Variable Compression Engine Cylinder for Dynamic Fuel Reforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional premixing engines struggle to supply the appropriate amount of reformed fuel to outputting cylinders based on their output, as the amount of reformed fuel is fixed and cannot be adjusted by changing the fuel air equivalence ratio or intake gas quantity.
Innovation Solution
The engine incorporates a reforming cylinder with a variable compression and expansion system, where the piston's back-and-forth movement changes the volume of the expansion chamber, allowing for adjustment of the reformed fuel supply to outputting cylinders by modifying the compression and expansion rates based on the temperature of the reformed fuel, while maintaining the fuel air equivalence ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the amount of reformed fuel is fixed based on predetermined conditions, then the fuel air equivalence ratio and intake gas amount cannot be adjusted, but the engine cannot supply the appropriate amount of reformed fuel according to outputting cylinder demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the compression rate and expansion rate of the reforming cylinder variable rather than fixed. The control device dynamically adjusts these rates based on the operating conditions and fuel supply requirements, allowing the system to adapt to different output demands without adding complex external control mechanisms. This resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability through inherent dynamic characteristics of the reforming cylinder itself.
2Quantity of substance
If the compression rate and expansion rate of the reforming cylinder are changed, then the amount of reformed fuel supplied can be adjusted, but the temperature control of reformed fuel becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the temperature of the reformed fuel and using this information to adjust the compression rate and expansion rate. The control device receives temperature data and modifies the operating parameters to maintain optimal temperature ranges, ensuring both the desired fuel quantity and temperature control. This resolves the contradiction by creating a closed-loop system that balances fuel quantity adjustment with temperature management.
Data Source
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AI summary
The purpose of the prevent invention is to provide an engine 1 provided with reforming cylinders 15 which are fuel reforming devices capable of supplying a reformed fuel according to the outputs of outputting cylinders 2. The engine 1 is provided with the outputting cylinders 2 for burning the fuel and the reforming cylinders 15 which are the fuel reforming devices for reforming the fuel through the reciprocating motions of pistons 18. The amount Gf of reformed fuel supplied to all the outputting cylinders 2 is changed according to the outputs of the outputting cylinders 2 while maintaining the amount gf of supplied fuel and the amount gi of suctioned gas, which are supplied into one reforming cylinder 15.