WO2008043154A1 - A combustion engine with fuel conditioning - Google Patents

A combustion engine with fuel conditioning Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008043154A1
WO2008043154A1 PCT/AU2007/001552 AU2007001552W WO2008043154A1 WO 2008043154 A1 WO2008043154 A1 WO 2008043154A1 AU 2007001552 W AU2007001552 W AU 2007001552W WO 2008043154 A1 WO2008043154 A1 WO 2008043154A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
chamber
combustion engine
fluid
conditioned
oxygen containing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2007/001552
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Bernhard Philberth
Karl Philberth
Angus Faulkner
Alfons Lemm
Original Assignee
Bernhard Philberth
Karl Philberth
Angus Faulkner
Alfons Lemm
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2006905703A external-priority patent/AU2006905703A0/en
Application filed by Bernhard Philberth, Karl Philberth, Angus Faulkner, Alfons Lemm filed Critical Bernhard Philberth
Publication of WO2008043154A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008043154A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
    • F02B19/00—Engines characterised by precombustion chambers
    • F02B19/02—Engines characterised by precombustion chambers the chamber being periodically isolated from its cylinder
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
    • F02B19/00—Engines characterised by precombustion chambers
    • F02B19/16—Chamber shapes or constructions not specific to sub-groups F02B19/02 - F02B19/10
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
    • F02B19/00—Engines characterised by precombustion chambers
    • F02B19/16—Chamber shapes or constructions not specific to sub-groups F02B19/02 - F02B19/10
    • F02B19/18—Transfer passages between chamber and cylinder
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/10—Internal combustion engine [ICE] based vehicles
    • Y02T10/12—Improving ICE efficiencies

Definitions

  • the present invention broadly relates to a combustion engine .
  • PCT/IB2006/001997 discloses a piston engine that addresses the above-described problem.
  • the present invention provides further technological advancement . Summary of the Invention
  • the present invention generally relates to a combustion engine, comprising: a pre-chamber for receiving a combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid, the pre-chamber being arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible fluid is conditioned; a combustor for receiving the conditioned combustible fluid from the pre-chamber and a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid for combustion of the conditioned combustible fluid; and a conduit for providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre-chamber, the conduit comprising a valve for controlling the fluidal communication; wherein the engine is arranged so that the pre- chamber contains in use sufficient conditioned combustible fluid for a plurality of cycles of the combustion engine.
  • valve is used for any arrangement that controls the fluidal communication, for example by changing an effective cross- sectional area of the conduit, and which may or may not be arranged to close fully.
  • the combustible fluid may be a hydrocarbon fluid, an alcohol or any other combustible fluid (including for example hydrogen) .
  • the combustible fluid typically has hydrocarbon chains.
  • the pre-chamber typically is arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid typically is selected, so that in use hydrocarbon chains of the combustible fluid are cracked and/or the hydrocarbon chains are restructured and/or the molecular composition of the combustible fluid is altered in any other way.
  • the pre-chamber typically is suitable for processing the combustible fluid in a manner such that chemical properties of the combustible fluid change
  • the combustion engine may alternatively also be operated so the molecular composition of the combustible fluid remains largely unaffected, for example by operating the engine with hydrogen.
  • the pre-chamber contains in use sufficient conditioned combustible fluid for a plurality of cycles, such as 2, 5 10 or even 100 or more cycles at any given time during normal operation of the combustion engine, there typically is sufficient time for the cracking of the hydrocarbon chains to largely complete, which then allows more complete and thus cleaner combustion.
  • the pre-chamber typically is sized so that contained conditioned combustible fluid establishes a high pressure in the pre-chamber.
  • the combustor typically is provided in the form of a combustion chamber.
  • the pre-chamber may be arranged for receiving the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid from the combustor or another source, typically with the aid of a pump or the like.
  • the combustion engine typically is arranged so that, when the valve is in an open position, the high pressure in the pre-chamber forces a portion of the conditioned combustible fluid into the combustor.
  • the combustion engine may also be arranged so that a portion of the exhaust gas is recirculated into the combustor.
  • the combustion process typically is gaseous, (in contrast to vapour or liquid fuel droplet combustion)
  • the combustion engine according to embodiments of the present invention allows high levels of exhaust gas recirculation, such as approximately 50%, 60% 70%, 80% or 90%.
