Exhaust system for a device for providing electrical energy and device for providing electrical energy

The exhaust system for power generators with a reversible configuration addresses the challenge of meeting varying emissions standards and fuel quality by allowing flexible operation, ensuring compliance and reduced emissions.

DE102024125085A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-03-05JENOPTIK POWER SYST GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102024125085
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-03
Publication Date
2026-03-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing power generator sets often require engines that meet less strict emissions standards, leading to lower efficiency and higher exhaust emissions, limiting their use in applications requiring stricter standards or lower-quality fuels.

Method used

An exhaust system for power generators with a reversible configuration allowing operation with higher or lower quality fuels, featuring an exhaust aftertreatment device, silencer, and detachable connecting pipes that can switch between paths to meet different emissions standards.

Benefits of technology

Enables compliance with both stricter emissions standards and flexibility to use lower-quality fuels, maintaining performance and reducing emissions, thus meeting customer and regulatory requirements.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

An exhaust system (110) for a device (100) for providing electrical energy (E), wherein the device (100) has an internal combustion engine (M) that can be operated with either higher-quality or lower-quality fuel, and a generator (G) coupled to the internal combustion engine (M), comprises an exhaust aftertreatment device (120) for treating exhaust gas (X) from the internal combustion engine (M), at least one silencer (130), and connecting pipes (142, 144, 146). The connecting pipes (142, 144, 146) are reversibly reconfigurable between a first configuration and a second configuration by means of detachable connections.The connecting pipes (142, 144, 146) are shaped to provide, in the first configuration, a first exhaust path from the internal combustion engine (M) via the exhaust aftertreatment device (120) to the at least one silencer (130) and, in the second configuration, to provide a second exhaust path from the internal combustion engine (M) directly to the at least one silencer (130).
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Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to an exhaust system for a device for providing electrical energy and to a device for providing electrical energy.

[0002] Typically, in many applications of power generator sets, instead of engines that have an exhaust aftertreatment system and can meet a strict emissions standard, only engines that can meet a less strict emissions standard can be used, and thus may have disadvantages such as lower efficiency and higher exhaust emissions. revelation

[0003] Against this background, the approach presented here introduces an improved exhaust system for a device for providing electrical energy and an improved device for providing electrical energy according to the main claims. The measures listed in the dependent claims enable advantageous further developments and improvements of the device specified in the independent claim.

[0004] The approach presented here makes it possible, in particular, to adapt an exhaust system for a device for providing electrical energy, for example a power generator, by means of hardware modification or conversion to operate both in accordance with a stricter emission standard and in accordance with a less strict emission standard, for example with low-quality fuels, depending on the specific application and location.

[0005] An exhaust system for a device for providing electrical energy is presented, wherein the device comprises an internal combustion engine which can be operated with either higher quality fuel or lower quality fuel, and a generator coupled to the internal combustion engine, wherein the exhaust system has the following features: an exhaust aftertreatment device for treating exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine; at least one silencer; and Connecting pipes which are reversibly reconfigurable between a first configuration and a second configuration by means of detachable connections, wherein the connecting pipes are shaped to provide, in the first configuration, a first exhaust path from the internal combustion engine via the exhaust aftertreatment device to the at least one silencer and, in the second configuration, a second exhaust path from the internal combustion engine directly to the at least one silencer.

[0006] The device can be configured to provide electrical energy by means of a generator driven by an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine can be configured to provide kinetic energy. The generator can be configured to convert the kinetic energy into electrical energy and provide it. The device can also be referred to as a diesel generator or power generator set. The exhaust aftertreatment device can also be referred to as an exhaust aftertreatment system. The exhaust aftertreatment device can have at least one exhaust aftertreatment unit, which can, for example, be connected in series. The first exhaust path can be longer than the second exhaust path. The detachable connections can be gas-tight. The detachable connections can include or be implemented using pipe clamps. At least one of the connecting pipes can be formed in one piece or as a single unit.At least one of the connecting pipes can be multi-sectioned or multi-part. In the first configuration, the exhaust aftertreatment system can be used in the exhaust system and thus by the device. In the first configuration, the combustion engine can be operated with higher-quality fuel. In the second configuration, the exhaust aftertreatment system can be bypassed. In the second configuration, the combustion engine can be operated with lower-quality fuel.

