WO2023075734A1

WO2023075734A1 - Dynamic pressure controlled lpg-cng regulator with cylindrical heat exchanger

Info

Publication number: WO2023075734A1
Application number: PCT/TR2022/051182
Authority: WO
Inventors: Baran Burak KÜÇÜK
Original assignee: S.D.Ü.İdari̇ Ve Mali̇i̇ş.Dai̇.Baş.Genelsekreterli̇k
Priority date: 2021-10-26
Filing date: 2022-10-26
Publication date: 2023-05-04
Also published as: DE212022000288U1; TR2021016698A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dynamic pressure-controlled LPG-CNG regulator with cylindrical heat exchanger, ensuring that LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) fuels used in internal combustion engines are brought to the appropriate pressure for efficient combustion in the engine, and allowing for evaporating liquid fuel for LPG vehicles.

Description

DYNAMIC PRESSURE CONTROLLED LPG-CNG REGULATOR WITH CYLINDRICAL HEAT EXCHANGER

Technical Field

State of the Art

Regulators are the equipment that provides the pressure of the gas coming from the fuel tank and the vaporization of the liquid gas (LPG) in vehicles using CNG and LPG as fuel. The success criterion in the regulators is to keep the desired gas pressure and flow rate linearly constant in the range of 0.8 bar-2.1 bar according to the opening and closing time of the injectors. Regulators should be designed such that they can quickly adjust the injectors at the desired pressure and flow rate, according to the stoichiometric ratio (mass calculations between substances entering and leaving a chemical reaction) of the engine.

Pressure regulators currently used in internal combustion engines are used. The main task of these regulators is to regulate the pressure of liquid or gaseous fuels such as LPG and CNG and provide the appropriate pressure conditions for the emergence of combustion. However, these conventional regulators have certain problems. These problems can be divided into two as problems arising from the working principle and structural problems arising from the mechanism.

Problems arising from the working principle can be defined as high fuel consumption due to inefficient combustion, and mechanical problems that occur in the engine as a result of knocking and jerky operation can be defined as low vehicle performance on the slope and high emission values due to inefficient combustion. Structural problems arising from its working mechanism are problems such as late and problematic operation in the first start-up, short-lived use due to mechanically worn parts of the regulator, that the regulator works with the wrong pressure due to the vortex formed in the intake manifold, pressure losses during gas flow due to lack of sufficient heat transfer surface and complex geometry and experiencing gas leaks due to wear of the diaphragm and gasket. Said vortex formation, driven by the manifold pressure, creates a pressure loss in the operating system and the diaphragm cannot work properly. This causes the regulator not to send gas at the correct pressure and flow rate. Therefore, although LPG is 108 octanes, it throws out some of the chemical energy in engines with otto cycle without burning.

In addition, conventional regulators cannot work mechanically quickly with the movable diaphragm, gasket, spring, and adjustment screw therein, and they cannot send fuel to the injectors quickly at the desired pressure and flow.

These problems have created the image that LPG-CNG vehicles are problematic and cannot go uphill. Therefore, In the automotive sector, both the sales of new vehicles with LPG-CNG have decreased and the number of assemblies has decreased due to compatibility problems in new generation engines, and assembly workshops have become more service and after-sales services. One of the main reasons for this situation is that there has been no significant development in LPG-CNG systems for almost 15 years. Subsequently, the engine technologies of the newly released vehicles developed, causing the LPG-CNG systems currently on sale to become outdated. Another pillar of said problem is that there is a prejudice against LPG-CNG systems due to performance losses, mechanical problems, and problems in the engine due to the use of LPG-CNG in vehicles that have already been converted to LPG-CNG systems. This situation has narrowed the market share and turnover of the sector.

The application numbered TR 2007/05527 in the state of the art discloses a pressure regulator that enables the use of alternative fuel LPG-CNG for gasoline vehicles. This device is designed for gasoline powered motor vehicles to convert the liquid fuel LPG / CNG into gas and send it to the injectors by reducing the pressure to 100 kPa in a single step. The device ensures that the liquefied fuel is cleaned in the paper filter as it enters the evaporator and while it is in liquid state, then it is transferred to the gaseous state by the effect of heat by being transferred through the meandering channel in the evaporator and is passed through the sinter bronze filter in gaseous state, and the gas is delivered from the unit to the injectors, adjusted to 100 kPa pressure, through the diaphragm inside the unit. In the invention, it is mentioned that there is a section called a meandering channel between the cover and the circulation chamber and that heat exchange occurs there. However, in said invention, the body of the regulator is not directly designed as a heat exchanger. In addition, although an intelligent control system such as software, sensors, and valves are mentioned in said document, it is seen that the cut-off safety valve does not exist either.

