Multifuel Automotive Engine Modules for Low-NOx Grid Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel-based technologies for grid electricity supplementation, such as open cycle gas turbines and large reciprocating engines, are costly, inflexible, and emit high levels of pollutants, making them inadequate for addressing the reliability and variability challenges posed by renewable energy sources and severe weather events.
Innovation Solution
Modifying automotive engines for high RPM stoichiometric operation with three-way catalysts and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to achieve low NOx emissions, enabling multiplexed multifuel capability with fuels like hydrogen, methanol, and ammonia, and configuring them into modular power modules for rapid, flexible electricity generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If open cycle gas turbines and large reciprocating engines are used for fuel-based supplemental electricity, then power generation capability is provided, but cost per kW increases and air pollutant emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of automotive engines by running them at high RPM (1500-3000 revolutions per minute) and stoichiometric air-fuel ratios, which are optimized for electricity generation rather than vehicle propulsion. This parameter change enables low NOx emissions while maintaining high power output for supplemental power generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adapts existing automotive engine designs (copying proven technology) and modifies them for stationary power generation applications. By utilizing readily available automotive engines rather than developing new specialized engines, the system achieves low cost per kW while meeting emission requirements through operational modifications
2Duration of action of moving object
If present installed battery technology is used for electricity storage, then energy storage capability is provided, but cost increases linearly with duration becoming extremely expensive for 12 hours or more
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges battery storage technology with fuel-based automotive engine generators to create a hybrid energy storage system. The battery handles short-duration (up to 4 hours) energy storage while the fuel-based system provides long-duration (12+ hours) supplemental power, combining the advantages of both technologies to reduce overall system cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the energy storage function into two distinct components: battery storage for short-duration needs and fuel-based generation for long-duration needs. This segmentation allows each technology to operate in its optimal performance range, avoiding the prohibitive cost of using batteries alone for extended duration storage
3Object-generated harmful factors
If automotive engines are modified for high RPM stoichiometric operation, then cost per kW decreases and NOx emissions reduce, but engine complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves low NOx emissions by changing operational parameters (high RPM and stoichiometric air-fuel ratio) rather than making complex structural modifications to the engine. This approach maintains engine simplicity while meeting emission requirements through optimized operation
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiplexed multifuel automotive engine systems are deployed for grid reliability, then flexibility in location and fuel choice increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal power generation system using automotive engines that can operate on multiple fuel types (natural gas, propane, ethanol, gasoline, hydrogen, methanol, ammonia) and be deployed in various locations. This multi-functionality is achieved by leveraging the inherent versatility of automotive engine designs while adding modular fuel delivery systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fuel delivery and control systems into modular components that can be independently configured for different fuel types. This modular segmentation allows the same base engine platform to accommodate multiple fuels without requiring complete system redesign, managing complexity while maintaining versatility
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 modified automotive engines provide low-cost, low-emission, and highly flexible power generation, capable of rapid response and energy storage, significantly enhancing grid reliability and non-grid electricity supply, including fast electric vehicle charging.
Implementation Method 1
these engines also have multifuel capability that provides highly flexible use of low carbon fuels (such as hydrogen, methanol and ammonia) as well as the use of present fuels that are widely available (such as natural gas, propane, ethanol and gasoline)
Implementation Method 2
Modifying automotive engines for high RPM stoichiometric operation with three-way catalysts and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to achieve low NOx emissions
Implementation Method 3
these engines use high RPM and stoichiometric air fuel ratio operation so as to provide the advantages of substantially reduced cost and NOx emissions
Data Source
AI summary
Modestly modified automotive engine powered generator systems to substantially improve capability for providing renewable electricity powered grid reliability and energy storage are disclosed. The use of these engines to improve capability for non-grid electricity generation, including affordable and clean fast charging of electric vehicles, is also disclosed. In one embodiment, these automotive high RPM and engines use stoichiometric air fuel ratio operation so as to provide the advantages of substantially reduced cost and NOx emissions. These engines also have multifuel capability that provides highly flexible use of low carbon fuels (such as hydrogen, methanol and ammonia) as well as the use of present fuels that are widely available. When these low-carbon fuels are produced with excess electricity from the grid and supplied to the grid when there is an electricity-supply shortfalls, they can serve as a means of energy storage.