Cylinder Head Temperature Feedback for Hydrogen-Natural Gas Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing internal combustion engines running on hydrogen-natural gas fuel mixtures face unreliable variations in hydrogen supply, which affect combustion efficiency and emissions control.
Innovation Solution
A method and engine configuration that utilizes temperature sensors in the cylinder head to measure combustion surface temperatures, enabling precise control of engine operations by adjusting parameters such as ignition timing, valve actuation, and cooling based on these measurements to maintain optimal fuel mixture ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If hydrogen is used as an additive to hydrocarbon fuels to reduce emissions, then environmental performance is improved, but reliability of fuel supply ratio deteriorates due to unintended variations in hydrogen supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control by using temperature sensors to monitor combustion chamber temperature and using this information to adjust the hydrogen supply ratio dynamically. The control unit receives temperature signals from sensors positioned in the combustion chamber or exhaust manifold, processes these signals to determine the actual hydrogen-natural gas ratio, and adjusts the fuel injection or valve timing accordingly to maintain the desired ratio despite supply variations.
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are installed in the combustion chamber to monitor combustion process, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the exhaust manifold or cylinder head as an intermediary structure to mount temperature sensors indirectly. Rather than installing sensors directly in the combustion chamber, the sensors are positioned in the exhaust manifold where exhaust gases flow, allowing temperature measurement of the combustion process through the thermal properties of exhaust gases. This intermediary approach provides sufficient measurement precision while avoiding the complexity of direct chamber sensor installation.
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 combustion efficiency and reduces emissions by stabilizing the hydrogen-natural gas ratio, improving engine performance and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining temperature values measured by at least one temperature sensor provided in a cylinder head of the engine
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to a method for controlling operation of an internal combustion engine configured to run on a fuel mixture of hydrogen and natural gas. The method comprises a step of obtaining temperature values measured by at least one temperature sensor provided in a cylinder head of the engine; and a step of controlling operation of the engine in dependence on the temperature values.