Nested Multi-Fuel Tank System for Emission Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines face challenges in efficiently managing and combusting multiple types of fuels with varying carbon content, particularly in limited packaging spaces, where existing systems struggle to optimize fuel substitution rates and emission reduction while maintaining engine efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A multi-fuel engine system that includes separate fuel tanks for different fuels, with a secondary fuel tank housed within a primary fuel tank, allowing for adjustable fuel substitution rates based on engine load and emission control, using fuels like hydrogen, ammonia, and diesel, and employing a control system to optimize ignition timing and fuel delivery methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate fuel tanks are used for different fuel types, then fuel flexibility and emission control are improved, but packaging space complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the second fuel tank inside the first fuel tank, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces overall packaging space while maintaining separate storage for different fuel types. This resolves the contradiction by enabling multiple fuel types without proportionally increasing packaging complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the packaging space of multiple fuel tanks by allowing the second tank to occupy the interior volume of the first tank, effectively combining their spatial requirements into a single packaging envelope. This reduces the overall packaging complexity while maintaining fuel flexibility.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If fuel substitution rates are increased to reduce emissions, then carbon content decreases, but engine efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic fuel substitution by allowing the engine controller to adjust the ratio of first fuel to second fuel based on operating conditions, load requirements, and emission targets. This enables optimization of both emission reduction and engine efficiency under different operating scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fuel composition parameter by substituting low-carbon second fuel for carbon-intensive first fuel at variable rates. The controller adjusts substitution parameters based on engine load and emission requirements, achieving emission reduction while maintaining efficiency through parameter optimization.
3Productivity
If lower-cost secondary fuels are used to reduce operation costs, then fuel availability and cost-effectiveness improve, but emission control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the engine controller continuously monitors engine operating parameters, fuel levels, and emission outputs to dynamically adjust the fuel substitution rate. This feedback mechanism automates emission control, reducing manual intervention complexity while achieving cost-effective operation through optimized fuel usage.
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 carbon emissions, increased engine efficiency, and cost-effective operation by allowing for the use of lower-cost, more available secondary fuels, while maintaining compact fuel arrangements and minimizing emissions.
Implementation Method 1
The second tank is arranged in the interior volume of the first tank and in contact with the first fuel
Implementation Method 2
Internal combustion engines may include compression-ignition and/or spark-ignition engines. The engine may combust multiple types of fuel.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for a multi-fuel fuel system. In one example, a system includes a first fuel arranged in an interior volume of a first tank and a second fuel arranged in an interior volume of a second tank. The second tank is arranged in the interior volume of the first tank and in contact with the first fuel.