Electronic Pressure Regulator for Multipoint Fuel Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gaseous fuel systems for large reciprocating engines with multipoint fuel metering face issues such as over- and under-pressurization, pressure droop, and fuel flow inaccuracy due to the reliance on mechanical pressure regulators with fixed settings, which complicates the determination of pressurization and accuracy in fuel delivery.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electronic pressure regulation system that coordinates with an engine controller and gas admission valves to independently control pressure and mass flow, optimizing valve performance and preventing over- and under-pressurization by using an electronic pressure regulator to manage pressure changes dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a mechanical pressure regulator with fixed pressure setting is used, then the system structure is simple, but pressure droop occurs and the operational range of gas admission valves is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure regulator with an electronic pressure regulator that uses electronic control signals to regulate pressure. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and pressure droop while providing dynamic pressure adjustment capability, directly resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and pressure stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a fixed pressure setting to a dynamic pressure control system where the electronic pressure regulator can adjust pressure in real-time based on system conditions. This dynamic capability eliminates pressure droop and expands the operational range of gas admission valves across varying engine loads.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed pressure setting is used, then the system is simple to operate, but fuel flow inaccuracy occurs at low engine loads
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic pressure regulator dynamically adjusts pressure settings based on engine load conditions, providing optimal pressure at both high and low loads. This dynamic adjustment maintains accurate fuel flow measurement and delivery across the entire operating range while keeping the system easy to operate through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter dynamically according to engine operating conditions. By adjusting pressure settings based on load demands, the system maintains accurate fuel flow delivery at all operating points, particularly improving low-load accuracy without complicating operation.
3Speed
If gas admission valves are opened for short durations at low loads, then the system responds quickly to load changes, but fuel flow inaccuracy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic pressure regulator adjusts the pressure parameter in response to changing engine loads, allowing the system to maintain accurate fuel flow delivery even when valve opening durations are short. By dynamically changing pressure settings, the system compensates for reduced valve open time and maintains measurement precision across all load conditions.
4Productivity
If the system is initially pressurized quickly, then the system reaches operational state faster, but over-pressurization risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic pressure regulator incorporates feedback control that continuously monitors system pressure and adjusts the regulator opening accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables rapid pressurization while preventing over-pressurization by automatically reducing the regulator opening when pressure approaches the target level, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and safety.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a gaseous or dual fuel electronic pressure regulation system (EPRS) for a multipoint fuel injection engine are described herein. Additionally, embodiments of a method for controlling the EPRS are provided. In particular, the EPRS employs an electronic pressure regulator (EPR) capable of accurately determining and controlling the mass flow of gaseous fuel into a fuel rail so as to avoid pressure droop and over- and under-pressurization of the gas admission valves (GAVs). By using the EPRS described above, mass flow is able to be distributed to the downstream manifold or engine cylinders very accurately, and the GAVs are able to be driven simultaneously in a pressure/pulse duration that is optimal for accurate and repeatable operation.