Before mentioning the foreign documents, we would like to point out that the concept of cylinder is frequently mentioned in the examination of these documents, referring to the pistons of the engines, however, being cylindrical, which is one of the peculiarities of our invention, is due to the geometry of the heat exchanger regulator body, and this geometry brings with it the technical benefits that will be mentioned in the description.

Another document with the publication number MX 2018001623A in the state of the art discloses the gas reduction system for the vehicle. Said invention relates to a gas reducing system for controlling gas flow to reduce emissions and improve carbon dioxide in two or three wheeled vehicles. The gas reducing system consists of a valve base, diaphragm, spring, etc., and a pressure regulator (2). The reducing system works according to the engine speed and the accelerator pedal position signal. Depending on the signal, the reducer controls the gas flow to the motor, providing a combustion. This system has a small electronic control unit (ECU) that only operates a solenoid during high load demand. In one application, the ECU is integrated into the TCI or as a separate unit. Therefore, it eliminates the need to have a higher capacity battery. The gas reducing system can be applied to all single-cylinder and multi-cylinder engines of gaseous fuels (LPG and CNG) and consumes approximately five times less energy than the conventional system operating in an electronic system. Here, the presence of an ECU and algorithm is seen. However, the regulator body and sensors, which are a cylindrical heat exchanger, are not mentioned directly. In addition, said invention is not a regulator that regulates the pressure and pre-combustion form of the gas, but an invention that regulates the amount of gas sent according to the level of pressing the gas pedal.

The document numbered CN 2381797Y refers to a vacuum pressure reducing regulator. The utility model relates to a vacuum pressure reducing regulator for a gas engine, comprising a first level pressure reducing body, a dividing sleeve barrel and a throttling air valve on the upper part. The fuel inlet of the lower end forms a water chamber and an air chamber through the dividing pressure reducing body; circulating hot-water is provided to eliminate the refrigerating effect of throttling and evaporation; an engine inlet manifold is introduced during the secondary pressure reducing and the vacuum stochastically engages in the pressure reducing and regulation; discharged from the fuel gas delivery outlet of the tertiary press reducing chamber, the pressure and the delivered amount of the fuel gas are in coincidence with the fuel supply regular pattern. The utility model with a high precision of air-fuel ratio control can improve the charge of the engine; the utility model with simple structure is in particular suitable for the gas engine taking compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as fuel. However, there is a geometric difference in the above-mentioned document. It is also seen that there are no sensors and algorithm (software).

Finally, the document numbered WO 2015008200A1 discloses a pressure reducer for gas-fed internal combustion engines such as CNG, LPG, and LNG A pressure reducer comprises a valve body provided with an inner cavity delimited by a lateral wall, a piston slidably housed in the inner cavity in such a way as to divide it into two. There is at least one spring between a first chamber and a second chamber and between the valve body and the piston. The reducer also comprises at least one sealing element interposed between the piston and the lateral wall for preventing fluid leaks between the first chamber and the second chamber, where the sealing element is a flexible ring. In said invention, it is mentioned that the valve body is cylindrical, but a cylindrical regulator body that works directly as a heat exchanger is not mentioned. In addition, it is understood from the fact that there are elements such as springs, etc., that the processes proceed mechanically in said document, so it does not include a manager software.

In addition, TR 2016/20514, TR 2015/11199, CN 204877718U, EP 2647813A2, CN203257565, and US 4606322A documents or various documents in the F02 and G05 international patent classification (IPC) can be examined to determine the state of the art, however, it is thought that these are not a dynamic pressure controlled LPG- CNG regulator with cylindrical heat exchanger that has exactly the same features as our invention, ensuring that LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) fuels used in internal combustion engines are brought to the appropriate pressure for efficient combustion in the engine, and allowing for evaporating liquid fuel for LPG vehicles. Consequently, in addition to disadvantages mentioned above, the insufficiency of available solutions necessitated making improvement in the related technical field.

Objects of the Invention

Inspired by the current situation, the present invention aims to solve the above- mentioned disadvantages.