  • the combustion engine typically is arranged so that combustion takes place without the need for an additional ignition.
  • the combustion engine may comprise an ignition device and/or heater for facilitating operation during a start-up phase.
  • the ignition device and/or heater may also be arranged for monitoring the temperature in the pre-chamber.
  • the first and typically also the second oxygen containing gaseous fluid typically are air.
  • the first oxygen containing fluid typically comprises exhaust gas and in variations of the present invention the second oxygen containing gaseous fluid possible also comprises exhaust gas.
  • the combustion engine may be arranged for compression of the second gaseous fluid prior to entering the combustor.
  • the combustion engine may also be arranged so that a rate of the combustible fluid, and/or a rate of the second oxygen containing gaseous fluid and/or a rate of conditioned combustible fluid that is directed into the combustor and/or a rate of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid is controllable whereby an output power of the combustion engine is controllable.
  • the combustion engine may comprise a sensor for sensing an oxygen content of the exhaust gas .
  • the engine may further be arranged so that the sensed oxygen content is used to regulate, typically as a function of output power and/or type of the combustible fluid, at least one operation parameter of the combustion engine, such as supply rates of the combustible fluid and/or the second oxygen containing gaseous fluid and/or the first oxygen containing fluid.
  • the pre-chamber may be thermally insulated by a thermally insulating material that at least partially encloses the interior portion of the pre-chamber.
  • the pre- chamber may comprise an outer casing within which at least one of a first and a second material at least partially surround an interior space, the second material being different to the first material and being thermally insulating.
  • the second material may at least partially surround the first material.
  • the first and the second materials may form interior wall portions of the pre-chamber.
  • the second material is disposed within the first material or the first material is disposed within the second material.
  • the pre-chamber typically is arranged so that in use at least a portion of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid is introduced into the pre-chamber through an interior wall portion of the pre-chamber in a manner so that deposition of processing by-products, such as coke, at the interior wall portion is reduced or prevented.
  • the pre-chamber may have an interior wall portion that comprises openings for directing at least a portion of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid into an interior of the pre-chamber. At least some of the openings may be end-portions of channels that are arranged for directing the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid into the pre-chamber.
  • the openings may be associated with pores.
  • the interior wall portion of the pre-chamber may comprise a porous material, such as a porous ceramic material, and the openings may be end-portions of the pores.
  • the ceramic material typically is also arranged to provide thermal insulation.
  • At least a portion of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid may for example also be directed into an interior portion of the pre-chamber together with the combustible fluid that typically is directed into an interior space of the pre-chamber.
  • the pre-chamber and the combustor may be positioned immediately adjacent each other and may have a common wall portion.
  • the pre-chamber may be positioned on the combustor or on a side of the combustor.
  • the pre-chamber may be spaced apart from the combustor and coupled by the conduit to the combustor.
  • the valve may be positioned within or on a wall portion of the pre-chamber and/or the combustor. If the combustor and the pre-chamber are spaced apart from each other, the valve may also be positioned at a position outside the pre-chamber and the combustor.
  • the conduit may be provided in the form of a tube and the valve may be positioned within the tube.
  • the valve may be a variable valve that has variable times during which the valve resides in the open condition. Additionally or alternatively, the valve may be arranged so that a maximal opening for throughput of the conditioned combustible fluid can be varied.
  • the valve may be of a type that controls a throughput by lifting a portion of the valve and the valve may have a variable valve lift.
  • the engine may be arranged so that controlling of an output power of the engine is effected by the variable valve.
  • the engine may be arranged so that adjustment of properties of the engine that relate to a change in a type or quality of the combustible fluid is facilitated by the variable valve.
  • a change in fuel properties can result in a change in peak combustion pressure in the combustor, which may be adjusted by varying the variable valve.
  • the variable valve may be arranged for receiving electronic control signals, which may be provided by a computer that controls operation of the combustion engine. Alternatively, the variable valve may be arranged for controlling by a pressure of the combustible fluid.
  • the variable valve may be coupled to a hydraulic reservoir in the proximity of the valve, which may also provide cooling of the variable valve.
  • the variable valve may comprise a valve control system that is arranged to respond to an increase in a pressure of the combustible fluid by enabling an increase in throughput of the conditioned combustible fluid into the combustor.
