrogen shut-off valve (12). The inlet of the methanol shut-off valve (11) is used to connect with the outlet of the methanol source, and the inlet of the nitrogen shut-off valve (12) is used to connect with the outlet of the nitrogen source. A methanol supply pipeline (2) includes a main pipe (21), branch pipes (22), an exhaust pipe, and a venting solenoid valve (25). The outlet of the nitrogen shut-off valve (12) and the outlet of the methanol shut-off valve (11) are respectively connected to the inlet of the main pipe (21). The main pipe (21) is provided with multiple branch pipes (22) at intervals along its length. The outlet of the branch pipes (22) is directed toward the cylinder (101). The exhaust pipe is provided at the end of the main pipe (21), and the venting solenoid valve (25) is provided at the outlet of the exhaust pipe.

2. The engine methanol supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The methanol supply pipeline (2) also includes a methanol discharge solenoid valve (23) and a discharge pipe (24). Multiple branch pipes (22) are connected through the discharge pipe (24), and the methanol discharge solenoid valve (23) is located at the outlet of the discharge pipe (24).

3. The engine methanol supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two nitrogen shut-off valves (12), which are connected to each other. In the two nitrogen shut-off valves (12), the inlet of one nitrogen shut-off valve (12) is connected to the outlet of the nitrogen source, and the outlet of the other nitrogen shut-off valve (12) is connected to the inlet of the main pipe (21).

4. The engine methanol supply system according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a nitrogen vent valve (13), the inlet of which is connected to a pipeline disposed between the two nitrogen shut-off valves (12), and the outlet of which is connected to a methanol inlet (141) / sewage discharge device.

5. The engine methanol supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main pipe (21) includes a first pipe (211) and a second pipe (212), the first pipe (211) is connected to the second pipe (212), and the second pipe (212) is provided with a plurality of branch pipes (22) along the axial direction.

6. The engine methanol supply system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outlet of the methanol shut-off valve (11) is equipped with a first pressure sensor (4), and the end of the second pipe (212) is equipped with a second pressure sensor (5).

7. The engine methanol supply system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The valve assembly unit (1) further includes a ball valve (17), a first filter (18), and a flow meter (19). The methanol shut-off valve (11) is sequentially connected to the methanol source via the ball valve (17), the first filter (18), and the flow meter (19); and / or, A second filter (16) is provided between the nitrogen shut-off valve (12) and the nitrogen source.

8. The engine methanol supply system according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The methanol supply pipeline (2) also includes an injector (3), which is installed at the outlet of the branch pipe (22).

9. An engine assembly, characterized in that, The engine includes an engine body (10) and an engine methanol supply system as described in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the engine body (10) has a plurality of cylinders (101) and the branch pipe (22) is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the cylinders (101).

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the engine assembly as described in claim 9.

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