Self-Adjusting Dual Fuel Gas Control for Variable Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dual fuel internal combustion engines require manual calibration to adjust the ratio of gaseous fuel to liquid fuel based on varying fuel quality, which is impractical in remote locations where high-quality gaseous fuel is unavailable and transporting liquid fuel is expensive.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic feedback loop system that adjusts the gaseous fuel to liquid fuel ratio by sensing engine operating parameters, such as engine load and exhaust gas temperature, to optimize fuel usage and automatically adjust the gaseous fuel substitution rate, using a control module and gas control valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual calibration is used to adjust the fuel ratio based on fuel quality, then the engine can operate with variable fuel quality, but the operation becomes complex and requires frequent manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors engine operating parameters (such as exhaust gas temperature, engine load, and speed) and automatically adjusts the gaseous fuel substitution rate accordingly. The control module receives sensor inputs, compares actual operating conditions with optimal parameters, and dynamically modifies the fuel ratio through actuated valves or injectors, eliminating manual calibration while maintaining adaptability to fuel quality variations
Solution Approach 2:
The engine control system performs self-adjustment by automatically sensing its own operating state and modifying fuel delivery without external intervention. The control module uses embedded algorithms to interpret sensor data and autonomously optimize the liquid-gas fuel mixture ratio, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring operator involvement for calibration adjustments
2Ease of operation
If a dynamic feedback loop system is implemented to automatically adjust fuel ratio, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module serves multiple functions within a single integrated unit: it processes sensor signals from various engine parameters, executes control algorithms, actuates fuel delivery components, and monitors system status. This multi-functional design consolidates what could be multiple separate components into one unified control unit, achieving automatic operation while limiting the increase in overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control module as an intermediary between the engine's sensing systems and fuel delivery mechanisms. This intermediary component translates sensor data into appropriate control actions, managing the complexity by providing a single point of coordination rather than requiring direct complex interactions between multiple sensors and actuators
3Loss of energy
If the gaseous fuel substitution rate is increased to reduce liquid fuel consumption, then fuel costs decrease, but engine performance and reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the gaseous fuel substitution rate based on real-time engine operating conditions rather than using a fixed ratio. The control module continuously modifies the liquid-gas fuel mixture proportion in response to changing load, speed, and temperature parameters, allowing maximum gaseous fuel usage when conditions permit while automatically reducing substitution when performance or reliability concerns arise, thus optimizing both cost and reliability
4Device complexity
If manual adjustment of fuel ratio is used, then device complexity remains low, but productivity and efficiency decrease due to frequent manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The control system operates continuously to optimize fuel delivery, constantly monitoring engine parameters and adjusting the fuel ratio without interruption or manual intervention. This continuous operation ensures the engine always operates at or near optimal efficiency points, maximizing productivity and fuel optimization whereas manual adjustment would create discontinuities and periods of suboptimal performance between adjustments
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides a system and method that eliminates the need for manually calibrating or adjusting a dual fuel internal combustion engine to compensate for variations in composition of a gaseous fuel or other variations, such as ambient or site conditions. The system and method functions by determining an engine load, determining an advantageous gaseous fuel substitution rate from the engine load and speed in addition to an actual gaseous fuel substitution rate, modifying the advantageous gaseous fuel substitution rate by a minimum liquid fuel flow rate, engine protection parameters, and oxidation catalyst protection parameters, and then determining an error term in response to the modified advantageous gaseous fuel substitution rate and the actual gaseous fuel substitution rate. The error term is used to adjust a gaseous fuel control valve.