Fuel Reactivity Convertor for Single-Source Dual-Fuel Combustion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines operating with multiple fuels of different reactivities require two fuel reservoirs, which is inconvenient and costly, and the availability of such fuels may be limited, hindering the widespread adoption of dual-fuel systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a single fuel source by converting a first fuel with a first reactivity to a second fuel with a different reactivity using a convertor, allowing for the introduction of both fuels into the combustion chamber at strategic times to create stratified regions, thereby achieving improved combustion efficiency and reduced emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two fuels with different reactivities are used to improve combustion efficiency and reduce emissions, then combustion performance is improved, but system complexity increases due to requiring two fuel reservoirs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the reactivity parameter of a single fuel through chemical additives or blending ratios. The convertor device adjusts the reactivity of fuel drawn from a single reservoir, enabling the engine to operate with effectively two different fuel reactivities without requiring two separate storage systems. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining combustion efficiency while eliminating the complexity of dual fuel reservoirs.
2Reliability
If two separate fuel reservoirs are used to store fuels of different reactivities, then combustion control is improved, but operational convenience deteriorates due to requiring periodic replenishment of two reservoirs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of two separate fuel reservoirs into a single reservoir system. The convertor device processes fuel from one reservoir to create the required reactivity variations, thereby combining storage operations while maintaining combustion control. This eliminates the need for operators to manage and replenish two separate fuel reservoirs, significantly improving ease of operation while preserving reliable combustion control.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If two fuels with different reactivities are used to create stratified regions, then emission reduction is improved, but fuel availability deteriorates due to limited supply of specific fuel types
Solution Approach 1:
The convertor device acts as an intermediary between the single fuel reservoir and the combustion chamber. It processes the available fuel to create the required reactivity variations, enabling the formation of stratified regions for emission reduction. This intermediary function allows the system to achieve emission benefits without being constrained by the limited availability of specific dual-fuel types, as the convertor can process various fuel types to produce the needed reactivity differences.
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 enables efficient combustion with a single fuel source, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions by creating stratified regions of different reactivities within the combustion chamber, thus overcoming the limitations of dual-fuel systems.
Implementation Method 1
converting a first fuel with a first reactivity to a second fuel with a different reactivity using a convertor
Implementation Method 2
The first fuel is introduced into a variable volume defined by a piston moving in a cylinder
Implementation Method 3
the two fuels are introduced into the combustion chamber at different times to produce stratified regions having different reactivities that will auto-ignite under compression
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating an internal combustion engine uses fuels having different reactivities obtained from the same fuel source. A first fuel having a first reactivity is stored in a fuel reservoir. A portion of the first fuel is converted to a second fuel having a second reactivity. The first fuel is introduced into a combustion chamber having a piston moving in a cylinder at a first time when the piston is relatively closer to a bottom dead center (BDC) position and the second fuel is introduced into the combustion chamber at a second time when the piston is relatively further from the BDC position. In an aspect, the convertor may be adjustable to alter the reactivity of the second fuel. In an aspect, the convertor may use a processing fluid associated with the engine to convert the first fuel to the second fuel.