LPG Ammonia Fuel Adapter for Direct Injection Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Direct-injection petrol/diesel engines face difficulties in converting to LPG/ammonia fuel due to high-pressure injector requirements and operational anomalies, particularly during starting and idling, leading to inefficient conversion and convenience issues for customers.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses the same electronic control unit and original fueling system with an adapter on the high-pressure pump to prevent gasification of LPG/ammonia, allowing for seamless switching between petrol/diesel and LPG/ammonia operation by controlling solenoid valves and a supplementary pump to manage fuel delivery and pressure, ensuring proper carburation and engine starting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If direct-injection petrol engines are converted to LPG in the gaseous phase, then the engine can operate with LPG, but the conversion requires compromises and anomalies where the engine functions with LPG only at a given r.p.m. while running on petrol during idling or maximum power requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of LPG from gaseous to liquid phase, enabling the fuel to be delivered at high pressures through modified injectors while maintaining compatibility with the existing electronic control unit and fuel injection system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the engine to universally operate on multiple fuel types (petrol, diesel, LPG, ammonia) using the same electronic control unit and fuel injection system, eliminating the need for separate control strategies for different operating conditions and fuel types
2Adaptability or versatility
If direct-injection petrol/diesel engines are converted to LPG/ammonia in the liquid phase, then the same electronic control unit and original system can be used, but difficulties arise during starting when the engine has been turned off after a period of operation with LPG/ammonia due to gasification of liquid in the high-pressure pump
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary heating to the high-pressure pump and fuel lines before starting the engine after LPG/ammonia operation. This pre-heating prevents gasification of the liquid fuel during the starting process, eliminating the starting difficulties caused by phase changes in the fuel system
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit activates heating elements in advance of the starting sequence to ensure the fuel remains in liquid phase and properly pressurized, preparing the fuel system before the engine starts to prevent gasification issues
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
Enables efficient and convenient conversion of direct-injection engines to LPG/ammonia operation, overcoming starting difficulties and ensuring reliable engine performance across various conditions by managing fuel delivery and pressure, thus optimizing engine operation and reducing emissions.
Implementation Method 1
an original high-pressure pump of the vehicle (7)
Implementation Method 2
an additional radiator with cooling fan (10)
Implementation Method 3
a petrol/diesel-delivery solenoid valve (5)... an LPG/ammonia-delivery solenoid valve (14)... a distribution assembly with solenoid valves (21)
Implementation Method 4
original high-pressure injector rail (17) of the vehicle... a supplementary LPG/ammonia injector (16)
Implementation Method 5
combustion, given the diversity of fuels, does not occur in advance
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for supply of LPG/ammonia for direct-injection petrol or diesel engines comprises, in combination: an electronic control unit; a petrol/diesel tank and petrol/diesel supply means; an original high- pressure pump of the vehicle (7),- an LPG/ammonia tank and supply means; an additional radiator with cooling fan (10); original high-pressure injector rail (17) of the vehicle; an adapter (19) connected to the high-pressure pump (7), which enables circulation and return of the LPG/ammonia to the tank; an original electronic control unit (20) of the vehicle; and a distribution assembly with solenoid valves and/or non-return valves (21), which combines the devices for opening the passage for delivery and return of 'the LPG/ammonia in the liquid phase, and vice versa, in which with modalities, succession, and times pre-set according to the modalities of operation of the engine with LPG/ammonia or petrol/diesel fuelling, switching of operation of the engine with LPG/ammonia fuelling or petrol/diesel fuelling, arrest of the engine, and modalities requested by the driver.