[0007] A device for providing electrical energy can, according to its embodiment, utilize, for example, an internal combustion engine with an exhaust aftertreatment system that meets stricter emissions standards to reduce exhaust emissions. This also allows compliance with any applicable legal requirements regarding exhaust emissions. Furthermore, the exhaust system, and thus the device, can be backward compatible with various fuels, meaning that even the use of lower-quality fuels is possible. A corresponding modification to the system can be implemented quickly and easily. This modification also ensures that the engine's exhaust backpressure remains within the specified limits, thus maintaining the performance and functional characteristics of both the engine and the overall system.

[0008] This system can meet both customer and regulatory requirements, providing a versatile exhaust system and, consequently, a device such as a generator unit for a wide range of applications. It can utilize combustion engines with stricter emissions standards, including exhaust aftertreatment, and can be quickly retrofitted to operate on low-grade fuel, for example, in specific locations where only low-grade fuel is available. This ensures maximum operational flexibility, as neither the exhaust system nor the device needs to be removed for retrofitting, allowing for rapid conversion.

[0009] Thus, according to the exemplary implementations, it is possible, in particular, to switch from operation according to a stricter emissions standard to operation according to a less stringent emissions standard using lower-quality fuels. This allows customer-specific and legal requirements to be met. Furthermore, emissions can be reduced, thereby contributing to the achievement of climate protection goals.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the connecting pipes can comprise a first connecting pipe, a second connecting pipe, and additionally or alternatively, a supplementary connecting pipe. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a simple and clear pipe connection with a minimal number of parts can be enabled for both configurations.

[0011] In the first configuration, the first connecting pipe can be connected at one end to an exhaust outlet of the combustion engine and at the other end to an inlet of the exhaust aftertreatment system. Similarly, in the first configuration, the second connecting pipe can be connected at one end to an outlet of the exhaust aftertreatment system and at the other end to an inlet of the silencer. Thus, in the first configuration, both the first and second connecting pipes can be installed within the exhaust system. This design offers the advantage that, through the use of the exhaust aftertreatment system, pollutant emissions can be minimized and any customer-specific and legal requirements can be met.

[0012] In the second configuration, the first connecting pipe can be connected at one end to an exhaust outlet of the combustion engine and at the other end to the first end of the auxiliary connecting pipe. Furthermore, in the second configuration, the auxiliary connecting pipe can be connected at the first end to the second end of the first connecting pipe and at the other end to an inlet of the silencer. Thus, in the second configuration, the first connecting pipe and the auxiliary connecting pipe can be installed within the exhaust system. This embodiment offers the advantage that, even if only lower-quality fuel is available, the system's adaptability and backward compatibility allow for its use.

[0013] The first connecting pipe can have a 90-degree bend. The first end of this pipe can be rotatable at the exhaust outlet to allow switching between configurations. This design offers the advantage of quick and easy conversion or switching between configurations.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the exhaust aftertreatment system can include a particulate filter and a catalyst. The particulate filter can be a diesel particulate filter. The catalyst can be a selective catalytic reduction catalyst. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that even stricter emissions standards can be met and pollutant emissions can be kept low.

[0015] Furthermore, the exhaust system can have sealing elements for closing the inlet and outlet of the exhaust aftertreatment system in the second configuration of the connecting pipes. This measure protects the system from the ingress of dirt, dust, and other contaminants that could otherwise cause damage when restarted in the first configuration.

[0016] A device for providing electrical energy is also presented, the device having the following features: an internal combustion engine that can optionally be operated with higher quality fuel or lower quality fuel; a generator coupled to the internal combustion engine; and an embodiment of an exhaust system mentioned herein, wherein the exhaust system is connected to the internal combustion engine.

[0017] The device can also be referred to as a diesel generator or power generator set. In conjunction with the device, an embodiment of the exhaust system mentioned herein can be advantageously employed or used to treat exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine and release it into the environment.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the device can be designed as a diesel generator or a mobile power generator set.

[0019] The internal combustion engine can also be a diesel engine or a diesel engine with an exhaust gas turbocharger.

[0020] Examples of the approach presented here are shown in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device for providing electrical energy; Fig. 2 an embodiment of a device for providing electrical energy; Fig. 3 an embodiment of a device for providing electrical energy; Fig. 4 a partial representation of an embodiment of a device for providing electrical energy; Fig. 5 a partial representation of an embodiment of a device for providing electrical energy; Fig. 6 an embodiment of a device for providing electrical energy; and Fig. 7 an embodiment of a device for providing electrical energy.

