JP3573485B2

JP3573485B2 - Fuel temperature controller

Info

Publication number: JP3573485B2
Application number: JP08732094A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 正佳臼井; 勝志梅沢
Original assignee: Usui Co Ltd
Current assignee: Usui Co Ltd
Priority date: 1994-04-01
Filing date: 1994-04-01
Publication date: 2004-10-06
Anticipated expiration: 2019-10-06
Also published as: JPH07279783A

Description

【０００１】
【産業上の利用分野】
本発明は、車両のエンジンに供給するガソリン、軽油などの液体燃料の温度を調整する燃料温度調節装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
燃料噴射装置を備えた自動車では、燃料は常時燃料ポンプにより燃料タンクからエンジンに送られて噴射され、エンジンに噴射されなかった燃料は燃料タンクに還流され、還流される燃料で噴射用インクジェクタのソレノイドコイルなどの冷却を行うこともある。この場合、燃料が燃料タンクとエンジンとを常時循環して燃料の供給が行われているために、燃料の温度はエンジンルーム内の熱などによって、上昇し、例えばガソリンエンジンの場合、燃料の温度が５５℃を越えると、燃料の揮発が激しくなり、燃費が悪化すると共に環境汚染などの問題が生じ易い。また、燃料の沸騰によって燃料配管中に気体が発生することにより、燃料の供給が不安定となり、エンジンの運転に円滑性を欠いて制御上の信頼性が低下し、場合によっては、エンジン停止後の高温状態でのエンジンの再起動が困難になるという問題も発生する。
【０００３】
これらの問題を解決するためには、エンジンに供給され或いはタンクに還流される燃料を冷却することが必要で、従来はカーエアコンの冷気を使用したり、冷媒により燃料配管を冷却して燃料の温度上昇を抑えている。
【０００４】
また、低温の環境下において、燃料の温度が低下すると、アイシング等エンジンの始動性が悪化するので、燃料配管を蓄熱材で覆い燃料温度低下を抑えることが行われている。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
カーエアコンの冷気を使用して燃料を冷却する方法では、車両の燃費が悪化すると共に、渋滞時などで車速が低下すると、燃料の温度が上昇し易くなり、この状態ではエンジンの回転数が低下するために、カーエアコンの冷却効率が低下し、燃料の冷却効果が悪化するという問題がある。また、冷媒により燃料を冷却する方法では、コストの高い冷媒が必要で維持コスト上で問題が生じると共に、冷媒の漏洩が環境汚染の問題を起こすことがある。
【０００６】
一方、蓄熱材を利用して燃料温度を保持する方法では、蓄熱材の断熱を完全に行うことは難しく、比較的短時間のエンジン停止によってもその効力を失うという問題がある。
【０００７】
本発明は、前述したこの種の燃料の温度調整の現状に鑑みてなされたものであり、その目的は、車速に依存せずに安定した温度調整ができ、維持コストも削減され、長時間のエンジン停止後も確実な温度調整が可能な温度調節装置を提供することにある。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記目的を達成するために、本発明は、複数のゼオライト反応槽、活性化熱交換器、温度調整熱交換器、潜熱熱交換器、及び前記温度調整熱交換器に並列に接続される加温熱交換器を備え、
燃料冷却時には、車両のエンジンに供給する燃料と、乾燥活性化された第１のゼオライト反応槽の吸湿発熱反応で加温され、前記温度調整熱交換器で温度が調整された乾燥空気とを前記潜熱熱交換器に供給し、該潜熱熱交換器内の水分が前記乾燥空気に吸湿されて気化熱を奪うことにより、前記燃料を間接的に冷却し、燃料加温時には、車両のエンジンに供給する燃料と、乾燥活性化された第１のゼオライト反応槽の吸湿発熱反応で得られる加温空気とを、前記加温熱交換器に供給し、該加温熱交換器における熱交換により、前記燃料を間接的に加温する燃料の温度調節装置であり、
前記燃料冷却時に、前記第１のゼオライト反応槽で高温化された乾燥空気が、前記温度調整熱交換器で温度調整され、該温度調整された空気と前記燃料とが、前記潜熱熱交換器に供給されて前記燃料が冷却され、前記潜熱熱交換器を通過した空気が、前記第１のゼオライト反応槽に戻されるように、前記第１のゼオライト反応槽、前記温度調整熱交換器、及び前記潜熱熱交換器が、互いに直列に接続されて形成される燃料冷却循環流路と、
燃料加温時に、前記第１のゼオライト反応槽で加温された乾燥空気と前記燃料とが、前記加温熱交換器に供給されて前記燃料が加温され、前記加温熱交換器を通過した空気が、前記潜熱熱交換器を通過して前記第１のゼオライト反応槽に戻されるように、前記第１のゼオライト反応槽、前記加温熱交換器及び前記潜熱熱交換器が、互いに直列に接続されて形成される燃料加温循環流路と、
前記燃料冷却循環流路と、前記燃料加温循環流路との選択切換を行う第１の切換制御手段と、
第２のゼオライト反応槽に前記活性化熱交換器で加温された外気を流入させて、前記第２のゼオライト反応槽を乾燥する活性化流路と、
前記活性化流路で乾燥活性化されたゼオライト反応槽を、前記第１のゼオライト反応槽として、前記燃料冷却循環流路或いは前記燃料加温循環流路に切換挿入し、前記燃料冷却循環流路或いは前記燃料加温循環流路で使用されて加湿されたゼオライト反応槽を、前記第２のゼオライト反応槽として前記活性化流路に切換挿入するように、前記複数のゼオライト反応槽を選択して切換制御を行う第２の切換制御手段とを有することを特徴とするものである。
【０００９】
【作用】
この構成では、燃料冷却時には、第１の切換制御手段により、第１のゼオライト反応槽、温度調整熱交換器、及び潜熱熱交換器が、互いに直列に接続されて形成される燃料冷却循環流路を選択する切り換えが行われる。そして、第１のゼオライト反応槽でゼオライトの吸湿発熱作用により、空気中の水分がゼオライトに吸収され、その反応熱により加熱されて高温化された乾燥空気が、温度調整熱交換器でほぼ大気温度近くまで温度（低下）調整される。このように温度調整されたほぼ大気温度の乾燥空気と、エンジンに供給する燃料とが潜熱熱交換器に供給され、潜熱熱交換器で該潜熱熱交換器内の水分が乾燥空気に吸湿され、その際気化熱が奪われることによって、燃料が間接的に冷却され、冷却された燃料がエンジンに供給され、或いはタンクに還流され、潜熱熱交換器を通過して低温度で加湿された空気が、第１のゼオライト反応槽に戻される。
