Integrated Fuel Cooling Circuit for Internal Combustion Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing internal combustion engine cooling systems are costly, complex, and add to the size and weight of the engine, as they require separate coolant and fuel systems, which are inefficient in energy usage due to the need to vaporize cold fuel for combustion.
Innovation Solution
An integrated fuel and cooling system where a common fluid is used to cool the engine, preheat the fluid, and supply it to the combustion chamber, circulating fuel through the engine block to absorb heat and then expel it through a heat exchanger and exhaust system, reducing the energy required for fuel vaporization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a separate cooling system with coolant is used, then the engine can be cooled effectively, but the system becomes costly, complex, and increases size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling system and fuel system into a single integrated system where the same fluid (fuel) serves both as coolant and as combustion fuel. The cooling circuit and fuel delivery system share common components including the fuel tank, pump, and fluid pathways, eliminating the need for separate coolant reservoirs, pumps, and heat exchangers.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel serves multiple functions: it acts as the combustion fuel for power generation, as the coolant fluid for heat removal from the engine block, and as the working fluid circulating through both the cooling passages and combustion chamber. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized fluids and their associated system components.
2Temperature
If a separate cooling system with coolant is used, then the engine can be cooled effectively, but the system adds to the size and weight of the engine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling system and fuel system into a single integrated system where the same fluid (fuel) serves both as coolant and as combustion fuel. The cooling circuit and fuel delivery system share common components including the fuel tank, pump, and fluid pathways, eliminating the need for separate coolant reservoirs, pumps, and heat exchangers.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel serves multiple functions: it acts as the combustion fuel for power generation, as the coolant fluid for heat removal from the engine block, and as the working fluid circulating through both the cooling passages and combustion chamber. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized fluids and their associated system components.
3Device complexity
If cold fuel is supplied directly to the combustion chamber, then the fuel system is simple, but a considerable amount of energy is required to vaporize the cold fuel
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel is preheated by circulating it through the cooling passages of the engine block where it absorbs heat from the engine components. This preliminary heating action occurs before the fuel is delivered to the combustion chamber, reducing the energy required for vaporization during combustion.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat generated by the engine block, which would otherwise be waste heat requiring separate cooling and dissipation, is converted into a useful resource for preheating the fuel. The cooling system that removes excess heat from the engine simultaneously heats the fuel, transforming a potentially harmful thermal condition into a beneficial preheating function.
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 integrated system enhances engine efficiency by reducing the energy needed for fuel vaporization and effectively manages heat rejection, improving overall engine performance and reducing system complexity and weight.
Implementation Method 1
The air-fuel mixture is then compressed and ignited within the combustion chamber to move the piston and do work
Data Source
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AI summary
A cooling system for an internal combustion engine according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an engine block, a compression device, a cooling circuit, a first pump, and a fuel delivery device. The engine block at least partially defines a combustion chamber and a cooling passage. The cooling passage extends through the engine block. The compression device is received in the engine block to partially define the combustion chamber. The compression device is movable within and relative to the engine block. The cooling circuit is in fluid communication with the cooling passage. The first pump is in fluid communication with the cooling circuit and is configured to circulate a fuel through the cooling circuit and the cooling passage. The fuel delivery device is in fluid communication with the cooling circuit and is configured to deliver the fuel to the combustion chamber.