Flow device, internal combustion engine and method for combining two fluid flows with such a flow device

Abstract

Flow device (3), comprising a flow merging section (15) for combining a first fluid flow (11.1) and a second fluid flow (11.2), wherein the flow merging section (15) - a first inflow area (17.1) for the first fluid flow (11.1) and a second inflow area (17.2) for the second fluid flow (11.2) as well as - has a discharge area (19) for a total fluid flow (13) combined from the first fluid flow (11.1) and the second fluid flow (11.2), wherein - the first inlet area (17.1) is fluidically connected to the outlet area (19) via a first supply line section (31.1) for the flow guidance of the first fluid flow (11.1), wherein - the second inlet area (17.2) is connected to the outlet area (19) via a second supply line section (31.2) for the flow guidance of the second fluid flow (11.2), wherein - the first supply section (31.1) and the second supply section (31.2) flow into the common outflow area (19), wherein - a first inlet cross-section of the first inlet section (31.1) tapers along a first flow path from the first inlet area (17.1) to the outflow area (19) in a tapering direction (V), wherein - a second inlet cross-section of the second inlet section (31.2) tapers along a second flow path from the second inlet area (17.2) to the outflow area (19) in the direction of tapering (V), wherein - the first inlet section (31.1) and the second inlet section (31.2) are arranged adjacent to each other in the outflow area (19) along the direction of the narrowing (V) and are separated from each other in a separation section (46) of the outflow area (19) facing the inflow areas (17.1, 17.2) by a partition wall (47) oriented transversely to the direction of the narrowing (V), wherein - the partition (47) ends in the flow direction before an outflow end (51) of the outflow area (19), so that the inlet sections (31.1, 31.2) are joined in a merging section (49) of the outflow area (19) facing away from the inflow areas (17.1, 17.2), wherein - the centers (X, Y, Z) of the first inflow region (17.1), the second inflow region (17.2) and the outflow region (19) lie in a common plane, wherein the tapering direction (V) is perpendicular to the common plane, and wherein the first inlet section (31.1) and the second inlet section (31.2) in the outflow region (19) are arranged one above the other in a direction perpendicular to the common plane, and wherein - the flow device (3) downstream of the outflow section (19) has a flow divider section (23) which is designed to divide the total fluid flow (13) at least into a first partial flow (5.1) and a second partial flow (5.2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a flow device, an internal combustion engine with such a flow device and a method for combining two fluid flows by means of such a flow device.

[0002] EP 2 924 271 B1 discloses a homogenizing device for at least two fluid flows, in which turbulence is generated in the fluid flows to be combined in order to facilitate mixing. A disadvantage of this device is that the generated turbulence results in a high pressure drop. This, in turn, negatively impacts the overall efficiency of a system using the two fluid flows, particularly an internal combustion engine. Furthermore, a uniform distribution of the flow after mixing is not possible. In addition, such devices typically require a large installation space.

[0003] From NASA: Liquid rocket engine fluid-cooled combustion chambers, 1972, NASA-SP-8087, URL: https: / / ntrs.nasa.gov / api / citations / 19730022965 / downloads / 19730022965.pdf, in: NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server, a flow device is described which – with the flow direction reversed compared to the flow direction actually specified in the document – ​​has a flow merging section for combining a first fluid stream and a second fluid stream, wherein the flow merging section has a first inlet area for the first fluid stream and a second inlet area for the second fluid stream, as well as an outlet area for a combined fluid stream from the first and second fluid streams, wherein the first inlet area is fluidically connected to the outlet area via a first supply section for guiding the flow of the first fluid stream.wherein the second inlet area is fluidically connected to the outlet area via a second supply line section for the flow guidance of the second fluid flow, wherein the first supply line section and the second supply line section open into the common outlet area, wherein a first supply line cross-section of the first supply line section tapers along a first flow path from the first inlet area to the outlet area in a tapering direction, wherein a second supply line cross-section of the second supply line section tapers along a second flow path from the second inlet area to the outlet area in the tapering direction,wherein the first inlet section and the second inlet section are arranged adjacent to each other in the outflow area along the direction of narrowing and are separated from each other in a separation section of the outflow area facing the inflow areas by a partition wall oriented transversely to the direction of narrowing, wherein the partition wall ends in the flow direction upstream of an outflow end of the outflow area, so that the inlet sections are merged in a merging section of the outflow area facing away from the inflow areas.