【００１０】
一方、燃料加温時には、第１の切換制御手段により、第１のゼオライト反応槽、加温熱交換器及び潜熱熱交換器が、互いに直列に接続されて形成される燃料加温循環流路を選択する切り換えが行われる。そして、第１のゼオライト反応槽で加温された乾燥空気と燃料とが、加温熱交換器に供給されて燃料が加温され、加温された燃料がエンジンに供給され、或いはタンクに還流され、加温熱交換器を通過し低温化された空気が、潜熱熱交換器を通過して第１のゼオライト反応槽に戻される。
【００１１】
この燃料供給動作に並行して、第２の切換制御手段によって、活性化熱交換器と複数のゼオライト反応槽から選択された第２のゼオライト反応槽とが、直列に接続された活性化流路が選択され、第２のゼオライト反応槽に、活性化熱交換器で加温された外気が流入され、第２のゼオライト反応槽が乾燥される。この場合、第２の切換制御手段によって、活性化流路で乾燥活性化されたゼオライト反応槽が、第１のゼオライト反応槽として、燃料冷却循環流路或いは燃料加温循環流路に切換挿入され、燃料冷却循環流路或いは燃料加温循環流路で使用されて加湿されたゼオライト反応槽が、第２のゼオライト反応槽として活性化流路に切換挿入される。
【００１２】
【実施例】
以下に、本発明の実施例を図面を参照して説明する。
【００１３】
先ず、第１の実施例を図１乃至図３を参照して説明する。ここで、図１は本実施例の燃料冷却動作時の構成を示す説明図、図２は本実施例の燃料加温動作時の構成を示す説明図、図３は本実施例の停止時の構成を示す説明図である。
【００１４】
これらの図に示すように、エンジン１からの排気ガスが配管２ａにより活性化熱交換器３に供給され、熱交換されて温度の低下した排気ガスが活性化熱交換器３から配管２ｂによって大気に放出されるようにしてある。この活性化熱交換器３には外気がブロワ４を介し、配管５ａによって流入され、活性化熱交換器３で排気ガスとの間で熱交換されて高温となった空気を導く配管５ｂは切換弁６、７に接続してある。また、切換弁６、７はそれぞれゼオライトを内装したゼオライト反応槽８ａ、８ｂの入口側に接続してあり、ゼオライト反応槽８ａ、８ｂの出口側には、それぞれ切換弁９、１０の入口側が接続してある。なお、使用されるゼオライトとしてはＡタイプ、Ｘタイプ、Ｙタイプ等が使用できるが、最大の多孔質開口と吸水性を有するＸタイプのゼオライトが好ましく、これを球状ペレット又は棒状体として使用する。切換弁９、１０の出口側は配管２５で大気に開放されると共に、配管１１、１２及び切換弁２０を介して温度調整熱交換器１３の入口側に接続してあり、温度調整熱交換器１３の出口側は配管１４ａ、切換弁２１を介して、潜熱熱交換器１５の入口側に接続してあり、潜熱熱交換器１５の出口側は配管１４ｂ及びブロワ１９を介して、配管１４ｃにより切換弁６及び切換弁７の入口側に接続してある。また、潜熱熱交換器１５には、水１６が充填してあり、この水１６から先端を突出させて、底部より毛細管現象を利用して吸水し上部で気化する吸水筒１７が配置してあり、この吸水筒１７には燃料の供給管１８が巻装されている。
【００１５】
また、本実施例では温度調整熱交換器１３の入口側及び出口側にそれぞれ切換弁２０、２１が接続され、これらの切換弁２０、２１を介して、温度調整熱交換器１３が配管１２及び潜熱熱交換器１５に接続されると共に、温度調整熱交換器１３には切換弁２０、２１を介して、加温熱交換器２２が並列に接続されている。そして、加温熱交換器２２には、切換弁２３、２４を介して燃料の供給管１８の入口側と出口側とが接続されている。
【００１６】
そして、図１に示す装置の燃料冷却動作時には、切換弁６は配管１４ｃをゼオライト反応槽８ａに接続するように切り換えられ、切換弁７は配管５ｂをゼオライト反応槽８ｂに接続するように切り換えられている。同様に、装置の燃料冷却動作時には、切換弁９はゼオライト反応槽８ａを配管１１に接続するように切り換えられ、切換弁１０はゼオライト反応槽８ｂを配管２５に接続するように切り換えられ、切換弁２０は配管１２を温度調整熱交換器１３に接続するように、切換弁２１は温度調整熱交換器１３を潜熱熱交換器１５に接続するように切り換えられている。この状態で、ゼオライト反応槽８ａ、切換弁９、配管１１、１２、第１の熱交換器１３、配管１４ａ、潜熱熱交換器１５、配管１４ｂ、ブロワ１９、配管１４ｃ、切換弁６及びゼオライト反応槽８ａで燃料冷却循環流路が形成され、大気、ブロワ４、配管５ａ、活性化熱交換器３、配管５ｂ、切換弁７、ゼオライト反応槽８ｂ、切換弁１０、配管２５及び大気で活性化流路が形成されている。
【００１７】
また、装置の燃料加温時には、図２に示すように切換弁６〜１０は燃料冷却時と同様に切り換えられているが、切換弁２０は配管１２を加温熱交換器２２に接続するように切り換えられ、切換弁２１は加温熱交換器２２を潜熱熱交換器１５に接続するように切り換えられる。
【００１８】
この状態では、ゼオライト反応槽８ａ、切換弁９、配管１１、１２、切換弁２０、加温熱交換器２２、切換弁２１、潜熱熱交換器１５、配管１４ｂ、ブロワ１９、配管１４ｃ、切換弁６及びゼオライト反応槽８ａで燃料加温循環流路が形成されている。また、燃料冷却動作時と同様に、大気、ブロワ４、配管５ａ、活性化熱交換器３、配管５ｂ、切換弁７、ゼオライト反応槽８ｂ、切換弁１０、配管２５及び大気で活性化流路が形成されている。
【００１９】
一方燃料は切換弁２３、２４を切換えて加温熱交換器２２に循環させ該交換器２２において高温の乾燥空気と熱交換されて加温される。
【００２０】
そして、装置の停止時には、図３に示すように、切換弁６、７と切換弁９、１０とは閉じられている。尚、この際には切換弁２０、２１、２３、２４は開状態でも閉状態でも差支えない。
【００２１】
このような構成の第１の実施例の動作を説明する。
【００２２】
図１は燃料の冷却動作時においてゼオライト反応槽８ａが、第１のゼオライト反応槽として燃料冷却循環流路に挿入され、ゼオライト反応槽８ｂが第２のゼオライト反応槽として活性化流路に挿入された状態を示している。この場合外気がブロワ４を介して配管５ａから活性化熱交換器３に流入され、配管２ａから活性化熱交換器３に流入するエンジン１の排気ガスと外気の間で熱交換が行われ、排気ガスで加熱された高温の空気が配管５ｂ及び切換弁７を介してゼオライト反応槽８ｂを通過し、切換弁１０及び配管２５を介して大気に放出される。この状態では、ゼオライト反応槽８ｂ内のゼオライトは高温空気で加熱脱水（除湿）され、ゼオライト反応槽８ｂの活性化が行われる。
【００２３】
