GB2313155A

GB2313155A - Auxiliary water supply system for the intake of an internal combustion engine with exhaust gas recirculation

Info

Publication number: GB2313155A
Application number: GB9610297A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chih-Cheng Hsu
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-05-08
Filing date: 1996-05-16
Publication date: 1997-11-19
Anticipated expiration: 2016-05-16
Also published as: GB9610297D0; GB2313155B

Abstract

The engine, particularly a gasoline engine 100, is connected with an EGR device 24 for reducing NOx emissions. The auxiliary water-supply system comprises a large water tank 12 feeding a small water tank 14 which supplies water to the EGR device via a valve 18, controlled by control unit 50, and a manual regulator 20. The control unit receives signals representing large tank water level, engine speed and engine cooling water temperature. Water and exhaust gases are fed into the gasoline engine simultaneously so as to increase the combustion efficiency of the engine, to reduce the density of pollution waste exhausted, and to increase the serviceable life of the gasoline engine. Also disclosed is an ignition method in which a number of auxiliary high voltage pulses are produced between consecutive main pulses to further improve combustion efficiency.

Description

An Auxiliary Water-supply System for An Internal Combustion Engine This invention relates to an auxiliary water-supply system for an internal combustion engine, and particularly to an auxiliary watersupply system for a gasoline internal combustion engine.

Normally, air comprises about 20% of oxygen and 80% of nitrogen. If an engine can have a complete combustion, the gas exhaust out of an engine would be converted into water (hydrogen oxide, H2O) and carbon dioxide, (CO2) completely; however, the combustion in an engine is usually an incomplete combustion, i.e., the gasoline vapor in an engine can not be converted into CO2 and H20 completely; the gas exhausted out of an engine usually contains CO and HC; CO is a poisonous gas, which can cause a person to die.

The combustion in an engine is usually at a high temperature, and therefore the waste gas exhausted usually contains nitrogen oxide (not), which usually converts into a photochemical smog.

In brief; the aforesaid pollution waste, such as CO, HC and NOx, not only are harinflil to human health, but also harinml to environment; therefore, every government in the world has tried to reduce the density of the pollution waste exhausted out of cars.

Usually, there are three methods for controlling the waste exhausted out of a car, i.e., (1) a crankcase emission control system'.

(2) an evaporative emission control system; and (3) an exhaust emission control system. The present invention is to improve the combustion condition of the conventional engine system so as to reduce the density of the pollution waste exhausted thereof; the theory of the present invention is described in detail in the following paragraphs.

Referring to FIG. 1, it shows the relation between the driving speed of a typical car and the air/fuel ratio. When a car is started, the gas vapor thereof is low because the initial temperature is low.

Therefore, the engine thereof requires a lower air/fuel ratio (i.e., the gasoline should have a higher supply). However, the combustion efficiency in the cylinder is not good, and large amount of CO and HC will be exhausted. When a car is running at a mid-speed (20 km/h to 113 km/h), the engine has a better combustion efficiency, then, the amount of CO and HC exhausted will be reduced. When the engine is running at a high speed, the engine requires a higher air/fuel ratio; at this time, the engine has a higher temperature, and therefore it is prone to having a spark knock or detonation, and consequently a higher NOx will be exhausted.

In order to reduce the density of the pollution waste, such as HC, CO and NOX, the inventor deems that the ignition device may be improved by reducing the engine temperature, increasing the contact area of the gasoline vapor so as to improve the combustion efficiency, and to increase the supply of oxygen, or to improve the ignition time.

According to the present invention, the improvement is done by improving the contact area of the gasoline vapor, increasing the supply of oxygen, and reducing the combustion temperature of engine.

The technical method to obtain the aforesaid results will be described in the following paragraphs.

