Peroxide Radical Fuel Ignition in Lean Combustion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ignition systems in internal combustion engines face challenges in providing stable and consistent combustion, especially when using high exhaust gas recirculation and lean air-fuel mixtures, leading to difficulties in igniting fuels like diesel, which can result in increased NOx emissions and soot production.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the introduction of a mixture of air and a compound with a peroxide group, such as hydrogen peroxide, into the engine's main combustion chamber, where the compound decomposes into radicals at a controlled temperature range, facilitating fuel ignition upon interaction with the radical.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If high EGR and lean air-fuel mixtures are used to reduce NOx emissions and improve efficiency, then emissions are reduced and efficiency is improved, but stable and consistent combustion becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a compound with a peroxide group into the combustion chamber before the main fuel injection. This compound decomposes at controlled temperatures to generate radicals that prepare the oxidation environment, ensuring reliable ignition and stable combustion even under high EGR and lean mixture conditions. The peroxide compound acts as a precursor that initiates the combustion process before the main fuel is introduced.
2Device complexity
If conventional ignition systems are used under high EGR conditions, then system complexity is low, but ignition reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the combustion environment by introducing a peroxide compound that decomposes to form radicals. This chemical parameter change enables reliable ignition under high EGR conditions without requiring complex ignition systems. The controlled decomposition of the peroxide compound at specific temperature ranges creates the necessary radical concentration for dependable combustion initiation.
3Reliability
If diesel fuel is used for pilot ignition to achieve robust combustion, then ignition reliability is improved, but soot production and particulate matter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a peroxide compound as an intermediary substance that facilitates ignition without producing soot. Instead of using diesel fuel as a pilot ignition source, the peroxide compound decomposes to generate radicals that initiate the combustion of the main fuel charge. This intermediary approach maintains ignition reliability while avoiding the soot and particulate matter problems associated with diesel pilot injection.
4Reliability
If encapsulated spark plugs or pre-chamber designs are used to achieve robust ignition, then ignition consistency is improved, but additional NOx treatment and extensive service are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using a peroxide compound that automatically decomposes at controlled temperature ranges to provide consistent ignition. The compound's decomposition is self-regulating based on temperature, eliminating the need for complex encapsulated spark plugs or pre-chamber designs. This approach achieves reliable and consistent ignition without requiring additional aftertreatment systems or extensive maintenance.
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
This approach enables stable and consistent fuel ignition, reduces soot formation, and minimizes NOx emissions by oxidizing soot within the combustion chamber, potentially eliminating the need for additional aftertreatment systems and reducing engine bulk and costs.
Implementation Method 1
the compound decomposes into a radical within the temperature range
Implementation Method 2
causing an interaction of the fuel with the radical, thereby igniting the fuel
Implementation Method 3
igniting the fuel
Implementation Method 4
minimizes NOx emissions by oxidizing soot within the combustion chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A method to ignite a fuel in an engine of an engine system is disclosed. The method includes introducing a mixture of air and a compound into a main combustion chamber of the engine. The compound includes a peroxide group. Next, the method includes controlling, by a controller, one or more parameters of the engine system to attain a temperature in the main combustion chamber within a temperature range. The compound decomposes into a radical within the temperature range. The method further includes injecting, by an injector, the fuel into the main combustion chamber upon the decomposition of the compound into the radical, causing an interaction of the fuel with the radical, thereby igniting the fuel.