Dual-Fuel Engine Control to Reduce Intake Backfire Risk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engines that use multiple types of fuel face engine damage due to backfires, which are not adequately addressed in existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
The engine is equipped with a control system that regulates the supply of two types of fuel, where a first fuel with a lower explosive limit is supplied to the combustion chamber before a second fuel with a higher explosive limit during the intake process, using flow regulating valves controlled by a control device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of fuel are supplied to the combustion chamber, then fuel flexibility and combustion efficiency are improved, but the risk of backfires and engine damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by supplying the first fuel (hydrogen) to the combustion chamber before the second fuel (natural gas) during the intake process. This sequencing ensures that hydrogen, which has a lower explosive limit and higher flame speed, is present first to establish a stable combustion environment, reducing the risk of backfires when the second fuel is subsequently supplied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fuel supply process into distinct temporal phases by using separate fuel lines (first fuel line for hydrogen, second fuel line for natural gas) with independent flow regulating valves. This segmentation allows precise control over when each fuel type is supplied, enabling the system to maintain fuel flexibility while managing backfire risks through controlled sequencing.
2Use of energy by moving object
If hydrogen is supplied to the combustion chamber, then combustion efficiency is improved, but the amount of fuel remaining in the intake line increases the backfire risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by supplying hydrogen to the combustion chamber before the intake valve closes, ensuring that hydrogen is consumed or safely positioned in the combustion chamber before the intake process ends. This timing control minimizes the amount of hydrogen remaining in the intake line, thereby reducing backfire risk while maintaining high combustion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device monitors the intake process and adjusts the flow of hydrogen through the first flow regulating valve to ensure optimal consumption before intake valve closure. This feedback control ensures that the amount of hydrogen supplied matches the combustion chamber's immediate needs, minimizing residual fuel in the intake line while maintaining efficient combustion.
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 reduces the risk of backfires and minimizes engine damage by minimizing the amount of first fuel remaining in the intake line after the intake valve closes, thereby suppressing engine damage.
Implementation Method 1
a control device configured to control the first flow regulating valve and the second flow regulating valve so that the first fuel is supplied to the combustion chamber before the second fuel is supplied to the combustion chamber in an intake process
Data Source
AI summary
An engine is provided with: an engine body; an intake line connected to a combustion chamber of the engine body; a first fuel line configured to supply a first fuel to the intake line; a second fuel line configured to supply a second fuel having a lower explosive limit that is higher than that of the first fuel to the intake line; a first flow regulating valve disposed in the first fuel line; a second flow regulating valve disposed in the second fuel line; and a control device configured to control the first flow regulating valve and the second flow regulating valve so that the first fuel is supplied to the combustion chamber before the second fuel is supplied to the combustion chamber in an intake process.