Electronic Pressure Regulator for Engine Gas Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas-feed systems for internal-combustion engines, particularly those supplying compressed natural gas or hydrogen, face challenges in efficiently regulating pressure to internal-combustion engines as operating conditions vary, leading to complexity in component management and precision control.
Innovation Solution
Integration of the pressure-reducing valve and modulating solenoid valve into a single electronic pressure-regulator unit, with an integrated electronic control module for precise pressure modulation, simplifying the system and enhancing control precision down to one-tenth of a bar, and allowing for direct communication between the modulating solenoid valve and the distribution manifold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate pressure-reducing valve and modulating solenoid valve are used, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure-reducing valve and modulating solenoid valve into a single integrated unit with a common body structure. The pressure-reducing valve (100) and modulating solenoid valve (110) share the same housing and are controlled by a unified electronic control module (130), reducing the number of separate components while maintaining functional reliability through integrated design.
2Device complexity
If integrated electronic pressure-regulator unit is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated pressure-regulator unit is divided into distinct functional modules: the pressure-reducing valve section (100) with its piston and spring mechanism, the modulating solenoid valve section (110) with its electromagnetic actuator, and the electronic control module (130). Each module is independently designed and manufactured with specific precision requirements, then assembled together, allowing high precision to be achieved in critical areas without requiring the entire integrated unit to meet uniformly high manufacturing tolerances.
3Ease of repair
If separate valves are used, then ease of repair is improved, but pressure regulation precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated unit incorporates an electronic control module (130) that dynamically adjusts the operation of both the pressure-reducing valve (100) and modulating solenoid valve (110) based on real-time feedback from pressure sensors. This dynamic control system maintains precise pressure regulation (controlling pressure to within one-tenth of a bar) while the modular design allows individual components to be replaced or repaired without affecting the entire system, as the electronic control can compensate for component variations.
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 simplifies the gas-supply system, achieving precise pressure regulation and reducing component complexity, enabling efficient operation across varying engine conditions while maintaining precise control over pressure levels.
Implementation Method 1
a modulating solenoid valve (110) having a solenoid (112)
Implementation Method 2
a pressure-reducing valve (100) having a closing element (122) fixed to its body (120) and a spring (140) acting on the closing element (122) to press the latter (122) against a seat (124)
Data Source
AI summary
Provided in a gas-feed system, in particular a system for supplying methane or hydrogen to an internal-combustion engine, is an electronic pressure-reducer or pressure-regulator unit, integrated in which are both a pressure-reducing valve for reducing the pressure of the gas coming from the fuel tank to a value suitable for supplying a distribution manifold or rail and a modulating solenoid valve that functions as modulator of the degree of pressure reduction performed by the pressure-reducing valve. Likewise made in the body of said unit are passages that provide the communications of said valves with one another and of each of said valves with the inlet and the outlet for the gas in said unit. Furthermore, the unit incorporates an electronic control module for controlling the modulating solenoid valve.