Fuel Temperature Control Valve for Engine Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel temperature control systems for internal combustion engines, such as diesel engines, face challenges in maintaining optimal fuel temperature, especially during cold start conditions, which affects engine performance.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control apparatus with a variable valve that directs a continuously variable proportion of hot fuel returned from the engine to either the engine or the fuel tank, based on combined fuel temperatures, ensuring optimal fuel temperature regulation and enhanced engine performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If electrically powered heaters or switching valves are used to control fuel temperature, then fuel temperature can be controlled, but device complexity increases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the engine's own operation to heat fuel through friction and thermal conduction from engine components, eliminating the need for external electric heaters. The fuel circulation system serves dual purposes: cooling the engine and heating the fuel simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel circulation system performs multiple functions: it cools the engine, heats the fuel, and filters impurities. The same mechanical structures serve both engine cooling and fuel temperature control, reducing overall system complexity
2Temperature
If electrically powered heaters or switching valves are used to control fuel temperature, then fuel temperature can be controlled, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures waste heat from engine operation and uses it to heat the fuel, converting previously wasted energy into a useful function. The engine's operational heat becomes the heat source, requiring no additional energy input
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful effect of engine heat (which would otherwise be wasted) into a beneficial effect by using it to heat the fuel. The thermal energy that would be lost is now harnessed to achieve the desired fuel temperature
3Temperature
If a variable valve is used to proportion fuel flow between engine and tank, then fuel temperature control precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel temperature control function is merged with the existing fuel circulation and filtration system. The variable valve is integrated into the fuel filter assembly, combining multiple functions (filtration, temperature control, and flow management) into a single integrated unit
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
The apparatus effectively controls fuel temperature within specified limits by varying the proportion of hot fuel recirculated to the engine or tank, improving engine performance across different temperature conditions and preventing air recirculation during priming.
Implementation Method 1
The proportioning of flow is controlled by the combined fuel temperatures of the fuel from the first and second inlets
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (10) for controlling the temperature of fuel supplied to an engine is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first inlet (20) for receiving fuel from a fuel tank; a second inlet (30) for receiving fuel returned from an engine; a first outlet (40) for passing fuel to an engine and a second outlet (50) for passing fuel to a fuel tank. A valve is also provided for directing fuel received from the second inlet (30) to one or both of the first (40) and second (50) outlets wherein the valve is arranged to vary the proportion of fuel directed to the first (40) and second (50) outlets. Varying the proportion of relatively hot fuel received from the engine via the second inlet (30) to be returned either to the engine and/or the fuel tank enables the temperature of fuel supplied to the engine to be controlled. The proportion of the fuel received from the second inlet (30) to be returned either to the engine and/or the fuel tank is preferably dependent upon the fuel temperature.