Hydrogen Direct Injection Pressure Control for Low-Loss Combustion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently regulating and injecting gaseous fuels, particularly hydrogen, into internal combustion engines due to energy penalties and parasitic losses associated with pressurization, leading to decreased fuel economy.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method involving a pressure regulator, in-cylinder fuel injector, and controller to regulate and inject gaseous fuels at specific pressures and times during the engine cycle, utilizing a bypass valve to optimize fuel delivery based on storage pressure, and optionally using a pilot fuel for ignition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If gaseous fuel is stored as compressed gas at high pressure (e.g., 700 bar for hydrogen), then storage density is increased to extend vehicle range, but energy penalty increases when pressurizing fuel from storage pressure to injection pressure (e.g., 300 bar)
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the pressure parameter dynamically based on the fuel type and storage conditions. For hydrogen stored at 700 bar, the system uses a lower injection pressure (300 bar) compared to conventional fuels, reducing the pressurization energy penalty. The controller adjusts injection pressure parameters according to the specific fuel characteristics and storage pressure to optimize the energy efficiency of the compression process.
2Reliability
If injection pressure is increased to ensure proper fuel delivery and combustion, then combustion reliability is improved, but energy penalty and parasitic losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts injection pressure based on fuel type, storage pressure, and engine operating conditions. The controller selects optimal injection pressure values that ensure reliable combustion while minimizing energy losses. For example, hydrogen can be injected at lower pressures compared to conventional fuels due to its higher diffusivity and combustion characteristics, reducing the energy penalty associated with pressurization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from pressure sensors and engine operating parameters to continuously monitor and adjust injection pressure. The controller receives real-time data on storage pressure, injection pressure, and engine conditions to optimize fuel delivery while minimizing energy losses and parasitic effects.
3Productivity
If gaseous fuel is pressurized from storage pressure to injection pressure, then fuel delivery capability is improved, but parasitic losses and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes the pressure parameter by selecting appropriate injection pressures based on fuel type and storage conditions. The controller adjusts pressure ratios and flow rates to maintain effective fuel delivery while minimizing the energy required for pressurization. This dynamic parameter adjustment reduces parasitic losses associated with compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts injection pressure and flow rate based on real-time operating conditions, fuel type, and storage pressure. The controller continuously adjusts system parameters to optimize the balance between fuel delivery capability and energy consumption, reducing parasitic losses during the pressurization process.
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
Enhances fuel economy by minimizing energy losses and ensuring efficient combustion of gaseous fuels, including hydrogen, through precise pressure regulation and injection timing.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure regulator regulates a pressure of the first gaseous fuel or a pressure of the second gaseous fuel
Implementation Method 2
The in-cylinder fuel injector is in fluid communication with the pressure regulator to receive the first gaseous fuel or the second gaseous fuel and directly injects the first gaseous fuel or the second gaseous fuel into a combustion chamber
Implementation Method 3
A cryogenic pump pressurizes the liquefied natural gas that is fluidly communicated through a heat exchanger to vaporize and change the state of the natural gas to either a gas state or a supercritical state
Implementation Method 4
A cryogenic pump pressurizes the liquefied natural gas that is fluidly communicated through a heat exchanger to vaporize
Data Source
AI summary
A method of regulating and injecting a gaseous fuel in an internal combustion engine includes regulating a pressure of the gaseous fuel to an injection pressure at an engine load and an engine speed; and injecting within 90 crank angle degrees of top dead center during a compression stroke of the internal combustion engine an injected quantity of the gaseous fuel into a combustion chamber at the injection pressure; where the gaseous fuel comprises hydrogen; where the injection pressure equals a product of a peak cylinder pressure multiplied by a multiplication factor, the multiplication factor within a range of 1.15 and 1.4; and where the injected quantity of the gaseous fuel is burned in a diffusion combustion mode.