GB2422872A - An internal combustion engine with an air powered mode - Google Patents

An internal combustion engine with an air powered mode Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2422872A
GB2422872A GB0425652A GB0425652A GB2422872A GB 2422872 A GB2422872 A GB 2422872A GB 0425652 A GB0425652 A GB 0425652A GB 0425652 A GB0425652 A GB 0425652A GB 2422872 A GB2422872 A GB 2422872A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
air
reservoir
combustion chamber
internal combustion
charger
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Granted
Application number
GB0425652A
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GB2422872B (en
GB0425652D0 (en
Inventor
James William Griffith Turner
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Lotus Cars Ltd
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Lotus Cars Ltd
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Priority to GB0425652A priority Critical patent/GB2422872B/en
Publication of GB0425652D0 publication Critical patent/GB0425652D0/en
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Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2422872B publication Critical patent/GB2422872B/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K6/00—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00
    • B60K6/08—Prime-movers comprising combustion engines and mechanical or fluid energy storing means
    • B60K6/12—Prime-movers comprising combustion engines and mechanical or fluid energy storing means by means of a chargeable fluidic accumulator
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K6/00—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00
    • B60K6/20—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs
    • B60K6/22—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs characterised by apparatus, components or means specially adapted for HEVs
    • B60K6/24—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs characterised by apparatus, components or means specially adapted for HEVs characterised by the combustion engines
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K6/00—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00
    • B60K6/20—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs
    • B60K6/22—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs characterised by apparatus, components or means specially adapted for HEVs
    • B60K6/26—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs characterised by apparatus, components or means specially adapted for HEVs characterised by the motors or the generators
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K6/00—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00
    • B60K6/20—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs
    • B60K6/42—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs characterised by the architecture of the hybrid electric vehicle
    • B60K6/48—Parallel type
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
    • F02B33/00—Engines characterised by provision of pumps for charging or scavenging
    • F02B33/44—Passages conducting the charge from the pump to the engine inlet, e.g. reservoirs
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
    • F02B37/00—Engines characterised by provision of pumps driven at least for part of the time by exhaust
    • F02B37/04—Engines with exhaust drive and other drive of pumps, e.g. with exhaust-driven pump and mechanically-driven second pump
    • F02B37/10—Engines with exhaust drive and other drive of pumps, e.g. with exhaust-driven pump and mechanically-driven second pump at least one pump being alternatively or simultaneously driven by exhaust and other drive, e.g. by pressurised fluid from a reservoir or an engine-driven pump
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
    • F02B37/00—Engines characterised by provision of pumps driven at least for part of the time by exhaust
    • F02B37/12—Control of the pumps
    • F02B37/16—Control of the pumps by bypassing charging air
    • F02B37/164—Control of the pumps by bypassing charging air the bypassed air being used in an auxiliary apparatus, e.g. in an air turbine
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
    • F02B39/00—Component parts, details, or accessories relating to, driven charging or scavenging pumps, not provided for in groups F02B33/00 - F02B37/00
    • F02B39/02—Drives of pumps; Varying pump drive gear ratio
    • F02B39/08—Non-mechanical drives, e.g. fluid drives having variable gear ratio
    • F02B39/10—Non-mechanical drives, e.g. fluid drives having variable gear ratio electric
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D17/00—Controlling engines by cutting out individual cylinders; Rendering engines inoperative or idling
    • F02D17/02—Cutting-out
    • F02D17/023—Cutting-out the inactive cylinders acting as compressor other than for pumping air into the exhaust system
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
    • F02B21/00—Engines characterised by air-storage chambers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D13/00—Controlling the engine output power by varying inlet or exhaust valve operating characteristics, e.g. timing
    • F02D13/02—Controlling the engine output power by varying inlet or exhaust valve operating characteristics, e.g. timing during engine operation
    • F02D13/0276—Actuation of an additional valve for a special application, e.g. for decompression, exhaust gas recirculation or cylinder scavenging
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D13/00—Controlling the engine output power by varying inlet or exhaust valve operating characteristics, e.g. timing
    • F02D13/02—Controlling the engine output power by varying inlet or exhaust valve operating characteristics, e.g. timing during engine operation
    • F02D13/04—Controlling the engine output power by varying inlet or exhaust valve operating characteristics, e.g. timing during engine operation using engine as brake
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
    • F02D41/0002—Controlling intake air
    • F02D41/0007—Controlling intake air for control of turbo-charged or super-charged engines
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02N—STARTING OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; STARTING AIDS FOR SUCH ENGINES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F02N11/00—Starting of engines by means of electric motors
    • F02N11/04—Starting of engines by means of electric motors the motors being associated with current generators
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/10—Internal combustion engine [ICE] based vehicles
    • Y02T10/12—Improving ICE efficiencies
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/60—Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
    • Y02T10/62—Hybrid vehicles