一方、潜熱熱交換器１５から送り出され、配管１４ｂ、ブロワ１９、配管１４ｃ及び切換弁６を介してゼオライト反応槽８ａに送り込まれる潜熱が奪われ、高湿度で低温の空気は、活性化されているゼオライト反応槽８ａでの吸湿発熱反応で高温の乾燥空気となり、切換弁９、配管１１、１２及び切換弁２０を介して温度調整熱交換器１３に送り込まれる。温度調整熱交換器１３で外気と熱交換され温度がほぼ外気温度近くまで（低下）調整された乾燥空気は、配管１４ａ及び切換弁２１を介して潜熱熱交換器１５に流入され、潜熱熱交換器１５の水１６が特に毛細管現象により吸水されている吸水筒１７の上部で前記水１６を気化することにより気化熱を吸収しながら冷却すると共に、吸水筒１７に巻装された燃料管１８に流される燃料もまた気化する水により気化熱を奪われて冷却された水により間接冷却される。潜熱熱交換器１５を通過して温度が低下した加湿空気は、配管１４ｂ、ブロワ１９及び配管１４ｃを介してゼオライト反応槽８ａに流入され、以下同様にして燃料冷却循環流路を循環する。そして、潜熱熱交換器１５で冷却された燃料がエンジンに供給される。
【００２４】
図２は燃料の加温動作時において、ゼオライト反応槽８ａが第１のゼオライト反応槽として燃料加温循環流路に挿入され、ゼオライト反応槽８ｂが第２のゼオライト反応槽として活性化流路に挿入された状態を示している。この場合には、すでに燃料冷却動作時に説明したように、ゼオライト反応槽８ｂの活性化が行われる。
【００２５】
一方、潜熱熱交換器１５から送り出され、配管１４ｂ、ブロワ１９、配管１４ｃ及び切換弁６を介して、ゼオライト反応槽８ａに送り込まれる潜熱が奪われ、高湿度で低温化された空気は、活性化されているゼオライト反応槽８ａでの吸湿発熱反応で高温の乾燥空気となり、切換弁９、配管１１、１２及び切換弁２０を介して、加温熱交換器２２に送り込まれる。
【００２６】
加温熱交換器２２では、高温の乾燥空気と燃料とが熱交換され、加温された燃料がエンジンに供給される。一方、加温熱交換器２２で低温化された空気は、切換弁２１を介して潜熱熱交換器１５を通過し、配管１４ｂ、ブロワ１９及び配管１４ｃを介してゼオライト反応槽８ａに流入され、以下同様にして燃料加温循環流路を循環する。このようにして、本実施例では冷寒時においては、加温熱交換器２２で加温された燃料がエンジンに供給される。
【００２７】
このようにして燃料の冷却或いは加湿が行われる過程で、ゼオライト反応槽８ａが流入空気の水分を吸収し続け、その湿度が予め設定した所定値を越えると、図示せぬ検出器がこれを検出し、第２の切換制御手段によって切換弁６が、配管５ｂをゼオライト反応槽８ａに接続するように切り換えられ、切換弁７が、配管１４ｃをゼオライト反応槽８ｂに接続するように切り換えられる。同時に、切換弁９がゼオライト反応槽８ａを配管２５に接続するように切り換えられ、切換弁１０がゼオライト反応槽８ｂを配管１１に接続するように切り換えられる。この切換によって、ゼオライト反応槽８ａが第２のゼオライト反応槽として活性化流路に挿入され、ゼオライト反応槽８ｂが第１のゼオライト反応槽として燃料冷却循環流路或いは燃料加温循環流路に挿入される。そして、すでに活性化されているゼオライト反応槽８ｂによって、潜熱熱交換器１５における燃料の温度調節動作が継続され、過度に加湿されたゼオライト反応槽８ａに対しては、活性化処理が開始される。
【００２８】
以下、同様にして、ゼオライト反応槽８ａ、８ｂが交互に切り換えられて、活性化処理が行われ、常に活性化されたゼオライト反応槽による燃料の温度調整が実行される。装置を停止する場合には、ゼオライト反応槽８ａ、８ｂの加湿を防止するために、図３に示すように、切換制御手段によって切換弁６、７、９、１０は閉じ状態に設定される。
【００２９】
このようにして、第１の実施例によると、ゼオライト反応槽８ａ、８ｂを交互に活性化流路に挿入して活性化処理を行い、活性化処理されたゼオライト反応槽を燃料冷却循環流路或いは燃料加温循環流路に挿入して、燃料の温度調整を継続的に且つ効果的に行うことができる。この場合、燃料の温度調整が車速に依存せず、高価な冷媒を使用せずに行われるので、装置の維持コスト、燃料供給の不安定、燃費の悪化及び環境汚染の発生の問題を解決し、冷寒時のエンジンの始動時の問題を解決することが可能になる。
【００３０】
次に、本発明の第２の実施例を図４を参照して説明する。ここで、図４は第２の実施例の燃料冷却時の動作時の構成を示す説明図である。
【００３１】
本実施例では図４に示すように、潜熱熱交換器１５の出口側に接続された配管１４ｂを温度調整熱交換器１３Ａを介してブロワ１９に接続してあり、本実施例では、第１のゼオライト反応槽から流出する空気の温度調整を、潜熱熱交換器１５から流出する低温空気との熱交換により行うようにしてある。本実施例のその他の部分の構成は、すでに説明した第１の実施例と同一である。
【００３２】
本実施例では、ゼオライト反応槽から流出する空気の温度調整が、潜熱熱交換器１５から流出する低温空気との熱交換により行われるので、潜熱熱交換器１５の動作状態に対応した温度調整が実施され、潜熱熱交換器１５での燃料の冷却動作をより効果的に行うことができる。本実施例のその他の動作及び効果は、すでに説明した第１の実施例の効果と同一である。
【００３３】
更に、本発明の第３の実施例を図５を参照して説明する。ここで、図５は第３の実施例の燃料冷却動作時の構成を示す説明図である。
【００３４】
本実施例では図５に示すように、潜熱熱交換器１５内の水１６をポンプ２２により、配管２１ａを介して温度調整熱交換器１３Ｂに流入し、温度調整熱交換器１３Ｂから配管２１ｂにより潜熱熱交換器１５に戻すようにしてあり、温度調整熱交換器１３Ｂでは、第１のゼオライト反応槽から流出する空気が、潜熱熱交換器１５内の水１６と熱交換されるようにしてある。本実施例のその他の部分の構成は、すでに説明した第１の実施例と同一である。
【００３５】
本実施例では、第１のゼオライト反応槽から流出する空気の温度調整が、潜熱熱交換器１５内の水１６との熱交換により行われるので、潜熱熱交換器１５の動作状態に対応した温度調整が実施され、潜熱熱交換器１５での燃料の冷却動作をより効果的に行うことができる。本実施例のその他の動作及び効果は、すでに説明した第１の実施例の効果と同一である。
【００３６】
また、本発明の第４の実施例を図６を参照して説明する。ここで、図６は第４の実施例の動作時の構成を示す説明図である。
【００３７】
本実施例では図６に示すように、温度調整熱交換器１３ａを、図４に示した熱交換器１３Ａと図３に示した熱交換器１３とを直列に接続した構成にしてある。
【００３８】
本実施例では、第１のゼオライト反応槽から流出する空気の温度調整が、先ず熱交換器１３により外気との熱交換で行われ、次いで熱交換器１３Ａにより潜熱熱交換器１５から流出する空気との熱交換で行われるので、潜熱熱交換器１５の動作状態に対応したきめの細かい温度調整が実施され、潜熱熱交換器１５での燃料の冷却動作をより効果的に且つきめ細かく行うことができる。本実施例のその他の動作及び効果は、すでに説明した第１の実施例の効果と同一である。
