Active Pilot Fuel Storage Tank Control for DME Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing dimethyl ether (DME) storage in internal combustion engines lack the ability to manage the physical state of the fuel, leading to inefficiencies and potential unwanted effects due to changes in tank conditions over time.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a controller to actively manage the physical state of pilot fuel storage tanks by regulating temperature, pressure, and liquid level using sensors and actuators, ensuring the conditions remain within a desired range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DME is stored in tanks without active management of physical state, then the system is simpler, but the DME quality deteriorates due to unwanted changes in tank conditions over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring tank conditions (temperature, pressure, liquid level) and automatically adjusting parameters to maintain DME within desired physical state ranges, preventing quality deterioration without requiring complex manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the tank management system automatically regulates its own conditions through integrated sensors and control mechanisms, maintaining DME quality without external intervention while keeping the system relatively simple
2Stability of the object's composition
If tank conditions are actively managed to maintain desired ranges, then DME quality is maintained, but the system complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions including monitoring temperature, pressure, and liquid level simultaneously, and coordinating various actuators, thereby maintaining DME stability with a single multi-functional device rather than multiple separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the monitoring and control functions into an integrated tank management system where sensors, controllers, and actuators work as a unified system, reducing overall complexity compared to separate independent systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If unmanaged tank conditions are allowed to change over time, then the system operates more freely, but unwanted effects occur on the DME due to temperature and pressure variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters such as temperature, pressure, and liquid level setpoints based on actual tank conditions and engine requirements, allowing flexible operation while preventing harmful effects on DME through controlled parameter variations
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 ensures consistent and efficient supply of pilot fuel to the engine, enhancing engine performance and reducing the impact of tank condition changes on DME quality.
Implementation Method 1
a reactor that receives the primary fuel, the reactor configured to convert the primary fuel from an alcohol to an ether
Data Source
AI summary
An internal combustion engine system is described herein. The system uses a pilot fuel to assist in the ignition of the primary fuel or uses a pilot fuel rather than a primary fuel in some instances. The pilot fuel is stored in one or more pilot fuel storage tanks that are actively managed to maintain a desired physical state of the pilot fuel stored in the one or more storage tanks. A controller detects conditions within the one or more pilot fuel storage tanks and issues control commands depending on the detected conditions. The conditions can include a temperature, a pressure, or a level of the pilot fuel stored in the pilot fuel storage tanks.