Multifuel Storage and Metering System for Versatile Combustion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in efficiently utilizing and managing various fuel types in internal combustion engines and fuel cells due to issues such as engine degradation, power loss, and environmental pollution, particularly with the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner alternatives like hydrogen and methane, which require complex and costly modifications to accommodate their different properties.
Innovation Solution
A multifuel system that enables interchangeable storage and precise metering and ignition of fuels with varying chemical and physical properties, using a compact device that replaces spark plugs or diesel fuel injectors to facilitate stratified charge combustion, incorporating embedded pressure transducers for precise fuel delivery and ignition timing, and utilizing hydrogen-characterized fuels for improved efficiency and reduced emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional single-fuel systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but fuel versatility and adaptability to different fuel types are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal fuel system that can accommodate multiple fuel types (gasoline, diesel, natural gas, propane, hydrogen, alcohols) through a single integrated architecture. The system uses a common storage tank, fuel delivery system, and combustion chamber design that adapts to different fuels without requiring separate dedicated systems for each fuel type, thereby achieving fuel versatility while maintaining reasonable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control mechanisms including electronically controlled fuel injectors, variable ignition timing, and programmable fuel mixture ratios that can adapt in real-time to different fuel properties. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the engine to optimize performance across multiple fuel types without requiring physically reconfigurable components
2Object-generated harmful factors
If engine modifications are made to accommodate cleaner fuels like hydrogen and methane, then emissions are reduced, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves reduced emissions by adjusting operational parameters such as fuel-air mixture ratios, ignition timing, and combustion chamber temperature control rather than requiring fundamental design changes. The electronically controlled fuel injection system precisely manages fuel delivery to optimize combustion efficiency and minimize harmful emissions across different fuel types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical fuel delivery systems with electronically controlled fuel injection and ignition systems. This substitution allows for precise digital control of fuel metering and combustion timing, enabling the engine to adapt to cleaner fuels like hydrogen and methane while maintaining cost-effectiveness through electronic control rather than complex mechanical modifications
3Use of energy by moving object
If precise fuel metering is implemented, then fuel efficiency and thermal efficiency are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback control through sensors that monitor fuel delivery, air intake, and combustion parameters. The electronic control unit processes this feedback information and dynamically adjusts fuel injection timing and quantity to optimize fuel efficiency. This closed-loop control achieves precise fuel metering through intelligent control algorithms rather than mechanically complex metering mechanisms
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 high thermal and mechanical efficiency, reduces fuel waste, minimizes heat loss, and allows for the use of multiple fuel types, including cryogenic and ambient temperature fuels, while reducing emissions and extending engine life, thereby addressing the limitations of previous approaches.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating embedded pressure transducers for precise fuel delivery and ignition timing
Implementation Method 2
allows for the use of multiple fuel types, including cryogenic and ambient temperature fuels, while reducing emissions and extending engine life
Implementation Method 3
facilitate stratified charge combustion
Data Source
AI summary
A system for safe storage and efficient utilization of a variety of fuel selections that range in composition and phase from cryogenic mixtures of solids and liquids to elevated temperature gases is provided for unique applications with various types of heat engines and fuel cells including hybridized combinations.