【００３９】
次に、本発明の第５の実施例を図７を参照して説明する。ここで、図７は第５の実施例の動作時の構成を示す説明図である。
【００４０】
本実施例では図７に示すように、第１の熱交換器１３ｂを、図５に示した熱交換器１３Ｂと図３に示した熱交換器１３とを直列に接続した構成にしてある。
【００４１】
本実施例では、第１のゼオライト反応槽から流出する空気の温度調整が、先ず熱交換器１３により外気との熱交換で行われ、次いで熱交換器１３Ｂにより潜熱熱交換器１５内の水１６との熱交換で行われるので、潜熱熱交換器１５の動作状態に対応したきめの細かい温度調整が実施され、潜熱熱交換器１５での燃料の冷却動作をより効果的に且つきめ細かく行うことができる。本実施例のその他の動作及び効果は、すでに説明した第１の実施例の効果と同一である。
【００４２】
以上の各実施例では吸水筒１７に燃料管１８を巻装した潜熱熱交換器１５を示したが、図８に示すように配管１４ａの端部に多数の孔１４ａ´ を穿設して該端部を水１６中に浸漬すると共に、燃料管１８をコイル状に形成してコイル部分も水１６中に浸漬して燃料管１８中を流れる燃料を間接冷却することもできる。
【００４３】
なお、各実施例では第１のゼオライト反応槽の湿度が所定値を越えると、第２の切換制御手段によって第１のゼオライト反応槽と第２のゼオライト反応槽との切換を行う構成のものを説明したが、本発明は実施例に限定されるものでなく、第１のゼオライト反応槽の温度が所定値以下になると、第２の切換制御手段によって第１のゼオライト反応槽と第２のゼオライト反応槽との切換を行うことも可能である。また、各実施例では説明していないが、本発明には、第１のゼオライト反応槽で発生する水蒸気を凝縮し、加湿度装置に回収する回収手段や、潜熱熱交換器の水量を一定に保持する給水手段を設けることが可能であり、さらに長期間に亘りエンジンが停止していた場合等、第１と第２のゼオライト槽内のゼオライトが吸湿している時の対策としてゼオライト反応槽８ａ、８ｂの外部又は内部の加熱装置９ａ、９ｂを設けることも可能である。
【００４４】
【発明の効果】
本発明によると、第２の切換制御手段によって、活性化されたゼオライト反応槽を、第１のゼオライト反応槽として、燃料冷却時には燃料冷却循環流路に、燃料加温時には燃料加温循環流路に切換挿入し、加湿されたゼオライト反応槽を第２のゼオライト反応槽として活性化流路に切換挿入するように、複数のゼオライト反応槽を切換選択して、燃料の冷却或いは加温の温度調整が行われるので、燃料の温度調整が継続的且つ効果的に、さらに、車速に依存せず、高価な冷媒を使用せずに行われ、燃料供給の不安定性、燃費の低下、環境汚染及び寒冷時のエンジンの始動上の問題の解決が可能になる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の実施例の燃料の冷却動作時の構成を示す説明図である。
【図２】本発明の第１の実施例の燃料の加温動作時の構成を示す説明図である。
【図３】本発明の第１の実施例の燃料の温度調節停止時の構成を示す説明図である。
【図４】本発明の第２の実施例の燃料の冷却動作時の構成を示す説明図である。
【図５】本発明の第３の実施例の燃料の冷却動作時の構成を示す説明図である。
【図６】本発明の第４の実施例の燃料の冷却動作時の構成を示す説明図である。
【図７】本発明の第５の実施例の燃料の冷却動作時の構成を示す説明図である。
【図８】本発明に係る潜熱熱交換器の他の実施例を示す概略断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１エンジン
３活性化熱交換器
８ａ、８ｂゼオライト反応槽
１３、１３Ａ、１３Ｂ、１３ａ、１３ｂ温度調整熱交換器
１５潜熱熱交換器
２２加温熱交換器[0001]
[Industrial applications]
The present invention relates to a fuel temperature adjusting device for adjusting the temperature of a liquid fuel such as gasoline or light oil supplied to a vehicle engine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In an automobile equipped with a fuel injection device, fuel is constantly sent from a fuel tank to an engine by a fuel pump and injected, and fuel not injected into the engine is returned to the fuel tank. The cooling of the solenoid coil and the like may be performed. In this case, since the fuel is supplied by constantly circulating the fuel between the fuel tank and the engine, the temperature of the fuel rises due to the heat in the engine room and the like. If the temperature exceeds 55 ° C., the volatilization of the fuel becomes intense, the fuel efficiency is deteriorated, and problems such as environmental pollution are easily caused. In addition, the generation of gas in the fuel pipe due to the boiling of the fuel makes the supply of the fuel unstable, the operation of the engine lacks smoothness, and the reliability of control is reduced. There is also a problem that it becomes difficult to restart the engine in a high temperature state.