[0004] Such a flow device is also described in GB 750 672 A and JP H06-159 577 A. Further flow devices are known from US 2022 / 0 128 070 A1 and US 2019 / 0 195 174 A1.

[0005] The invention is therefore based on the objective of creating a flow device, an internal combustion engine with such a flow device and a method for combining two fluid flows by means of such a flow device, wherein the aforementioned disadvantages are at least reduced, preferably do not occur.

[0006] The problem is solved by creating the subject matter of dependent claims 1, 9 and 10. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0007] The problem is solved in particular by creating a flow device comprising a flow merging section configured to combine a first fluid flow and a second fluid flow. The flow merging section has a first inlet area for the first fluid flow, a second inlet area for the second fluid flow, and an outlet area for the combined fluid flow of the first and second fluid flows. The first inlet area is fluidically connected to the outlet area via a first supply line section for guiding the flow of the first fluid flow. The second inlet area is fluidically connected to the outlet area via a second supply line section for guiding the flow of the second fluid flow. The first supply line section and the second supply line section open into the common outlet area.A first inlet cross-section of the first inlet section tapers along a first flow path from the first inflow area to the outflow area in a taper direction, wherein a second inlet cross-section of the second inlet section tapers along a second flow path from the second inflow area to the outflow area in the taper direction.The first and second supply sections are arranged adjacent to each other in the outflow region along the direction of the narrowing and are separated from each other in a separation section of the outflow region facing the inflow regions by a partition wall oriented transversely to the direction of the narrowing. The partition wall terminates upstream of—and, in particular, at a finite distance from—an outflow end of the outflow region in the flow direction, so that the supply sections are merged in a merging section of the outflow region facing away from the inflow regions. Advantageously, the two fluid flows to be merged are initially guided side by side or one above the other in the outflow region, but separated by the partition wall. In the merging section, where the partition wall ends, they flow in the same direction and in a laminar, layered manner.The flow momentum is directed by the partition towards the outlet, which helps to avoid turbulence. This advantageously results in a very low pressure loss while maintaining a compact design for the flow merging section and thus for the entire flow device. The low pressure loss, in particular, has a positive effect on the efficiency of a system incorporating the flow device, especially an internal combustion engine. Furthermore, it is readily possible to divide the total fluid flow into equal partial flows, meaning with identical compositions for both the first and second fluid flows in each partial flow. The first and second fluid flows can differ in density and / or volumetric flow rate without impairing the functionality of the flow device.

[0008] The narrowing of the two supply line sections occurs in the direction of narrowing, particularly in opposite directions.

[0009] In particular, the first and second supply line sections are designed such that the first and second fluid flows do not experience or acquire any swirl motion within them, meaning that the first and second fluid flows flow laminarly in the respective supply line section. This, in turn, means in particular that – in contrast to the known homogenization device – at least reduced, and preferably no, turbulence is generated in the fluid flows to be combined.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first inlet cross-section tapers continuously or steadily along the first flow path from the first inlet area to the outlet area in the direction of tapering. Alternatively or additionally, the second inlet cross-section tapers continuously or steadily along the second flow path from the second inlet area to the outlet area in the direction of tapering.

[0011] According to a further development of the invention, the flow merging section is designed as a Y-pipe or Y-pipe. This represents a simple yet advantageous embodiment of the flow merging section.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first supply line section has an S-shape or runs along an S-curve from the first inlet area to the outlet area. Alternatively or additionally, the second supply line section has an S-shape or runs along an S-curve from the second inlet area to the outlet area.

[0013] According to a further development of the invention, a flange is arranged on at least one area selected from the first inlet area, the second inlet area, and the outlet area. Advantageously, this makes it possible to connect the flow merging section to at least one other flow-guiding component or flow section in multiple parts. In another embodiment, however, it is also possible for the flow merging section to be formed as a single piece and / or of the same material as other sections of a flow-guiding structure, such that, for example, at least one of the inlet areas—and / or the outlet area—forms a section of a single-piece conduit, such as a single-piece pipe or the like.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first inlet area has a flange, hereinafter also referred to as the first inlet flange. Alternatively or additionally, the second inlet area has a flange, hereinafter also referred to as the second inlet flange. Alternatively or additionally, the outlet area has a flange, hereinafter also referred to as the outlet flange. In particular, in one embodiment, the first inlet area, the second inlet area, and the outlet area each have a flange.

