Programmable Controller for Volatile Vapor Combustion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for internal combustion engines that combust volatile vapors provide limited operational and maintenance data, making it difficult to ensure efficient and reliable operation, especially in environments where soil remediation or storage tank vapor displacement occurs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a programmable controller with sensors and valves to monitor and control the combustion process, regulating fuel, air, and volatile vapor ratios in real-time, and displaying critical sensor data to operators for improved management and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If existing control systems are used for internal combustion engines, then the system complexity is reduced, but the information availability and operational control capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The programmable controller serves multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors sensor data from multiple sources, controls multiple intake valves, regulates fuel/air/vapor ratios, and provides comprehensive information display. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated controller, improving information availability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor physical properties (temperature, pressure, flow rates) and valve positions, the programmable controller processes this data, and adjusts the intake valves and fuel delivery accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables real-time optimization of the combustion mixture while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control.
2Productivity
If real-time monitoring and control of multiple parameters is implemented, then the operational efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple monitoring and control functions into a single programmable controller unit that handles sensor data from temperature sensors, pressure sensors, flow meters, and valve position sensors, while simultaneously controlling fuel delivery and air intake. This consolidation improves operational efficiency by integrating what would otherwise be separate systems, while the modular architecture keeps device complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual monitoring and adjustment mechanisms with automated electronic sensors and programmable control. Electronic sensors continuously monitor physical parameters and the programmable controller automatically adjusts valve positions and fuel delivery based on real-time data, eliminating the need for manual intervention and improving operational efficiency without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and control valves are added to regulate fuel, air, and vapor ratios, then the measurement precision and control accuracy are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dedicated sensors and control valves for each specific parameter: temperature sensors monitor combustion chamber temperature, pressure sensors monitor intake manifold pressure, flow meters measure fuel and vapor flow rates, and individual intake valves control air and vapor mixing. Each component is optimized for its specific measurement or control function, improving measurement precision and control accuracy while the modular localised approach keeps overall device complexity manageable.
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
Enhances the efficiency and reliability of volatile vapor combustion by providing real-time data and advanced control capabilities, leading to improved engine performance and maintenance scheduling.
Implementation Method 1
a carburetor having a first intake valve for receiving fuel from a fuel source, a second intake valve for receiving external air from an external air intake, and a third intake valve for receiving volatile vapors from a vapor source, the carburetor configured to discharge a combustion mixture
Implementation Method 2
a combustion engine operatively coupled to the carburetor to receive the combustion mixture into a combustion chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A system for combusting volatile vapors includes: a carburetor having intake valves for receiving fuel from a fuel source, air from an external air intake, and volatile vapors from a vapor source, the carburetor configured to discharge a combustion mixture into a combustion engine; a plurality of sensors configured to generate sensor data based on a respective plurality of physical properties associated with the carburetor and the combustion engine; a programmable controller configured to receive the sensor data as input from each of the plurality of sensors and to control the intake valves to regulate respective ratios of the fuel, air, and the volatile vapors drawn through the carburetor in response to the received sensor data; and a display operatively coupled to the programmable controller to display at least a real-time portion of the sensor data.