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Supercharger (AREA)
  • Output Control And Ontrol Of Special Type Engine (AREA)

Abstract

An i.c. engine comprises one or more combustion chambers, a turbocharger 14 and a reservoir 17 for storing compressed air. In a first set of operating conditions, fuel and air is combusted in the combustion chamber(s) and then exhausted to the atmosphere, and air compressed by the turbocharger 14 is relayed to the combustion chamber. In a second set of operating conditions the combustion chamber receives compressed air from the reservoir 17 which expands in the combustion chamber. In a third set of operating conditions air is compressed in the combustion chamber and delivered to the reservoir 17, and air compressed by the turbocharger 14 is relayed to the combustion chamber for further compression in the cylinder and subsequent delivery to the reservoir 17, and air compressed by the turbocharger can be relayed directly to charge the reservoir.

Description

AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE WITH AN
AIR POWERED MODE
The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine with an air powered mode.
In application No. PCT/GB2004/002268 the applicant has described an engine in which compressed air is stored in a reservoir and used to power the engine in certain generating conditions. The air is compressed in cylinders which are otherwise used as combustion chambers. The applicant has been working to improve the efficiency of such an engine.
The present invention provides an internal combustion engine comprising one or more combustion chamber(s) ; a turbo-charger which is driven by combusted gases expelled from the combustion chamber(s) ; and a reservoir for compressed air; wherein: in a first set of operating conditions fuel and air is combusted in the or at least one combustion chamber, then exhausted to atmosphere, in a second set of operating conditions the combustion chamber receives compressed air from the reservoir which expands in the combustion chamber and in a third set of operating conditions the combustion chamber receives air which is compressed in the combustion chamber and then delivered to the reservoir to charge the reservoir; and air compressed by the turbo-charger is relayed to the combustion chamber in the first set of operating conditions as charge air for combustion, and air compressed by the turbo-charger is relayed to the combustion chamber in the third set of operating conditions as compressed air for further compression in the cylinder and subsequent delivery to the reservoir for compressed air.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing which is a schematic illustration of an internal combustion engine according to the present invention.
In the figure there can be seen a cylinder head and block 10 having four cylinders in which pistons reciprocate, the pistons connected to a crankshaft 11 to deliver power from the engine.
Air is supplied to the cylinder head/block 10 from a plenum 12 and combusted gases are exhausted via an exhaust manifold 13. The combusted gases are relayed to a turbine section l4A of a turbo-charger 14 and are then passed through an exhaust system 15 to atmosphere. Charge air compressed by a compressor section 14B of the turbo-charger 14 is relayed via an intercooler 16 to the plenum 12.
As described in PCT/GB2004/00226g at least one cylinder of the engine has a cylinder head valve allowing connection of the cylinder to an air reservoir 17. In certain operating conditions air is compressed in the cylinder(s) of the engine and relayed to the reservoir 17 for storage therein. In other operating conditions compressed air stored in the reservoir 17 is permitted to expand in the cylinder(s) to drive the crankshaft 11 to rotate.