The main object of the present invention is to provide a dynamic pressure controlled LPG-CNG regulator with cylindrical heat exchanger, ensuring that LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) fuels used in internal combustion engines are brought to the appropriate pressure for efficient combustion in the engine, and allowing for evaporating liquid fuel for LPG vehicles.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dynamic pressure controlled LPG-CNG regulator with a cylindrical heat exchanger that eliminates problems arising from the working principle can be defined as high fuel consumption due to inefficient combustion, and mechanical problems that occur in the engine as a result of knocking and jerky operation can be defined as low vehicle performance on the slope and high emission values due to inefficient combustion.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dynamic pressure controlled LPG-CNG regulator with a cylindrical heat exchanger that eliminates structural problems arising from its working mechanism are problems such as late and problematic operation in the first start-up, short-lived use due to mechanically worn parts of the regulator, that the regulator works with the wrong pressure due to the vortex formed in the intake manifold, pressure losses during gas flow due to lack of sufficient heat transfer surface and complex geometry, and experiencing gas leaks due to wear of the diaphragm and gasket.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dynamic pressure controlled LPG-CNG regulator with a cylindrical heat exchanger, in which the body of the regulator operates directly as a heat exchanger.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dynamic pressure-controlled LPG-CNG regulator with an intelligent heat exchanger, in which mechanically executed processes are made automatically controllable with sensors and a software. The invention will bring a new vision to the automotive industry by means of the use of embedded software and the development of original algorithms.

In the smart LPG-CNG regulator project to be developed, the air consumption of 15.5 liters for 1 liter of LPG will be stabilized by means of the cylindrical body, embedded software, sensors, and valve.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dynamic pressure-controlled LPG-CNG regulator with a safe heat exchanger, in which measures are taken against undesirable situations such as sudden pressure changes and leakage, by means of a solenoid cut-off valve.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dynamic pressure-controlled LPG-CNG regulator with a heat exchanger that provides a more linear gas flow than its counterparts due to its cylindrical geometry, that can adjust the fuel in the flow required by the engine more quickly and provides more effective heat transfer. According to the preliminary analysis studies, it is a system that provides a 17% performance increase, a 15% reduction in fuel consumption and a reduction in emissions. By reducing the number of moving parts, mechanical wear will be reduced, and the life of the parts will be extended, and in addition, by providing a much more linear gas flow, more efficient and smoother operation of the system will be ensured by minimizing the pressure drop and increasing the heat transfer rate.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dynamic pressure-controlled LPG-CNG regulator with a heat exchanger that allows both LPG and CNG pressure to be adjusted with a single regulator, instead of using separate regulators for LPG and CNG systems.

Another object of the present invention is to present a dynamic pressure-controlled LPG-CNG regulator with a heat exchanger, which offers a solution in the alternative fuels section of the energy sector as well as the automotive sector.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dynamic pressure-controlled LPG-CNG regulator with a heat exchanger that ensures the use of long-lasting parts with environmentalism, low fuel consumption, and low emission values.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dynamic pressure-controlled LPG-CNG regulator with a heat exchanger that increases accident safety and increases the sealing coefficient by means of its unique body. By means of the present the invention, it is possible to create a safety criterion far above the TSE ECE-R 67 standards.

Structural and characteristic features of the present invention as well as all advantages thereof shall be understood more clearly through pending figures and the detailed description provided by making references thereto, therefore the necessary assessment should be conducted by taking said figures and the detailed description into consideration.

The Figures to Assist in Understanding the Invention

Figure 1 is the representative perspective view of the dynamic pressure-controlled LPG-CNG regulator with cylindrical heat exchanger, which is the subject of the invention.

Figure 2 is another representative perspective view of the dynamic pressure-controlled LPG-CNG regulator with cylindrical heat exchanger, which is the subject of the invention.

Figure 3 is another representative perspective view of the dynamic pressure-controlled LPG-CNG regulator with cylindrical heat exchanger, which is the subject of the invention.

Figure 4 is the representative sectional top view of the dynamic pressure-controlled LPG-CNG regulator with cylindrical heat exchanger, which is the subject of the invention.

Description of the References of the Parts

1. Heat Exchanger Body

2. Connection Equipment Detailed Description of the Invention

In the detailed description provided herein, LPG-CNG regulator with dynamic pressure control, which is the subject of the invention, and preferred embodiments thereof are solely provided for the purpose of ensuring a better understanding of the respective subject and therefore, they cannot be considered imposing any limiting effects.

Figure 1 is the representative perspective view of the dynamic pressure-controlled LPG-CNG regulator with cylindrical heat exchanger, which ensures that LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) fuels used in internal combustion engines are brought to the appropriate pressure for efficient combustion in the engine, and ensures evaporation of LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) fuels used in internal combustion engines and liquid fuel for LPG vehicles.