Generally, a car runing in a dry area, such as in a desert would consume more gasoline. On the contrary, a car running in a wet area, such as a sea coast area, would consume less gasoline. In other words, the humidity or water vapor will affect the combustion efficiency of an engine because of the specific gravity of gasoline is different from that of water, i.e., the specific gravity of gasoline is lower than that of water, and therefore they can not be compounded together. Before the vaporized gasoline and water entering the combustion chamber, the particles of the gasoline vapor having light specific gravity are attached to the surface of the water particles. After the water particles entering into the cylinder, the water particles will expand under high temperature and high pressure, and the gasoline particles attached to the water particles will be divided, or become smaller, i.e., the contact area between the gasoline and the air will be increased (i.e., the mixed efficiency is increased). The oxygen contained in water will augment the combustion effect to provide a complete combustion. In other words, the horsepower of the engine will be augmented, and at the same time a fuel-saving result will be obtained, and carbon deposit in the cylinder will be reduced; as a result, the serviceable life of the engine will be increased, while maintenance cost thereof will be reduced; the HC and CO exhausted will be reduced, too. Since water can lower the engine temperature, the NOx exhausted will be reduced, and then the waste exhausted will have less hannfiJl impact to the environment.

The auxiliary water-supply system for an internal combustion engine according to the present invention is developed and designed in accordance with the aforesaid theory and the characteristics of the gasoline engine. When the engine is running at a high speed or a high temperature, a suitable amount of water can be added therein so as to augment the combustion efficiency, and to reduce the HC, CO, and NOX exhausted. In order to flirther augment the combustion efficiency of an engine, the present invention uses a continuous ignition method, i.e., a plurality of cyclic auxiliary ignition pulses being inserted between two original ignition pulses so as to augment the combustion efficiency of engine (particularly when the engine is started cold), and to reduce the HC and CO exhausted.

Furthermore, the present invention has another advantageous i.e., the present invention can be simply installed in a car which has been rolled out of a factory so as to improve the combustion efficiency thereof, and to reduce the HC, CO and NOx exhausted. Other advantageous ofthe present invention will be described in details with the accompanying drawings in the following paragraphs.

The prime object of the present invention is to provide an intemal combustion engine system so as to improve the combustion efficiency of the engine, and to reduce the density of the pollution waste exhausted thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary water-supply system for an internal combustion engine, which can be installed in a car already rolled out of a factory so as to improve the combustion efficiency of the engine and to reduce the density of the pollution waste exhausted thereof.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improve ignition method, which can provide a plurality of cyclic auxiliary ignition pulses between two original ignition pulses so as to augment the combustion efficiency of an engine, and to reduce the pollution waste exhausted thereof.

FIG. 1 illustrates the relation between the car speed and the air/fuel ratio.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the present invention, showing an auxiliary water-supply system for an internal combustion engine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the present invention, showing a control method of the auxiliary water-supply system of an internal combustion engine.

FIG. 4 is a control flow chart of a computer control unit for the auxiliary water-supply system of an internal combustion engine according to the present invention.

FIG. 5A illustrates an ignition pulse diagram of a conventional igniter.

FIG. 5B illustrates an ignition method for an internal combustion engine according to the present invention.

Detailed Description: Referring to FIG. 2, it illustrates an auxiliary water-supply system for an internal combustion engine according to the present invention.

An auxiliary water-supply system 10 of an internal combustion engine and a gasoline engine 100 are assembled together. The engine can be any type of the kind. The auxiliary water-supply system 10 includes a water-supply device having a small water tank 14, the water of which is supplied from a large water tank 12. A small tank sensor 30 is installed in the small water tank 14. As soon as the water in the small water tank 14 is lower than a given level, a water pump 32 will be started to pump water out of the large water tank 12 to the small water tank 14. The small water tank 14 is connected with a water pipe 16, in which a control valve 18 such as a solenoid valve is installed. The control valve 18 is controlled by a relay 40 which is controlled by a control unit 50. The unit 50 will be described in detail in following paragraph. The water pipe 16 is also being fiw11shed with a manual water regulator 20 for controlling the water flow. One end of the water pipe 16 is connected with a three-way joint 22, of which the second end is connected with an exhaust manifold; the third end of the threeway joint 22 is connected with an EGR (exhaust-gas recirculation) device 24, which is connected with the gasoline engine 100. The object of using the EGR device is to lower the exhausting volume of NOx. Water can flow through the EGR device 24, and enter the gasoline engine 100 with a portion of exhausted gas simultaneously so as to increase the combustion efficiency of the engine, while reducing reduce the density of the pollution waste (i.e., CO, HC and Now).

