Rotary Engine Pilot Subchamber Temperature Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary internal combustion engines, including Wankel engines, lack optimized control over the temperature in pilot subchambers for pilot ignition, affecting combustion efficiency and characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for controlling the temperature in pilot subchambers by receiving engine and aircraft operating parameter measurements, computing a setpoint, and generating control signals to adjust the subchamber temperature using a processing unit, which includes sensors for real-time feedback and closed-loop control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pilot subchamber is used for pilot ignition in rotary internal combustion engines, then combustion characteristics can be improved, but the temperature control in the subchamber is not optimized leading to suboptimal combustion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter in the pilot subchamber by controlling heating elements and fuel injection timing. The processing unit adjusts heating power and fuel quantity based on desired temperature setpoints to optimize combustion efficiency while managing system complexity through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by measuring actual subchamber temperature with sensors and comparing it to desired setpoints. The processing unit receives temperature measurements and operating parameters, then adjusts heating and fuel injection accordingly to maintain optimal combustion conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If real-time temperature measurement and control is implemented in the pilot subchamber, then combustion characteristics are optimized, but the system complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing units
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit serves multiple functions: it receives temperature measurements from sensors, computes desired temperature setpoints based on operating parameters, generates control signals for heating elements, and coordinates fuel injection timing. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating control tasks in a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing unit acts as an intermediary between temperature sensors and actuators (heating elements and fuel injectors). It processes sensor data, determines appropriate control actions, and sends commands to actuators, thereby managing system complexity through centralized intelligence.
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a system and method for controlling a temperature in the subchamber of a rotary engine. At least one first measurement of at least one engine operating parameter, a second measurement of the actual value of a temperature in the subchamber, and at least one third measurement of at least one aircraft operating parameter are received. A setpoint for the temperature in the subchamber is determined from the at least one first measurement and the at least one third measurement. At least one control signal is output to the engine for adjusting the actual value of the temperature in the subchamber towards the setpoint.