Dual Fuel Engine Unit Pump Actuation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual fuel engine systems require separate and independent pumping systems for two different fuel types, leading to increased space requirements, weight, and cost due to the need for large and heavy-duty pumps.
Innovation Solution
A dual fuel engine system that employs a first fuel pump to pressurize a first fuel reservoir and actuate a plurality of second fuel pumps, sharing the actuation fluid to manage both fuels efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate and independent pumping systems are used for two different fuel types, then each fuel can be managed independently, but the space requirements, weight, and cost increase due to the need for large and heavy-duty pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuation functions of multiple second fuel pumps into a single integrated unit pump system. The unit pump receives actuating fluid from the first fuel pump and uses it to pressurize and deliver both first fuel and second fuel through shared actuation mechanisms, thereby reducing the total weight of the pumping system while maintaining independent fuel management capability
Solution Approach 2:
The unit pump is designed as a multi-functional device that can handle both first fuel and second fuel types simultaneously. It includes multiple actuators that can selectively pressurize different fuel sources and deliver them through shared conduits to the engine, providing universal fuel management capability that reduces the need for separate dedicated pump systems for each fuel type
2Reliability
If separate and independent pumping systems are used for two different fuel types, then each fuel can be managed independently, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate pump systems into a single integrated unit pump assembly where common components (actuator, housing, control mechanisms) serve both first fuel and second fuel delivery functions. This merging reduces the number of independent systems that need to be designed, installed, and maintained, thereby reducing overall device complexity while preserving the ability to independently manage different fuel types
3Reliability
If separate and independent pumping systems are used for two different fuel types, then each fuel can be managed independently, but the space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The unit pump design nests multiple fuel delivery functions within a single compact housing. The actuators for first fuel and second fuel are arranged in a nested or integrated configuration where components share common mounting spaces, fluid passages, and control mechanisms, thereby minimizing the total space required while maintaining the ability to independently pressurize and deliver different fuel types
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 solution reduces the complexity and cost of fuel management by utilizing a single first fuel pump to actuate multiple second fuel pumps, thereby minimizing space and weight requirements while maintaining efficient fuel injection.
Implementation Method 1
a first fuel pump to pressurize a first fuel reservoir and to actuate a plurality of second fuel pumps
Implementation Method 2
The actuating fluid inlet of each respective one of the plurality of second fuel pumps is fluidly connected to at least one of the first fuel pump outlet or the pressurized fuel reservoir
Implementation Method 3
each at least one fuel injector having a first fuel outlet set and a second fuel outlet set
Data Source
AI summary
A dual fuel engine system includes an engine, and a fuel system including a pressurized fuel reservoir, a first fuel pump, and a plurality of second fuel pumps each having an actuating fluid inlet fluidly connected to at least one of the first fuel pump or the pressurized fuel reservoir. The plurality of second fuel pumps may intensify or de-intensify a pressure of a second fuel relative to a pressure of the first fuel used to actuate the second fuel pumps so as to obtain an increased flow rate of the second fuel. Related apparatus and methodology is also disclosed.