  • the valve control system typically comprises a suitable actuator that effects opening and closing of the valve.
  • the valve comprises hexagonal Boron Nitride, which is particularly suitable for high temperature applications.
  • the pre-chamber typically is arranged for receiving a liquid combustible fluid.
  • the pre-chamber may be arranged for receiving the combustible fluid in the form of a vapour or gas.
  • the combustion engine typically is an internal combustion engine such as a piston or rotary engine.
  • the combustion engine may be arranged for continuous combustion, and may for example be a gas turbine.
  • combustion engine is a gas turbine
  • cycles refers to complete rotations of a blade of the gas turbine.
  • the engine typically comprises a compressor for compressing a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid whereby a temperature of the second oxygen containing gaseous fluid is increased prior to entering the combustor and auto-ignition in the combustor is facilitated and/or more oxygen is made available for combustion.
  • the compressor may comprise a set of blades similar to those of a gas turbine, or an arrangement that constricts an inlet such as a ramjet or scramjet.
  • the engine may also comprise a heat element and/or heat exchanger to supplement the compression stage during start-up or cold running. Where compression is achieved with blades, the blades are typically driven by a turbine arranged downstream of the combustor.
  • the above-described combustion engine may comprise a plurality of pre- chambers, valves, conduits and combustors .
  • at least one pre-chamber may be associated with more than one combustors .
  • the at least one pre-chamber may comprise a plurality of fuel inlet ports, such as fuel injectors.
  • at least one combustor may be associated with more than one pre-chambers .
  • the present invention provides in a first aspect a combustion engine, comprising: a pre-chamber for receiving a combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid, the pre-chamber being arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible fluid is conditioned; a combustor for receiving the conditioned combustible fluid from the pre-chamber and a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid for combustion of the conditioned combustible fluid; and a conduit for providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre-chamber, the conduit comprising a variable valve for controlling the fluidal communication; wherein the engine is arranged so that the pre- chamber contains in use sufficient conditioned combustible fluid for a plurality of cycles of the combustion engine.
  • the present invention provides in a second aspect a combustion engine, comprising: a pre-chamber for receiving a combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid, the pre-chamber being arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible fluid is conditioned; a combustor for receiving the conditioned combustible fluid from the pre-chamber and a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid for combustion of the conditioned combustible fluid; and a conduit for providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre-chamber, the conduit comprising a valve for controlling the fluidal communication, the valve being positioned at a side- portion of at least one of the pre-chamber and the combustor; wherein the engine is arranged so that the pre- chamber contains in use sufficient conditioned combustible fluid for a plurality of cycles of the combustion engine.
  • the present invention provides in a third aspect a combustion engine, comprising: a pre-chamber for receiving a combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid, the pre-chamber being arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible fluid is conditioned; a combustor for receiving the conditioned combustible fluid from the pre-chamber and a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid for combustion of the conditioned combustible fluid, the combustor being spaced apart from the pre-chamber; and a conduit for providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre-chamber, the conduit comprising a valve for controlling the fluidal communication; wherein the engine is arranged so that the pre- chamber contains in use sufficient conditioned combustible fluid for a plurality of cycles of the combustion engine.
  • the present invention provides in a fourth aspect a combustion engine, comprising: a pre-chamber for receiving a gaseous combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid, the pre-chamber being arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible fluid is conditioned; a combustor for receiving the conditioned combustible fluid from the pre-chamber and a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid for combustion of the conditioned combustible fluid; and a conduit for providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre-chamber, the conduit comprising a valve for controlling the fluidal communication; wherein the engine is arranged so that the pre- chamber contains in use sufficient conditioned combustible fluid for a plurality of cycles of the combustion engine.
