Multi-Engine Power System Emission Control via Dynamic Load Apportionment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-engine systems fail to effectively minimize total emissions across multiple engines, particularly nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulates, due to stringent emission regulations and inefficient operation of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, as they do not account for varying engine capacities and load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A power system with a controller that receives engine operation and emission information, along with SCR conversion efficiency data, to selectively apportion power demand among engines, optimizing emissions and operating conditions to minimize total engine emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strict symmetric load sharing strategy is used to evenly distribute power demand among engines, then each engine operates within its capacity and capabilities, but total emissions across the plurality of engines increase beyond desired levels
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically changes the load distribution parameter among engines based on real-time emissions data and SCR efficiency measurements. Instead of fixed symmetric load sharing, the system adjusts each engine's power output percentage to optimize total emissions while maintaining reliable operation within engine capacities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where emissions data from each engine and SCR conversion efficiency information are continuously monitored and fed back to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to dynamically adjust load distribution, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing operating conditions to minimize total emissions.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If SCR system is used to reduce NOx emissions, then nitrogen oxides in exhaust gases are reduced, but operation cost increases due to reagent consumption and system maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes SCR operation by adjusting the load on engines with SCR systems based on real-time conversion efficiency measurements. When SCR efficiency is low, the controller reduces load on that engine, minimizing reagent consumption and operational costs while maintaining emissions compliance through load redistribution to more efficient engines.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies SCR treatment selectively rather than uniformly across all engines. By monitoring SCR conversion efficiency and adjusting load distribution accordingly, the system applies catalytic reduction only when it is most effective, reducing unnecessary reagent consumption and operational costs while maintaining emissions standards.
3Stability of the object's composition
If engines are operated at same percentage of individual capacity to evenly distribute loads, then stress and wear are evenly distributed among engines, but total emissions are not minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically changes the load distribution parameter among engines based on real-time emissions data and SCR efficiency measurements. Instead of fixed symmetric load sharing, the system adjusts each engine's power output percentage to optimize total emissions while maintaining reliable operation within engine capacities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from symmetric load sharing to asymmetric load distribution. By deliberately distributing loads unevenly across engines based on their individual emissions characteristics and SCR efficiency, the system achieves lower total emissions while still ensuring each engine operates within safe capacity limits.
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 achieves reduced total emissions by optimizing power distribution among engines, considering their individual emission profiles and SCR efficiency, thereby complying with stringent regulations while minimizing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
some engine manufacturers have implemented a strategy called selective catalytic reduction (SCR), which is a process where a reagent known as diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), most commonly urea, or a water/urea solution, is selectively injected into the exhaust gas stream of an engine and absorbed onto a downstream substrate in order to reduce the amount of NOX in the exhaust gases
Data Source
AI summary
A power system for powering a load is provided. The power system includes a plurality of power sources with each power source including an engine. A SCR system is associated with the engine of at least one of the plurality of power sources. A controller is in communication with the plurality of power sources. The controller is configured to receive engine operation information, emission output information associated with each engine and conversion efficiency information associated with the SCR system and selectively apportion the power demand presented by the load between each of the plurality of power sources based on minimizing total engine emissions across the plurality of power sources and using the engine operation information, the emission output information and the conversion efficiency information.