Dual Fuel Engine Load Estimation and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual fuel engine systems face challenges in efficiently controlling fuel usage and meeting emission regulations, particularly in transitioning between diesel and gas fuel modes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves estimating a total indicated engine load by summing measured engine power, friction power, and accessory power estimates, and then determining a total fueling amount based on engine speed and this load. This fueling amount includes both gas and diesel fueling, with adjustments made based on the operational state of a dual fuel mode switch and using look-up tables associated with various actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If dual fuel engine systems use more gas fuel to reduce cost, then fuel economy improves, but control precision and emission compliance become more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fueling control into separate gas fueling amount determination and diesel fueling amount determination processes. The controller calculates a total fueling amount based on engine load and speed, then separately determines gas and diesel fueling amounts using different look-up tables and adjustment factors. This segmentation enables precise control of each fuel type while maintaining overall fuel economy optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes control parameters by using multiple look-up tables that provide base fueling amounts under different operating conditions (engine speed, load, temperature). The system dynamically adjusts fueling parameters through adjustment factors that modify the base fueling amounts, allowing precise control adaptation to varying operational states while maintaining cost-effective gas fuel usage.
2Quantity of substance
If dual fuel engine systems minimize diesel fuel usage to reduce cost, then operating cost improves, but reliability of meeting emission regulations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring engine operating parameters (speed, load, temperature) and adjusting the diesel fueling amount accordingly. The controller uses adjustment factors that are determined based on actual operating conditions to modify the base diesel fueling amount from look-up tables, ensuring emission compliance while minimizing diesel usage. This feedback mechanism maintains reliability by adapting to real-time engine states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control by using multiple look-up tables that provide different fueling strategies under varying operating conditions. The system dynamically selects and adjusts fueling amounts based on current engine state, allowing flexible optimization of diesel fuel usage while maintaining emission compliance across different operational scenarios rather than using a fixed fueling strategy.
3Measurement precision
If dual fuel engine systems use complex control strategies to maintain precision, then control accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing base fueling amounts in multiple look-up tables that are prepared in advance for different operating conditions. The controller simply retrieves the appropriate base fueling amount from the tables based on current engine parameters, then applies pre-determined adjustment factors. This eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations during operation, maintaining precision while reducing computational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a dual fuel engine system includes estimating a total indicated engine load, where the total indicated engine load is based on a sum of a measured engine power and a power loss estimate. The method further includes determining a total fueling amount based on an engine speed and the total indicated engine load, where the total fueling amount includes a gas fueling amount and a diesel fueling amount. The method also includes controlling the dual fuel engine system using the total fueling amount.