  • the present invention provides in a fifth aspect a continuous combustion engine, comprising: a rotor blade; a pre-chamber for receiving a combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid, the pre-chamber being arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible fluid is conditioned; a compressor for compressing a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid whereby a temperature of the second oxygen containing gaseous fluid is increased; a combustor for receiving the conditioned combustible fluid from the pre-chamber and the compressed second oxygen containing gaseous fluid for combustion of the conditioned combustible fluid; and a conduit for providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre-chamber, the conduit comprising a valve for controlling the fluidal communication; wherein the engine is arranged so that the pre- chamber contains in use sufficient conditioned combustible fluid for a plurality of rotation
  • the present invention provides in a sixth aspect a combustion engine, comprising: a pre-chamber for receiving a combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid, the pre-chamber being arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible fluid is conditioned, the pre-chamber comprising an outer casing within which at least one of a first and a second material at least partially surround an interior space, the second material being different to the first material and being thermally insulating; a combustor for receiving the conditioned combustible fluid from the pre-chamber and a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid for combustion of the conditioned combustible fluid; and a conduit for providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre-chamber, the conduit comprising a valve for controlling the fluidal communication; wherein the engine is arranged so that the pre- chamber contains in use sufficient conditioned combustible
  • the present invention provides in a seventh aspect a combustion engine, comprising: a pre-chamber for receiving a combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid, the pre-chamber being arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible fluid is conditioned, the pre-chamber comprising an interior wall portion that comprises openings for directing at least a portion of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid into an interior of the pre-chamber, the openings being end-portions of channels; a combustor for receiving the conditioned combustible fluid from the pre-chamber and a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid for combustion of the conditioned combustible fluid; and a conduit for providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre-chamber, the conduit comprising a valve for controlling the fluidal communication; wherein the engine is arranged so that the pre- chamber contains in use sufficient conditioned
  • the present invention provides in an eighth aspect a component for a combustion engine, the component comprising: a pre-chamber for receiving a combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid, the pre-chamber being arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible fluid is conditioned; and a conduit for connection to a combustor and providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre- chamber, the conduit comprising a valve for controlling the fluidal communication.
  • Figure 1 shows a portion of a combustion engine according to a first specific embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows a portion of a combustion engine according to a second specific embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 3 shows a portion of a combustion engine according to a third specific embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 4 shows a portion of a combustion engine according to a fourth specific embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 5 shows a portion of a combustion engine according to a fifth specific embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 6 shows a portion of a combustion engine according to a sixth specific embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 shows a portion of a combustion engine according to a seventh specific embodiment of the present invention.
  • PCT international application number PCT/IB2006/001997 discloses a piston engine and the disclosure of this PCT international application is hereby incorporated by cross- reference.
  • Figure 1 shows a portion of a combustion engine 100 comprising a pre-chamber 102 and a combustor, which is provided in the form of a combustion chamber 103.
  • the engine 100 is a piston engine and comprises a piston 104.
  • the combustion engine 100 further comprises a valve 106.
  • a combustible fluid in this embodiment a hydrocarbon fluid, such as liquid petrol or an alcohol, is directed through fuel inlet 108 into the pre-chamber 102.
  • the hydrocarbon fluid is conditioned at a temperature above the contact reaction temperature of the conditioned hydrocarbon fluid and the interior of the pre- chamber has in use a high temperature such as 400 - 1200 0 C.
  • contact reaction temperature is used for a minimum temperature at which molecules of the combustible fluid will spontaneously react in air, without the use of a catalyst and/or additional internal or external ignition source .
  • the pre-chamber 102 comprises a porous body 110 that is composed of a high temperature resistant ceramic material or a cermet material.
  • the pores of the porous body 110 are coupled to a channel arrangement 112, which is arranged for receiving a small amount of an oxygen containing gaseous fluid.
  • the small amount of the oxygen containing gaseous fluid is directed into the pre-chamber 102 and which is sufficient for processing the hydrocarbon fluid at the high temperatures in a manner such that hydrocarbon chains of the hydrocarbon fluid crack, whereby the corabustibility of the hydrocarbon fluid is increased and/or any energy output associated with the combustion is increased and/or exhaust gas pollutants are minimised.
  • the small amount of oxygen containing gaseous fluid is directed through pores of the porous body 110.
  • the small amount of the oxygen containing gaseous fluid may also be directed through the fuel inlet port 108 into the pre-chamber 102.
  • the oxygen containing gaseous fluid is taken off from the combustion chamber 103 via take-off port 114 and a portion of the oxygen containing gaseous fluid is then directed into the inlet port of the channel arrangement 112.
  • the combustion engine 100 comprises a pump or compressor or the like that forces the portion of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid into the channel arrangement 112 and/or into the fuel inlet port 108.