By means of its cylindrical shape, the dynamic pressure-controlled LPG-CNG regulator comprises a heat exchanger body (1 ) that provides heat transfer for LPG and CNG fuels to bring them to the appropriate temperature and gas form for combustion, at least one pressure sensor to measure the pressure in the manifold, fuel pressure control valve that opens and closes according to the fuel pressure value coming from the engine controller, allowing the gas amount to the engine to be adjusted, and software running on the electronic control unit that controls said pressure sensor and pressure control valve and ensures that the fuel and air are sent to the engine as much as it needs depending on the stress of the engine at the moment of operation.

Dynamic pressure controlled intelligent LPG-CNG regulator with cylindrical heat exchanger (evaporator, evaporator) body (1) design is an equipment that allows the fuel used in vehicles using alternative fuels (CNG-LPG) to be regulated at the desired pressure and evaporated for LPG vehicles.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there may be a temperature sensor that enables the combustion performance to be controlled by said software by measuring the heat change in the environment and to give a warning by the software if the ambient temperature exceeds the predetermined limit value.

Dynamic pressure controlled intelligent LPG-CNG regulator with cylindrical heat exchanger (evaporator, evaporator) body (1) design is the LPG-CNG regulator that completely intelligently controls the mechanical processes. Embedded software enables intelligent regulation of LPG and/or CNG by means of electromechanical and mechanical equipment and additional evaporation for LPG vehicles. As is known, LPG is stored in the liquid phase, and in order to be burned, it must be turned into gas with the help of a heat exchanger.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises solenoid valve, which is a safety equipment that is activated by said software and enables cutting off the air and/or fuel going to the engine in case the data coming from said pressure sensor and/or temperature sensor exceeds a predetermined limit value.

Dynamic pressure controlled intelligent LPG-CNG regulator with cylindrical heat exchanger (evaporator, evaporator) body (1 ) design provides more linear flow and more effective heat transfer. In addition, safety criteria have been increased by means of its electromechanical equipment.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is also connection equipment (2) that allows the regulator parts to be mounted together.

Dynamic pressure controlled intelligent LPG-CNG regulator with cylindrical heat exchanger (evaporator, evaporator) body (1 ) design differs from the conventional regulators with its structure that adjusts the fuel required by the engine very quickly and provides a more effective and faster heat transfer area.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises the pipes that ensure safe thermal conduction for the water and gas installations, and the electrical installation that ensures the electrical connection of the electronic parts of the regulator with each other. Said pipes in this embodiment are made of copper so as to increase the performance of thermal conduction by means of its high thermal conductivity coefficient.

Said electronic control unit (ECU) is the unit that provides engine control to ensure optimum engine performance, and the software has been developed to program the electronic control unit in Visual Studio 2019 and/or the ANSYS Workbench compiler.

Thus, it has been provided a dynamic pressure-controlled LPG-CNG regulator which ensures that LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) to internal combustion engines and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) fuels used in internal combustion engines are brought to the appropriate pressure for combustion.

Claims

CLAIMS Dynamic pressure-controlled LPG-CNG regulator which ensures that LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) fuels used in internal combustion engines are brought to the appropriate pressure for combustion, characterized by comprising;

• at least one heat exchanger body (1 ), which, by means of its cylindrical shape, enables heat transfer for LPG and CNG fuels to be brought to the appropriate temperature and gas form for combustion,

• at least one pressure sensor that allows the pressure in the manifold to be measured,

• at least one fuel pressure control valve, which opens and closes according to the fuel pressure value coming from the engine controller, allowing the gas amount to be adjusted to the engine,

• software running on the electronic control unit that controls said pressure sensor and pressure control valve and ensures that the fuel and air are sent to the engine as much as it needs depending on the stress of the engine at the moment of operation. A dynamic pressure-controlled LPG-CNG regulator according to Claim 1 , characterized by comprising; at least one temperature sensor that enables the combustion performance to be controlled by said software by measuring the heat change in the environment and to give a warning by the software if the ambient temperature exceeds the predetermined limit value. A dynamic pressure-controlled LPG-CNG regulator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising; at least one solenoid valve, which is a safety equipment that is activated by said software, and enables cutting off the air and/or fuel going to the engine in case the data coming from said pressure sensor and/or temperature sensor exceeds a predetermined limit value. A dynamic pressure-controlled LPG-CNG regulator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising; at least one connection equipment (2) that enables the regulator parts to be mounted together. A dynamic pressure-controlled LPG-CNG regulator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising;

• pipes that ensure safe thermal conduction for water and gas installations,

• electrical installation that enables the electronic parts of the regulator to be electrically connected to each other. A dynamic pressure-controlled LPG-CNG regulator according to Claim 5, characterized by comprising; pipes made of copper, which increase the performance of thermal conduction by means of its high thermal conductivity coefficient.