Marine Engine Fuel Conversion System with ECM Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Marine vessels face inefficiencies and high pollution due to their inefficient use of traditional fuels like gasoline and diesel, with the high cost and logistical challenges of retrofitting to natural gas systems, leaving a need for a cost-effective and efficient solution to convert existing engines to utilize cleaner, gaseous fuels.
Innovation Solution
A system that converts gasoline marine engines into dedicated natural gas engines or hybrids, using a computer-based Engine Control Module (ECM) to manage the switching between gasoline and natural gas, with electronic solenoids, plug-and-play valves, and air intake pressure sensors, allowing operators to select fuel on demand, while maintaining compatibility with existing engines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If existing marine vessels are retrofitted with natural gas technology, then emission levels and operating costs are reduced, but the conversion cost and logistical complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows existing marine vessels to operate with multiple fuel types (natural gas, LPG, diesel) using a single engine platform. The fuel selection valve and control module enable the engine to switch between different fuel sources, making the system universal and adaptable to various fuel types without requiring separate engines for each fuel type.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion system integrates nested components where the fuel selection valve is incorporated into the existing fuel injection system, the control module is integrated with the engine's existing control architecture, and the manifold system is nested within the engine compartment. This nested integration reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to use multiple fuel types.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If existing marine vessels are retrofitted with natural gas technology, then emission levels and operating costs are reduced, but the conversion cost and logistical complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion system is divided into modular segments: a fuel selection valve assembly, a control module, and a manifold system. These segmented components can be installed independently and configured based on the specific vessel requirements, reducing overall conversion cost and simplifying the manufacturing process compared to complete engine replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing engine's control architecture and fuel injection infrastructure as a template, copying the original engine's control logic and adapting it to accommodate multiple fuel types. This approach leverages the existing design rather than creating an entirely new system, significantly reducing conversion costs.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If existing marine vessels are retrofitted with natural gas technology, then emission levels and operating costs are reduced, but the conversion cost and logistical complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows existing marine vessels to operate with multiple fuel types (natural gas, LPG, diesel) using a single engine platform. The fuel selection valve and control module enable the engine to switch between different fuel sources, making the system universal and adaptable to various fuel types without requiring separate engines for each fuel type.
4Adaptability or versatility
If dual-fuel engines are used in marine vessels, then fuel flexibility is improved, but the availability of dual-fuel engines is limited to very large ships
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion system is divided into modular segments: a fuel selection valve assembly, a control module, and a manifold system. These segmented components can be installed independently and configured based on the specific vessel requirements, reducing overall system complexity and making the solution available for vessels of all sizes, not just very large ships.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module automatically manages fuel selection and injection timing based on sensor inputs from the engine's existing control system. The system self-regulates the fuel mixture and injection parameters, reducing the need for complex external control systems and making the solution more accessible to vessels of various sizes.
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 marine vessels to efficiently switch between gasoline and natural gas operation, reducing emissions and operating costs, improving performance and fuel efficiency, while allowing for seamless integration with existing engine systems.
Implementation Method 1
with a vaporizer unit to vaporize Liquefied Natural gas
Implementation Method 2
electronic solenoids are connected to the Natural Gas manifolds with hoses. Each solenoid is also connected to the plug-and-play valves with hoses
Implementation Method 3
The ECM transforms the signal to the Gasoline injectors into signals that actuate the electronic solenoids, thus opening and closing them to allow the gaseous fuel to flow into each combustion cylinder with the correct timing and amount
Implementation Method 4
pressure reducers and regulators are installed with hoses between the compressed fuel tank and the Natural Gas manifolds in the engine compartment. The pressure reducers contain solenoid actuators that allow Natural Gas to flow when actuated
Implementation Method 5
burning a combustible gaseous fuel, such as propane, hydrogen or natural gas in engines
Data Source
AI summary
An engine assembly is provided. The assembly includes an internal combustion engine of the type having a air intake manifold and a fuel injector in fluid communication with a cylinder head of the engine and a gasoline or diesel fuel source, a supply line in communication with each channel of the air intake manifold and being in communication with a gaseous fuel source, the supply line further defining an adapter for controlling flow of gaseous fuel therethrough, and a control module for controlling the fuel injector and a valve, the control module being configured to enable the fuel injector when the engine is operating at a first predetermined operation condition and configured to enable the valve when the engine is operating at a second predetermined operation condition. A method of controlling the same is provided herein.