The present invention improves on the efficiency of the engine of PCT/GB2004/002268 by allowing for first stage compression of air in the compressor portion l4B of the turbo-charger 14 with the air compressed to a first pressure level then delivered to the cylinder for compression to a second higher level and subsequent delivery to the reservoir 17. Quite often a turbo-charger will produce excess compressed air (e.g. during periods of engine deceleration) In the past such excess compressed air has typically been vented to atmosphere via a wastegate. In the present invention such excess pressurised air is instead used as air to be further pressurised in the cylinder (s) and then relayed to the reservoir 17 for subsequent use in powering the engine.
The turbo-charger 14 will compress air to around 2bar and the compressed air will then be compressed to around 10 bar in the cylinder(s).
A further refinement is achieved by the use of an Integrated Starter and Generator ("I.S.G.") 19 connected to the crankshaft 11 and a turbocharger 14 which is an electrically assisted turbo-charger, as indicated by the coils 20. The I.S.G. 19 is used as a starter motor to start the engine in a conventional manner and is also used during operation of the engine to generate electricity in certain circumstances, in particular (when the engine is used in a motor vehicle) during braking of the vehicle when the I.S.G.
19 converts kinetic energy of the vehicle and converts the energy to electrical power. This electrical power is used to power the turbocharger 14 to rotate and produce compressed air to be supplied to one or more of the cylinders for compression in the cylinder(s) and then delivery to the reservoir 17.
An additional refinement can be achieved by connecting the I.S.G. 19 and the coil 20 of the electrically assisted turbo-charger 14 to an electrical accumulator. Then, if the reservoir 17 is full or nearly full, electrical energy generated by the I.S.G. 19 during braking can be supplied to the electrical accumulator, rather than to the turbo-charger 14. This would be of particular benefit if the engine of the figure is used in a hybrid motor vehicle having an electric motor for driving the vehicle in addition to the internal combustion engine.
In the figure there is shown a valve 18. In the majority of operating conditions of the engine this will be switched so that all of the flow of air from the turbo- charger 14 is passed to the plenum 12. However, at start up of the engine the valve 18 would permit some compressed air from the turbo charger to pass to the reservoir 17 and raise the pressure therein towards a base level. Typically it will be desired that the pressure in the reservoir never falls below 25% of the maximum storage pressure, e.g. in the case described above (with the pressure of the air leaving the cylinder(s) roughly lObar) not below 3 bar. This is so that the energy stored is immediately useful (compressed air at below 3 bar could not be easily used to drive an engine) However, when the engine is not operating the pressure in the reservoir 17 may decay and thus the use on start up of compressed air from the turbo-charger is advantageous.
In order to optimise operation of the engine described above it is preferred that the engine valves are controlled by the use of actuators in turn controlled by an electronic controller. This enables quick switching between various modes of operation of the engine having regard to engine operating conditions (e.g. switching of some cylinders to act as compressors of air for supply to the reservoir 17 whilst maintaining others as combustion chambers - possible during part-load operations conditions).

Claims (8)