[0021] In the following description of favorable embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and acting similarly, without repeating these elements.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device 100 for providing electrical energy E. According to one embodiment, the device 100 is configured as a diesel generator or a mobile power generator set. Thus, the device 100 can be referred to, for example, as an energy supply device or a power generator set. The device 100 comprises an internal combustion engine M, a generator G, and an exhaust system 110.

[0023] The internal combustion engine M can be operated with either higher-quality or lower-quality fuel. According to one embodiment, the internal combustion engine M is configured as a diesel engine or as a diesel engine with an exhaust gas turbocharger. During operation, the internal combustion engine M produces exhaust gas X.

[0024] The generator G is coupled to the internal combustion engine M. The generator G can be driven by the internal combustion engine M to generate energy E, in particular electrical energy.

[0025] The exhaust system 110 is connected to the internal combustion engine M. The exhaust system 110 is designed to treat the exhaust gas X and / or discharge it into an environment. The exhaust system 110 comprises an exhaust aftertreatment device 120, at least one silencer 130, and connecting pipes 142, 144, 146.

[0026] The exhaust aftertreatment system 120 is designed to treat the exhaust gas X from the internal combustion engine M. According to one embodiment, the exhaust aftertreatment system 120 comprises a particulate filter 122 and a catalyst 124. The particulate filter 122 is, for example, a diesel particulate filter. The catalyst 124 is, for example, a catalyst for selective catalytic reduction. The particulate filter 122 and the catalyst 124 are connected in series. In this example, the particulate filter 122 is located upstream of the catalyst 124. Alternatively, the particulate filter 122 can also be located downstream of the catalyst 124. The at least one silencer 130 is located downstream of the exhaust aftertreatment system 120. After the silencer 130, a tailpipe, exhaust pipe, or the like, for example, discharges the exhaust gas X into the environment.

[0027] The connecting pipes 142, 144, 146 are reversibly reconfigurable between a first configuration and a second configuration by means of detachable connections. The connecting pipes 142, 144, 146 are shaped to create, in the first configuration, a first exhaust path from the combustion engine M via the exhaust aftertreatment device 120 to the at least one silencer 130, and in the second configuration to create a second exhaust path from the combustion engine M directly to the at least one silencer 130, i.e., bypassing the exhaust aftertreatment device 120.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the connecting pipes comprise a first connecting pipe 142, a second connecting pipe 144 and / or an additional connecting pipe 146. In the first configuration, the first connecting pipe 142 and the second connecting pipe 144 are mounted, while in the second configuration, the first connecting pipe 142 and the additional connecting pipe 146 are mounted.

[0029] Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a device 100 for providing electrical energy. The device 100 corresponds to or is similar to the device shown in Figure 2. Fig. 1, whereby, due to the way the illustration is presented, not all parts of the device 100 are explicitly named and / or shown. For example, the combustion engine, the generator, and the exhaust system of the device 100 are arranged within a housing 205. In Fig. Figure 2 shows the first configuration of the connecting pipes of the exhaust system.

[0030] In the first configuration, the first connecting pipe 142 is connected at one end to an exhaust outlet of the combustion engine and at the other end to an inlet of the exhaust aftertreatment system. Furthermore, in the first configuration, the second connecting pipe 144 is connected at one end to an outlet 225 of the exhaust aftertreatment system, in this case the catalyst 124, and at the other end to an inlet 232 of the silencer 130. A tailpipe and / or exhaust 235 of the exhaust system is also shown.

[0031] Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a device 100 for providing electrical energy. The device 100 corresponds to the device from Figure 3. Fig. 2, wherein in Fig. 3 also shows the first configuration of the connecting pipes of the exhaust system and only partially different parts than in Fig. 2 are explicitly designated.

[0032] As already mentioned with reference to Fig. As also mentioned in section 2, in the first configuration, the first connecting pipe 142 is connected at its first end to the exhaust outlet M1 of the internal combustion engine and at its second end to the inlet 321 of the exhaust aftertreatment system. Furthermore, in the first configuration, the second connecting pipe 144 is connected at its first end to the outlet of the exhaust aftertreatment system, in this case the catalyst 124, and at its second end to the inlet of the silencer 130.

