Ozone Generator for Diesel Engine Combustion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Internal combustion engines, particularly diesel engines, face challenges in achieving complete combustion and reducing emissions such as unburned fuel, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and ozone, while maintaining fuel efficiency, as existing ozone generation technologies have not been commercially viable or effective.

Innovation Solution

An ozone generator system comprising a non-conductive shell with electrodes and a high voltage source that converts oxygen to ozone, which is then introduced into the engine's air intake, facilitating complete fuel combustion and reducing emissions by enhancing oxidation processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If conventional ozone generation technologies are used, then emissions reduction is achieved, but commercial viability and effectiveness are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveemissionsVSAvoidcommercial viability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies strong oxidants by introducing ozone (O3) into the combustion chamber to accelerate the oxidation of unburned fuel and carbon monoxide. The ozone generator converts oxygen to ozone, which then reacts with harmful emissions to convert them into carbon dioxide and water, thereby reducing harmful emissions while maintaining commercial viability through a practical implementation approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

2Use of energy by moving object

If ozone is introduced to enhance combustion, then fuel efficiency increases, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ozone generator system is designed to serve multiple functions: it generates ozone from ambient oxygen, introduces the ozone into the combustion chamber, and simultaneously handles emission reduction. The system can be integrated with existing engine architectures without requiring fundamental redesign, thereby improving fuel efficiency while limiting the increase in system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If complete combustion is achieved through ozone, then emissions are reduced, but the complexity of achieving complete combustion increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveemissionsVSAvoidcombustion control
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes ozone as a strong oxidant to facilitate complete combustion of fuel. The ozone molecules react with unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in the exhaust, converting them into carbon dioxide and water. This chemical approach to achieving complete combustion is simpler than mechanical or electronic combustion control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

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 increases fuel efficiency by ensuring complete fuel burning and significantly reduces emissions, as demonstrated by a 40% increase in miles per gallon and a 50% decrease in opacity readings in diesel engine tests.

Implementation Method 1

a high voltage source capable of producing a voltage differential on the first and second electrodes sufficient to cause the production of ozone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical discharge: Electric Spark

Implementation Method 2

A change from oxygen to ozone occurs in the air flowing through the apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOzone generation: Ozone

Implementation Method 3

The ozone molecule is very unstable and easily disposes of one oxygen atom when it reacts to a carbon containing molecule. This is what makes ozone a strong oxidizer.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS8205600B2Apparatus and system for the production of ozone for an internal combustion engine
Publication Date: 2012.06.26 OXITRON TECH
  • US8205600B2 patent drawing
  • US8205600B2 patent drawing
  • US8205600B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus for the production of ozone for an internal combustion engine comprising a non-conductive shell having a first and second opening which allows air to flow therethrough and first and second electrodes disposed inside the shell. The first electrode is spaced a distance from the second electrode, the first electrode having a smaller diameter than, and being aligned axially within the second electrode. The first electrode permits air to flow therethrough. A high voltage source is connected to the first and second electrode, the high voltage source capable of producing a voltage differential on the first and second electrodes sufficient to cause the production of ozone. A change from oxygen to ozone occurs in the air flowing through the apparatus. The shell is preferably cylindrical.