Hydrogen Engine Exhaust Scavenging for Moisture and Rust Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydrogen internal combustion engines face high moisture content in the exhaust system, leading to increased rusting probabilities and reduced service life due to condensation, which existing technologies have not effectively addressed.

Innovation Solution

A scavenging control method that includes detecting moisture content in the exhaust system and components like the crankcase, performing scavenging operations when thresholds are exceeded, and powering off when thresholds are met to maintain low moisture levels, using starter motors to manage scavenging durations and prevent overheating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If hydrogen gas is used as fuel, then high specific energy and fast combustion speed are achieved, but moisture content in exhaust gas increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower outputVSAvoidmoisture content
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing scavenging operations before the moisture content reaches harmful levels. The control unit detects moisture content in real-time and initiates scavenging operations proactively to prevent condensation and rusting, rather than reacting after damage occurs. This involves controlling the engine to perform scavenging cycles that remove moisture-laden exhaust gases from the exhaust system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of high moisture content into a beneficial control signal. The moisture content detection is used to trigger scavenging operations that actively remove moisture from the system. By detecting the presence of moisture and responding with targeted scavenging cycles, the system transforms the harmful moisture condition into a trigger for protective action, ultimately reducing moisture accumulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Quantity of substance

If scavenging operations are performed frequently, then moisture content is reduced, but engine operating time is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture contentVSAvoidengine operating time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring moisture content in the exhaust system and adjusting scavenging operations accordingly. The control unit receives moisture content signals from sensors and dynamically adjusts the scavenging cycle frequency and duration. This feedback mechanism ensures scavenging is performed only when necessary, optimizing the balance between moisture removal and engine operating time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the scavenging operation frequency adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts scavenging parameters based on real-time moisture content levels, engine operating conditions, and environmental factors. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between moisture removal effectiveness and engine operating time based on actual system state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If moisture content is not controlled, then engine components are exposed to rusting, but active control systems increase device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the engine to perform scavenging operations autonomously based on detected moisture conditions. The control unit automatically initiates and manages scavenging cycles without requiring external intervention or complex manual control systems. The system monitors its own moisture content and self-regulates the scavenging process, reducing the need for external complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting engine operating parameters (such as intake air flow, exhaust valve timing, and combustion timing) to control moisture content. Rather than adding complex mechanical removal systems, the invention modifies operational parameters to prevent moisture accumulation and rusting, achieving protection through controlled changes in engine behavior rather than additional complex hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method effectively reduces moisture content to prevent rusting, maintaining engine functionality and extending the service life of hydrogen internal combustion engines by managing moisture levels through controlled scavenging operations.

Implementation Method 1

controlling the hydrogen internal combustion engine to perform a first scavenging operation, if the first moisture content of gas is larger than or equal to a first preset value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScavenging:

Data Source

PatentEP4715189A1Scavenging control method and device for hydrogen internal combustion engine, electronic device and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 WEICHAI POWER CO LTD
  • EP4715189A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4715189A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4715189A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present application discloses a scavenging control method and device for a hydrogen internal combustion engine, an electronic device, and a storage medium. The scavenging control method for a hydrogen internal combustion engine includes: acquiring a first moisture content of gas in an exhaust system of the hydrogen internal combustion engine when the hydrogen internal combustion engine is in a stalling state; controlling the hydrogen internal combustion engine to perform a first scavenging operation, if the first moisture content of gas is larger than or equal to a first preset value; and returning to the acquiring the first moisture content of gas in the exhaust system of the hydrogen internal combustion engine, in response to the duration of the first scavenging operation reaching a first preset duration. The scavenging control method for a hydrogen internal combustion engine can reduce the moisture content of gas in the hydrogen internal combustion engine to a level that meets rust prevention requirements through the scavenging operation, thereby significantly reducing the probability of rusting, and keeping the moisture content of gas in the hydrogen internal combustion engine at a relatively low level, so that the hydrogen internal combustion engine is kept in a good working state, and the service life of the hydrogen internal combustion engine is extended.