Gas Engine Catalyst Converter Vertical Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas engine systems face inefficiencies in oxidizing uncombusted fuel gas in exhaust gases, particularly when catalysts are not optimally integrated into the exhaust gas passage between the gas engine and turbocharger, leading to increased system length and ineffective fuel gas oxidation.

Innovation Solution

A gas engine system configuration where a catalyst converter, incorporating a catalyst to oxidize uncombusted fuel gas, is strategically positioned in the exhaust gas passage between the gas engine and turbocharger, with the turbocharger adjacent to the gas engine, utilizing space above a power generator and incorporating relay pipes and bypass valves for catalyst replacement and temperature management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a catalyst converter is interposed in the exhaust gas passage between the gas engine and turbocharger, then uncombusted fuel gas oxidation efficiency is improved, but the overall system length becomes significantly greater

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel gas oxidation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem length
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The catalyst converter is repositioned from a linear arrangement in the exhaust gas passage to a vertical arrangement above the power generator. This spatial reconfiguration utilizes the vertical dimension to accommodate the catalyst converter without extending the horizontal system footprint, thereby maintaining compactness while preserving oxidation functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The catalyst converter is positioned within the vertical space above the power generator, effectively nesting it within the existing system envelope. This allows the catalyst converter to be integrated into the available space without requiring additional horizontal clearance, thus avoiding significant system length increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Length of moving object

If the turbocharger is disposed adjacently to the gas engine, then system compactness is improved, but the catalyst converter cannot be interposed in the exhaust gas passage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem compactnessVSAvoidfuel gas oxidation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By moving the catalyst converter to the vertical space above the power generator, the invention enables the catalyst to be positioned in the exhaust flow path even when the turbocharger is adjacently disposed to the gas engine. This vertical placement circumvents the spatial conflict between adjacent turbocharger-catalyst linear arrangement and engine-turbocharger adjacent arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Length of moving object

If the catalyst converter is positioned to utilize space above the power generator, then system layout compactness is improved, but access for catalyst replacement becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayout compactnessVSAvoidcatalyst replacement accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust gas passage is segmented into multiple sections using relay pipes, with the catalyst converter positioned in one segment. This segmentation allows the catalyst converter to be isolated and accessed independently for maintenance, facilitating catalyst replacement even when positioned above the power generator by enabling discrete access points and modular replacement procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration allows efficient oxidation of uncombusted fuel gas while maintaining a compact system layout, enabling effective fuel gas reduction and allowing for operational catalyst replacement, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and longevity of the catalyst.

Implementation Method 1

a catalyst converter (6) that incorporates therein a catalyst that oxidizes uncombusted fuel gas in exhaust gas discharged from the gas engine (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentEP3527798B1Gas engine system
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KK
  • EP3527798B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3527798B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3527798B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A gas engine system includes: a gas engine; an exhaust pipe extending over a plurality of cylinders of the gas engine in a bridging manner; a turbocharger disposed at a position that is away in an axial direction of a crank shaft of the gas engine from one end portion of the exhaust pipe; a catalyst converter that incorporates therein a catalyst that oxidizes uncombusted fuel gas in exhaust gas discharged from the gas engine; and a power generator disposed opposite to the turbocharger, with the gas engine being positioned between the power generator and the turbocharger. The catalyst converter is interposed in a passage extending from an exhaust gas outlet of the exhaust pipe to an exhaust gas inlet of the turbocharger, and is disposed above the power generator.