Gaseous Fuel Injector Break Loose Operation for Cold Start
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaseous fuel injectors face performance issues during cold engine start conditions, necessitating innovative preparation methods and systems to enhance their efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The development of unique gaseous fuel injector preparation methods and systems, which include an electronic control system (ECS) that controls the injectors by determining whether to perform a break loose operation, energizing the injectors with multiple voltage pulses, and subsequently commencing ignition to rotate the engine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gaseous fuel injectors are used during cold engine start conditions, then fuel injection can be provided, but performance suffers due to potential injector sticking and unreliable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a break loose operation before normal fuel injection during cold engine start. This preliminary action involves energizing the injector with a first voltage pulse to move the valve assembly from a closed position to an open position, ensuring the injector is properly prepared and not stuck before actual fuel injection begins. This resolves the contradiction by preventing injector sticking issues before they can affect reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple voltage pulses in sequence: a first voltage pulse to open the valve, a second voltage pulse to maintain operation, and a third voltage pulse to close the valve after fuel injection. This periodic action ensures reliable operation during cold starts by systematically controlling the valve assembly through distinct operational phases, overcoming the unreliable single-pulse operation typical in cold conditions.
2Reliability
If multiple voltage pulses are applied to energize the injector, then break loose operation is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energizing process is segmented into three distinct voltage pulses with specific functions: first pulse to open the valve, second pulse to maintain injection, and third pulse to close the valve. This segmentation allows the system to apply energy only when and where needed, rather than continuous energizing, thus reducing overall energy consumption while ensuring reliable cold start operation through targeted pulsed energy application.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple voltage pulses ensure continuous and reliable injector operation during the critical cold start period. The first pulse initiates the break loose action, the second pulse maintains steady-state injection, and the third pulse completes the cycle. This continuous pulsed action ensures the injector remains reliable throughout the cold start sequence without requiring excessive energy compared to alternative approaches.
3Ease of operation
If the injector valve assembly is stuck in the closed position, then normal fuel injection cannot occur, but the solenoid may not generate sufficient force in cold conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies a first voltage pulse specifically designed to overcome the stuck condition and move the valve assembly from closed to open position before normal fuel injection begins. This preliminary break loose action uses sufficient force to overcome cold-temperature solenoid limitations, ensuring the valve is properly opened and ready for normal operation without requiring excessive force during subsequent injection phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the voltage pulse characteristics to match the operational needs: a higher initial pulse to overcome sticking, followed by a sustained pulse for injection, and a closing pulse to complete the cycle. This dynamic approach ensures the solenoid generates sufficient force at each stage, particularly during the critical initial break loose phase when the valve may be stuck in cold conditions.
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 effectively addresses the challenges of cold engine start by ensuring reliable fuel injection, improving engine starting performance, and maintaining efficient operation under cold conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid configured to move the valve assembly in response to an electrical signal from the electronic control system
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of gaseous fuel injectors configured to inject gaseous fuel for combustion in a plurality of cylinders
Implementation Method 3
combustion of gaseous fuel supplied by gaseous fuel injectors
Implementation Method 4
the combustion of gaseous fuel supplied by gaseous fuel injectors configured to inject the gaseous fuel directly into the combustion chambers
Data Source
AI summary
An engine system includes a gaseous fuel injection system including a plurality of gaseous fuel injectors configured to inject gaseous fuel for combustion in a plurality of cylinders and an electronic control system operatively coupled with the gaseous fuel injection system. The electronic control system is configured to determine whether to perform a break loose operation of the plurality of injectors, energize each of the plurality of gaseous fuel injectors with multiple voltage pulses in response to a determination to perform the break loose operation, and after the energization commence ignition to rotate the engine.