Closed-Cycle Engine Pressure Control With Tank-Decoupled Fluid Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large vehicles equipped with traditional internal combustion engines face challenges in efficiently managing pressure and power distribution across their closed-cycle engines, particularly in varying operational conditions, which affects their performance and efficiency on different terrains.
Innovation Solution
A pressure control system for closed-cycle engines that includes a network of fluid passageways, valves, air bearings, and a pressurized tank, with a pressure control module regulating the flow of working fluid to provide multiple operational states, such as non-steady and steady-state operations, power acceleration, and deceleration, through a method involving initial pressurization, steady-state operation, and controlled fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional internal combustion engine is used in large vehicles, then the vehicle can generate sufficient power to propel heavy loads, but the pressure and power distribution cannot be efficiently managed under varying operational conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic pressure control system that transitions between steady-state and non-steady-state operations based on vehicle conditions. The system dynamically adjusts working fluid flow to the closed-cycle engine, allowing adaptation to varying operational requirements while maintaining manageable complexity through controlled dynamic behavior rather than complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by controlling the state of the working fluid (pressure, flow rate) to the closed-cycle engine. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves different operational modes (steady-state for efficiency, non-steady-state for acceleration or deceleration) without requiring physically different engine configurations, thus improving versatility without proportional increases in complexity
2Productivity
If a closed-cycle engine with pressure control system is implemented, then operational flexibility and efficiency are enhanced, but the system complexity and device components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The working fluid serves multiple functions: it acts as the power transmission medium in the closed-cycle engine, provides hydraulic actuation for air bearings, and enables pressure control for different operational states. This multi-functionality improves vehicle efficiency without requiring separate systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic principles to control the closed-cycle engine through fluid pressure regulation. The air bearings utilize pneumatic principles where controlled fluid flow creates bearing surfaces. These established pneumatic and hydraulic mechanisms provide efficient control with relatively simple component structures, improving productivity without excessive complexity increases
3Use of energy by moving object
If steady-state operation is maintained for fuel efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but the vehicle cannot respond quickly to changing terrain or load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates in periodic cycles, alternating between steady-state operation (for fuel efficiency during normal conditions) and non-steady-state operation (for rapid response during acceleration or deceleration). This periodic switching allows the vehicle to achieve both fuel efficiency during cruising and rapid response when needed, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and response speed
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure control system maintains readiness to transition from steady-state to non-steady-state operation by keeping the working fluid supply system prepared. This preliminary preparation allows rapid response to changing conditions without requiring continuous non-steady-state operation, thereby maintaining fuel efficiency while enabling quick response when terrain or load changes require it
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances the operational flexibility and efficiency of closed-cycle engines by allowing for precise control of pressure and power distribution, enabling the vehicle to maintain performance across various conditions, including uneven terrain and heavy loads.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurized tank containing a working fluid, the pressurized tank being selectively fluidly coupled with the plurality of cylinder-piston assemblies and the one or more air bearings
Implementation Method 2
one or more air bearings associated with each of the plurality of cylinder-piston assemblies, the one or more air bearings in fluid communication with the network of fluid passageways
Data Source
AI summary
A method of pressurizing a closed-cycle engine includes performing a non-steady state operation in which a working fluid flows to or from a pressurized tank: i) to or from a plurality of sumps defined by respective ones of a plurality of cylinder-piston assemblies of the closed-cycle engine; or ii) to or from one or more air bearings associated with each one of the plurality of the cylinder-piston assemblies; or iii) both and performing, before and/or after performing the non-steady state operation, a steady-state operation in which the working fluid flows through the plurality of sumps and the one or more air bearings along a steady-state loop that is fluidly decoupled from the pressurized tank.