JPWO2010101293A1 - Fuel separator, engine using fuel separator and vehicle equipped with engine - Google Patents

Abstract

Hydrocarbon fuel, which is a collection of different fuel types in which the molecular weight and boiling point are approximately proportional to each other, has a smaller molecular weight and a molecular weight substantially lower than those of the different fuel types having a relatively large molecular weight. Vibration energy is given to the mixed fuel mixed with a liquid high-boiling substance having a relatively high boiling point compared to the equivalent fuel type, and the high-boiling substance and light fuel that is a fuel type having a molecular weight lower than that of the high-boiling substance are fogged. And a high-boiling substance separation device that separates only the high-boiling substance from the gas mixed with the atomized light fuel and the high-boiling substance. Thereby, the fuel species and alcohol having a low boiling point can be separated from the alcohol-mixed gasoline without giving large vaporization heat for vaporizing the fuel.

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel separator, an engine using the fuel separator, and an engine-equipped vehicle.

  Liquid oil is ultrasonically vibrated and released as atomized fine particles in the air with ultrasonic vibration energy, and by recovering the hydrocarbon mixture from the atomized fine particles, the recovered oil and the remaining un atomized JP 2006-77225A discloses a technique for separating oil.

By the way, the development of a vehicle that can run even if gasoline mixed with ethanol is refueled. The problem in this case is that it is impossible to know in advance what mixing ratio of ethanol-mixed gasoline is supplied. Therefore, it is necessary that the engine can be started and can run even when gasoline with ethanol having the maximum mixing rate is supplied.
Since ethanol has a higher boiling point than gasoline, there is a problem that the engine cannot be started when ethanol alone is used. For this reason, only a small amount of starting gasoline is loaded. That is, in an engine using ethanol-mixed gasoline, improving the low-temperature startability is a problem. Therefore, since gasoline is a hydrocarbon fuel that is an aggregate of fuel species having different molecular weights, as long as gasoline is contained, there are fuel species having a low molecular weight, that is, fuel species having a low boiling point. Therefore, if a fuel type with a low boiling point can be extracted from gasoline, it is possible to start the fuel well even during cold start by using the extracted fuel type with a low boiling point.
A general method for extracting a fuel species having a low molecular weight from a hydrocarbon fuel, which is an aggregate of fuel species having different molecular weights, utilizes a difference in distillation characteristics. However, in order to distill, the fuel must be heated and vaporized, and in order to vaporize, a large amount of heat energy is required, which is not practical as an in-vehicle engine.
The object of the present invention is to apply the technique of Patent Document 1 to alcohol-mixed gasoline (or alcohol-mixed light oil), and mix fuel species and alcohol having a low boiling point with alcohol without giving large heat of vaporization to vaporize the fuel. An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that can be separated from gasoline, and an engine that uses separated fuel species and alcohol having a low boiling point depending on operating conditions.
In order to achieve this object, the fuel separator according to the present invention has a relative relationship among hydrocarbon fuels, which are aggregates of different fuel types having a molecular weight and a boiling point that are approximately proportional to each other. Applying vibrational energy such as ultrasonic waves to a mixed fuel mixed with a liquid high-boiling substance having a small molecular weight compared to a fuel type having a large molecular weight and a relatively high boiling point compared to a fuel type having a similar molecular weight An atomizer that atomizes high-boiling substances and light fuel, which is a fuel species with a molecular weight equal to or lower than that of high-boiling substances, and only high-boiling substances are separated from the gas mixture of atomized light fuel and high-boiling substances. And a high boiling point material separator.
The details of the invention, as well as other features and advantages, are set forth in the remainder of the specification and are shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fuel separator according to a first embodiment of the present invention in the case of only gasoline and an engine using the fuel separator.
FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the fuel separator according to the first embodiment of the present invention and an engine using the fuel separator in the case of alcohol-mixed gasoline with a low mixing rate.
FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the fuel separator according to the first embodiment of the present invention and an engine using the fuel separator in the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol with a high mixing rate.
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the engine of the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram with respect to the molecular weight and boiling point of gasoline and high boiling point substances.
FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fuel separator according to a second embodiment in the case of gasoline only and an engine using the fuel separator.
FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fuel separator according to a second embodiment and an engine using the fuel separator in the case of alcohol-mixed gasoline having a small mixing rate.
FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of the fuel separator according to the second embodiment and an engine using the fuel separator in the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol having a high mixing rate.
FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the engine of the second embodiment.
FIG. 10 is an operation region diagram of the second embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fuel separator according to a third embodiment in the case of gasoline only and an engine using the fuel separator.
FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fuel separation device according to a third embodiment and an engine using the fuel separation device in the case of alcohol-mixed gasoline having a small mixing rate.
FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fuel separator according to a third embodiment and an engine using the fuel separator in the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol with a high mixing rate.
FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fuel separator according to a fourth embodiment in the case of only gasoline and an engine using the fuel separator.
FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fuel separation device according to a fourth embodiment and an engine using the fuel separation device in the case of alcohol-mixed gasoline having a small mixing rate.
FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fuel separator according to a fourth embodiment and an engine using the fuel separator in the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol having a high mixing rate.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the fuel separator according to the first embodiment of the present invention and an engine using the fuel separator, FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the engine of the first embodiment. FIG. 1 to FIG. The difference of 3 lies in the difference in alcohol mixing rate. That is, FIG. 1 is the case of only gasoline without alcohol, FIG. 2 shows the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol with a small mixing rate (the alcohol mixing rate is relatively small). 3 shows the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol having a large mixing rate (relatively large mixing rate of alcohol).
FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the engine 1 is a spark ignition engine. That is, the fuel injected from the fuel injection valve 2 toward the intake port 3 at a predetermined time is carried to the air and supplied into the combustion chamber 4 to form an air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber 4. This air-fuel mixture is ignited by a spark plug 5 at a predetermined time and burned. The burning gas performs the work of pushing down the piston 5, and the burned gas is discharged from the exhaust port 6.
The gasoline in the fuel tank 11 is pumped to the first tank 13 by the supply pump 12, and the gasoline is stored in the first tank 13.
The drive of the supply pump 12 is controlled so that the gasoline in the first tank 13 is filled to a predetermined liquid level. Below this liquid level, that is, in the liquid, an ultrasonic wave vibrator 14 (atomization device) is provided. The ultrasonic vibrator 14 can atomize a high-boiling substance such as a fuel species having a low molecular weight or ethanol, methanol, water, etc., from gasoline, which is an aggregate of fuel species having different numbers of molecules.
FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram for gasoline and high-boiling substances. It can be seen that there is a strong correlation between the molecular weight and boiling point of the various fuel types that make up gasoline. In other words, this is an example of a hydrocarbon fuel that is a collection of different fuel species having a boiling point that increases as the molecular weight of the fuel species increases and whose boiling points are approximately proportional to each other. On the other hand, alcohols such as methanol and ethanol have a lower molecular weight than fuel types with relatively large molecular weight among different fuel types, and have a relatively high boiling point compared to fuel types with similar molecular weight. It is located away from the fuel type. For this reason, a fuel type equivalent to the molecular weight of alcohol and a fuel type equal to or lower than the molecular weight of alcohol (a fuel type equal to the molecular weight of alcohol and a fuel type equal to or lower than the molecular weight of alcohol are hereinafter referred to as “light fuel”). By determining the output to be applied to the ultrasonic vibrator 14 and the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibrator 14 so as to make the fuel into an alcohol, the alcohol and light fuel can be atomized. In the following description, the alcohol is ethanol.
The atomized alcohol and light fuel are separated into alcohol and light fuel by the fuel separator 15. That is, the fuel separation device 15 mainly includes a cooling device 17 (high boiling point material separation device), a second tank 18, a pump 19 (condensing means), and a third tank 20.
A gas mixed with the atomized light fuel and alcohol is led to the cooling device 17 through the pipe 16 to be cooled. The cooling device 17 is for liquefying gaseous alcohol. That is, since the boiling point of alcohol is 70 ° C. to 80 ° C., by setting the refrigerant temperature to a temperature lower than the boiling point of this alcohol (for example, about 50 ° C.), only the alcohol from the mixed gas of alcohol and light fuel can be obtained. Condensed and liquefied. The alcohol liquefied by cooling is stored in the second tank 18. At this time, the same effect can be obtained even by pressurizing and condensing instead of the cooling device 17.
The light fuel that has not been liquefied is pumped to the third tank 20 by the pump 19. Further, the inside of the third tank 20 is increased to a predetermined pressure by the pump 19 to condense and liquefy the gaseous light fuel. The reason why the gaseous light fuel is liquefied is because it is assumed that liquid fuel is supplied to the fuel injection valve 2, so that the light fuel cannot be supplied to the fuel injection valve 2 in the gaseous state. . Therefore, the light fuel that does not condense and liquefy even when the inside of the third tank 20 is increased to a predetermined pressure is returned to the first tank 13 via the return pipe 22. A check valve 23 is provided in the return pipe 22.
As a result, in the case of gasoline only, FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the second tank 18 is empty, and liquid light fuel is stored in the third tank 20. In the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol with a low mixing rate, FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, liquid alcohol is stored in the second tank 18 and liquid light fuel is stored in the third tank 20.
On the other hand, FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the second tank 18 is empty as in the case of gasoline alone. This is due to the nature of the alcohol. In other words, in the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol with a low mixing rate, the alcohol is scattered in a molecular state in the gasoline and is atomized by ultrasonic vibration, but if the mixing rate of alcohol increases, the alcohol The molecules become overcrowded, and eventually the alcohol molecules and the alcohol molecules stick to each other or become entangled to form a so-called cluster. And when alcohol becomes a cluster state, the molecular weight of the whole cluster will become large and it will not atomize by ultrasonic vibration. In this way, as alcohol-mixed gasoline having a large mixing rate, alcohol-mixed gasoline having a mixing rate enough to make alcohol in a cluster state is considered. The minimum mixing rate at which alcohol becomes a cluster state (this minimum mixing rate is referred to as “cluster generation mixing rate”) is obtained in advance. More specifically, the alcohol-mixed gasoline having an alcohol mixing rate equal to or higher than the cluster generation mixing rate is close to alcohol-only fuel as a whole, although gasoline is partially included. That is, the inside of the first tank 13 is clustered so that only alcohol or a higher alcohol mixing rate is obtained.
Thus, in the case of gasoline only, the original fuel and light fuel, in the case of alcohol-mixed gasoline with a small mixing rate, in the case of alcohol-mixed gasoline with a large mixing rate in the original fuel, alcohol and light fuel Is separated into the original fuel and light fuel. A fuel selection means 25 is provided to properly use the separated fuel according to the operating conditions.
In the engine controller 31, the fuel supply pump 12, the ultrasonic vibrator 14, the cooling device 17, and the pump 19 are driven to perform fuel separation as described above. Further, the engine controller 31 determines whether the engine is cold starting based on the engine load detected by the engine load sensor 32, the engine rotation speed detected by the engine rotation speed sensor 33, and the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 34, or the start is completed. In the case of gasoline only, based on the alcohol mixing rate (= alcohol concentration) detected by the alcohol mixing rate sensor 35, while detecting the operating conditions such as whether it is in the low load range or the middle high load range later, In the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol with a low mixing rate, it is determined whether the gasoline is mixed with alcohol with a high mixing rate, and either one of the two is selected via the fuel selection means 25 based on these operating conditions and determination results. Let the fuel choose.
Specifically, when it is determined that the alcohol mixing rate detected by the alcohol mixing rate sensor 35 is zero, that is, only gasoline, it is determined that the original fuel gasoline, the low-boiling-point light fuel, Therefore, the fuel selection means 25 is instructed to supply light fuel at the time of low temperature start and the original fuel to the fuel injection valve 2 (fuel supply means) at the time of normal operation after the start.
When it is determined that the alcohol mixing rate is less than the above-mentioned cluster generation mixing rate, that is, gasoline mixed with alcohol with a low mixing rate, the fuel is separated into three fuels: the original fuel, alcohol, and light fuel. Then, the fuel selection means 25 is commanded to supply light fuel at low temperature start, ethanol in the high load region, and original fuel to the fuel injection valve 2 in the other operation region (low and medium load region). The reason why ethanol is supplied in the high load range is that ethanol has a high boiling point, that is, works like a high octane fuel, and therefore, the ignition timing can be advanced as compared with the case of gasoline, and the output can be increased.
