Internal Combustion Engine Steam Reformation for Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional internal combustion engines face inefficiencies in fuel combustion and emission levels, particularly in diesel cycles, due to limited heat utilization and high NOx production.
Innovation Solution
A modified diesel cycle that utilizes steam reformation to produce hydrogen within the combustion chamber, where a mixture of steam and fuel is injected during the compression stroke, promoting a catalyzed reaction to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by harnessing heat from the combustion process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional diesel cycle combustion is used, then engine power and speed are achieved, but fuel efficiency is limited to 66% and NOx emissions are high
Solution Approach 1:
Steam and fuel are injected into the combustion chamber during the compression stroke before combustion occurs. This preliminary injection allows the steam reformation reaction to take place during compression, producing hydrogen that will be combusted later, thereby improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the combustion chamber by introducing steam and fuel during compression. This creates a steam reformation reaction that produces hydrogen, fundamentally altering the combustion process from direct fuel combustion to hydrogen combustion, thereby improving efficiency and reducing NOx emissions
2Use of energy by moving object
If steam and fuel are injected during compression stroke for steam reformation, then fuel efficiency increases to 75% and emissions are reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional injection systems
Solution Approach 1:
The injection system serves multiple functions: it delivers fuel for combustion, introduces steam for the reformation reaction, and controls the timing of these injections during the compression stroke. By combining these functions into a single injection system, the patent reduces overall device complexity while achieving improved fuel efficiency
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 enhances fuel efficiency from 66% to 75% and significantly reduces emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and NOx by utilizing heat for hydrogen production, leading to cleaner combustion and improved engine performance.
Implementation Method 1
A catalyst is mounted in the combustion chamber and is operable to promote a steam reformation reaction when steam and a fuel are compressed in the combustion chamber
Implementation Method 2
a mixture of steam and fuel is injected during the compression stroke, promoting a catalyzed reaction to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by harnessing heat from the combustion process
Implementation Method 3
when steam and a fuel are compressed in the combustion chamber during the compression stroke of the piston
Implementation Method 4
the air is compressed to a high pressure and temperature during the compression stroke
Implementation Method 5
combustion takes place as the fuel mixes with the high temperature compressed air in the cylinder
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An internal combustion engine 10 includes a combustion chamber 12. The chamber includes a body 18 that is movable in the chamber to vary the chamber volume and contains a catalyst 50. First valving 24 is operable to admit an intake gas into the chamber and second valving 30 connected with an aqueous fluid supply system 32 is operable to admit an aqueous fluid and a steam reforming fuel into the chamber. A controller 48 is configured to cause the second valving 30 to admit a aqueous fluid and an amount of the steam reforming fuel into the chamber and when a predetermined condition exists in the chamber during compression of the intake gas to absorb heat generated by the compression of the intake gas in the presence of the catalyst to promote a steam reformation process to separate hydrogen from the steam reforming fuel or said aqueous fluid.