  • the pre-chamber 102 is sized so that sufficient fuel is conditioned for approximately 10, 20, 50, 100 or even more cycles at any given time during normal operation.
  • the valve 106 is arranged so that it is in an open position when the combustion chamber is charged with conditioned combustible fluid.
  • the valve 106 is a variable valve and allows varying a time in which the valve remains in the open position.
  • the variable valve 106 allows controlling of a power output of the engine 100 and also facilitates the use of different types of fuel. Further, the opening of the valve can in this embodiment be varied, whereby a through-put of conditioned combustible fluid can be varied.
  • the combustion engine 100 comprises an ignition device 116 that is arranged for heating the process chamber and assisting operation during a start-up phase.
  • the combustion chamber 103 is also arranged for intake of an oxygen containing gas, such as compressed air, via a separate port (not shown) in the cylinder.
  • the combustion chamber 103 communicates with the pre-chamber 102 via the valve 106 which opens periodically and allows introduction of conditioned combustible fluid into the combustion chamber 103.
  • Combustion occurs via mixing of the conditioned combustible fluid and the supplied oxygen containing gas in the combustion chamber above the piston, as contact reactions via rapid mixing.
  • Contact reactions are defined here as reactions that occur at a temperature above the above-defined contact reaction temperature of the reactants.
  • Figure 2 shows a portion of a combustion engine 200, which is related to the described combustion engine 100 and uses the same reference numerals for features that were previously described.
  • the pre-chamber 202 comprises a porous body 204 that is composed of the same material as the porous body 110 described above.
  • the porous body 204 is in this example at least partially surrounded by an additional thermally insulating material 206.
  • the additional thermally insulating material 206 further improves thermal insulation, which reduces heat loss of the pre-chamber 202.
  • Figure 3 shows a combustion engine according to a further specific embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 shows a combustion engine 300 that comprises a pre-chamber 302 with a porous ceramic body 304.
  • the porous body 304 does not entirely enclose the interior portion of the pre-chamber 302, but a portion of the interior of the pre-chamber 302 is surrounded by a thermally insulating material 306, such as silicon carbide which is high temperature resistant.
  • the thermally insulating material 306 is in this embodiment arranged to further improve mechanical stability of the pre-chamber 302.
  • FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of a combustion engine according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.
  • the combustion engine 400 comprises a pre- chamber 402 that includes a thermally insulating body 404.
  • the combustion engine 400 does not comprise a porous ceramic material, but instead comprises a plurality of channels 406 that are arranged for directing the oxygen containing gas into the pre-chamber 402 in a similar manner as the pores of bodies 110, 204 and 304 described above.
  • the oxygen containing gas that in use exits from the openings of the channels 406 into the pre-chamber 402 enables in use reaction of by-products with oxygen and thereby reduced deposition of the byproducts at the interior wall portions of the pre-chamber 402.
  • Figure 5 shows a combustion engine according to a further specific embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 shows the combustion engine 500 which is related to combustion engine 100 shown in Figure 1, but in this case the pre-chamber 102 and the combustion chamber 103 do not share a common wall portion and are spaced apart.
  • the pre- chamber 102 and the combustion chamber 103 are linked by a conduit, which in this example is provided in the form of a tube 502 that is thermally insulated and includes the valve 106.
  • the pre-chamber 102 and the combustion chamber 103 are linked at side-portions by the conduit 502 which has advantages if a predetermined available space for the engine only allows for relatively low-height engine shapes.
  • the diameter of the tube 502 determines the velocity of the conditioned combustible fluid and hence a mixing rate in the combustion chamber 103. Further, separation of the pre-chamber from the combustion chamber may allow positioning of the process chamber at a suitable position such as near a side portion of the combustion chamber. Alternatively, the pre-chamber 102 may also surround at least a portion of the combustion chamber 103 and/or may have an annular or crown shape.
  • the combustion chambers and pre-chambers comprise outer casings which are formed from a suitable steel or aluminum alloy.
  • the valve 106 may comprise a hexagonal boron nitride material, which is particularly suitable for high temperature applications.
  • the combustion engine according to any one of the described embodiments comprises a sensor for sensing an oxygen content of the exhaust gas and is arranged so that the sensed oxygen content is used to regulate, typically as a function of output power demand and/or fuel-type, the supply rates of the hydrocarbon fluid and the oxygen containing gaseous fluids so that combustion is optimised.
