Split Cycle Engine Coolant Phase Change Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional internal combustion engines face inefficiencies due to the simultaneous compression and combustion processes, which can lead to overheating and reduced engine performance, particularly in split cycle engines where cooling mechanisms are not effectively managed.
Innovation Solution
A split cycle internal combustion engine design that utilizes two liquid coolants with different thermal properties, where a controller regulates the injection of these coolants into the compression cylinder to limit temperature rise through phase change and latent heat absorption, allowing for increased air mass and improved efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If liquid coolant is injected into the compression cylinder to absorb heat during compression, then temperature rise is limited and engine efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for controller and coolant delivery system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the coolant by injecting it as liquid during compression, where it vaporizes to absorb heat. This parameter change (liquid to gas phase transition) enables effective temperature control during compression without requiring complex active cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant system is designed to be self-regulating through the natural phase change process. The injected liquid coolant automatically vaporizes and absorbs heat based on the compression temperature conditions, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms while still achieving temperature management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple liquid coolants with different thermal properties are used to optimize engine performance, then temperature control flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple coolant reservoirs and delivery paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic coolant selection system where the controller adjusts which coolant is injected and in what quantity based on real-time engine operating conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize temperature control for different工况 without requiring permanently complex hardware for all possible configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant delivery system is designed with multi-functionality, where the same injection infrastructure can deliver different types of coolants (liquid nitrogen, water, or combinations) depending on operational requirements. This universal design approach allows one system to serve multiple cooling scenarios without requiring separate dedicated systems for each coolant type.
3Productivity
If liquid nitrogen is used as coolant to achieve quasi-isothermal compression, then compression efficiency is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases due to cryogenic temperature management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses temperature sensors and control algorithms as intermediaries to manage the cryogenic coolant system. These intermediaries translate complex cryogenic temperature measurements into actionable control signals for the injection system, simplifying the detection and measurement tasks while maintaining high compression efficiency.
4Power
If controller regulates coolant delivery based on engine parameters to limit temperature rise, then engine efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to control system requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements feedback mechanisms where engine parameters (temperature, pressure, load) are continuously monitored and used to adjust coolant injection timing and quantity. This feedback loop enables the system to optimize engine efficiency dynamically while keeping the control architecture manageable through standardized sensing and actuation components.
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 engine achieves enhanced performance and efficiency by controlling the delivery of liquid nitrogen and water as coolants, reducing overheating and increasing air mass, resulting in a more efficient combustion process and environmental benefits.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid coolant vaporises into its gaseous phase during a compression stroke and a rise in temperature caused by the compression stroke is limited by the absorption of heat by the coolant
Implementation Method 2
the liquid coolant vaporises into its gaseous phase during a compression stroke
Data Source
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AI summary
A split cycle internal combustion engine apparatus 100 is disclosed herein. The apparatus 100 comprises a combustion cylinder 20 accommodating a combustion piston 22 and a compression cylinder 10 accommodating a compression piston 12. The apparatus is arranged to provide compressed fluid to the combustion cylinder 20. The compression cylinder 10 is coupled to a first liquid coolant reservoir 40 and a second liquid coolant reservoir 50. A controller 60 is arranged to receive an indication of at least one parameter associated with the engine, and control delivery of at least one of the first liquid coolant from the first liquid coolant reservoir 40 and the second liquid coolant from the second liquid coolant reservoir 50 to the compression cylinder 10 based on the indication of the at least one parameter such that the at least one liquid coolant vaporises into a gaseous phase during a compression stroke.