When it is determined that the alcohol mixing rate is equal to or higher than the above-mentioned cluster generation mixing rate, that is, gasoline mixed with alcohol having a high mixing rate, the fuel is separated into the original fuel and the light fuel having a low boiling point component. In this case, the original fuel itself is close to alcohol-only fuel. For this reason, the fuel selection means 25 is instructed to supply light fuel to the fuel injection valve 2 at the time of low temperature start and original fuel to the fuel injection valve 2 at the time of normal operation after start. That is, when the alcohol mixing rate of the mixed fuel is relatively high, the fuel stored in the first tank 13 is selected when the operating condition of the engine is in a high load range.
Here, the effect of this embodiment is demonstrated. First, the function and effect of the fuel separator composed of the ultrasonic vibrator 14 and the cooling device 17 (high boiling point substance separator) will be described first, and then the effect of the engine using the fuel separator will be described.
First, the operation and effect of the fuel separator is as follows.
According to this embodiment, alcohol (having a relatively large molecular weight among the different fuel types) with respect to gasoline (a hydrocarbon fuel that is a collection of different fuel types whose molecular weight and boiling point are approximately proportional to each other). It gives vibration energy to alcohol-mixed gasoline (mixed fuel) that has a low molecular weight compared to the fuel type and has a relatively high boiling point compared to fuel types with a relatively high boiling point). Atomizer (14) that atomizes light fuel (a fuel species that is equivalent to the molecular weight of alcohol and a fuel species that is less than the molecular weight of alcohol), and only alcohol is separated from the gas mixture of atomized light fuel and alcohol And a cooling device 17 (high boiling point material separation device) that does not give a large heat of vaporization to vaporize the fuel and emits light fuel from gasoline. It can be separated alcohol.
According to this embodiment, the first tank 13 for storing alcohol-mixed gasoline (mixed fuel) includes the ultrasonic vibrator 14 as an atomizer, the hydrocarbon fuel is gasoline, and the high-boiling point substance is ethanol. Since the output of the ultrasonic wave generated by the ultrasonic vibrator 14 and the amplitude of the ultrasonic wave are determined so that the ethanol and the light fuel are atomized, it is possible to lighten the gasoline without giving a large heat of vaporization for vaporizing the fuel. Fuel and ethanol can be separated.
In order to handle alcohol in a gaseous state, a large volume is required, which is difficult to handle. However, according to the present embodiment, the high-boiling-point substance separation device is the cooling device 17 and is a gas in which atomized light fuel and alcohol are mixed. Is cooled to below the boiling point of the alcohol by using this cooling device 17, the alcohol is liquefied and separated and stored in the second tank 18, so that the alcohol can be handled easily.
In order to handle light fuel in the form of gas, a large volume is required and difficult to handle. However, according to the present embodiment, light fuel is liquefied from the gas remaining after the alcohol is separated using a pump 19 (condensing means). Since it is stored in the third tank 20, light fuel can be easily handled.
Next, the effect of the engine using the fuel separator is as follows.
According to the present embodiment, the engine includes the fuel separation device described above, and is any one of alcohol-mixed gasoline that remains without being atomized, separated alcohol, and light fuel after the alcohol is separated. Fuel selection means 25 that can arbitrarily select the fuel, engine controller 31 (command means) that instructs the fuel selection means 25 which fuel to select according to the operating conditions, and fuel selection means that responds to this command Since the fuel injection valve 2 (fuel supply means) for supplying any of the fuels selected by the engine 25 to the engine is provided, light fuel and alcohol are separated from gasoline without giving large heat of vaporization to vaporize the fuel. Therefore, by using light fuel at low temperature start, the boiling point of gasoline is almost the same as gasoline. It can be improved at the low temperature start even in an engine using alcohol mixed gasoline alcohol pairwise high liquid is mixed.
According to this embodiment, the first tank 13 for storing alcohol-mixed gasoline (mixed fuel) includes the ultrasonic vibrator 14 as an atomizer, the hydrocarbon fuel is gasoline, and the high-boiling point substance is alcohol. Since the ultrasonic output generated by the ultrasonic transducer 14 and the amplitude of the ultrasonic wave are determined so that the alcohol and the light fuel are atomized, the light fuel can be used even in an engine using alcohol-mixed gasoline. Good low temperature startability can be obtained.
In order to handle alcohol in a gaseous state, a large volume is required, which is difficult to handle. However, according to the present embodiment, the high-boiling-point substance separation device is the cooling device 17 and is a gas in which atomized light fuel and alcohol are mixed. Is cooled to below the boiling point of the alcohol by using this cooling device 17, the alcohol is liquefied and separated and stored in the second tank 18, so that the alcohol can be handled easily.
In order to handle light fuel in the form of gas, a large volume is required and difficult to handle. However, according to the present embodiment, light fuel is liquefied from the gas remaining after the alcohol is separated using a pump 19 (condensing means). Since it is stored in the third tank 20, light fuel can be easily handled.
According to the present embodiment, when the operating condition is a low temperature start time, the fuel selection means 25 selects the light fuel stored in the third tank 20, and therefore, when using alcohol-mixed gasoline with a high alcohol mixing rate. Even so, good low temperature startability can be obtained.
According to the present embodiment, the fuel selection means 25 selects the alcohol stored in the second tank 18 when the operating condition is a high load range. Since alcohol has a high boiling point and is less likely to knock, the ignition timing can be advanced as compared with an engine using only gasoline, and the output is improved.
According to this embodiment, since alcohol is ethanol, even if it is gasoline mixed with bioethanol, good low temperature startability can be obtained.
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 6-FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a fuel separator according to a second embodiment of the present invention and an engine using the fuel separator, FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of the engine of the second embodiment. 6-FIG. 9 corresponds to FIG. 1 of the first embodiment. 1 to FIG. 4 is replaced. That is, FIG. 6 is a case where only gasoline without alcohol is mixed, FIG. 7 shows the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol with a small mixing rate, FIG. 8 shows the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol with a high mixing rate.
The second embodiment includes a fuel reformer 45 that further reforms alcohol into hydrogen gas and a low octane fuel. In this case, alcohol is stored in the second tank 18 in the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol with a low mixing rate, and alcohol is present in the first tank 13 in gasoline mixed with alcohol with a high mixing rate. be able to. Therefore, a first pipe 41 that guides the fuel in the first tank 13 to the fuel reformer 45 and a second pipe 42 that guides the fuel in the second tank 18 to the fuel reformer 45 are provided. A normally closed first on-off valve 43 and second on-off valve 44 are interposed in the pipes 41 and 42, respectively. In the engine controller 31, the first on-off valve 43 is opened with the first on-off valve 43 fully closed, or the first on-off valve 43 is opened with the second on-off valve 44 fully closed. Either the fuel in the two tanks 18 or the fuel in the first tank 13 can be selectively led to the fuel reformer 45.