  • valve is electronically controlled.
  • valve is controlled by a computer processor or the like and comprises suitable actuators (not shown) .
  • the valve 106 may comprise a hydraulic arrangement, which is shown in Figure 6.
  • Figure 6 shows components of an internal combustion engine 600 that comprises a conduit 602 in or on which a valve 606 is positioned.
  • the opening period and/or the maximal opening of the valve 606 is controlled by a pressure of the hydrocarbon fluid in a further fuel line 620.
  • the further fuel line 620 may be coupled to a suitable fuel pump (not shown) that periodically increases the pressure of the combustible fluid in the further fuel line 620.
  • the fuel pump may be computer controlled.
  • the valve 606 is arranged so that a high pressure in the further fuel line 620 effects an increase in the valve opening and/or an increase in the time during which the valve 106 remains in the open condition.
  • the combustion engine 600 may also comprise another fuel line positioned in the proximity of the valve 606 and arranged so that throughput of the combustible fluid through the other fuel line cools the valve 606.
  • the combustion engine may not necessarily be an internal combustion engine or a piston engine.
  • the combustion engine may be a rotary engine or a continuous combustion engine such as a gas turbine .
  • Figure 7 shows a portion of a gas turbine according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 shows the gas turbine 700 comprising a pre-chamber 702, and a combustor 703 and turbine 705.
  • the pre-chamber comprises a porous body 710 with channel arrangement 712.
  • the pre-chamber 702 is arranged to function in the same manner as the pre-chamber 102 shown in Figure 1 and described above.
  • the gas turbine 700 further comprises a valve 706, a fuel line 708, an ignition device 716 and a pump 713.
  • the gas turbine 700 comprises a compressor 704 for compressing air before directing the air into the combustor 703, whereby a temperature of the air is increased and auto-ignition in the combustor is facilitated.
  • the combustion engine may comprise more than one combustion chamber such as a multi-piston arrangement, and two or more of the combustion chambers may share one or more pre-chambers .
  • each combustion chamber is in communication with a pre-chamber via a respective conduit with valve.
  • each combustion chamber may be linked to a respective pre-chamber or to more than one pre-chambers.
  • the respective valve with which each combustion chamber is associated may not necessarily be a variable valve and may be arranged for fixed timing and/or opening conditions.
  • combustion engine components that comprise one or more pre-chambers and valve arrangements in accordance with the above-described embodiments, but are arranged to be
  • a bore for receiving a fuel injector of a conventional combustion engine may be used as a conduit for linking to the pre- chamber.
  • the bore may also receive the valve or may be linked to the valve.
  • PCT international application number PCT/IB2006/001997 does not constitute an admission that this PCT international application is part of the common general knowledge of a skilled person in Australia or any other country.

Abstract

The present invention provides a combustion engine. The combustion engine comprises a pre-chamber for receiving a combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid. The pre-chamber is arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible fluid is conditioned. The combustion engine also comprises a combustor for receiving the conditioned combustible fluid from the pre-chamber and a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid for combustion of the conditioned combustible fluid. The combustion engine further comprises a conduit for providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre-chamber. The conduit comprises a valve for controlling the fluidal communication. The engine is arranged so that the pre-chamber contains in use sufficient conditioned combustible fluid for a plurality of cycles of the combustion engine.

Description

A COMBUSTION ENGINE WITH FUEL CONDITIONING
Field of the Invention
The present invention broadly relates to a combustion engine .
Background of the Invention
Internal combustion engines that are available to date can usually only be operated optimally with one specific type of hydrocarbon fluid as fuel . During operation of such an internal combustion engine, the hydrocarbon fluid (usually a liquid) remains chemically unaltered up to the moment of combustion. In order to enable clean and efficient operation of the engine, "complete" cracking of hydrocarbon chains of the hydrocarbon fluid and mixing with air is required. However, typical internal combustion engines may not provide sufficient time for these processes to complete, particularly when using non- standard fuels.
PCT international patent application number
PCT/IB2006/001997 discloses a piston engine that addresses the above-described problem.
