EGR Control via Temperature Feedback for Combustion Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to control the amount of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in reciprocating internal combustion engines effectively, which affects nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions and combustion stability.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize temperature sensors to determine and control the ratio of recirculated exhaust gas to the fuel mixture based on the temperatures of the fuel mixture, charge flow, and recirculated exhaust gas, allowing for precise adjustment of the EGR ratio to reduce NOx emissions and improve combustion stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is used to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions, then harmful emissions are reduced, but control of the EGR amount becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs temperature sensors to continuously monitor the temperature of the charge flow and recirculated exhaust gas, feeding this information back to the controller. The controller automatically adjusts the EGR ratio based on the measured temperatures, creating a closed-loop control system that makes EGR management straightforward while maintaining optimal emissions reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls the EGR ratio by manipulating temperature parameters - specifically by adjusting the ratio of recirculated exhaust gas to fresh charge based on measured temperatures. This parameter-based control approach simplifies the operation by using temperature as the primary control variable rather than requiring complex flow rate management
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the EGR ratio is increased to reduce combustion temperature and NOx emissions, then emissions are reduced, but combustion stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensing systems continuously monitor combustion conditions and provide feedback to the controller. This real-time feedback enables the controller to maintain combustion stability by adjusting the EGR ratio dynamically, preventing the combustion process from becoming too dilute or unstable while still achieving emissions reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the EGR ratio based on real-time temperature measurements rather than using a fixed ratio. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize the balance between NOx reduction and combustion stability under varying operating conditions, adapting the EGR amount to maintain stable 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
The system accurately determines and controls the EGR ratio, reducing NOx emissions and enhancing the stability of the reciprocating internal combustion engine by adjusting the combustion temperature and flame stability.
Implementation Method 1
A first temperature sensing system is configured to determine a first temperature of a fuel mixture, a second temperature sensing system is configured to determine a second temperature of a charge flow, a third temperature sensing system is configured to determine a third temperature of a recirculated portion of an exhaust gas flow
Implementation Method 2
The controller controls a ratio of the recirculated portion of the exhaust gas flow to the fuel mixture based at least in part on the first temperature of the fuel mixture, the second temperature of the charge flow, and the third temperature of the recirculated portion of the exhaust gas flow
Implementation Method 3
A reciprocating internal combustion engine includes one or more reaction zones configured to receive a charge flow that is configured to react within the one or more reaction zones, thereby forming an exhaust gas flow
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a reciprocating internal combustion engine with one or more reaction zones configured to receive a charge flow that is configured to react within the one or more reaction zones, thereby forming an exhaust gas flow, and a controller. The charge flow includes an oxidant flow, a fuel flow, and a recirculated portion of the exhaust gas flow. The controller is configured to control a ratio of the recirculated portion of the exhaust gas flow to a fuel mixture. The controller controls the ratio based at least in part on a first temperature, a second temperature of the charge flow, and a third temperature of the recirculated portion of the exhaust gas flow. The fuel mixture includes the oxidant flow and the fuel flow. The first temperature includes one or any combination of a sensed temperature of the oxidant flow, the fuel flow, or the fuel mixture.