[0015] According to a further development of the invention, the first inlet cross-section and the second inlet cross-section are flattened on opposite sides along the respective flow path in the direction of the taper, each forming a flattened side. The first inlet section and the second inlet section are joined in the outflow region such that their flattened sides are in contact, with the flattened sides forming the partition in the separation section of the outflow region. In particular, this arrangement allows the two fluid flows to be layered laminarly side by side or one above the other in the outflow region.The fact that the cross-sections of the supply lines flatten on one side opposite each other along the direction of the taper means, in particular, that the taper caused by the one-sided flattening is in the opposite direction to the taper; thus, if one of the two cross-sections of the supply lines flattens upwards in the direction of the taper without loss of generality, the other of the two cross-sections of the supply lines flattens downwards in the direction of the taper, with the flattened areas or flattened sides facing each other in the direction of the taper.

[0016] According to a further development of the invention, the first inlet cross-section is circular in the first inflow region and semicircular in the outflow region, the second inlet cross-section is circular in the second inflow region and semicircular in the outflow region, and the outflow cross-section is circular in the outflow region. The semicircular first inlet cross-section and the semicircular second inlet cross-section together form the circular outflow cross-section. This represents a particularly advantageous geometry for layering the two fluid flows laminarly side by side or one above the other in the outflow region. In particular, the two semicircular second inlet cross-sections combine to form the circular outflow cross-section.In particular, without limiting the generality, the second semicircular supply line cross-section is rotated by 180° or mirrored on the plane defined by the partition wall relative to the first semicircular supply line cross-section and is designed and arranged.

[0017] According to the invention, the centers of the first inlet area, the second inlet area, and the outlet area lie in a common plane. Advantageously, the flow merging section is designed to be particularly compact in this way. Specifically, the centers of the first inlet cross-section lie in the first inlet area, the second inlet cross-section in the second inlet area, and the outlet cross-section lie in the common plane. Alternatively or additionally, the centers of the first inlet flange, the second inlet flange, and the outlet flange lie in the common plane.

[0018] According to the invention, the direction of the tapering is perpendicular to the common plane. In particular, this makes the flow merging section especially compact.

[0019] According to the invention, the first inlet section and the second inlet section are arranged one above the other in the outflow area in a direction perpendicular to the common plane. This, in particular, ensures a very compact design of the flow merging section.

[0020] According to a further development of the invention, a flow alignment element is provided in the outflow region. Advantageously, the flow alignment element enhances the laminar alignment of the two fluid flows in the outflow region. In particular, the flow alignment element is designed and arranged such that the fluid flows are aligned in the flow direction by the flow alignment element. Additionally, the flow alignment element is preferably designed and arranged such that the fluid flows pass through it laminarly. This advantageously avoids turbulence and homogenizes the flow.

[0021] In particular, the flow guidance element is arranged in the merging section. In one embodiment, the flow guidance element is arranged in the outflow flange, and in particular integrated into the outflow flange. This advantageously results in a particularly compact design.

[0022] In one embodiment, the flow alignment element is designed as a flow grid. This advantageously enables particularly efficient alignment and, in particular, the straightening of the fluid flows.

[0023] In one embodiment, the flow alignment element is arranged directly behind the partition in the direction of flow.

[0024] According to the invention, the flow device has a flow divider section downstream of the outflow area, configured to divide the total fluid flow into at least a first partial flow and a second partial flow. Advantageously, the total fluid flow can thus be divided into a plurality of – at least two – partial flows, particularly with identical proportions of the combined fluid flows, i.e., in particular, the combined gases, in the partial flows. In one embodiment, the flow divider section is configured to divide the total fluid flow into exactly two partial flows. In another embodiment, the flow divider section is configured to divide the total fluid flow into more than two partial flows.

[0025] In one embodiment, the flow divider section is arranged in the flow direction immediately downstream of the flow merging section, and in particular is directly connected to it fluid-technically.