Now, in the case of gasoline only, alcohol is not separated, so the two on-off valves 43 and 44 are kept in a fully closed state. At this time, the fuel that can be selected by the second fuel selection means 46 is FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the original fuel and the light fuel are two. Therefore, the engine controller 31 instructs the second fuel selection means 46 to select the light fuel at the low temperature start and the original fuel at the normal operation after the start and supply the selected fuel to the fuel injection valve 2.
In the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol with a small mixing rate, the first on-off valve 43 is opened while the first on-off valve 43 is fully closed, and part of the liquid alcohol stored in the second tank 18 is fuel reformed. It leads to the device 45 and converts it into a low octane fuel and hydrogen gas or fuel containing hydrogen gas. As a result, the fuel that can be selected by the second fuel selection means 46 is FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the original fuel, alcohol, light fuel, low octane fuel, and hydrogen gas are used. In the engine controller 31, the second fuel selection means 46 is commanded so that the original fuel is in the middle load region, the alcohol is in the high load region, the light fuel is in the cold start, and the low octane fuel and hydrogen gas are in the low load region. The fuel is supplied to the fuel injection valves 2 and 47.
Here, in order to supply hydrogen gas to the engine, a fuel injection valve 47 for gaseous fuel is provided separately from the fuel injection valve 2 for liquid fuel, and only hydrogen gas is supplied from the fuel injection valve 47 to other liquid fuels. Is supplied from the fuel injection valve 2 to the engine 1.
In the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol having a high mixing rate, the first on-off valve 43 is opened while the second on-off valve 44 is fully closed, and part of the liquid alcohol stored in the first tank 13 is fuel reformed. It leads to the apparatus 45, and it converts into the fuel containing a low octane fuel and hydrogen gas or hydrogen gas. As a result, the fuel that can be selected by the second fuel selection means 46 is FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, there are four fuels: the original fuel (having the same properties as the alcohol-only fuel), light fuel, low octane fuel, and hydrogen gas. In the engine controller 31, the second fuel selection means 46 is commanded so that the original fuel is supplied to the fuel injection valves 2 and 47 in the middle and high load range, the light fuel is started at low temperature, and the low octane number fuel and hydrogen gas are supplied in the low load range. Supply. Again, only hydrogen gas is supplied to the engine 1 from the fuel injection valve 47 and the other liquid fuel is supplied from the fuel injection valve 2. That is, only in the low load range, the second fuel selection means 46 selects two fuels of low octane number fuel and hydrogen gas instead of a single fuel. This is because premixed compression self-ignition combustion is performed in a low load region, as will be described later.
FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the auxiliary combustion chamber 52 is provided on the ceiling of the main combustion chamber 51, and the auxiliary combustion chamber 52 and the main combustion chamber 51 communicate with each other through a plurality of holes 53. The spark plug 5 is provided facing the sub-combustion chamber 52, and a passage 55 communicating with the hydrogen gas supply hole 54 is provided in the sub-combustion chamber 52. Hydrogen gas is supplied to the hydrogen gas supply hole 54 by the second fuel selection means 46. A fuel injection valve 47 for gaseous fuel is provided in the hydrogen gas supply hole 54.
FIG. 10 is an operation region diagram of the second embodiment, which is largely divided into a low load region which is a premixed compression self-ignition combustion region and a medium and high load region which is a spark ignition combustion region, and among these, a spark is generated in a medium and high load region. The point which performs the combustion by ignition is the same as 1st Embodiment.
On the other hand, in the low load range, the spark plug 5 is not used, but premixed compression self-ignition combustion (HCCI) is performed using low octane fuel and hydrogen gas. For example, the low-octane fuel is injected and supplied from the fuel injection valve 2 in the intake stroke. The low octane fuel from the fuel injection valve 2 forms a good premixed gas in the main combustion chamber 51. On the other hand, when hydrogen gas (or fuel containing hydrogen gas) is injected and supplied from the fuel injection valve 47 at an appropriate timing in the compression stroke, the hydrogen gas enters the sub-combustion chamber 52 through the passage 55 and enters the main hole 53 through the injection hole 53. It is ejected into the combustion chamber 51 and spreads into the main combustion chamber 51 (see FIG. 9), and a premixed gas having a desired equivalent ratio can be generated. Low-octane fuel and hydrogen gas are highly ignitable (easily ignited), so they easily burn by compression self-ignition even in a low load range.
Further, in the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol having a high mixing rate, a part of gasoline stored in the first tank 13 using the hydrogen gas obtained by the fuel reformer 45 is converted into an octane number using a hydrogenation technique. It is conceivable to convert to a low low octane fuel. Thereby, the low octane number fuel for performing the premixed compression self-ignition combustion can be increased.
According to the second embodiment, since the alcohol stored in the second tank 18 is converted into fuel and hydrogen gas having a low octane number using the fuel reformer 45, in the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol with a low mixing rate. The fuel for performing the premixed compression self-ignition combustion can be obtained.
According to the second embodiment, a portion of alcohol-mixed gasoline (fuel) stored in the first tank 13 when the alcohol mixing rate is relatively large and alcohol is not atomized by the ultrasonic vibrator 14. Is converted to a fuel containing hydrogen gas using the fuel reformer 45, so that a fuel for performing premixed compression self-ignition combustion can be obtained even in the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol having a high mixing rate.
According to the second embodiment, instead of the fuel selection means 25, the engine controller 31 (command means) and the fuel injection valve 2 (fuel supply means) of the first embodiment, the second fuel selection capable of selecting two fuels. Means 46, an engine controller 31 (second command means) for instructing the second fuel selection means 46 to select two fuels of low octane fuel and hydrogen gas in the low load range, and second fuel selection A fuel injection valve 2 for liquid fuel that supplies the low octane fuel selected by the means 46 to the engine 1 and a fuel injection valve for gaseous fuel that supplies the hydrogen gas selected by the second fuel selection means 46 to the engine 1. 47, premixed compression self-ignition combustion can be performed.
