Portable efficient heater management system for diesel engine generators that heats the engine block water economically with the heat obtained from an external heat source
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Diesel engine generator systems face challenges in achieving the ideal pre-start engine block water temperature of 40° C due to high electricity consumption and emissions from traditional resistance-based heating systems, especially in environments without mains electricity, leading to prolonged startup times, increased engine wear, and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular system that utilizes an external heat source, a circulation pump, a two-section heat exchanger, and a processor to heat the engine block water circuit without relying on external electrical energy, using a solar panel or other renewable sources to power the system, and includes a three-way valve and temperature sensors for efficient heat transfer and energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If resistance-based heating systems are used to heat engine block water, then the desired temperature of 40°C can be achieved, but electricity consumption and emissions increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external heat source as an intermediary to heat the engine block water indirectly. Instead of using electrical resistance heaters directly in the engine block, the system uses an external heat source (such as waste heat from exhaust gases or a separate heating system) to heat water, which then circulates through the engine block to provide the required 40°C temperature. This mediator approach eliminates the need for direct electrical heating while achieving the same thermal result.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the heating process to serve itself by utilizing available heat sources within the generator system (such as waste heat from exhaust gases) to heat the engine block water. The circulation pump and heat exchange system are designed to automatically transfer this available heat to the coolant, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for external electrical energy input for heating purposes.
2Temperature
If resistance-based heating systems are used to heat engine block water, then the desired temperature of 40°C can be achieved, but emissions increase due to high electricity consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external heat source as an intermediary to heat the engine block water indirectly. Instead of using electrical resistance heaters directly in the engine block, the system uses an external heat source (such as waste heat from exhaust gases or a separate heating system) to heat water, which then circulates through the engine block to provide the required 40°C temperature. This mediator approach eliminates the need for direct electrical heating while achieving the same thermal result.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts waste heat from exhaust gases or other harmful thermal energy that would otherwise be lost into a useful resource for heating the engine block water. By capturing and redirecting this waste heat through the heat exchange system and circulation pump, the invention transforms a harmful byproduct into a beneficial heating source, eliminating emissions associated with electrical heating while maintaining the required engine temperature.
3Reliability
If external electrical energy is used for heating, then the generator can start reliably, but the system becomes dependent on mains electricity which is unavailable in remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the heating process to serve itself by utilizing available heat sources within the generator system (such as waste heat from exhaust gases) to heat the engine block water. The circulation pump and heat exchange system are designed to automatically transfer this available heat to the coolant, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for external electrical energy input for heating purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system is designed to be universally applicable in various locations, including remote areas without mains electricity. By using the generator's own operational heat (from exhaust gases or normal operation) to pre-heat the engine block water, the system becomes self-contained and adaptable to any location where the generator can operate, removing the constraint of requiring external electrical infrastructure for reliable cold-weather startup.
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 efficiently maintains the engine block at the desired temperature while reducing electricity consumption and emissions, allowing for reliable startup of diesel generators in remote or off-grid locations without the need for external electrical energy, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing wear.
Implementation Method 1
a two-section heat exchanger in which the waters in them do not mix with each other, but heat transfer can be made
Implementation Method 2
a circulation pump that provides the circulation of the water taken from the external heat source
Implementation Method 3
a heat sensor measuring the temperature of the water coming from the heat source
Data Source
AI summary
A portable efficient heater management system includes an external heat source, a circulation pump that provides the circulation of the water taken from the external heat source, a heat sensor measuring the temperature of the water coming from the heat source, water transfer pipes, a two-section heat exchanger in which the waters in them do not mix with each other, but heat transfer can be made, a pressure gauge, a processor, a heat sensor placed on a generator, a generator circulation pump, a three-way valve. It also provides the engine blocks of diesel-powered generators to be heated with the heat obtained from an external heat source, as long as the heat in the external source is sufficient.