[0033] Fig. Figure 4 shows a partial representation of an embodiment of a device for providing electrical energy. A section of the device is shown. Fig. 2 or Fig. Figure 3 shows the first configuration of the exhaust system connecting pipes. The section depicts the particulate filter 122, a section of the silencer 130, the first connecting pipe 142, a section of the second connecting pipe 144, the exhaust outlet M1, and the inlet 321 of the exhaust aftertreatment system. The first connecting pipe 142 is connected at its first end to the exhaust outlet M1 of the combustion engine and at its second end to the inlet 321 of the exhaust aftertreatment system, in this case, the particulate filter 122.

[0034] Fig. Figure 5 shows a partial representation of an embodiment of a device for providing electrical energy. A section of the device is shown. Fig. 2 or Fig. 3 in the second configuration of the exhaust system connecting pipes. The illustration in Fig. 5 here resembles the representation from Fig. 4. The section shows the particulate filter 122, a section of the silencer 130, the first connecting pipe 142, the additional connecting pipe 146, the exhaust outlet M1, the inlet 232 of the silencer 130 and the inlet 321 of the exhaust aftertreatment device.

[0035] In the second configuration, the first connecting pipe 142 is connected at its first end to the exhaust outlet M1 of the internal combustion engine and at its second end to the first end of the auxiliary connecting pipe 146. Furthermore, in the second configuration, the auxiliary connecting pipe 146 is connected at its first end to the second end of the first connecting pipe 142 and at its second end to the inlet 232 of the silencer 130.

[0036] Especially from Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows that, according to the embodiment shown here, the first connecting pipe 142 has a 90-degree bend. It is also apparent that the first end of the first connecting pipe 142 is rotatable at the exhaust outlet M1 in order to switch between the first and second configurations. Thus, depending on the configuration, the second end of the first connecting pipe 142 is connected either to the inlet 321 of the exhaust aftertreatment system or to the additional connecting pipe 146.

[0037] Fig. Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a device 100 for providing electrical energy. The device 100 corresponds to the device from Figure 6. Fig. 2 and / or Fig. 3, wherein in Fig. 6 shows the second configuration of the connecting pipe in the exhaust system, as in Fig. 5 illustrates.

[0038] As already mentioned with reference to Fig. As also mentioned in Figure 5, in the second configuration the first connecting pipe 142 is connected at one end to the exhaust outlet M1 of the combustion engine and at the other end to the first end of the auxiliary connecting pipe 146. Furthermore, in the second configuration the auxiliary connecting pipe 146 is connected at its first end to the second end of the first connecting pipe 142 and at its second end to the inlet 232 of the silencer 130. Thus, a connection point 645 exists between the first connecting pipe 142 and the auxiliary connecting pipe 146.

[0039] Fig. Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a device 100 for providing electrical energy. The illustration in Fig. 7 corresponds to the representation from Fig. 6 except that a slightly enlarged section of the device 100 is shown and additionally, closing elements 750 are explicitly designated. In the second configuration of the connecting pipes of the exhaust system, the closing elements 750 are mounted to close the inlet and outlet of the exhaust aftertreatment device. Thus, the inlet of the exhaust aftertreatment device is closed by a first of the closing elements 750, and the outlet of the exhaust aftertreatment device is closed by a second of the closing elements 750.

[0040] The following section explains the conversion of the exhaust system from the first configuration to the second configuration, including the removal or disconnection of the exhaust aftertreatment system, with reference to the figures described above.

[0041] With reference to Fig. Figure 2 shows a first stage of the conversion, in which the pipe clamps of the piping or the second connecting pipe 144 between the silencer 130 and the flange at the outlet 225 of the catalyst 124 or SCR catalyst (SCR = selective catalytic reduction) are loosened. The second connecting pipe 144 can then be completely removed.

[0042] With reference to Fig. Figure 3 shows a second stage of the conversion, in which pipe clamps of the first connecting pipe 142, which is implemented, for example, as a 90° bend profile, are loosened at the inlet 321 to the particulate filter or DPF (diesel particulate filter). In other words, pipe clamps are loosened at the 90° bend of the piping between the exhaust turbo outlet or exhaust outlet M1 and the inlet 321 to the DPF.

[0043] With reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows a third stage of the conversion, in which the 90° pipe bend or the first connecting pipe 142 is detached from the inlet 321 of the particulate filter 122 and rotated 45 degrees with the opening facing upwards. The pipe connection of the (Emission Downgrade) EDG kit, i.e., the additional connecting pipe 146, is inserted between the now open pipe bend of the exhaust turbo outlet piping or the exhaust outlet M1 and the inlet 232 to the silencer 130.

