Dual Fuel Engine Release Line for Residual Gas Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual fuel internal combustion engines face inefficiencies and environmental concerns when switching from gaseous fuel mode to liquid fuel mode, as remaining gaseous fuel is typically vented into the environment rather than being reused for combustion.
Innovation Solution
A control system and method that redirect remaining gaseous fuel into the charge air system for further combustion by using a release line and inert gas to facilitate its flow into the combustion chamber, allowing for its utilization as a fuel source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If remaining gaseous fuel is vented to the environment, then safety concerns are addressed, but greenhouse gas emissions increase and fuel efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of venting remaining gaseous fuel (which causes greenhouse gas emissions and energy waste) into a beneficial effect by redirecting it to the charge air system for combustion. The release line captures residual gaseous fuel from the fuel supply line and introduces it into the charge air, where it mixes with air and is combusted in the engine cylinder, transforming waste emissions into useful energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - the release line - that connects the gaseous fuel supply line to the charge air system. This intermediary pathway enables the transfer and redirection of remaining gaseous fuel from where it would normally be vented to where it can be utilized for combustion, facilitating the conversion of waste to useful resource.
2Loss of energy
If a release line is added to redirect gaseous fuel, then fuel efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the release line functionality with the existing gaseous fuel supply system and charge air system. Rather than creating a completely separate system, the release line integrates into the existing infrastructure, using available components and pathways to achieve fuel redirection with minimal additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes its own existing components and flows to manage the redirection of gaseous fuel. The release line taps into the existing gaseous fuel supply and directs it into the existing charge air system, allowing the engine system to serve its own fuel management needs without requiring entirely external systems.
3Use of energy by moving object
If gaseous fuel is mixed with charge air, then combustion efficiency improves, but control precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by introducing only the remaining gaseous fuel from the supply line into the charge air, rather than attempting to control the complete fuel mixture. This partial introduction simplifies control requirements while still achieving improved combustion efficiency by utilizing otherwise wasted fuel.
Solution Approach 2:
The release line acts as an intermediary that automatically manages the transfer of gaseous fuel based on system pressure differentials and flow conditions, reducing the need for complex active control mechanisms while maintaining effective fuel-air mixing for 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 greenhouse gas emissions and improves engine efficiency by utilizing remaining gaseous fuel, rather than venting it, and ensures a more environmentally friendly operation.
Implementation Method 1
supplying a pressurized inert gas to the gaseous fuel system to cause remaining gaseous fuel from gaseous fuel system to flow into the charge air
Implementation Method 2
combusting the charge air/gaseous fuel release mixture with liquid fuel
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method and control system (44) for a dual fuel internal combustion engine (1). The control system (44) may comprise a release line (50) fluidly connecting a gaseous fuel system (29) to a charge air system (13). A release valve unit (48) may be provided in the release line (50). A control unit (46) may be connected to the release valve unit (48) and configured to open the release valve unit (48) when receiving information that a gaseous fuel mode is stopped such that remaining gaseous fuel from the gaseous fuel system (29) is releasable via the release line (50) into charge air in the charge air system (13).