Referring to FIG. 3, the control unit 50 includes: (a) input port L, which can receive signals transmitting from a water-level sensor 60 of the large water tank, an engine speed sensor 64, an engine water jacket temperature sensor 62, an engine speed sensor 64, an engine temperature setting circuit E and an engine speed setting and regulating circuit F; (b) a CPU I, which receives information from the input port L, performs a control program J according to the contents of a data bank K so as to make a logical judgment before sending out a control instruction; (c) an output port M, which receives instructions of the CPU I and converts the instructions to an electrical signal to control a relay 40 and a pulse generator 42. The relay 40 can send out an electrical signal to the control valve 18, such as a solenoid valve; the control valve control the water flow in the water pipe 16 so as have a suitable amount of water flowed into the EGR device 24. An electrical signal from the pulse generator 42 will be sent to an amplifier circuit 44, which is connected with the high voltage coil 46 of an igniter.

As shown in FIGs. SA cmd 5B, the pulse generator 42 can add extra igniting pulses between two igniting pulses of a conventional igniter so as to increase the combustion efficiency of the engine, and to reduce the density of the pollution waste exhausted.

Referring to FIG. 4, it is a control flow chart of the control unit 50 as shown in FIG. 3. when the CPU I of the control unit 50 detects the following conditions from sensors, CPU I will send out an electrical signal to actuate the relay 40 to tum on the control valve 18 so as to have water flowed through the small water tank 14, and entered into EGR device 24 in order to have water and exhaust gas entering into the cylinder simultaneously.

(a) water-level sensor 60 detects water level of large water tank being larger than a preset value; (b) water-jacket temperature sensor 62 detects the engine temperature being higher than a preset engine temperature; and (c) engine speed sensor 64 detects engine speed being higher than a preset value.

The aforesaid preset values of water level, engine temperature and engine speed depend on the car model and engine displacement, and those data are stored in the aforesaid data bank K.

The auxiliary water-supply system according to the present invention may also include a linear control valve, which can appropriately control the opening size of the valve in accordance with the engine temperature and the engine speed so as to supply a suitable amount of water to the EGR device, and to increase the combustion efficiency of the engine and to reduce the density of the pollution waste.

A report of exhaust test and energy consuming test for a car is provided by the Automotive Research of Testing Center in Taiwan as follows: (a) Exhaust test: Gasoline Car Pollution Test Report Product Identification: Toyota Corona Model: EXSIOR AT2EPN GL1 1.6 A4 four door gasoline car Engine Family: G4A-FE-94 (no engine family applied).

Engine Model: Four cylinders installed in front part.

Fuel supply: Injection Car Body No.: AT2-8018870 Engine No.: 4AF 742631 Tire Model: 185/65R 14 85H Transmission Model: Automatic, four speeds Mileage Gauge: 30237 Km Conditions Tested: Ambient Temperature: 23.3or Atmospheric Pressure: 753.4 nnnhg Fuel: Gasoline 95 without lead CarWeight: 1344kg Tire Pressure: 2.5kgflom2 Relative Moisture: 51% Idle Speed: 800 rpm Stend still Time: hours Road Resistance: 446.9N at 80 km/hr Time: 8.35sec (85-75km/hr) Transmission Time: Test Standards and Procedures: 1. The tests of car runing condition, idle condition, fuel tank and EEC exhaust are done in accordance with the procedures and methods as prescribed in" Request for test certificate and new car spot check summary for gasoline car and substitute fuel car of second exhaust control standards".

