Multi-Fuel Blending Control Using Interchangeability Index Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combustion systems face challenges in efficiently blending multiple fuels to optimize combustion efficiency and performance due to variations in fuel properties, leading to inefficiencies and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for blending multiple fuels using a helical static mixer, mixing chamber, eductor, cyclonic mixer, or cyclonic mixer with sensors and a controller to determine and adjust fuel parameters based on measured interchangeability indices like Wobbe or Modified Wobbe Index, ensuring a homogeneous fuel mixture is achieved for optimal combustion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fuels with varying properties are blended without precise control, then fuel flexibility is improved, but combustion efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors to measure the interchangeability index of the blended fuel and feeds this information back to the controller, which automatically adjusts fuel supply parameters to maintain optimal combustion efficiency while accommodating different fuel types
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically adjusts critical parameters such as fuel flow rate, pressure, and temperature based on the measured interchangeability index, enabling the system to adapt to varying fuel properties while maintaining consistent combustion performance
2Stability of the object's composition
If complex mixing mechanisms are used to achieve homogeneous fuel mixture, then mixing quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes fluid dynamic forces and pressure differentials within the mixing chamber to achieve thorough fuel mixing without complex mechanical moving parts, relying on hydraulic principles to create homogeneous mixtures through controlled flow patterns
3Reliability
If real-time measurement and adjustment systems are implemented, then combustion performance is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions by receiving sensor data, calculating the interchangeability index, determining optimal fuel parameters, and adjusting fuel supply systems, consolidating what could be separate complex subsystems into a single multi-functional control unit
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 enhances combustion efficiency by ensuring a homogeneous fuel mixture, improving operational performance and efficiency of combustion systems by adjusting fuel parameters to match predetermined interchangeability indices.
Implementation Method 1
mixing, via a plurality of helical structures of the helical static mixer, the at least two fuels to form a fuel mixture
Implementation Method 2
determining, via one or more sensors, a measured interchangeability index of the fuel mixture
Data Source
AI summary
A method of blending at least two fuels includes providing at least two fuels to a mixing chamber via a fuel supply system, the fuel supply system including a fuel supply circuit for each fuel of the at least two fuels, mixing, via baffles of the mixing chamber, the at least two fuels to form a fuel mixture, determining, via one or more sensors, a measured interchangeability index of the fuel mixture, comparing the measured interchangeability index to a predetermined interchangeability index, adjusting, via the fuel supply system, one or more parameters of at least one of the at least two fuels based on the comparison between the measured interchangeability index and the predetermined interchangeability index, and providing the fuel mixture to a combustion system.