Switchable Internal Combustion Engine for Cogeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cogeneration plants are optimized for either electric or thermal power generation, leading to inefficiencies in meeting fluctuating demands for both forms of energy, as they do not efficiently switch between electric and thermal power generation modes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for an internal combustion engine to operate in two distinct modes by switching between sets of characteristic engine maps, allowing it to adapt to changing demands by adjusting parameters such as air-to-fuel ratio, ignition timing, and intake air temperature, enabling efficient generation of both electric and thermal power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cogeneration plants use multiple internal combustion engines optimized for either electric or thermal power generation, then the power generation efficiency is improved, but the system complexity and inability to respond to fluctuating demands increases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal combustion engine is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between electric power generation mode and thermal power generation mode. The control unit enables the engine to operate with different characteristic maps optimized for each function, allowing a single engine to replace multiple specialized engines while maintaining high efficiency in both modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine operates dynamically by switching between different characteristic engine maps based on real-time power demands. The control unit monitors electric and thermal power demands and adjusts the engine's operating parameters accordingly, enabling flexible adaptation to fluctuating energy requirements without manual intervention or system reconfiguration.
2Power
If the internal combustion engine is optimized for electric power generation, then electric power output is improved, but thermal power recovery efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit stores and switches between different characteristic engine maps, each optimized for specific operating conditions. When electric power generation is prioritized, the engine operates with parameters optimized for maximum electrical output. When thermal power is needed, the control unit switches to characteristic maps that optimize thermal energy recovery, thereby minimizing thermal energy loss while maintaining high electric power output capability.
3Power
If the internal combustion engine is optimized for thermal power generation, then thermal power output is improved, but electric power generation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit manages multiple characteristic engine maps that are optimized for different primary functions. When thermal power generation is the priority, the engine operates with characteristic maps that maximize thermal output. The system maintains the capability to switch to electric power optimization mode when needed, ensuring that electric energy loss is minimized while achieving high thermal power output when required.
4Loss of energy
If heat recovery systems are added to generator sets, then thermal power recovery is improved, but the overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat recovery system is integrated with the internal combustion engine control system. The control unit that manages the engine's characteristic maps also coordinates the heat recovery operations, combining multiple functions into a unified control architecture. This integration reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate control systems while maintaining high heat recovery efficiency through coordinated operation of the engine and heat recovery 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
Enables cogeneration plants to efficiently meet varying electric and thermal power demands by optimizing fuel usage for maximum power output in either mode, improving overall energy recovery and flexibility in responding to changing energy requirements.
Implementation Method 1
internal combustion engine configured to be coupled to both an electric generator for generating electric power and a heat recovery system for generating thermal power
Implementation Method 2
electric generator for generating electric power
Implementation Method 3
heat recovery system for generating thermal power
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for operating an internal combustion engine (102) is disclosed. The internal combustion engine (102) is configured to be coupled to both an electric generator (104) for generating electric power and a heat recovery system (106) for generating thermal power. The internal combustion engine (102) is operable in an electric power generation mode and a thermal power generation mode. The method comprises providing a first set of characteristic engine maps dedicated for operating the internal combustion engine (102) in the thermal power generation mode, providing a second set of characteristic engine maps dedicated for operating said internal combustion engine (102) in the electric power generation mode. The method further comprises switching between the first and second sets of characteristic engine maps upon an input.