According to the second embodiment, the alcohol stored in the second tank 18 when the alcohol mixing rate is relatively small and the alcohol is atomized by the ultrasonic vibrator 14, and the alcohol mixing rate is Since the fuel stored in the first tank 13 is converted into a fuel containing hydrogen gas using the fuel reformer 45 when the alcohol is not atomized by the ultrasonic vibrator 14 due to being relatively large, ultrasonic waves Regardless of whether or not alcohol is atomized by the vibrator 14, fuel for premixed compression self-ignition combustion can be obtained.
In the embodiment, the case where the high-boiling substance is ethanol has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to the case where the high-boiling substance is methanol or water. Moreover, although the case where the hydrocarbon fuel that is an aggregate of fuel species having different molecular weights is gasoline is described, the present invention can also be applied to the case of light oil.
In the case of gasoline only or alcohol with a high mixing rate, the alcohol is not atomized by the ultrasonic vibrator 14, so the cooling device 17 (high boiling point substance separating device) is activated even when the alcohol is not atomized. It is useless to let them do. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cooling device 17 from operating wastefully by stopping the operation of the cooling device 17 when alcohol is not atomized by the ultrasonic vibrator 14.
When the engine is mounted on a vehicle, it is preferable to use alcohol in a high load region because it improves output, but when the frequency of high load operation is low, the alcohol should be liquefied and stored in the second tank 18. Is wasted. Since the cooling device 17 is operated to make the alcohol liquid, the operation of the cooling device 17 can be stopped if no alcohol is used. Therefore, the travel history of the vehicle is stored, and the operation of the cooling device 17 is limited when the frequency of high load operation is low based on the stored travel history (for example, the frequency of operating the cooling device 17 is reduced). By doing so, it is possible to omit wasting alcohol that is not used.
If the light fuel is not stored in the second tank 18 at the low temperature start, good low temperature startability cannot be obtained. However, the ultrasonic vibrator 14 and the cooling device 17 (high-boiling substance) are also used when the engine is stopped. By operating the separator, the light fuel can be prepared at the time of cold start.
When the engine is mounted on a plug-in hybrid vehicle having a charging function from the plug, if the light fuel is not stored in the second tank 18 when it is desired to start the engine in a cold state, a good low-temperature start is possible. However, by operating the ultrasonic vibrator 14 and the cooling device 17 (high boiling point material separating device) during charging, the second tank 18 can be kept in the second tank 18 even at a low temperature start. Light fuel will be present, and good cold startability can be obtained.
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 11-FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of the fuel separator of the third embodiment and an engine using the fuel separator, and FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 is replaced. FIG. 11-FIG. The difference of 13 is the difference in the alcohol mixing rate. That is, FIG. 11 shows the case of only gasoline without alcohol, FIG. 12 shows the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol with a small mixing rate (the alcohol mixing rate is relatively small). Reference numeral 13 denotes a case of alcohol-mixed gasoline having a large mixing rate (the alcohol mixing rate is relatively large). FIG. 11-FIG. FIG. 1 to FIG. The same parts as those in FIG.
In the third embodiment, a fuel injection valve 61 (atomization device) that is less expensive than an ultrasonic transducer is used instead of an expensive ultrasonic transducer. That is, the gasoline in the fuel tank 11 is pumped to the fuel injection valve 61 by the supply pump 12. The fuel injection valve 61 is for atomizing gasoline by applying vibration energy by vibration generated between the gasoline and air. The illustrated fuel injection valve 61 is a type that atomizes by causing vibration between high-pressure fuel and external air. The fuel injection valve 61 may be an air assist type that atomizes between gasoline and high-pressure air.
The gasoline atomized by the fuel injection valve 61 includes alcohol, light fuel, and the remaining fuel types excluding these two (the remaining fuel types are hereinafter referred to as “heavy fuel”). Since the light fuel is a fuel type equivalent to the molecular weight of alcohol and a fuel type equal to or lower than the molecular weight of alcohol as described above, the heavy fuel is a fuel type having a molecular weight larger than that of alcohol. That is, the fuel injection valve 61 can atomize three fuels, light fuel, alcohol, and heavy fuel. More specifically, the ultrasonic vibrator 14 of the first embodiment functions as an atomizing device that atomizes at least alcohol and light fuel. However, the fuel injection valve 61 is added to alcohol and light fuel. Thus, it functions as an atomizer that atomizes heavy fuel.
The fuel separator 63 mainly includes a fuel injection valve 61, a cyclone separator 64, a first tank 13, a second tank 18, a pump 19 (condensing means), a third tank 20, a pump 82, and a pressurized container 83 (high boiling point). Substance separation device) and a pressurized container 84 (condensing means). Of these, the atomizer includes a fuel injection valve 61, a cyclone separator 64 as a classifier for classifying fuel according to the molecular weight of the fuel spray (molecular weight of hydrocarbon fuel fuel species and alcohol clusters), a pump 82.
The cyclone separator 64 is divided into two types of fuel sprays depending on the molecular weight of the fuel spray from the three fuel sprays of light fuel, alcohol, and heavy fuel atomized by the fuel injection valve 61 by centrifugal force. That is, it classifies into the fuel spray of light fuel and alcohol, and the fuel spray of heavy fuel. Since the size of the molecular weight of the fuel spray (the molecular weight of the fuel species of the hydrocarbon fuel and the cluster of alcohol) is strongly correlated with the droplet size of the fuel spray, the cyclone separator 64 classifies by the size of the droplet size. The fuel is classified as described above.
In the cyclone separator 64, a conical cone 65 is installed on a gantry (not shown) with the small diameter side vertically downward and the large diameter side vertically upward. The cone 65 divides the space between the ceiling wall 66 and the side walls 67 and 68, and forms a vortex chamber 69 therein. The side walls 67 and 68 are composed of an upper side wall 67 having a relatively large inclination angle and a lower side wall 68 having a relatively small inclination angle. The tilt angle is not limited to the illustrated angle. Moreover, it is not limited to setting it as two different inclination angles.
A discharge hole 70 is opened at the lower end of the lower side wall 68. The discharge port 70 communicates with the first tank 13 through a passage 71.
A straight tubular overflow pipe 73 is provided on the central axis of the cone 65. The lower end 73a of the overflow pipe 73 is opened a little vertically upward from the discharge hole 70 at the lower end of the lower side wall. Further, the upper end of the overflow pipe 73 penetrates the ceiling wall 66 and protrudes to the outside of the cone 65.