The present invention provides further technological advancement . Summary of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a combustion engine, comprising: a pre-chamber for receiving a combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid, the pre-chamber being arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible fluid is conditioned; a combustor for receiving the conditioned combustible fluid from the pre-chamber and a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid for combustion of the conditioned combustible fluid; and a conduit for providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre-chamber, the conduit comprising a valve for controlling the fluidal communication; wherein the engine is arranged so that the pre- chamber contains in use sufficient conditioned combustible fluid for a plurality of cycles of the combustion engine.
Throughout this specification, the term "valve" is used for any arrangement that controls the fluidal communication, for example by changing an effective cross- sectional area of the conduit, and which may or may not be arranged to close fully.
The combustible fluid may be a hydrocarbon fluid, an alcohol or any other combustible fluid (including for example hydrogen) . The combustible fluid typically has hydrocarbon chains. The pre-chamber typically is arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid typically is selected, so that in use hydrocarbon chains of the combustible fluid are cracked and/or the hydrocarbon chains are restructured and/or the molecular composition of the combustible fluid is altered in any other way.
While the pre-chamber typically is suitable for processing the combustible fluid in a manner such that chemical properties of the combustible fluid change, it is to be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the combustion engine may alternatively also be operated so the molecular composition of the combustible fluid remains largely unaffected, for example by operating the engine with hydrogen.
As the engine is arranged so that the pre-chamber contains in use sufficient conditioned combustible fluid for a plurality of cycles, such as 2, 5 10 or even 100 or more cycles at any given time during normal operation of the combustion engine, there typically is sufficient time for the cracking of the hydrocarbon chains to largely complete, which then allows more complete and thus cleaner combustion. Further, the pre-chamber typically is sized so that contained conditioned combustible fluid establishes a high pressure in the pre-chamber.
The combustor typically is provided in the form of a combustion chamber.
The pre-chamber may be arranged for receiving the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid from the combustor or another source, typically with the aid of a pump or the like.
The combustion engine typically is arranged so that, when the valve is in an open position, the high pressure in the pre-chamber forces a portion of the conditioned combustible fluid into the combustor.
The combustion engine may also be arranged so that a portion of the exhaust gas is recirculated into the combustor. As the combustion process typically is gaseous, (in contrast to vapour or liquid fuel droplet combustion) , the combustion engine according to embodiments of the present invention allows high levels of exhaust gas recirculation, such as approximately 50%, 60% 70%, 80% or 90%.
The combustion engine typically is arranged so that combustion takes place without the need for an additional ignition. However, the combustion engine may comprise an ignition device and/or heater for facilitating operation during a start-up phase. The ignition device and/or heater may also be arranged for monitoring the temperature in the pre-chamber.
The first and typically also the second oxygen containing gaseous fluid typically are air. The first oxygen containing fluid typically comprises exhaust gas and in variations of the present invention the second oxygen containing gaseous fluid possible also comprises exhaust gas. The combustion engine may be arranged for compression of the second gaseous fluid prior to entering the combustor. The combustion engine may also be arranged so that a rate of the combustible fluid, and/or a rate of the second oxygen containing gaseous fluid and/or a rate of conditioned combustible fluid that is directed into the combustor and/or a rate of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid is controllable whereby an output power of the combustion engine is controllable.
The combustion engine may comprise a sensor for sensing an oxygen content of the exhaust gas . The engine may further be arranged so that the sensed oxygen content is used to regulate, typically as a function of output power and/or type of the combustible fluid, at least one operation parameter of the combustion engine, such as supply rates of the combustible fluid and/or the second oxygen containing gaseous fluid and/or the first oxygen containing fluid.
The pre-chamber may be thermally insulated by a thermally insulating material that at least partially encloses the interior portion of the pre-chamber. For example, the pre- chamber may comprise an outer casing within which at least one of a first and a second material at least partially surround an interior space, the second material being different to the first material and being thermally insulating. In this case the second material may at least partially surround the first material. Alternatively, the first and the second materials may form interior wall portions of the pre-chamber. In a further variation, the second material is disposed within the first material or the first material is disposed within the second material.
The pre-chamber typically is arranged so that in use at least a portion of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid is introduced into the pre-chamber through an interior wall portion of the pre-chamber in a manner so that deposition of processing by-products, such as coke, at the interior wall portion is reduced or prevented.