2. Crank Case (PCV): In accordance with the test procedures and methods as prescribed in CNS 11496 D3166.

Test Instruments: Car Body Dynamic Gauge: SCHENCK KOMEG EMDY 48 SHED Test: Vaporization Hermetic Room: ETC PJ-101394 Fuel Processing Machine: WEISS KT 100/200+5-40 DU-EX HC Analyzer: PIERBURG FID PM-2000 METHANE Waste Gas Sampling System: HORIBA-9100S Waste Gas Analysis System: HORIBA MEXA-9300 CO Analyzer: HORIBA FLA-120 NOx Analyzer: HORIBA CLA-150 Idle Speed Analyzer: HORIBA MEXA 574GE Gasoline Car pollution Test Report Test Results: Pollution Test Results

Items Tested NOx HC CO Weight Value tested 0.15g/km 0.061g/km O.46g/km method Deteriorated coefficient Results 0.15g/km 0.061g/km 0.46g/km Idle speed Value tested 8ppm 0.00% Density Value 8ppm 0.00% Amended (b) Energy-consuming test: Energy-consuming Test Report of Sedan Model: TOYOTA CORONA EXSIOR AT 2EPN GL 1 1.6 Engine Model: Four cylinders installed in front part Engine No.: 4AF 742631 Transmission Model: Automatic, four speeds Ignition Timing: B.T.D.C.

Fuel used: Gasoline 95 without load Idle Speed: 820rpm Ambient Temperature: 22.4 C Tire Pressure: 2.5 kgf7cm2 Relative Moisture: 54% Car Weight: 1344 kg Atmospheric Pressure: 100.97 K Pa Transmission Time: Mileage Gauge: 30159 km Energy-consuming Test Result

Items Tested Energy- Energy- Average Judgment Consuming consuming Energy in City at High Consuming Speed Standards Values 13.0 km/l 17.1 km/l 14.6 km/l Tested The following table is a comparison between the values tested of an engine with the auxiliary water-supply system according to the present invention and the exhaust pollution criteria as prescribed by Taiwan Provincial Government; it is apparent that the present invention can effectively reduce the density of the pollution waste exhausted.

Sedan, CO HC Travel Wagon Value Car driven 2. l 1 0.255 g/km 0.62 Prescribed normally Value tested Idle speed 1.0 200ppm with the present invention After Test 0.46 0.061 g/km 0.15 g/km The auxiliary water-supply system for an internal combustion engine according to the present invention can easily be installed in any car that has been moved out of a factory, i.e., it can be mounted on the EGR device of a car so as to increase the combustion efficiency, to reduce the density of the pollution waste exhausted and to increase the serviceable life of an engine.

In brief, the auxiliary water-supply system for an internal combustion engine according to the present invention has the following advantageous: (a). The present invention can be installed easily in a car having rolled out of a factory so as to increase the combustion efficiency, to reduce the density of the pollution waste exhausted and to increase the serviceable life of an engine.

(b). The internal combustion system according to the present invention can effectively increase the combustion efficiency, reduce the density of the pollution waste, and increase the serviceable life of an engine.

(c). The ignition method according to the present invention enables a car engine to have completed combustion, and a low density of exhausting HC and CO.

The aforesaid description is the preferred embodiment according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited with the aforesaid embodiment. Any modification similar thereto by a person skilled in the art will be deemed within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims:

1. An auxiliary water-supply system for an internal combustion engine, which being used for a gasoline engine with an EGR device so as to reduce exhausting NOx comprising: a water-supply device connected to said EGR device for supplying water into said EGR device; a control unit for controlling said water-supply device to supply a suitable amount of water to said EGR, and to enable water and waste gas exhausted flowing into said gasoline engine simultaneously so as to increase combustion efficiency of said engine, and to reduce density of exhausting pollution waste.

2. An auxiliary water-supply system for an internal combustion engine as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said water-supply device includes a water tank connected with a water pipe which connects with said EGR device; said water pipe having a control valve disposed therein for controlling water flow.