  1. CL AI MS 1. An internal combustion engine comprising: one or more
    combustion chamber(s); a turbo-charger which is driven by combusted gases expelled from the combustion chamber(s); and a reservoir for compressed air, wherein: in a first set of operating conditions, fuel and air is combusted in the or at least one combustion chamber and then exhausted to atmosphere; in a second set of operating conditions the combustion chamber receives compressed air from the reservoir which expands in the combustion chamber; in a third set of operating conditions the combustion chamber receives air which is compressed in the combustion chamber and then delivered to the reservoir to charge the reservoir; air compressed by the turbo-charger is relayed to the combustion chamber in the first set of operating conditions as charge air for combustion; air compressed by the turbo-charger is relayed to the combustion chamber in the third set of operating conditions, as compressed air for further compression in the cylinder and subsequent delivery to the reservoir of compressed air.
  2. 2. An internal combustion engine as claimed in claim 1 wherein air compressed by the turbo-charger can be relayed directly to the reservoir to charge the reservoir.
  3. 3. An internal combustion engine as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 comprising additionally an electrical generator which can be driven by the engine to produce electrical power and wherein the turbo-charger is an electrically assisted turbo-charger which can be driven by the electrical power produced by the electrical generator to produce compressed air.
  4. 4. An internal combustion engine as claimed in claim 3 wherein immediately after start-up of the engine the electrically assisted turbo- charger is used to supply pressurjsed air to the reservoir if pressure of air stored in the reservoir has fallen below a desired threshold level.
  5. 5. An internal combustion engine as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 where the electrical generator can also function as a starter motor.
  6. 6. A motor vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine as claimed in any one of claims 3, 4 or 5 wherein the electrical generator is used during braking of the motor vehicle to convert kinetic energy of the motor vehicle into electrical power.
  7. 7. A motor vehicle as claimed in claim 6 comprising an electrical accumulator for storing electrical power wherein electrical power generated by the electrical generator can be supplied to the electrical accumulator to be stored therein.
  8. 8. An internal combustion engine substantially as herejnbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
    590239, AWP, ctf
    8. A motor vehicle as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 comprising an electrical motor in addition to the internal combustion engine whereby the vehicle can be powered by either or both of the electrical motor and/or the internal combustion engine.
    9. An internal combustion engine substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
    590239; AWP, ctf Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows -Ca-
    1. An internal combustion engine comprising: one or more combustion chamber(s) a turbo-charger which is driven by combusted gases expelled from the combustion chamber(s); and a reservoir for compressed air, wherein: in a first set of operating conditions, fuel and air is combusted in the or at least one combustion chamber and then exhausted to atmosphere; in a second set of operating conditions the combustion chamber receives compressed air from the reservoir which expands in the combustion chamber; in a third set of operating conditions the combustion chamber receives air which is compressed in the combustion chamber and then delivered to the reservoir to charge the reservoir; air compressed by the turbo-charger is relayed to the combustion chamber in the first set of operating conditions as charge air for combustion; air compressed by the turbo-charger is relayed to the combustion chamber in the third set of operating conditions, as compressed air for further compression in the cylinder and subsequent delivery to the reservoir of compressed air, and wherein air compressed by the turbo-charger can be relayed directly to the reservoir to charge the reservoir 2. An internal combustion engine as claimed in claim 1 comprising additionally an electrical generator which can be driven by the engine to produce electrical power and wherein the turbo-charger is an electrically assisted turbo-charger which can be driven by the electrical power produced by the electrical generator to produce compressed air.
    3. An internal combustion engine as claimed in claim 2 wherein immediately after start-up of the engine the electrically assisted turbo- charger is used to supply pressurised air to the reservoir if pressure of air stored in the reservoir has fallen below a desired threshold level.
    4. An internal combustion engine as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 where the electrical generator can also function as a starter motor.
    5. A motor vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine as claimed in any one of claims 2, 3 or 4 wherein the electrical generator is used during braking of the motor vehicle to convert kinetic energy of the motor vehicle into electrical power.
    6. A motor vehicle as claimed in claim 5 comprising an electrical accumulator for storing electrical power wherein electrical power generated by the electrical generator can be supplied to the electrical accumulator to be stored therein.
    7. A motor vehicle as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6 comprising an electrical motor in addition to the internal combustion engine whereby the vehicle can be powered by either or both of the electrical motor and/or the internal combustion engine. fo
GB0425652A 2004-11-22 2004-11-22 An internal combustion engine with an air powered mode Expired - Fee Related GB2422872B (en)

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DE102006045937B4 (en) * 2006-09-28 2019-11-07 Hrvoje Salinovic Charging system for a hybrid engine
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CN102705071A (en) * 2012-05-25 2012-10-03 浙江吉利汽车研究院有限公司杭州分公司 Engine gas intake assisting device and automobile provided with same
IT201900003827A1 (en) * 2019-03-15 2020-09-15 Fpt Motorenforschung Ag METHOD AND DEVICE FOR IMPROVING THE PERFORMANCE OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
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