[0026] According to a further development of the invention, the flow divider section comprises a collecting section and, fluidically connected to the collecting section, a first discharge section for guiding the first partial flow and a second discharge section for guiding the second partial flow. This represents a particularly suitable and compact design of the flow divider section. Advantageously, turbulence is generated in the area where the collecting section merges into the discharge sections, contributing to thorough mixing of the combined fluid flow from the first and second fluid flows, and in particular to the mixing of the respective gases. Additional mixing elements can advantageously be omitted.If the flow divider section is designed to split the total fluid flow into more than two partial flows, it preferably has more than two diverter sections for guiding the different partial flows, each of which is fluidically connected to the collecting section. The turbulence contributing to mixing is advantageously generated only in the total fluid flow and not—as in the known homogenizing device—in the individual fluid flows to be combined. This results in a significantly reduced pressure loss while simultaneously achieving very good homogenization.

[0027] In one embodiment, the diverting sections are each arranged at an angle other than 180°, in particular an obtuse angle, to the collecting section. This means, in particular, that a first principal flow direction determined by the geometry of the collecting section and a second principal flow direction determined by the geometry of one of the diverting sections form an angle other than 180°, in particular an obtuse angle, with each other. Advantageously, this arrangement generates turbulence in the area where the collecting section merges into the diverting sections, contributing to particularly good mixing of the overall fluid flow, and especially to particularly thorough mixing of the gases involved.

[0028] In one embodiment, the first and second drainage sections have identical cross-sectional areas. This ensures, in particular, that the first and second partial flows have identical proportions of the first and second fluid flows, especially the respective gases. If more than two drainage sections are provided, preferably all drainage sections have identical cross-sectional areas.

[0029] In one embodiment, a flange is arranged on at least one area selected from the collecting area, the first discharge section, and the second discharge section. Advantageously, this makes it possible to connect the flow divider section to at least one other flow-guiding component or flow section in a multi-part manner. In another embodiment, however, it is also possible for the flow divider section to be formed as a single piece and / or of the same material as other sections of a flow-guiding structure, so that, for example, at least one of the discharge sections—and / or the collecting section—forms a subsection of a single-piece conduit, such as a single-piece pipe or the like.

[0030] In one embodiment, the manifold section has a flange, hereinafter also referred to as the manifold flange. Alternatively or additionally, the first branch section has a flange, hereinafter also referred to as the first branch flange. Alternatively or additionally, the second branch section has a flange, hereinafter also referred to as the second branch flange. In particular, in one embodiment, the manifold section, the first branch section, and the second branch section each have a flange.

[0031] In one embodiment, the outflow section and the collecting section are connected to each other via a flange, in particular the outflow flange and the collecting flange. The flow device is preferably designed in two parts, with the flow merging section as a first part and the flow divider section as a second part, the two parts being connected to each other via flanges, in particular the outflow flange and the collecting flange. In particular, the outflow flange and the collecting flange are then attached to each other, in particular bolted together.

[0032] In one embodiment, the manifold section and the diverter sections are formed as a single unit, wherein the manifold section transitions directly – and in particular, with a single material – into the diverter sections in the area where it opens into them, and wherein the diverter sections each have associated flanges, the diverter flanges, at their ends facing away from the manifold section. Preferably, the manifold section also has a flange, the manifold flange, on its inflow side.

[0033] If the flow guidance element is arranged in the merging section, particularly directly downstream of the partition, it is possible that the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow only meet directly in the collecting section, whereas the total fluid flow passing through the flow guidance element is still at least largely divided into the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow by the flow guidance element.

[0034] In one embodiment, the flow divider section is symmetrical, in particular mirror-symmetrical with respect to a mirror plane running through the collecting section and separating the two diverting sections. Alternatively or additionally, the diverting sections are each arranged at identical angles to the collecting section. Optionally, the diverting sections also have identical cross-sectional areas. These features, in particular—both individually and especially in combination—contribute to a uniform distribution of the partial flows with identical proportions of the first and second fluid flows.

[0035] According to a further development of the invention, the flow divider section is designed as a Y-pipe or a Y-pipe. This represents a simple yet advantageous embodiment of the flow divider section.

[0036] In one embodiment of the flow device, the flow merging section and the flow divider section are each designed as a Y-tube or Y-pipe. In one further embodiment, the flow merging section is designed as a Y-pipe rotated relative to the flow divider section, such that the two Y-pipes of the flow merging section and the flow divider section lie abutting each other in an imaginary contact area in the region of their respective bodies, with the legs of the Y-pipes extending away from this imaginary contact area.

