Fuel Heating Device with Downstream Temperature Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel heating systems for internal combustion engines lack precision in measuring fuel temperature at the point of injection, leading to inefficient fuel heating and increased emissions of pollutants, as they rely on fuel pressure sensors and complex models rather than real-time temperature readings.
Innovation Solution
A fuel heating device integrated with a temperature sensor positioned downstream of the heating element within the heating chamber, allowing for accurate real-time temperature measurement of the fuel immediately after heating, enabling precise control of the heating process and energy supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is positioned upstream or away from the heating element, then the measurement is easier to implement, but the temperature reading is not representative of the actual fuel temperature at the point of injection
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is merged with the heating element assembly, with the sensor positioned downstream within the heating chamber to measure fuel temperature at the actual heating location. This integration ensures the temperature reading accurately reflects the fuel temperature at the point of injection while maintaining a compact structure that does not significantly increase device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the fuel heating system uses complex models and pressure sensors, then the system can operate without direct temperature measurement, but the fuel temperature control is less precise and increases computational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The complex computational models and pressure-based estimation systems are replaced with a direct temperature measurement approach using a temperature sensor positioned within the heating chamber. This substitution provides accurate real-time temperature data without requiring complex calculations or multiple sensors, simplifying the control system while improving measurement precision.
3Productivity
If the fuel is not preheated before injection, then the heating energy consumption is reduced, but the combustion efficiency decreases and emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor provides real-time feedback on the fuel temperature at the heating chamber. This feedback enables the control system to precisely regulate the heating element operation, applying heat only when and to the extent needed to achieve optimal fuel temperature for combustion. This prevents both overheating (wasting energy) and underheating (reducing combustion efficiency), thereby optimizing the balance between energy consumption and combustion performance.
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 provides precise fuel preheating, reducing the amount of fuel injected and emissions of polluting gases by ensuring accurate temperature management and energy usage, improving the homogeneity of the air-fuel mixture and atomization of the fuel spray.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element (4) projecting from the interface region (10), fluidly associated with the heating chamber (3)
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor (51, 53) provided with a thermo element (52) and associated with the interface region (10)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for heating injected fuel in internal combustion engines integrated with a temperature sensor capable of measuring the temperature of the fuel immediately after heating, forming a unique set that provides great accuracy in the amount of power supplied to the heater and accuracy in fuel preheating temperature.