Hybrid Diesel Engine Block Heating Without Utility Power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional welding-type power supplies face performance degradation due to cold temperatures, necessitating the use of utility power to heat the engine, which is inconvenient and requires relocation of the engine to a power source.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid diesel engine system incorporating an energy storage device to provide power for a heating element, which maintains the engine temperature within a threshold, using sensors and controllers to manage power distribution and heating operations autonomously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the engine is plugged into a utility power source to heat the engine block, then the engine temperature can be maintained to mitigate cold temperature effects, but the system requires relocation of the engine to a power source and loses operational flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the utility power source with the engine assembly by mounting the generator on the engine. This integration allows the engine to generate its own electrical power for heating the engine block through the heating element, eliminating the need for external utility power sources and maintaining operational flexibility while solving the temperature maintenance problem.
2Temperature
If the engine is relocated to a power source for heating, then the engine can be heated to mitigate cold temperature effects, but the system loses mobility and requires infrastructure dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power generation capability directly into the engine system by mounting the generator on the engine. This self-contained configuration enables the engine to produce its own electrical power for heating purposes, eliminating dependency on external power infrastructure and maintaining full operational versatility across different locations and conditions.
3Ease of operation
If a heating element is powered by the engine's own generator, then the engine can maintain optimal temperature without utility power, but the system requires integration of energy storage and power management components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified system: the generator is mounted on the engine to provide electrical power, a battery serves as an energy storage device to supply power during cold conditions, and a heating element is positioned against the engine block for direct heating. A controller coordinates these components to manage power distribution, creating a self-sufficient system that maintains operational simplicity despite the added functionality.
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 system effectively mitigates cold temperature effects on engine performance by maintaining optimal operating conditions without reliance on utility power, enhancing operational flexibility and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage device to provide a second power output to a heating element to heat the engine
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are provided for a welding-type power system that includes an engine configured to drive an electric generator to provide a first power output. An energy storage device to provide a second power output. A controller is configured to receive one or more control signals to provide a total power output to at least one of a welding-type output or an auxiliary type output, determine proportional values for the first power output and the second power output that add up to the total power output based on a power demand signal that indicates a contribution of the first power output and the second power output, control the engine to adjust speed based on the first power output value, and control a connection from the energy storage device to provide the second power output to the welding-type output based on the second power output value.