[0003]
In order to solve these problems, it is necessary to cool the fuel supplied to the engine or returned to the tank.Conventionally, the cool air of the car air conditioner is used, or the fuel pipe is cooled by cooling the fuel pipe with a refrigerant. Temperature rise is suppressed.
[0004]
In a low-temperature environment, when the temperature of the fuel decreases, the startability of the engine such as icing deteriorates. Therefore, the fuel pipe is covered with a heat storage material to suppress the decrease in the fuel temperature.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the method of cooling fuel by using the cool air of a car air conditioner, fuel efficiency of the vehicle deteriorates, and when the vehicle speed decreases due to traffic congestion, the fuel temperature easily rises, and in this state, the engine speed decreases. Therefore, there is a problem that the cooling efficiency of the car air conditioner decreases, and the cooling effect of the fuel deteriorates. Further, in the method of cooling the fuel with the refrigerant, a high-cost refrigerant is required, which causes a problem in maintenance cost, and leakage of the refrigerant may cause a problem of environmental pollution.
[0006]
On the other hand, in the method of maintaining the fuel temperature using the heat storage material, it is difficult to completely insulate the heat storage material, and there is a problem that the effect is lost even if the engine is stopped for a relatively short time.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described current state of temperature control of this type of fuel, and its object is to perform stable temperature control without depending on vehicle speed, to reduce maintenance costs, and to maintain the temperature for a long time. An object of the present invention is to provide a temperature control device capable of surely controlling the temperature even after the engine stops.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a plurality of zeolite reactors, an activation heat exchanger, a temperature control heat exchanger, a latent heat exchanger, and a heating heat connected in parallel to the temperature control heat exchanger. Equipped with an exchanger,
At the time of cooling the fuel, the fuel supplied to the engine of the vehicle and the dry air heated by the moisture-absorbing exothermic reaction of the dried and activated first zeolite reaction tank and the temperature of which is adjusted by the temperature-adjusting heat exchanger are mixed with each other. The fuel is supplied to a latent heat exchanger, and the moisture in the latent heat exchanger is absorbed by the dry air to remove heat of vaporization, thereby indirectly cooling the fuel and supplying the fuel to the vehicle engine when the fuel is heated. And the heated air obtained by the moisture exothermic reaction of the dried and activated first zeolite reaction tank are supplied to the heating heat exchanger, and the heat is exchanged in the heating heat exchanger to convert the fuel. A fuel temperature control device that indirectly heats fuel,
During the cooling of the fuel, the temperature of the dried air heated in the first zeolite reaction tank is adjusted by the temperature-adjusting heat exchanger, and the temperature-adjusted air and the fuel are supplied to the latent heat exchanger. The first zeolite reaction tank, the temperature-adjusting heat exchanger, and the air are supplied so that the fuel is cooled and the air that has passed through the latent heat exchanger is returned to the first zeolite reaction tank. A latent heat exchanger, a fuel cooling circulation channel formed by being connected to each other in series,
At the time of heating the fuel, the dry air heated in the first zeolite reaction tank and the fuel are supplied to the heating heat exchanger, where the fuel is heated, and the air that has passed through the heating heat exchanger. Are passed through the latent heat exchanger and returned to the first zeolite reactor, the first zeolite reactor, the heating heat exchanger, and the latent heat exchanger are connected in series with each other. A fuel heating circulation channel formed by
A first switching control unit for selectively switching between the fuel cooling circulation channel and the fuel heating circulation channel;
An activation channel for flowing outside air heated by the activation heat exchanger into a second zeolite reaction tank and drying the second zeolite reaction tank;
The zeolite reactor that has been dried and activated in the activation channel is switched into the fuel cooling circulation channel or the fuel heating circulation channel as the first zeolite reactor, and the fuel cooling circulation channel is inserted. Alternatively, the plurality of zeolite reaction tanks are selected such that the humidified zeolite reaction tank used in the fuel heating circulation channel is switched and inserted into the activation channel as the second zeolite reaction tank. And second switching control means for performing switching control.
[0009]
[Action]
In this configuration, at the time of fuel cooling, the first switching control means causes the first zeolite reaction tank, the temperature adjustment heat exchanger, and the latent heat exchanger to be connected in series with each other to form a fuel cooling circulation channel. Is selected. Then, the moisture in the air is absorbed by the zeolite in the first zeolite reaction tank due to the moisture absorption and heat generation action of the zeolite, and the dried air heated by the reaction heat and heated to a high temperature is substantially cooled to the atmospheric temperature by the temperature control heat exchanger. Temperature (drop) is adjusted to near. Dry air of approximately atmospheric temperature whose temperature has been adjusted in this way, and fuel supplied to the engine are supplied to the latent heat exchanger, and the moisture in the latent heat exchanger is absorbed by the dry air in the latent heat exchanger, At this time, the heat of vaporization is taken away, the fuel is indirectly cooled, the cooled fuel is supplied to the engine or returned to the tank, and the air humidified at a low temperature through the latent heat exchanger is cooled. , Is returned to the first zeolite reactor.
[0010]
On the other hand, at the time of fuel heating, the first switching control means selects a fuel heating circulation channel formed by connecting the first zeolite reaction tank, the heating heat exchanger, and the latent heat exchanger in series with each other. Is performed. Then, the dried air and the fuel heated in the first zeolite reaction tank are supplied to a heating heat exchanger to heat the fuel, and the heated fuel is supplied to the engine or returned to the tank. The air which has passed through the heating heat exchanger and has been cooled is returned to the first zeolite reaction tank through the latent heat exchanger.
[0011]
In parallel with this fuel supply operation, an activation heat exchanger and a second zeolite reaction tank selected from a plurality of zeolite reaction tanks are connected by a second switching control means to an activation flow path connected in series. Is selected, the outside air heated by the activation heat exchanger flows into the second zeolite reaction tank, and the second zeolite reaction tank is dried. In this case, the zeolite reaction tank dried and activated in the activation flow path by the second switching control means is switched and inserted into the fuel cooling circulation flow path or the fuel heating circulation flow path as the first zeolite reaction tank. The humidified zeolite reaction tank used in the fuel cooling circulation path or the fuel heating circulation path is switched and inserted into the activation flow path as a second zeolite reaction tank.
[0012]
【Example】
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0013]
First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration during a fuel cooling operation of the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration during a fuel heating operation of the present embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration.