[0037] The problem is also solved by creating an internal combustion engine that has a flow device according to the invention or a flow device according to one or more of the previously described embodiments, wherein the flow device is configured to combine two gases. In connection with the internal combustion engine, the advantages that have already been described in connection with the flow device are particularly evident.

[0038] In one embodiment, the flow device is designed to mix the two gases.

[0039] In particular, the flow device is designed for combining, especially mixing, two fuel gases.

[0040] For example, the internal combustion engine may be configured to use biogas from a biogas plant as fuel, although biogas production in the plant can fluctuate over time. Therefore, there may not always be enough biogas available from the plant to operate the engine. In this case, it is advantageous if the engine is also connected to a natural gas pipeline to supply it with natural gas as fuel. Using the flow device, it is particularly advantageous to mix natural gas from the pipeline with the biogas flow coming from the plant as a second fluid flow, especially depending on the current mass flow of biogas being supplied by the plant.

[0041] In one embodiment, the flow device is designed to divide the combined gases, in particular the mixture of the two gases, into at least two partial flows, in particular with identical composition, that is, with identical proportions of the combined gases in the partial flows.

[0042] Advantageously, for example, the mixture of natural gas and biogas is divided by the flow device into at least two partial flows with equal proportions and supplied accordingly to at least two cylinder banks of the internal combustion engine, so that the cylinder banks of the internal combustion engine can be operated with an identically composed fuel mixture. Furthermore, the flow device proposed here is also advantageously capable of handling a single fluid, meaning it can easily be operated as a supply line for only one fluid flow to the internal combustion engine, particularly if the other fluid flow is unavailable or fails. Thus, for example, pure biogas can be supplied to the internal combustion engine via the flow device, provided that the production in the biogas plant is sufficient; conversely, pure natural gas can be supplied to the internal combustion engine via the flow device if no biogas is being produced by the biogas plant.

[0043] In one embodiment, the flow device is arranged upstream of an air mixer, in particular a Venturi mixer. Advantageously, this allows two combustion gases to be combined, and especially mixed, before the total fluid flow—optionally divided—is fed to the air mixer and mixed with combustion air. If the total fluid flow is divided into at least two partial flows, the partial flows are preferably each fed to an air mixer assigned to the respective partial flow and mixed there with combustion air.

[0044] The problem is also solved by providing a method for combining two fluid flows, wherein the two fluid flows are combined into a single fluid flow by means of a flow device according to the invention or a flow device according to one or more of the previously described embodiments, using the flow merging section of the flow device. In connection with this method, the advantages arise in particular that which have already been described in connection with the flow device or the internal combustion engine.

[0045] In one embodiment, the two fluid streams are two gases, in particular two fuel gases, combined and especially mixed together. Alternatively or additionally, the two fluid streams are combined and especially mixed together for the operation of an internal combustion engine, particularly during the operation of the internal combustion engine.

[0046] According to the invention, the total fluid flow is divided into at least two partial flows by means of the flow divider section of the flow device. In one embodiment, the total fluid flow is divided such that the at least two partial flows have identical compositions.

[0047] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of an internal combustion engine with an embodiment of a flow device; Fig. 2 a representation of the embodiment of the flow device according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3. A representation of an embodiment of a flow merging section of the flow device according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2; Fig. 4 different sectional views of the flow merging section according to Fig. 3; Fig. 5 a first sectional view of the flow device according to Fig. 2; Fig. 6 a second sectional view of the flow device according to Fig. 2, and Fig. 7 a third sectional view of the flow device according to Fig. 2.

[0048] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an internal combustion engine 1 with an embodiment of a flow device 3, which is configured to combine two fluid flows 11 of two gases into a single fluid flow 13. In particular, the flow device 3 is configured to mix the two gases. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow device 3 is configured to mix two fuel gases, for example, biogas from a biogas plant, hereinafter referred to as a biogas plant, and natural gas from a natural gas pipeline.

[0049] The flow device 3 is also designed to divide the total fluid flow 13 of the combined gases, in particular the mixture of the two gases, into two partial flows 5, which have an identical composition with respect to the two gases, i.e. equal proportions of the two gases.

[0050] However, the flow device 3 is also capable of handling a single substance, meaning it can also carry only one of the gases if the other gas is absent or fails.