A fuel injection valve 61 is attached to the upper side wall 65 so as to face the vortex chamber 69. The nozzle tip of the fuel injection valve 61 is adjusted to an appropriate angle so that fuel is injected toward the inner surface 67 a of the upper side wall 67. The fuel spray injected in the horizontal direction from the nozzle tip toward the vortex chamber 69 swirls on the gas flow of air generated in the vortex chamber 69. That is, the fuel spray collides with the inner surface 67a of the upper side wall 67 at a shallow angle to create a mixed gas with the surrounding air while receiving the action of centrifugal force, and descends in the vortex chamber 69 in a spiral spiral state. (See arrow).
In the fuel spray injected into the vortex chamber 69, three types of fuel sprays of light fuel, alcohol, and heavy fuel are mixed. Among these, fuel spray of heavy fuel having a large molecular weight floats outward by centrifugal force, collides with and adheres to the inner surface 67a of the upper side wall 67, becomes liquid, drops down on the inner surface 67a, and is discharged. It exits from the hole 70 and accumulates in the first tank 14.
On the other hand, the fuel spray of light fuel and alcohol having a small molecular weight is pushed into the center of the cone 65 against the centrifugal force while turning in the vortex chamber 69 while being gasified, and swirls around the overflow pipe 73. Heading downwards. A passage 81 connected to the upper end of the overflow pipe 73 is provided with a pump 82. By driving the pump 82, the overflow pipe 73 has a pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure. For this reason, the mixed gas of light fuel and alcohol having a small molecular weight is sucked into the overflow pipe 73 from the lower end 73a of the overflow pipe 73 and is discharged to the outside of the cone 65.
The mixed gas of light fuel and alcohol guided to the passage 81 is pressurized by a pump 82 and supplied to a pressurized container (low pressure) 83. Since alcohol is first liquefied from the mixed gas pressurized to a predetermined pressure, the liquefied alcohol is stored in the second tank 18. Similarly to the first embodiment, a cooling device may be provided to liquefy alcohol, and the liquefied alcohol may be stored in the second tank 18.
The light fuel gas that has not been liquefied is pumped to the pressurized container (low pressure) 84 by the pump 19. The pressure in the pressurized container 84 is increased to a predetermined pressure by the pump 19 to condense and liquefy the gaseous light fuel. The liquefied light fuel is stored in the third tank 20. The light fuel may be adsorbed using an adsorbent. Light fuel that does not condense and liquefy even when the pressure inside the pressurized container 84 is increased to a predetermined pressure is returned to the cyclone separator 64 via the return pipe 22. A check valve 23 is provided in the return pipe 22.
As a result, in the case of gasoline only, FIG. 11, the second tank 18 is empty, and liquid light fuel is stored in the third tank 20. In the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol with a low mixing rate, FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, liquid alcohol is stored in the second tank 18, and liquid light fuel is stored in the third tank 20. In the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol with a high mixing rate, FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, the clustered alcohol is stored in the first tank 13, the second tank 18 is empty, and the liquid light fuel is stored in the third tank 20. This is because when the alcohol is in a cluster state, the molecular weight of the entire cluster increases, and the alcohol in the cluster state behaves the same as a heavy fuel. That is, since the fuel spray of alcohol in a cluster state has a large molecular weight, it floats toward the outside by centrifugal force and collides with and adheres to the inner surface 67 a of the upper side wall 67. The liquefied cluster alcohol drops down the inner surface 67a of the upper side wall 67 downward, exits the discharge hole 70, and accumulates in the first tank 14.
Thus, in the case of gasoline only, heavy fuel and light fuel, in the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol with a small mixing rate, with heavy fuel, alcohol and light fuel, in the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol with a large mixing rate It is separated into alcohol and light fuel. A fuel selection means 25 is provided to properly use the separated fuel according to the operating conditions.
In the engine controller 31, the fuel supply pump 12, the fuel injection valve 61, and the pumps 19 and 82 are driven to perform fuel separation as described above. Further, the engine controller 31 determines whether the engine is cold starting based on the engine load detected by the engine load sensor 32, the engine rotation speed detected by the engine rotation speed sensor 33, and the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 34, or the start is completed. In the case of gasoline only, based on the alcohol mixing rate (= alcohol concentration) detected by the alcohol mixing rate sensor 35, while detecting the operating conditions such as whether it is in the low load range or the middle high load range later, In the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol with a low mixing rate, it is determined whether the gasoline is mixed with alcohol with a high mixing rate, and either one of the two is selected via the fuel selection means 25 based on these operating conditions and determination results. Let the fuel choose. Since the specific fuel selection method is the same as in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
It should be noted that a predetermined gas may be introduced into the cyclone separator 64 in order to easily guide light fuel and alcohol from the cyclone separator 64 to the passage 81. For example, engine exhaust is easily available as an inert gas, which is preferable. The gas that has passed through the pressurized containers 83 and 84 can be reused by being introduced into the cyclone separator 64 via the return pipe 22. Moreover, a demister, a filter, etc. can also be used instead of the cyclone separator 64 which comprises the classifier which classifies a fuel.
As described above, the third embodiment also has the effect of being able to separate light fuel and alcohol from gasoline without giving large vaporization heat for vaporizing the fuel as in the first embodiment. . In addition, the atomization device (and the classification device) can be realized by a configuration (parts) that is extremely simple and inexpensive and that is particularly versatile for an engine mounted on a vehicle.
According to the third embodiment, the atomization device includes a fuel injection valve 61 that atomizes heavy fuel, which is a fuel type exceeding the molecular weight of alcohol (high boiling point substance), and fuel spray from the fuel injection valve 61. And a classifier (cyclonic classifier 64 and pump 82) that classifies the light fuel and the high-boiling substance according to the molecular weight of the fuel spray, and remains after the light fuel and the high-boiling substance are classified. Therefore, the light fuel and ethanol can be separated from gasoline without giving a large heat of vaporization for vaporizing the fuel with an inexpensive device.
According to the third embodiment, the classification device includes the pump 82 that supplies alcohol (high boiling point substance) and light fuel to the high boiling point material separation device, so that the alcohol and light fuel can be separated by an inexpensive device.
In order to handle alcohol in a gaseous state, a large volume is required, which is difficult to handle. However, according to the third embodiment, the high-boiling-point substance separation device is a pressurized container 83, which is a mixture of atomized light fuel and alcohol. By introducing the pressurized gas into the pressurized container 83 and pressurizing it, the alcohol is liquefied and separated and stored in the second tank 18, so that the alcohol can be handled easily.
