Compressed Air Storage for Engine Transient Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines face inefficiencies and increased emissions during transient conditions due to a mismatch between fuel injection and air supply, leading to a rich air-fuel ratio and delayed engine response.
Innovation Solution
A method involving charging a compressed air storage vessel and directly injecting compressed air into engine cylinders based on valve and fuel injection timing to maintain a proportionate air-fuel ratio and enhance transient response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If additional air is delivered to the intake manifold during transient conditions, then the air-fuel ratio is improved, but the engine response time is delayed due to the time required to fill the manifold
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the air delivery function from the intake manifold system and places it directly at the cylinder level. A storage vessel positioned in the cylinder receives air directly from the compressor, bypassing the intake manifold. This extraction of the air delivery path from the conventional manifold system eliminates the delay associated with filling the manifold, allowing immediate air delivery to the cylinder during transient conditions while maintaining proper air-fuel ratio.
2Power
If fuel injection is increased during transient conditions to meet power demand, then the power output is improved, but the air-fuel ratio becomes too rich leading to decreased engine speed and increased emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the storage vessel pre-filled with air from the compressor before transient conditions occur. During normal operation, the compressor charges the storage vessel in advance. When transient conditions arise and fuel injection needs to be increased for power output, the pre-stored air is already available in the vessel, allowing immediate delivery to maintain proper air-fuel ratio without delay, thus preventing rich mixture conditions and maintaining engine operation stability.
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
This approach allows for a faster engine response to changing conditions by ensuring a more immediate increase in air supply, thereby maintaining an optimal air-fuel ratio and improving engine efficiency and reducing emissions.
Implementation Method 1
charging a compressed air storage vessel via a compressor
Implementation Method 2
directly injecting compressed air from the storage vessel to a cylinder of the engine to enhance fuel combustion
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods and systems for operating an internal combustion engine are provided. In one embodiment, an example method for operating an internal combustion engine includes, under a first condition, charging a compressed air storage vessel via a compressor. The method further includes, under a second condition, directly injecting compressed air from the storage vessel to a cylinder of the engine to enhance fuel combustion.