[0051] The flow device 3 is arranged upstream of air mixers 7. The partial flows 5 are each fed to an air mixer of the air mixers 7 assigned to the respective partial flow of the partial flows 5 and mixed there with combustion air 9.

[0052] In particular, a first fluid stream 11.1 of a first gas of the two fuel gases and a second fluid stream 11.2 of a second gas of the two fuel gases are combined, and in particular mixed, to form the total fluid stream 13 by means of the flow device 3. Furthermore, the total fluid stream 13 is divided into the two partial streams 5 by means of the flow device 3.

[0053] The flow device 3 has a flow merging section 15, which includes a first inlet area 17.1 for the first fluid flow 11.1 and a second inlet area 17.2 for the second fluid flow 11.2, as well as an outlet area 19 for the total fluid flow 13. A flow alignment element 21 is arranged in the outlet area 19. Downstream of the outlet area 19, the flow device 3 has a flow divider section 23, which is configured to divide the total fluid flow 13 into the partial flows 5, specifically a first partial flow 5.1 and a second partial flow 5.2. The first partial flow 5.1 is mixed with combustion air in a first air mixer 7.1 of the air mixers 7, so that a first combustion air-fuel gas mixture 25.1 is formed. The second partial flow 5.2 is mixed with combustion air in a second air mixer 7.2 of the air mixer 7, so that a second combustion air-fuel gas mixture 25.2 is formed.The first combustion air-fuel gas mixture 25.1 is supplied to a first cylinder bank 27.1 of an engine block 29 of the internal combustion engine 1, and the second combustion air-fuel gas mixture 25.2 is supplied to a second cylinder bank 27.2 of the engine block 29.

[0054] Fig. Figure 2 shows a representation of the embodiment of the flow device 3 according to Fig. 1.

[0055] Identical and functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures, so that reference is made to the preceding description in each case.

[0056] The first inlet section 17.1 is fluidically connected to the outlet section 19 via a first supply line section 31.1 for the flow guidance of the first fluid flow 11.1, and the second inlet section 17.2 is fluidically connected to the outlet section 19 via a second supply line section 31.2 for the flow guidance of the second fluid flow 11.2. The first supply line section 31.1 and the second supply line section 31.2 open into the common outlet section 19.

[0057] In the embodiment shown here, the flow merging section 15 is designed as a Y-pipe or Y-pipe. The first inlet section 31.1 has an S-shape or runs along an S-curve from the first inlet area 17.1 to the outlet area 19. Similarly, the second inlet section 31.2 also has an S-shape or runs along an S-curve from the second inlet area 17.2 to the outlet area 19.

[0058] The first inlet area 17.1 has a flange 33, which is also referred to below as the first inlet flange 33.1. The second inlet area 17.2 has a flange 33, which is also referred to below as the second inlet flange 33.2. The outlet area 19 has a flange 33, which is also referred to below as the outlet flange 35.

[0059] The flow divider section 23, designed as a Y-pipe or Y-pipe, has a collecting section 37 and, fluidically connected to the collecting section 37, a first discharge section 39.1 for guiding the first partial flow 5.1 and a second discharge section 39.2 for guiding the second partial flow 5.2. In particular, turbulence is generated in the region where the collecting section 37 opens into the discharge sections 39.1 and 39.2, which contributes to good mixing of the overall fluid flow 13.

[0060] The derivation sections 39.1, 39.2 are arranged at an angle other than 180°, in particular an obtuse angle, to the collecting section 37.

[0061] Preferably, the first discharge section 39.1 and the second discharge section 39.2 have identical cross-sectional areas. This ensures, in particular, that the first partial flow 5.1 and the second partial flow 5.2 have identical proportions of the first and second fluid flows 11.2, 11.2, i.e., the respective gases.

[0062] In the embodiment shown here, the collecting section 37 has a flange 33, which is also referred to below as the collecting flange 41. The first branch section 39.1 has a flange 33, which is also referred to below as the first branch flange 43.1, and the second branch section 39.2 has a flange 33, which is also referred to below as the second branch flange 43.2.

[0063] In particular, the outflow area 19 and the collection section 37 are connected to each other via the outflow flange 35 and the collection flange 41.

[0064] The collecting section 37 is formed in one piece with the derivation sections 39.1, 39.2 and, in an area where it merges into the derivation sections 39.1, 39.2, transitions directly - preferably in a single material - into them.