(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 14-FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fuel separator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention and an engine using the fuel separator, and FIG. 14-FIG. 16 is the FIG. 6-FIG. 8 is replaced. That is, FIG. 14 is a case where only gasoline without alcohol is mixed, FIG. 15 shows the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol with a small mixing rate, FIG. 16 shows the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol with a high mixing rate. FIG. 6-FIG. The same parts as those in FIG.
The fourth embodiment also includes a fuel reformer 45 that further reforms alcohol into hydrogen gas and low-octane fuel (or fuel containing hydrogen gas). In this case, alcohol is stored in the second tank 18 in the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol with a low mixing rate, and alcohol is present in the first tank 13 in gasoline mixed with alcohol with a high mixing rate. be able to. Therefore, a first pipe 41 that guides the fuel in the first tank 13 to the fuel reformer 45 and a second pipe 42 that guides the fuel in the second tank 18 to the fuel reformer 45 are provided. A normally closed first on-off valve 43 and second on-off valve 44 are interposed in the pipes 41 and 42, respectively. In the engine controller 31, the first on-off valve 43 is opened with the first on-off valve 43 fully closed, or the first on-off valve 43 is opened with the second on-off valve 44 fully closed. Either the fuel in the two tanks 18 or the fuel in the first tank 13 can be selectively led to the fuel reformer 45.
In the case of gasoline only, the two on-off valves 43 and 44 are kept fully closed. At this time, the fuel that can be selected by the second fuel selection means 46 is FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, there are two types of fuel, heavy fuel and light fuel. Accordingly, the engine controller 31 instructs the second fuel selection means 46 to select light fuel at the time of low temperature start and heavy fuel at the time of normal operation after start-up and supply the selected fuel to the fuel injection valve 2.
In the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol with a small mixing rate, the first on-off valve 43 is opened while the first on-off valve 43 is fully closed, and part of the liquid alcohol stored in the second tank 18 is fuel reformed. It leads to the apparatus 45 and converts into low octane fuel and hydrogen gas. As a result, the fuel that can be selected by the second fuel selection means 46 is FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, there are five heavy fuel, alcohol, light fuel, low octane fuel, and hydrogen gas. The engine controller 31 instructs the second fuel selection means 46 to fuel heavy fuel in the middle and high load range, alcohol at the maximum load, light fuel at low temperature start, low octane fuel and hydrogen gas in the low load range. The fuel is supplied to the injection valves 2 and 47.
Here, in order to supply hydrogen gas to the engine, a fuel injection valve 47 for gaseous fuel is provided separately from the fuel injection valve 2 for liquid fuel, and only hydrogen gas is supplied from the fuel injection valve 47 to other liquid fuels. Is supplied from the fuel injection valve 2 to the engine 1.
In the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol having a high mixing rate, the first on-off valve 43 is opened while the second on-off valve 44 is fully closed, and part of the liquid alcohol stored in the first tank 13 is fuel reformed. It leads to the device 45 and converts it into low octane fuel and hydrogen gas. As a result, the fuel that can be selected by the second fuel selection means 46 is FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, there are four alcohols: clustered alcohol, light fuel, low-octane fuel, and hydrogen gas. The engine controller 31 instructs the second fuel selection means 46 to supply alcohol to the fuel injection valves 2 and 47 in the middle and high load range, light fuel at low temperature start, and low octane number fuel and hydrogen gas in the low load range. . Here too, only hydrogen gas is supplied from the fuel injection valve 47 and the other liquid fuel is supplied from the fuel injection valve 2 to the engine. That is, only in the low load range, the second fuel selection means 46 selects two fuels of low octane number fuel and hydrogen gas instead of a single fuel. This is because premixed compression self-ignition combustion is performed in a low load range.
FIG. 9 is also a schematic configuration diagram of the engine of the fourth embodiment. That is, FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the auxiliary combustion chamber 52 is provided on the ceiling of the main combustion chamber 51, and the auxiliary combustion chamber 52 and the main combustion chamber 51 communicate with each other through a plurality of holes 53. The spark plug 5 is provided facing the sub-combustion chamber 52, and a passage 55 communicating with the hydrogen gas supply hole 54 is provided in the sub-combustion chamber 52. Hydrogen gas is supplied to the hydrogen gas supply hole 54 by the second fuel selection means 46. A fuel injection valve 47 for gaseous fuel is provided in the hydrogen gas supply hole 54.
FIG. 10 is also an operation region diagram of the fourth embodiment. That is, FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, there are two main parts: a low-load region that is a premixed compression self-ignition combustion region, and a medium-high load region that is a spark-ignition combustion region. Of these, combustion is performed by spark ignition in a medium-high load region. This is the same as in the first embodiment.
On the other hand, in the low load range, the spark plug 5 is not used, but premixed compression self-ignition combustion (HCCI) is performed using low octane fuel and hydrogen gas. For example, the low-octane fuel is injected and supplied from the fuel injection valve 2 in the intake stroke. The low octane fuel from the fuel injection valve 2 forms a good premixed gas in the main combustion chamber 51. On the other hand, when hydrogen gas is injected and supplied from the fuel injection valve 47 at an appropriate time in the compression stroke, the hydrogen gas enters the auxiliary combustion chamber 52 from the passage 55 and is ejected from the injection hole 53 to the main combustion chamber 51. 51 (see FIG. 9), a premixed gas having a desired equivalent ratio can be generated. Low-octane fuel and hydrogen gas are highly ignitable (easily ignited), so they easily burn by compression self-ignition even in a low load range.
According to the fourth embodiment, since the alcohol stored in the second tank 18 is converted into fuel and hydrogen gas having a low octane number using the fuel reformer 45, in the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol with a low mixing rate. The fuel for performing the premixed compression self-ignition combustion can be obtained.
According to the fourth embodiment, when the mixing rate of alcohol is relatively large, the fuel containing hydrogen gas is partially removed from the clustered alcohol stored in the first tank 13 using the fuel reformer 45. Therefore, fuel for premixed compression self-ignition combustion can be obtained even in the case of gasoline mixed with alcohol having a high mixing rate.
