Variable-Volume Fuel Chambers for Stable Gaseous Fuel Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaseous fuel supply systems for internal combustion engines face inefficiencies due to the need for regulators and compressors to adjust pressure, leading to reduced fuel usage and increased parasitic power consumption, especially when storage pressure differs from supply pressure.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing two variable volume chambers that cyclically alternate between the fuel source and consumer, with one chamber acting as a compressor or regulator based on pressure needs, maintaining stable supply pressure and maximizing fuel usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a regulator is used to reduce pressure from storage pressure to supply pressure, then the supply pressure is maintained, but the fuel flow rate is limited and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure regulation function with the fuel storage chamber itself. The chamber volume is dynamically adjusted to serve both as storage and as a pressure-regulating element, eliminating the need for a separate regulator device and reducing system complexity while maintaining stable supply pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel chamber is designed to perform multiple functions: storing fuel, regulating pressure, and controlling flow rate. By making the chamber volume variable, it can adapt to different operating conditions and replace multiple dedicated components, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Stress or pressure
If a gas compressor is used to increase pressure when storage pressure falls below supply pressure, then the supply pressure is maintained, but parasitic power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of the fuel chamber volume instead of using a powered compressor. By mechanically varying the chamber volume in response to pressure changes, the system maintains supply pressure without requiring external power input, thereby eliminating parasitic power consumption associated with compressors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the pressure differential itself to drive the volume adjustment mechanism. The high storage pressure naturally pushes fuel into the variable chamber, and the chamber's volume change automatically regulates the pressure, creating a self-regulating system that does not require external energy input.
3Quantity of substance
If storage pressure is increased to carry greater mass of fuel, then the operating range is extended, but the need for pressure adjustment components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the high-pressure storage function with the pressure regulation function in a single integrated system. The variable volume chamber acts as both the storage container and the pressure-regulating device, allowing high storage pressure to be maintained while eliminating the need for separate regulators and reducing overall system complexity.
4Quantity of substance
If storage pressure is higher than supply pressure, then greater mass of fuel can be stored, but fuel flow rate is limited when operating at low storage pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the fuel chamber volume based on the storage pressure level. When storage pressure is high, the chamber volume is reduced to maintain proper pressure ratio and maximize flow rate. When storage pressure drops, the chamber volume is increased to compensate and maintain adequate flow rate, ensuring consistent productivity throughout the fuel depletion cycle.
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
Stabilizes supply pressure across varying tank pressures, enhances fuel usage, and reduces parasitic power consumption and system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the volume of the second variable volume chamber is changed subsequent to the introduction of the quantity of fuel therein, to change the pressure in the second variable volume chamber from the storage pressure to the supply pressure
Implementation Method 2
the valving serving during each operating cycle to connect a first of the variable volume chambers to the fuel consumer to supply fuel thereto at the desired supply pressure and to connect a second of the variable volume chambers to the fuel source to introduce a quantity of fuel into the second variable volume chamber at the storage pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A system for supplying gaseous fuel to a fuel consumer at a desired supply pressure from a fuel source within which fuel is stored at a storage pressure different from the supply pressure comprises at least two variable volume chambers, and valving for connecting each of the variable volume chambers cyclically and alternately to the fuel source and consumer. During each operating cycle, the valving connects a first of the variable volume chambers to the fuel consumer to supply fuel at the desired supply pressure and connects a second of the variable volume chambers to the fuel source to introduce a quantity of fuel at the storage pressure. The volume of the second variable volume chamber is changed after the introduction of the quantity of fuel therein to change the pressure from the storage pressure to the supply pressure in readiness for an ensuing cycle.