Fuel Injection Droplet Control for Emissions Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern diesel engines face challenges in meeting emissions standards without the use of after-treatment systems like SCR systems, which increase operating costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining the air/fuel ratio and adjusting fuel injection quantity and intake air flow to maintain an air/fuel ratio between 15 and 18, while using in-cylinder pressure and compression ratio to adjust fuel droplet size for optimal combustion, thereby controlling emissions without the need for after-treatment systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If an SCR system with catalytic converter is used to reduce NOx and particulate matter, then emissions are reduced, but device complexity and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the SCR system and catalytic converter from the engine configuration, achieving emissions reduction through fundamental combustion parameter optimization (air/fuel ratio between 15-18, compression ratio between 18-22) rather than relying on after-treatment systems. This removes the complex after-treatment hardware while maintaining emissions compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine performs its own emissions control through self-optimized combustion parameters. The control system automatically adjusts fuel injection quantity, intake air flow, compression ratio, and droplet size based on real-time sensor feedback, enabling the engine to meet emissions standards intrinsically without external catalytic conversion systems.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If an SCR system with catalytic converter is used to reduce NOx and particulate matter, then emissions are reduced, but operating costs increase due to catalyst replenishment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the catalytic converter that requires periodic replenishment, eliminating the associated operating costs. Emissions control is achieved through combustion optimization rather than through a consumable catalyst that needs replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive, long-lasting but consumable catalyst with a more economical approach using adjustable combustion parameters (air/fuel ratio, compression ratio, droplet size) that can be optimized through software control without requiring physical replacement of expensive components.
3Productivity
If air/fuel ratio is optimized between 15 and 18, then combustion efficiency improves, but precise control of fuel injection quantity and intake air flow is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system using sensors to monitor combustion parameters and automatically adjust fuel injection quantity and intake air flow to maintain the optimal air/fuel ratio between 15-18. This closed-loop control enables precise ratio management through automated adjustment rather than complex manual control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes combustion efficiency by dynamically changing key parameters (air/fuel ratio between 15-18, compression ratio between 18-22, droplet size) through electronic control of the fuel injection system and air intake, allowing the engine to adapt to different operating conditions while maintaining optimal combustion characteristics.
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 allows internal combustion engines to meet emissions standards by optimizing combustion parameters, reducing NOx and particulate matter formation, and eliminating the need for costly catalyst replenishment and additional system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
combustion occurring within a cylinder
Implementation Method 2
sensors for monitoring combustion occurring within a cylinder, such that adjustments may be made to operating parameters
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating an internal combustion engine is provided. An air/fuel ratio of the internal combustion engine is determined. At least one of a fuel injection quantity and an intake air flow is adjusted to provide an air/fuel ratio between about 15 and about 18. A compression ratio within a cylinder of the engine is determined. Droplet size of fuel provided by a fuel injector is adjusted based upon the compression ratio determined within the cylinder of the engine.