According to the fourth embodiment, instead of the fuel selection means 25, the engine controller 31 (command means) and the fuel injection valve 2 (fuel supply means) of the first embodiment, the second fuel selection capable of selecting two fuels. Means 46, an engine controller 31 (second command means) for instructing the second fuel selection means 46 to select two fuels of low octane fuel and hydrogen gas in the low load range, and second fuel selection A fuel injection valve 2 for liquid fuel that supplies the low octane fuel selected by the means 46 to the engine 1 and a fuel injection valve for gaseous fuel that supplies the hydrogen gas selected by the second fuel selection means 46 to the engine 1. 47, premixed compression self-ignition combustion can be performed.
According to the fourth embodiment, the alcohol stored in the second tank 18 is stored when the alcohol mixing rate is relatively small, and is stored in the first tank 13 when the alcohol mixing rate is relatively large. Since the alcohol in the cluster state is converted into a fuel containing hydrogen gas using the fuel reformer 45, fuel for performing premixed compression self-ignition combustion can be obtained.
Without being limited to the embodiments described above, various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the technical idea, and it is obvious that these are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.
Regarding the above explanation, the contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-48882 in Japan whose application date is March 3, 2009 are incorporated herein by reference.
Exclusive properties or features encompassed by embodiments of the invention are claimed as follows.

Claims (17)

Hydrocarbon fuel, which is a collection of different fuel types in which the molecular weight and boiling point are approximately proportional to each other, has a smaller molecular weight and a molecular weight substantially lower than those of the different fuel types having a relatively large molecular weight. Vibration energy is given to a mixed fuel mixed with a liquid high-boiling substance having a relatively high boiling point compared to an equivalent fuel type, and the high-boiling substance and a light fuel that is a fuel type having a molecular weight equal to or lower than that of the high-boiling substance. An atomizing device for atomizing;
A fuel separator comprising: a high-boiling substance separation device that separates only a high-boiling substance from a gas in which an atomized light fuel and a high-boiling substance are mixed. The atomizer is
A fuel injection valve that atomizes heavy fuel, which is a fuel species that exceeds the molecular weight of high-boiling substances,
A classification device that receives fuel spray from the fuel injection valve and classifies light fuel and high-boiling substances according to the molecular weight of the fuel spray,
The fuel separator according to claim 1, further comprising a first tank that stores fuel that remains after the light fuel and the high boiling point substance are classified. The hydrocarbon fuel is gasoline, the high-boiling substance is methanol, ethanol or water;
3. The fuel separator according to claim 2, wherein the classifier includes a pump that supplies the high boiling point substance and the light fuel to the high boiling point substance separator.   The high-boiling-point material separating device separates the high-boiling-point material into a liquid state by introducing the pressurized high-boiling-point material and light fuel mixed gas into a pressurized container and pressurizing it, and storing it in the second tank. The fuel separator according to claim 3, wherein An ultrasonic vibrator as the atomizing device is provided in the first tank for storing the mixed fuel,
The hydrocarbon fuel is gasoline, the high-boiling substance is methanol, ethanol, or water, and the output of ultrasonic waves and ultrasonic waves generated by an ultrasonic vibrator so that the high-boiling substance and the light fuel are atomized. The fuel separator according to claim 1, wherein an amplitude of the fuel is determined.   The high-boiling-point substance separation device is a cooling device, and the high-boiling-point material is cooled by cooling the gas mixed with the atomized light fuel and the high-boiling-point material below the boiling point of the high-boiling point material using the cooling device. The fuel separation device according to claim 1 or 5, wherein the fuel separation device is separated into a liquid and stored in the second tank.   7. The fuel separator according to claim 4, wherein the light fuel is liquefied from the gas remaining after the high-boiling substances are separated using a condensing means and stored in a third tank. An engine comprising the fuel separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Any of a heavy fuel that is a fuel species having a relatively large molecular weight, the separated high-boiling substance, and a light fuel after the high-boiling substance is separated can be arbitrarily selected. Fuel selection means;
Command means for instructing the fuel selection means which fuel to select in accordance with operating conditions;
An engine comprising: fuel supply means for supplying any fuel selected by the fuel selection means to the engine in response to the command. An engine comprising the fuel separator according to claim 7,
Selecting light fuel stored in the third tank when the operating condition of the engine is low temperature start,
Selecting the gasoline stored in the first tank when the engine operating condition is in the middle load range;
When the operating condition of the engine is in a high load range, select the alcohol stored in the second tank,
An engine comprising fuel supply means for supplying any selected fuel to the engine. An engine comprising the fuel separator according to claim 4 or 6,
While converting the alcohol stored in the second tank into a low octane fuel having a low octane number and hydrogen gas using a fuel reformer,
A second fuel selection means capable of selecting two fuels;
Second command means for commanding the second fuel selection means to select the two fuels of the low octane number fuel and the hydrogen gas in the low load range;
A fuel injection valve for liquid fuel that supplies the low octane fuel selected by the second fuel selection means to the engine;
An engine comprising: a fuel injection valve for gaseous fuel that supplies hydrogen gas selected by the second fuel selection means to the engine. An engine comprising the fuel separation device according to claim 2 or 5,
An engine characterized by converting fuel stored in the first tank into fuel containing hydrogen gas using a fuel reformer when the mixed fuel has a relatively high alcohol mixing rate. An engine comprising the fuel separation device according to claim 2 or 5,
Alcohol stored in the second tank is stored in the first tank when the alcohol mixing ratio of the mixed fuel is relatively low, and is stored in the first tank when the alcohol mixing ratio of the mixed fuel is relatively high. An engine characterized by converting fuel into fuel containing hydrogen gas using a fuel reformer.   10. The fuel stored in the first tank when the mixed fuel has a relatively high alcohol mixing rate is selected when the operating condition of the engine is a high load. Engine. An engine comprising the ideal fuel distribution area according to claim 6,
An engine characterized by stopping the operation of the high-boiling-point substance separating device when the alcohol mixing rate is relatively high and alcohol is not atomized by the ultrasonic vibrator. A vehicle equipped with an engine comprising the fuel separation device according to claim 6,
An engine-equipped vehicle that stores a travel history of the vehicle and restricts the operation of the cooling device when the frequency of high-load operation is low based on the stored travel history. An engine comprising the fuel separator according to claim 6,
An engine characterized in that the ultrasonic vibrator and the high-boiling-point substance separator are operated even when the engine is stopped. A plug-in hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine including the fuel separation device according to claim 6 and having a charging function from a plug,
An engine-equipped vehicle, wherein the ultrasonic vibrator and the high-boiling-point substance separating device are operated during charging.

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