Two-Point Fuel System Reduces Gas Engine Startup Delay
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines using natural gas face a fuel transport delay due to the configuration of fuel upstream of the compressor, which extends engine startup time, necessitating improvements in fuel delivery systems.
Innovation Solution
A two-point fuel system with multiple fueling valves and an electrically driven compressor is introduced, where a primary fuel path injects fuel upstream of the compressor, and a secondary fuel path injects downstream, allowing for real-time adjustments and mixing of fuels to reduce startup time and increase engine speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fuel is injected upstream of the compressor, then the system can operate with low pressure NG systems, but fuel transport delay extends engine startup time
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel delivery system is segmented into two separate injection points: one upstream of the compressor and one downstream of the compressor. This segmentation allows the system to maintain low-pressure operation while providing a secondary fuel delivery path that reduces transport delay during engine startup.
2Device complexity
If a single fuel path is used, then the system is simpler, but engine startup time is extended due to fuel transport delay
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel system is divided into a primary fuel path and a secondary fuel path with separate injection points. The secondary path provides a direct fuel delivery route that bypasses the compressor, significantly reducing fuel transport delay during engine startup while maintaining overall system simplicity.
3Loss of time
If fuel is injected downstream of the compressor, then fuel transport delay is reduced, but the system requires high pressure fuel supply
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments fuel injection into two paths: the primary path injects upstream of the compressor for normal low-pressure operation, while the secondary path injects downstream of the compressor for rapid fuel delivery during startup. This segmentation allows the system to achieve fast fuel transport without requiring high-pressure fuel supply infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between primary and secondary fuel paths based on operating conditions. During engine startup, the secondary path is activated to provide rapid fuel delivery; during normal operation, the primary path is used to maintain low-pressure operation. This dynamic switching allows the system to optimize performance for different operational phases.
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 significantly reduces engine startup time and improves engine properties by minimizing fuel transport delay and enabling faster engine speed ramp-up, while maintaining low-pressure fuel supply requirements, thus reducing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first compressor, an intake air throttle and a charge air cooler downstream of the first compressor and upstream from the plurality of combustion cylinders
Implementation Method 2
delivering at least the first fuel or at least the second fuel into the plurality of combustion cylinders via injection or fumigation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an engine fueling system that includes multiple fueling valves such that the fuel transport delay can be reduced. The fueling system may also include an electrically driven compressor to improve engine properties during engine startup. For example, an engine fueling system comprising: a first compressor; an intake air throttle operably coupled to the first compressor and positioned downstream of the first compressor; a primary fuel path in communication with a fuel supply, wherein a first fuel from the fuel supply is injected into the primary fuel path upstream from the compressor; and a secondary fuel path in communication with the fuel supply, wherein a second fuel from the fuel supply is injected into the secondary fuel path downstream from the compressor.