[0044] With reference to Fig. Figure 6 shows a fourth stage of the conversion, in which clamps between the additional connecting pipe 146 or EDG pipe to the silencer 130 and at the connection point between the additional connecting pipe 146 and the first connecting pipe 142 or 90° bend to the exhaust gas outlet M1 or the piping of the exhaust gas turbo outlet are correctly positioned and tightened in a defined manner to ensure the correct function and a secure fit of the connection.

[0045] With reference to Fig. Figure 7 shows a fifth stage of the conversion, in which all remaining openings, here the inlet and outlet of the exhaust aftertreatment system, are closed with suitable sealing elements 750, for example, sealing caps, and secured with corresponding clamps. In other words, this involves closing open pipes or interfaces of the exhaust aftertreatment system with sealing elements 750, including closures and fastening with corresponding clamps. This measure completes the hardware-related conversion on the engine side. The unit or device 100 can now be closed again.

[0046] If an embodiment includes an “and / or” connection between a first feature and a second feature, this is to be read as meaning that the embodiment according to one embodiment has both the first feature and the second feature, and according to another embodiment either only the first feature or only the second feature.

Claims

[1] Exhaust system (110) for a device (100) for providing electrical energy (E), wherein the device (100) comprises an internal combustion engine (M) which can be operated with either higher quality fuel or lower quality fuel, and a generator (G) coupled to the internal combustion engine (M), wherein the exhaust system (110) has the following features: an exhaust aftertreatment device (120) for aftertreating exhaust gas (X) from the internal combustion engine (M); at least one silencer (130); and Connecting pipes (142, 144, 146) which are reversibly reconfigurable between a first configuration and a second configuration by means of detachable connections, wherein the connecting pipes (142, 144, 146) are shaped to provide, in the first configuration, a first exhaust path from the internal combustion engine (M) via the exhaust aftertreatment device (120) to the at least one silencer (130) and, in the second configuration, a second exhaust path from the internal combustion engine (M) directly to the at least one silencer (130). [2] Exhaust system (110) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting pipes comprise a first connecting pipe (142), a second connecting pipe (144) and / or an additional connecting pipe (146). [3] Exhaust system (110) according to claim 2, wherein in the first configuration the first connecting pipe (142) is connected with a first end to an exhaust outlet (M1) of the internal combustion engine (M) and with a second end to an inlet (321) of the exhaust aftertreatment device (120) and the second connecting pipe (144) is connected with a first end to an outlet (225) of the exhaust aftertreatment device (120) and with a second end to an inlet (232) of the silencer (130). [4] Exhaust system (110) according to one of claims 2 to 3, wherein in the second configuration the first connecting pipe (142) is connected with a first end to an exhaust outlet (M1) of the internal combustion engine (M) and with a second end to a first end of the additional connecting pipe (146) and the additional connecting pipe (146) is connected with the first end to the second end of the first connecting pipe (142) and with a second end to an inlet (232) of the silencer (130). [5] Exhaust system (110) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first connecting pipe (142) has a 90-degree bend, wherein the first end of the first connecting pipe (142) is rotatable at the exhaust outlet (M1) to change between configurations. [6] Exhaust system (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the exhaust aftertreatment device (120) comprises a particulate filter (122) and a catalyst (124), wherein the particulate filter (122) is designed as a diesel particulate filter, and wherein the catalyst (124) is designed as a catalyst for selective catalytic reduction. [7] Exhaust system (110) according to one of the preceding claims, with closing elements (750) for closing the inlet (321) and outlet (225) of the exhaust aftertreatment device (120) in the second configuration of the connecting pipes (142, 144, 146). [8] Device (100) for providing electrical energy (E), wherein the device (100) has the following features: an internal combustion engine (M) that can optionally run on higher quality fuel or lower quality fuel can be used; a generator (G) coupled to the internal combustion engine (M); and an exhaust system (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the exhaust system (110) is connected to the internal combustion engine (M). [9] Device (100) according to claim 8, wherein the device (100) is designed as a diesel generator or a mobile power generator set. [10] Device (100) according to one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the internal combustion engine (M) is designed as a diesel engine or as a diesel engine with exhaust gas turbocharger.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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