Engine Fuel Control System Dynamic Waste Pipeline Blend
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current engine control systems cannot reliably blend methane-rich waste fuel with pipeline fuel to maintain stable energy supply and emissions control without adding significant hardware or cost, as they either restrict blending or fail to handle varying fuel quality effectively.
Innovation Solution
An integrated fuel control system that dynamically adjusts the blend ratio of waste and pipeline fuels based on engine performance parameters, using intelligent valves and sensors to maintain engine power, emissions, and safety margins, allowing for an infinite blend ratio without excessive additional hardware or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If external blending equipment is used to blend pipeline fuel with waste fuel, then fuel quality stability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuel blending function with the existing engine control system by integrating a fuel blend controller that receives feedback from engine sensors and automatically adjusts the mix of pipeline fuel and waste fuel. This merges two previously separate functions (blending and engine control) into a single integrated system, eliminating the need for external blending equipment while maintaining fuel quality stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by using engine sensors to monitor combustion characteristics and exhaust parameters, then feeding this information back to the fuel blend controller. The controller dynamically adjusts the fuel mixture ratio based on real-time engine performance, ensuring stable fuel quality without requiring complex external blending infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If separate fuel outlets are used to provide constant flow from one outlet and adjustable flow from another, then fuel supply control is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single fuel control valve that can operate in multiple modes: it can provide constant flow when pipeline fuel is used, adjustable flow when waste fuel is used, and any intermediate blend ratio. This multi-functional valve replaces the need for separate outlets and control mechanisms, simplifying the system while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel control system is designed to be dynamic, allowing the valve to continuously adjust its opening position and flow characteristics based on real-time feedback from engine sensors. This dynamic control enables the system to adapt to varying fuel qualities and engine conditions without requiring multiple static outlets or complex switching mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If engine control systems are designed to run exclusively on one fuel or the other, then control simplicity is maintained, but fuel flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to be dynamic rather than static, enabling continuous adjustment of the fuel mixture ratio. The blend controller can smoothly transition between 100% pipeline fuel, 100% waste fuel, and any intermediate blend ratio based on fuel availability and quality, providing maximum flexibility without significantly increasing control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the key parameter of fuel composition dynamically by adjusting the blend ratio. Rather than being locked into fixed fuel modes, the controller modifies the proportion of pipeline fuel to waste fuel based on sensor feedback, allowing the engine to adapt to varying fuel qualities and operational requirements while maintaining relatively simple control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel control system is provided. The fuel control system includes an electronic control system coupled to a pair of control valves for blending pipeline fuel with waste fuel at a blend ratio for controlling fuel flow to an internal combustion engine. The fuel control system can estimate energy content of the fuel mixture to compensate the blend ratio. The fuel control system can use engine operational parameters to compensate the blend ratio. Typically, the system will use the operational parameter of output power or exhaust emissions to compensate the blend ratio. Further, the fuel control system can prioritize variation from the blend ratio or variation from a desired power output when the blend ratio cannot generate the desired power output. The fuel control system can also be equipped with engine speed/load controls, misfire, ignition timing and knock detection capabilities.