[0065] Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view of the flow merging section 15 according to Fig. 2. The first inlet section 31.1 extends along a first flow path from the first inlet area 17.1 to the outflow area 19. In Fig. 3 are different successive section planes along a second flow path from the second inflow area 17.2 to the outflow area 19, designated by letters A to F, with the corresponding section views in Fig. 4 are reproduced.

[0066] Fig. Figure 4 shows the different section views according to the section planes A to F of Fig. 3.

[0067] Based on these sectional views – which are shown as examples only for the second inlet section 31.2, although the first inlet section 31.1 develops along the first flow path in a complementary or opposite direction – it becomes clear that a first inlet cross-section of the first inlet section 31.1 and a second inlet cross-section of the second inlet section 31.2 flatten on one side along the respective flow path in a tapering direction V on sides opposite the tapering direction V and each form a flattened side 45.1, 45.2, wherein the first inlet section 31.1 and the second inlet section 31.2 are brought together in the outflow region 19 in such a way that they lie against each other with the flattened sides 45.1, 45.2, wherein the flattened sides 45.1, 45.2 in a way that is adjacent to the inflow regions 17.1, 17.2 facing the separation section 46 of the outflow area, a partition wall 47 is formed.The flattened sides 45.1 and 45.2 face each other in the direction of narrowing. The fluid flows 11.1 and 11.2 are thus layered quasi-laminarly on top of each other in the outflow region 19. Preferably, the first inlet cross-section and the second inlet cross-section narrow continuously or steadily along their respective flow paths in the direction of narrowing V.

[0068] The first and second inlet cross-sections are circular in their respective inlet areas 17.1 and 17.2, and semicircular in the outlet area 19 – see sectional views A and F. An outlet cross-section in the outlet area 19 is circular, with the semicircular first inlet cross-section and the semicircular second inlet cross-section together forming the circular outlet cross-section – see sectional view F.

[0069] Preferably, the centers of the first inlet section 17.1, the second inlet section 17.2, and the outlet section 19 lie in a common plane, with the tapering direction V perpendicular to the common plane. Similarly, the first supply section 31.1 and the second supply section 31.2 in the outlet section 19 are arranged one above the other in a direction perpendicular to the common plane—namely, the tapering direction V.

[0070] Fig. Figure 5 shows a first sectional view of the flow device 3 according to Fig. 2.

[0071] The two fluid flows 11.1, 11.2 to be merged are initially guided one above the other in the outflow section 19, but separated by the partition 47. In a merging section 49 upstream of an outflow end 51 of the outflow section 19, where the partition 47 ends, they then flow in the same direction and in a laminar, layered manner.

[0072] Fig. Figure 6 shows a second sectional view of the flow device 3 according to Fig. 2.

[0073] In the merging section 49 of the outflow region 19, the flow alignment element 21, designed here as a flow grid, is arranged, which reinforces the laminar alignment of the two fluid flows 11.1, 11.2 even downstream of the outflow region 19. In particular, the fluid flows 11.1, 11.2 are aligned in the flow direction by the flow alignment element 21, the flow alignment element 21 preferably being subjected to laminar flow.

[0074] In particular, the flow alignment element 21 is arranged in the outflow flange 35, and in particular integrated into it.

[0075] Fig. Figure 7 shows a third sectional view of the flow device 3 according to Fig. 2.

[0076] This illustration clearly shows once again that the supply line cross-sections taper in opposite directions, with the second fluid flow 11.2 passing through the cross-sectional plane of the second supply line section 31.2. Fig. 7 is directed upwards, while the first fluid flow 11.1 is directed downwards in the first supply section 31.1 below the cutting plane. Furthermore, in Fig. 7. It can be seen that the two drainage sections 39.1 and 39.2, which open out of the collection section 37, have identical cross-sectional areas.

[0077] Furthermore, it is shown here that a first center point X of the first inflow area 17.1, a second center point Y of the second inflow area 17.2 and a third center point Z of the outflow area 19 lie in the common plane, namely in the intersection plane of Fig. 7, lie.