[0014]
As shown in these figures, the exhaust gas from the engine 1 is supplied to the activation heat exchanger 3 via a pipe 2a, and the exhaust gas whose temperature has been reduced due to the heat exchange is discharged from the activation heat exchanger 3 to the atmosphere via a pipe 2b. To be released. Outside air is introduced into the activation heat exchanger 3 via a blower 4 through a pipe 5a, and a pipe 5b for conducting heat exchanged with the exhaust gas in the activation heat exchanger 3 and leading to high-temperature air is switched. Connected to valves 6,7. The switching valves 6 and 7 are respectively connected to the inlet sides of zeolite reaction tanks 8a and 8b containing zeolite, and the outlet sides of the zeolite reaction tanks 8a and 8b are connected to the inlet sides of switching valves 9 and 10, respectively. I have. As the zeolite to be used, A type, X type, Y type and the like can be used, but X type zeolite having the largest porous opening and water absorbability is preferable, and this is used as a spherical pellet or a rod. The outlet sides of the switching valves 9 and 10 are opened to the atmosphere by a pipe 25, and connected to the inlet side of the temperature adjusting heat exchanger 13 through the pipes 11 and 12 and the switching valve 20. 13 is connected to the inlet side of the latent heat exchanger 15 via a pipe 14a and a switching valve 21, and the outlet side of the latent heat exchanger 15 is connected to a pipe 14c via a pipe 14b and a blower 19. The switching valves 6 and 7 are connected to the inlet side of the switching valve 7. Further, the latent heat exchanger 15 is filled with water 16, and a water absorption cylinder 17 is provided which has a tip protruding from the water 16 and absorbs water from the bottom by utilizing the capillary phenomenon and vaporizes at the top. A fuel supply pipe 18 is wound around the water absorption cylinder 17.
[0015]
Further, in the present embodiment, switching valves 20 and 21 are connected to the inlet side and the outlet side of the temperature adjusting heat exchanger 13, respectively, and the temperature adjusting heat exchanger 13 is connected to the pipe 12 and the pipe via these switching valves 20 and 21. A heating heat exchanger 22 is connected in parallel to the temperature adjusting heat exchanger 13 via switching valves 20 and 21 while being connected to the latent heat exchanger 15. Further, the inlet side and the outlet side of the fuel supply pipe 18 are connected to the heating heat exchanger 22 via switching valves 23 and 24.
[0016]
In the fuel cooling operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, the switching valve 6 is switched so as to connect the pipe 14c to the zeolite reaction tank 8a, and the switching valve 7 is switched so as to connect the pipe 5b to the zeolite reaction tank 8b. ing. Similarly, during the fuel cooling operation of the apparatus, the switching valve 9 is switched to connect the zeolite reaction tank 8a to the pipe 11, the switching valve 10 is switched to connect the zeolite reaction tank 8b to the pipe 25, and the switching valve is switched. The switch 20 is connected to connect the pipe 12 to the temperature-adjusting heat exchanger 13, and the switching valve 21 is connected to connect the temperature-adjusting heat exchanger 13 to the latent heat exchanger 15. In this state, the zeolite reaction tank 8a, the switching valve 9, the pipes 11 and 12, the first heat exchanger 13, the pipe 14a, the latent heat exchanger 15, the pipe 14b, the blower 19, the pipe 14c, the switching valve 6, and the zeolite reaction A fuel cooling circulation channel is formed in the tank 8a, and activated by the atmosphere, the blower 4, the pipe 5a, the activation heat exchanger 3, the pipe 5b, the switching valve 7, the zeolite reaction tank 8b, the switching valve 10, the pipe 25, and the atmosphere. A channel is formed.
[0017]
Further, when the fuel of the apparatus is heated, the switching valves 6 to 10 are switched in the same manner as in the fuel cooling, as shown in FIG. 2, but the switching valve 20 connects the pipe 12 to the heating heat exchanger 22. Switching is performed, and the switching valve 21 is switched so as to connect the heating heat exchanger 22 to the latent heat exchanger 15.
[0018]
In this state, the zeolite reaction tank 8a, the switching valve 9, the pipes 11 and 12, the switching valve 20, the heating heat exchanger 22, the switching valve 21, the latent heat exchanger 15, the pipe 14b, the blower 19, the pipe 14c, and the switching valve 6 The zeolite reaction tank 8a forms a fuel heating circulation channel. As in the case of the fuel cooling operation, the atmosphere, the blower 4, the pipe 5a, the activation heat exchanger 3, the pipe 5b, the switching valve 7, the zeolite reaction tank 8b, the switching valve 10, the pipe 25, and the activation channel Is formed.
[0019]
On the other hand, the fuel is circulated to the warming heat exchanger 22 by switching the switching valves 23 and 24, and heat is exchanged with the high-temperature dry air in the exchanger 22 to be heated.
[0020]
When the apparatus is stopped, as shown in FIG. 3, the switching valves 6, 7 and the switching valves 9, 10 are closed. In this case, the switching valves 20, 21, 23, 24 may be open or closed.
[0021]
The operation of the first embodiment having such a configuration will be described.
[0022]
FIG. 1 shows that during the fuel cooling operation, the zeolite reaction tank 8a is inserted into the fuel cooling circulation channel as the first zeolite reaction tank, and the zeolite reaction tank 8b is inserted into the activation channel as the second zeolite reaction tank. It shows the state where it was turned on. In this case, outside air flows into the activation heat exchanger 3 from the pipe 5a via the blower 4, and heat exchange is performed between the exhaust gas of the engine 1 flowing into the activation heat exchanger 3 from the pipe 2a and the outside air, The high-temperature air heated by the exhaust gas passes through the zeolite reaction tank 8b via the pipe 5b and the switching valve 7, and is discharged to the atmosphere via the switching valve 10 and the pipe 25. In this state, the zeolite in the zeolite reaction tank 8b is heated and dehydrated (dehumidified) with high-temperature air, and the zeolite reaction tank 8b is activated.
[0023]
On the other hand, the latent heat sent out from the latent heat exchanger 15 and sent to the zeolite reaction tank 8a via the pipe 14b, the blower 19, the pipe 14c and the switching valve 6 is taken away, and the high-humidity and low-temperature air is activated. The dried air becomes high temperature by the exothermic reaction of moisture absorption in the zeolite reaction tank 8a, and is sent to the temperature adjusting heat exchanger 13 through the switching valve 9, the pipes 11, 12 and the switching valve 20. The dry air whose heat has been exchanged with the outside air in the temperature adjusting heat exchanger 13 and whose temperature has been adjusted (decreased) to almost the outside air temperature is introduced into the latent heat exchanger 15 through the pipe 14a and the switching valve 21, and the latent heat exchange is performed. The water 16 of the vessel 15 is cooled by absorbing the heat of vaporization by vaporizing the water 16 at the upper part of the water absorption tube 17 where water is absorbed particularly by the capillary phenomenon. The flowing fuel is also indirectly cooled by the water cooled by being deprived of heat of vaporization by the vaporized water. The humidified air whose temperature has decreased after passing through the latent heat exchanger 15 flows into the zeolite reaction tank 8a via the pipe 14b, the blower 19 and the pipe 14c, and circulates in the fuel cooling circulation channel in the same manner. Then, the fuel cooled by the latent heat exchanger 15 is supplied to the engine.