3. An auxiliary water-supply system for an internal combustion engine as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said water-supply device includes a manual water regulator for controlling water flow.

4. An auxiliary water-supply system for an internal combustion engine as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said control unit can control water flow of said water-supply device in accordance with water volume in said water-supply device, temperature of said gasoline engine, and running speed of said gasoline engine.

5. An auxiliary water-supply system for an internal combustion engine as claimed in Claim 4, wherein said control unit will send out an electrical signal for controlling water supply to said EGR device when water level in said water-supply device being higher than a preset level, when temperature of said gasoline engine being higher than a preset temperature and when said engine speed being higher than a preset valve.

6. An auxiliary water-supply system for an internal combustion engine as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said control unit includes a pulse generator connected with an igniter of said gasoline engine, and said pulse generator can provide a plurality of cyclic auxiliary ignition pulses between original ignition pulses so as to increase combustion efficiency of said gasoline engine, and to reduce density of pollution waste exhausted out of said gasoline engine.

7. An auxiliary water-supply system for an internal combustion engine as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said water-supply device includes a linear control valve for supplying a suitable amount of water to said EGR device in accordance with temperature of said gasoline engine and speed thereof.

8. An internal combustion engine system comprising: a gasoline engine; an EGR device installed between an intake manifold and an exhaust manifold of said gasoline engine; a water-supply device connected with said EGR device to supply water into said EGR device; and a control unit for controlling said water-supply device to supply suitable amount of water to said EGR device; whereby water and waste gas exhausted out of said gasoline engine being sent into said gasoline engine simultaneously so as to increase combustion efficiency of said engine, and to reduce density of pollution waste exhausted out of said gasoline engine.

9. An internal combustion engine system as claimed in Claim 8, wherein said water-supply device includes a water tank connected with a water pipe which being connected with said EGR device; said water pipe having a control valve disposed therein for controlling water flow.

10. An internal combustion engine system as claimed in Claim 8, wherein said water-supply device includes a manual water regulator for controlling water flow.

11. An internal combustion engine system as claimed in Claim 8, wherein said control unit can control water flow out of said watersupply device in accordance with water volume of said water-supply device, temperature of said gasoline engine, and speed of said gasoline engine.

12. An internal combustion engine system as claimed in Claim ii, wherein said control unit will send out an electrical signal for controlling water supply to said EGR device when water level of said water supply device being higher than a preset level, temperature of said gasoline engine being higher than a preset temperature, and engine speed being higher than a preset valve.

13. An internal combustion engine system as claimed in Claim 8, wherein said control unit is finished with a pulse generator connected with an igniter of said gasoline engine; said pulse generator can provide a plurality of cyclic auxiliary ignition pulses between original ignition pulses so as to increase combustion efficiency of said gasoline engine, and to reduce density of pollution waste exhausted out of said gasoline engine.

14. An internal combustion engine system as claimed in Claim 8, wherein said water-supply device includes a linear control valve for supplying a suitable amount of water to said EGR device in accordance with temperature of said gasoline engine and speed of said engine.

15. An ignition method for a gasoline engine, which can generate a cyclic and high-voltage ignition pulse to ignite mixture of fuel and air in said engine, including to provide a plurality of cyclic auxiliary pulses between two consecutive high-voltage pulses so as to increase combustion efficiency of said gasoline engine.

16. A control method of an auxiliary water-supply device for an internal combustion engine system, primarily a gasoline e engine, comprising: (a) sensing water level of a water tank of said auxiliary watersupply device, sensing engine temperature of said internal combustion engine system, and sensing engine speed of said internal combustion engine; and (b) supplying water from said water-supply device to said gasoline engine when said water level being higher than a preset level, said engine temperature being higher than a preset temperature and said engine speed being higher than a preset valve; whereby said gasoline engine be able to have a higher combustion efficiency and a reduced exhausting waste density.