Dual-Phase Fuel Supply System for Reciprocating Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reciprocating-piston internal combustion engines face challenges in efficiently managing dual-fuel systems, particularly with gaseous and liquid fuels, due to logistical and operational complexities, including premature depletion of fuel types and inefficient combustion control.
Innovation Solution
A fuel supply system with a storage tank having distinct apertures for gaseous and liquid phases, utilizing a pressure control module and a pump to maintain specific pressure ranges for each fuel phase, allowing for simultaneous injection of fuels into the combustion chamber via separate injection paths, ensuring balanced fuel consumption and efficient combustion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dual-fuel system using both gaseous and liquid fuel types is implemented, then the engine can operate with flexible fuel options, but logistical challenges in providing two different fuel types and operational challenges in balancing consumption occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single fuel type (LNG) stored in both liquid and gaseous phases within the same tank, eliminating the need to manage multiple fuel types. The homogeneous fuel composition ensures consistent combustion characteristics while providing operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage tank serves multiple functions by simultaneously providing both liquid-phase and gaseous-phase fuel from a single vessel. The system can selectively draw from either phase based on operational requirements, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate fuel storage systems.
2Reliability
If gaseous fuel is drawn from the storage tank through a pressure control module, then the fuel pressure can be maintained within a specific range, but the pressure must be less than the pressure inside the storage tank
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control module acts as an intermediary between the high-pressure storage tank and the fuel injection system. It selectively reduces pressure for gaseous fuel extraction while maintaining appropriate pressure levels for reliable fuel delivery to the combustion chamber.
3Reliability
If liquid fuel is pumped from the storage tank through a pump, then the fuel pressure can be maintained greater than the pressure inside the storage tank, but additional pumping equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The pump serves as an intermediary device that overcomes the pressure differential between the storage tank and the injection system. It actively pressurizes liquid fuel to levels exceeding tank pressure, ensuring reliable delivery regardless of tank pressure fluctuations.
4Reliability
If separate injection paths are used for gaseous and liquid fuel phases, then balanced fuel delivery can be achieved, but the injection system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel injection system is segmented into separate pathways for gaseous and liquid fuel phases. Each pathway is optimized for its specific fuel phase, allowing independent control and balanced delivery to the combustion chamber while maintaining manageable system complexity through functional separation.
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 enables efficient operation with a single low-cetane value fuel, maintaining high power density and reducing emissions by ensuring balanced fuel delivery and ignition control, addressing the complexities of dual-fuel engines.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure control module being configured to maintain a pressure in the first fuel injector supply conduit within a pressure range that includes a pressure value that is less than a pressure inside the storage tank
Implementation Method 2
the pump being configured to maintain a pressure inside the second fuel injector supply conduit that is greater than the pressure inside the storage tank
Implementation Method 3
a storage tank, a wall of the storage tank defining a first aperture and a second aperture therethrough, the first aperture being distinct from the second aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel supply system for a reciprocating-piston engine includes a storage tank; a wall of the storage tank defining a first aperture and a second aperture therethrough; a first fuel injector fluidly coupled with the first aperture of the storage tank via a pressure control module and a first fuel injector supply conduit; a pump fluidly coupled with the second aperture of the storage tank; and a second fuel injector fluidly coupled with an outlet port of the pump via a second fuel injector supply conduit. The pressure control module is configured to maintain a pressure in the first fuel injector supply conduit within a pressure range that includes a pressure value that is less than a pressure inside the storage tank. The pump is configured to maintain a pressure inside the second fuel injector supply conduit that is greater than the pressure inside the first fuel injector supply conduit.