[0024]
FIG. 2 shows that during the fuel heating operation, the zeolite reactor 8a is inserted into the fuel heating circulation channel as the first zeolite reactor, and the zeolite reactor 8b is inserted into the activation channel as the second zeolite reactor. This shows the inserted state. In this case, the activation of the zeolite reaction tank 8b is performed as described above during the fuel cooling operation.
[0025]
On the other hand, the latent heat sent out from the latent heat exchanger 15 and sent to the zeolite reaction tank 8a via the pipe 14b, the blower 19, the pipe 14c, and the switching valve 6 is deprived, and the air cooled to high humidity and low in temperature is activated. High-temperature dry air is generated by the exothermic reaction of moisture absorption in the converted zeolite reaction tank 8a, and is sent to the heating heat exchanger 22 through the switching valve 9, the pipes 11, 12 and the switching valve 20.
[0026]
In the heating heat exchanger 22, the high-temperature dry air and the fuel exchange heat, and the heated fuel is supplied to the engine. On the other hand, the air whose temperature has been lowered by the heating heat exchanger 22 passes through the latent heat exchanger 15 via the switching valve 21 and flows into the zeolite reaction tank 8a via the pipe 14b, the blower 19 and the pipe 14c. Similarly, the fuel is circulated through the fuel heating circulation channel. As described above, in the present embodiment, the fuel heated by the heating heat exchanger 22 is supplied to the engine during cold or cold.
[0027]
In the process of cooling or humidifying the fuel in this way, the zeolite reaction tank 8a continues to absorb the moisture of the inflowing air, and when the humidity exceeds a predetermined value, a detector (not shown) detects this. Then, the switching valve 6 is switched by the second switching control means so as to connect the pipe 5b to the zeolite reaction tank 8a, and the switching valve 7 is switched so as to connect the pipe 14c to the zeolite reaction tank 8b. At the same time, the switching valve 9 is switched so as to connect the zeolite reaction tank 8a to the pipe 25, and the switching valve 10 is switched so as to connect the zeolite reaction tank 8b to the pipe 11. By this switching, the zeolite reaction tank 8a is inserted into the activation flow path as the second zeolite reaction tank, and the zeolite reaction tank 8b is inserted into the fuel cooling circulation flow path or the fuel heating circulation flow path as the first zeolite reaction tank. Is done. Then, the temperature control operation of the fuel in the latent heat exchanger 15 is continued by the already activated zeolite reactor 8b, and the activation process is started for the excessively humidified zeolite reactor 8a. .
[0028]
Hereinafter, similarly, the zeolite reaction tanks 8a and 8b are alternately switched to perform the activation process, and the temperature of the fuel is constantly adjusted by the activated zeolite reaction tank. When the apparatus is stopped, as shown in FIG. 3, the switching valves 6, 7, 9, and 10 are set to a closed state by the switching control means in order to prevent humidification of the zeolite reaction tanks 8a and 8b.
[0029]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, the zeolite reaction tanks 8a and 8b are alternately inserted into the activation flow path to perform the activation processing, and the activated zeolite reaction tank is placed in the fuel cooling circulation flow path. Alternatively, it can be inserted into the fuel heating circulation channel to continuously and effectively adjust the temperature of the fuel. In this case, since the temperature adjustment of the fuel is performed without depending on the vehicle speed and without using an expensive refrigerant, it is possible to solve the problems of maintenance cost of the device, unstable fuel supply, deterioration of fuel efficiency, and generation of environmental pollution. This makes it possible to solve the problem of starting the engine in cold weather.
[0030]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the second embodiment during operation during fuel cooling.
[0031]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a pipe 14b connected to the outlet side of the latent heat exchanger 15 is connected to a blower 19 via a temperature adjusting heat exchanger 13A. The temperature of the air flowing out of the zeolite reaction tank is adjusted by heat exchange with the low-temperature air flowing out of the latent heat exchanger 15. The configuration of the other parts of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment already described.
[0032]
In the present embodiment, the temperature adjustment of the air flowing out of the zeolite reaction tank is performed by heat exchange with the low-temperature air flowing out of the latent heat exchanger 15, so that the temperature adjustment corresponding to the operation state of the latent heat exchanger 15 is performed. As a result, the cooling operation of the fuel in the latent heat exchanger 15 can be performed more effectively. Other operations and effects of the present embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment already described.
[0033]
Further, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration during the fuel cooling operation of the third embodiment.
[0034]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the water 16 in the latent heat exchanger 15 flows into the temperature adjusting heat exchanger 13B via the pipe 21a by the pump 22, and flows from the temperature adjusting heat exchanger 13B to the pipe 21b. The heat is returned to the latent heat exchanger 15, and in the temperature control heat exchanger 13B, the air flowing out of the first zeolite reaction tank is exchanged with the water 16 in the latent heat exchanger 15. . The configuration of the other parts of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment already described.
[0035]
In the present embodiment, the temperature of the air flowing out of the first zeolite reaction tank is adjusted by heat exchange with the water 16 in the latent heat exchanger 15, so that the temperature corresponding to the operating state of the latent heat exchanger 15 The adjustment is performed, and the cooling operation of the fuel in the latent heat exchanger 15 can be performed more effectively. Other operations and effects of the present embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment already described.
[0036]
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration during operation of the fourth embodiment.
[0037]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the temperature adjusting heat exchanger 13a has a configuration in which the heat exchanger 13A shown in FIG. 4 and the heat exchanger 13 shown in FIG. 3 are connected in series.
[0038]
In this embodiment, the temperature of the air flowing out of the first zeolite reaction tank is first adjusted by heat exchange with the outside air by the heat exchanger 13, and then the air flowing out of the latent heat exchanger 15 by the heat exchanger 13A. Is performed by heat exchange with the latent heat exchanger 15, fine temperature adjustment corresponding to the operating state of the latent heat exchanger 15 is performed, and the cooling operation of the fuel in the latent heat exchanger 15 can be performed more effectively and finely. it can. Other operations and effects of the present embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment already described.