Claims

[1] Flow device (3), comprising a flow merging section (15) for combining a first fluid flow (11.1) and a second fluid flow (11.2), wherein the flow merging section (15) - a first inflow area (17.1) for the first fluid flow (11.1) and a second inflow area (17.2) for the second fluid flow (11.2) as well as - has a discharge area (19) for a total fluid flow (13) combined from the first fluid flow (11.1) and the second fluid flow (11.2), wherein - the first inlet area (17.1) is fluidically connected to the outlet area (19) via a first supply line section (31.1) for the flow guidance of the first fluid flow (11.1), wherein - the second inlet area (17.2) is connected to the outlet area (19) via a second supply line section (31.2) for the flow guidance of the second fluid flow (11.2), wherein - the first supply section (31.1) and the second supply section (31.2) flow into the common outflow area (19), wherein - a first inlet cross-section of the first inlet section (31.1) tapers along a first flow path from the first inlet area (17.1) to the outflow area (19) in a tapering direction (V), wherein - a second inlet cross-section of the second inlet section (31.2) tapers along a second flow path from the second inlet area (17.2) to the outflow area (19) in the direction of tapering (V), wherein - the first inlet section (31.1) and the second inlet section (31.2) are arranged adjacent to each other in the outflow area (19) along the direction of the narrowing (V) and are separated from each other in a separation section (46) of the outflow area (19) facing the inflow areas (17.1, 17.2) by a partition wall (47) oriented transversely to the direction of the narrowing (V), wherein - the partition (47) ends in the flow direction before an outflow end (51) of the outflow area (19), so that the inlet sections (31.1, 31.2) are joined in a merging section (49) of the outflow area (19) facing away from the inflow areas (17.1, 17.2), wherein - the centers (X, Y, Z) of the first inflow region (17.1), the second inflow region (17.2) and the outflow region (19) lie in a common plane, wherein the tapering direction (V) is perpendicular to the common plane, and wherein the first inlet section (31.1) and the second inlet section (31.2) in the outflow region (19) are arranged one above the other in a direction perpendicular to the common plane, and wherein - the flow device (3) downstream of the outflow section (19) has a flow divider section (23) which is designed to divide the total fluid flow (13) at least into a first partial flow (5.1) and a second partial flow (5.2). [2] Flow device (3) according to claim 1, wherein the flow merging section (15) is designed as a Y-pipe or Y-pipe. [3] Flow device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a flange (33) is arranged on at least one area selected from the first inlet area (17.1), the second inlet area (17.2) and the outlet area (19). [4] Flow device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the first inlet cross-section and the second inlet cross-section along the respective flow path in the direction of narrowing (V) flatten on one side opposite the direction of narrowing (V) and each form a flattened side (45.1, 45.2), wherein - the first inlet section (31.1) and the second inlet section (31.2) are joined together in the outflow area (19) in such a way that they lie against each other with their flattened sides (45.1, 45.2), the flattened sides (45.1, 45.2) forming the partition (47) in the outflow area (19). [5] Flow device (3) according to claim 4, wherein - the first supply line cross-section is circular in the first inflow area (17.1) and semicircular in the outflow area (19), wherein - the second supply cross-section is circular in the second inflow area (17.2) and semicircular in the outflow area (19), wherein - an outflow cross-section in the outflow area (19) is circular, wherein the semicircular first inlet cross-section and the semicircular second inlet cross-section together form the circular outflow cross-section. [6] Flow device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a flow alignment element (21), in particular a flow grid, is arranged in the outflow area (19), in particular in the merging section (49). [7] Flow device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow divider section (23) has a collecting section (37) and, fluidically connected to the collecting section (37), a first discharge section (39.1) for guiding the first partial flow (5.1) and a second discharge section (39.2) for guiding the second partial flow (5.2), wherein optionally the first discharge section (39.1) and the second discharge section (39.2) have identical cross-sectional areas. [8] Flow device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow divider section (23) is designed as a Y-tube or Y-pipe. [9] Internal combustion engine (1), with a flow device (3) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the flow device (3) is configured to combine two gases, in particular two fuel gases, to form a total fluid flow (13), and wherein the flow device (3) is configured to divide the total fluid flow (13) into at least two partial flows (5) by means of the flow device (3). [10] Method for combining two fluid flows (11), in particular fuel gases, especially for the operation of an internal combustion engine (1), wherein the two fluid flows (11) are combined to form a total fluid flow (13) by means of a flow device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and wherein the total fluid flow (13) is divided into at least two partial flows (5) by means of the flow device (3).

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