Gaseous Fuel Engine Pilot Injection Control for Combustion Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaseous fuel internal combustion engines face challenges in controlling combustion stability and NOx emissions across varying operating conditions, as the balance between reliable combustion and low NOx emissions is difficult to achieve with traditional pilot injection strategies.
Innovation Solution
The method involves establishing a base definition of injection timings and amounts for pilot injections under standard conditions, using sensors to measure combustion parameters and NOx levels, and adjusting the ignition fuel injection based on real-time data to achieve a desired combustion profile, balancing reliability and low NOx emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a predetermined amount of pilot injection is used under standard conditions, then the combustion is reliable under standard conditions, but the combustion stability and NOx emissions cannot be optimized under varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static predetermined pilot injection strategy to a dynamic control system that continuously adjusts injection timing and amount based on real-time operating conditions. The control unit receives signals from sensors (crank angle sensor, load sensor, temperature sensor) and dynamically modifies injection parameters to optimize combustion stability and NOx emissions across varying operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to monitor operating conditions (crank angle, load, temperature) and feeding this information back to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback and adjusts the pilot injection timing and amount accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions while maintaining optimal combustion performance.
2Reliability
If the pilot injection amount is increased to ensure reliable combustion, then combustion reliability improves, but NOx emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting multiple injection parameters (timing and amount) based on real-time operating conditions. The control unit modifies these parameters to achieve optimal combustion reliability while minimizing NOx emissions, rather than using a fixed predetermined injection strategy. This allows the system to find the optimal balance between reliability and emissions for each operating condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic control to adjust pilot injection parameters in real-time based on operating conditions. By dynamically optimizing the injection timing and amount, the system achieves reliable combustion without consistently using excessive pilot fuel that would increase NOx emissions. The dynamic adjustment allows precise control over the combustion process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and real-time adjustments are implemented, then combustion optimization under varying conditions is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it processes signals from various sensors (crank angle sensor, load sensor, temperature sensor), determines optimal injection parameters, controls the injection timing and amount, and adapts to different operating conditions. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single control unit rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by using onboard sensors to automatically monitor operating conditions and self-adjusting the pilot injection parameters without external intervention. The control unit autonomously processes sensor data and modifies injection timing and amount based on current conditions, reducing the need for complex external control systems.
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 ensures high combustion stability and optimal NOx control across different operating conditions by dynamically adjusting pilot injection amounts and timings, thereby achieving a reliable combustion while minimizing NOx emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a mixture of gaseous fuel and air is ignited by injecting a pilot injection of liquid fuel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A method of operating a gaseous fuel internal combustion engine comprises operating the engine by injecting a first amount of liquid fuel in a combustion cycle of the engine. A combustion parameter such as a start of combustion or the like is determined based on a measurement relating to the combustion in a cylinder (26) of the engine. Based on a comparison of this parameter with a reference combustion parameter, an amount of injected liquid fuel and/or an injection timing of the liquid fuel is adjusted in a subsequent combustion cycle of the engine.