[0039]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration during operation of the fifth embodiment.
[0040]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the first heat exchanger 13b has a configuration in which the heat exchanger 13B shown in FIG. 5 and the heat exchanger 13 shown in FIG. 3 are connected in series.
[0041]
In this embodiment, the temperature of the air flowing out of the first zeolite reaction tank is first adjusted by heat exchange with the outside air by the heat exchanger 13, and then the water 16 in the latent heat heat exchanger 15 is changed by the heat exchanger 13B. Is performed by heat exchange with the latent heat exchanger 15, fine temperature adjustment corresponding to the operating state of the latent heat exchanger 15 is performed, and the cooling operation of the fuel in the latent heat exchanger 15 can be performed more effectively and finely. it can. Other operations and effects of the present embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment already described.
[0042]
In each of the above embodiments, the latent heat exchanger 15 in which the fuel tube 18 is wound around the water absorption cylinder 17 is shown. However, as shown in FIG. 8, a large number of holes 14a 'are formed at the end of the pipe 14a. The fuel pipe 18 may be formed in a coil shape while the end is immersed in the water 16, and the coil portion may also be immersed in the water 16 to indirectly cool the fuel flowing through the fuel pipe 18.
[0043]
In each of the embodiments, when the humidity of the first zeolite reaction tank exceeds a predetermined value, the second switching control means switches between the first zeolite reaction tank and the second zeolite reaction tank. Although the present invention has been described, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and when the temperature of the first zeolite reaction tank becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value, the first zeolite reaction tank and the second zeolite are switched by the second switching control means. It is also possible to switch to a reaction tank. Further, although not described in each embodiment, the present invention provides a recovery means for condensing steam generated in the first zeolite reaction tank and recovering the water vapor in a humidifying device, and a constant amount of water in the latent heat exchanger. It is possible to provide a water supply means for holding the zeolite, and as a countermeasure when the zeolite in the first and second zeolite tanks is absorbing moisture, such as when the engine has been stopped for a long period of time. , 8b can be provided with external or internal heating devices 9a, 9b.
[0044]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the zeolite reaction tank activated by the second switching control means is used as the first zeolite reaction tank in the fuel cooling circulation channel during fuel cooling, and the fuel heating circulation channel in fuel heating. And switching and selecting a plurality of zeolite reaction tanks so as to switch and insert the humidified zeolite reaction tank as the second zeolite reaction tank into the activation flow path, thereby controlling the temperature of fuel cooling or heating. Is performed, the fuel temperature adjustment is performed continuously and effectively, without depending on the vehicle speed, and without using expensive refrigerants. Instability of fuel supply, lower fuel consumption, environmental pollution and cold The problem of starting the engine at the time can be solved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration during a fuel cooling operation according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration during a fuel heating operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration when fuel temperature adjustment is stopped according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration during a fuel cooling operation according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration during a fuel cooling operation according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration during a fuel cooling operation according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration during a fuel cooling operation according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view showing another embodiment of the latent heat exchanger according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 1 engine 3 activation heat exchanger 8a, 8b zeolite reaction tank 13, 13A, 13B, 13a, 13b temperature control heat exchanger 15 latent heat exchanger 22 heating heat exchanger

Claims

A plurality of zeolite reactors, an activation heat exchanger, a temperature regulating heat exchanger, a latent heat exchanger, and a heating heat exchanger connected in parallel to the temperature regulating heat exchanger,
At the time of cooling the fuel, the fuel supplied to the engine of the vehicle and the dry air heated by the moisture-absorbing exothermic reaction of the dried and activated first zeolite reaction tank and the temperature of which is adjusted by the temperature-adjusting heat exchanger are mixed with each other. Supplying to the latent heat exchanger, the moisture in the latent heat exchanger is absorbed by the dry air to remove heat of vaporization, thereby indirectly cooling the fuel,
At the time of heating the fuel, the fuel supplied to the engine of the vehicle and the heated air obtained by the moisture-exothermic reaction of the dried and activated first zeolite reaction tank are supplied to the heating heat exchanger, and the heating heat is supplied to the heating heat exchanger. A fuel temperature control device that indirectly heats the fuel by heat exchange in an exchanger,
During the cooling of the fuel, the temperature of the dried air heated in the first zeolite reaction tank is adjusted by the temperature-adjusting heat exchanger, and the temperature-adjusted air and the fuel are supplied to the latent heat exchanger. The first zeolite reaction tank, the temperature-adjusting heat exchanger, and the air are supplied so that the fuel is cooled and the air that has passed through the latent heat exchanger is returned to the first zeolite reaction tank. A latent heat exchanger, a fuel cooling circulation channel formed by being connected to each other in series,
At the time of heating the fuel, the dry air heated in the first zeolite reaction tank and the fuel are supplied to the heating heat exchanger, where the fuel is heated, and the air that has passed through the heating heat exchanger. Are passed through the latent heat exchanger and returned to the first zeolite reactor, the first zeolite reactor, the heating heat exchanger, and the latent heat exchanger are connected in series with each other. A fuel heating circulation channel formed by
A first switching control unit that performs selective switching between the fuel cooling circulation channel and the fuel heating circulation channel;
An activation channel for flowing outside air heated by the activation heat exchanger into a second zeolite reaction tank and drying the second zeolite reaction tank;
The zeolite reaction vessel dried and activated in the activation flow path is switched and inserted into the fuel cooling circulation flow path or the fuel heating circulation flow path as the first zeolite reaction vessel, and the fuel cooling circulation flow path Alternatively, the plurality of zeolite reaction tanks are selected such that the humidified zeolite reaction tank used in the fuel heating circulation flow path is switched and inserted into the activation flow path as the second zeolite reaction tank. And a second switching control means for performing switching control.

When the humidity of the first zeolite reaction tank exceeds a predetermined value, the second switching control means sets the first zeolite reaction tank as the second zeolite reaction tank and activates the activation channel. 2. The fuel temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the fuel temperature control device is switched and inserted.

The second switching control means, when the temperature of the first zeolite reaction tank falls below a predetermined value, sets the first zeolite reaction tank as the second zeolite reaction tank to the activation flow path. 2. The fuel temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the fuel temperature control device is switched and inserted.

The fuel temperature according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a recovery unit that condenses steam generated in the second zeolite reaction tank and recovers the steam in the latent heat exchanger. Adjustment device.

The fuel temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a water supply unit that keeps a constant amount of water in the latent heat exchanger.

The fuel temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the latent heat exchanger has a structure in which a fuel pipe is wound around a water absorption cylinder.