Internal Combustion Engine Superheated Fluid Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines have a low efficiency in converting fuel energy into mechanical work, with only a fraction of the energy being utilized effectively.
Innovation Solution
The engine sequence is optimized to compress combustion air, inject and ignite fuel at top dead center, expel hot combustion gases, and then inject a superheated fluid to expand and expel it, improving thermal energy utilization and cylinder filling through controlled openings and valves in the cylinder wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a conventional four-stroke engine cycle is used, then the engine structure is simple and reliable, but the thermal efficiency is low with only a fraction of fuel energy converted to mechanical work
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional four-stroke cycle is segmented into distinct phases: compression stroke, combustion stroke, expansion stroke, and a new flushing stroke. The flushing stroke separates the expulsion of combustion gases from the intake of fresh charge, allowing independent optimization of each function and improving overall thermal efficiency by recovering waste heat during the dedicated flushing phase.
Solution Approach 2:
Superheated fluid is injected into the combustion chamber before the flushing stroke begins, allowing the fluid to expand and absorb waste heat from residual combustion gases. This preliminary action converts thermal energy that would otherwise be lost into useful work during the expansion stroke, thereby improving thermal efficiency without significantly increasing mechanical complexity.
2Loss of energy
If the exhaust valve is closed at top dead center after expelling hot combustion gases, then combustion chamber temperature remains high, but this prevents effective utilization of remaining thermal energy
Solution Approach 1:
The high temperature combustion chamber, which traditionally represents energy loss through hot exhaust gases, is converted into a benefit by injecting superheated fluid that expands and absorbs this thermal energy. The waste heat that would be expelled is instead utilized to drive further expansion work, transforming an energy loss into a productive thermal energy source.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermodynamic parameters of the combustion chamber are dynamically changed by injecting superheated fluid, which alters the temperature and pressure profile. This parameter change enables the extraction of additional work from the thermal energy that would otherwise be wasted, improving overall energy utilization while maintaining controlled combustion chamber conditions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If additional injection nozzles and outlet devices are added to the cylinder wall, then thermal energy utilization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cylinder wall is designed with multi-functional openings that serve dual purposes: as injection nozzles for introducing superheated fluid and as outlet devices for expelling expanded gases. This universal design allows a single structural element to perform multiple functions, improving energy utilization while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection device and outlet device are merged into an integrated system within the cylinder wall structure. By combining these functions into a unified design rather than separate components, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the capability to utilize thermal energy effectively through fluid injection and expansion.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting rod effective length is varied using an eccentric or planetary gear, then the engine can adapt to different work cycles, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting rod effective length is made dynamic rather than fixed, allowing adjustment during operation. An eccentric mechanism is employed that converts the rotational motion of the crankshaft into linear displacement, automatically varying the connecting rod length according to the engine's work cycle requirements. This dynamic adaptation improves versatility without requiring complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The eccentric mechanism is driven automatically by the crankshaft rotation itself, without requiring external power or control systems. The mechanism self-adjusts the connecting rod effective length based on the engine's operational phase, providing adaptability to different work cycles while minimizing additional complexity through self-powered operation.
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 approach significantly enhances engine efficiency by converting waste heat into mechanical work, improving cylinder filling, and reducing combustion chamber temperatures, potentially increasing efficiency by 50% or more compared to conventional engines.
Implementation Method 1
the additional, superheated fluid is injected and, after expansion, at the end of the fourth working stroke, is expelled from the cylinder
Implementation Method 2
The additional fluid injection, during which the fluid expands and is thus cooled, lowers the combustion chamber temperature
Implementation Method 3
combustion air is compressed in a first work stroke
Implementation Method 4
fuel is injected and ignited in the area of top dead center, the combustion gas expands in the second power stroke
Data Source
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AI summary
The internal combustion engine has combustion chamber (1) that is associated with the piston (2). An ignition device is provided in the form of a spark plug. A rinsing device is provided for the individual combustion chamber. A heat exchanger for heating the fluid through waste heat of combustion process is provided.