For example, the pre-chamber may have an interior wall portion that comprises openings for directing at least a portion of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid into an interior of the pre-chamber. At least some of the openings may be end-portions of channels that are arranged for directing the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid into the pre-chamber.
Alternatively or additionally, at least some of the openings may be associated with pores. For example, the interior wall portion of the pre-chamber may comprise a porous material, such as a porous ceramic material, and the openings may be end-portions of the pores. In this embodiment the ceramic material typically is also arranged to provide thermal insulation.
At least a portion of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid may for example also be directed into an interior portion of the pre-chamber together with the combustible fluid that typically is directed into an interior space of the pre-chamber.
The pre-chamber and the combustor may be positioned immediately adjacent each other and may have a common wall portion. For example, the pre-chamber may be positioned on the combustor or on a side of the combustor. Alternatively, the pre-chamber may be spaced apart from the combustor and coupled by the conduit to the combustor. The valve may be positioned within or on a wall portion of the pre-chamber and/or the combustor. If the combustor and the pre-chamber are spaced apart from each other, the valve may also be positioned at a position outside the pre-chamber and the combustor. For example, the conduit may be provided in the form of a tube and the valve may be positioned within the tube.
The valve may be a variable valve that has variable times during which the valve resides in the open condition. Additionally or alternatively, the valve may be arranged so that a maximal opening for throughput of the conditioned combustible fluid can be varied. For example, the valve may be of a type that controls a throughput by lifting a portion of the valve and the valve may have a variable valve lift.
The engine may be arranged so that controlling of an output power of the engine is effected by the variable valve. Alternatively or additionally, the engine may be arranged so that adjustment of properties of the engine that relate to a change in a type or quality of the combustible fluid is facilitated by the variable valve. A change in fuel properties can result in a change in peak combustion pressure in the combustor, which may be adjusted by varying the variable valve.
The variable valve may be arranged for receiving electronic control signals, which may be provided by a computer that controls operation of the combustion engine. Alternatively, the variable valve may be arranged for controlling by a pressure of the combustible fluid. The variable valve may be coupled to a hydraulic reservoir in the proximity of the valve, which may also provide cooling of the variable valve. The variable valve may comprise a valve control system that is arranged to respond to an increase in a pressure of the combustible fluid by enabling an increase in throughput of the conditioned combustible fluid into the combustor. The valve control system typically comprises a suitable actuator that effects opening and closing of the valve.
In one specific example the valve comprises hexagonal Boron Nitride, which is particularly suitable for high temperature applications.
The pre-chamber typically is arranged for receiving a liquid combustible fluid. Alternatively or additionally, the pre-chamber may be arranged for receiving the combustible fluid in the form of a vapour or gas.
The combustion engine typically is an internal combustion engine such as a piston or rotary engine. Alternatively, the combustion engine may be arranged for continuous combustion, and may for example be a gas turbine.
If the combustion engine is a gas turbine, the term "cycles" refers to complete rotations of a blade of the gas turbine.
If the combustion engine is arranged for continuous combustion, the engine typically comprises a compressor for compressing a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid whereby a temperature of the second oxygen containing gaseous fluid is increased prior to entering the combustor and auto-ignition in the combustor is facilitated and/or more oxygen is made available for combustion. The compressor may comprise a set of blades similar to those of a gas turbine, or an arrangement that constricts an inlet such as a ramjet or scramjet. The engine may also comprise a heat element and/or heat exchanger to supplement the compression stage during start-up or cold running. Where compression is achieved with blades, the blades are typically driven by a turbine arranged downstream of the combustor.
It is to be appreciated that the above-described combustion engine may comprise a plurality of pre- chambers, valves, conduits and combustors . Further, at least one pre-chamber may be associated with more than one combustors . In this case the at least one pre-chamber may comprise a plurality of fuel inlet ports, such as fuel injectors. Alternatively, at least one combustor may be associated with more than one pre-chambers .
The present invention provides in a first aspect a combustion engine, comprising: a pre-chamber for receiving a combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid, the pre-chamber being arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible fluid is conditioned; a combustor for receiving the conditioned combustible fluid from the pre-chamber and a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid for combustion of the conditioned combustible fluid; and a conduit for providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre-chamber, the conduit comprising a variable valve for controlling the fluidal communication; wherein the engine is arranged so that the pre- chamber contains in use sufficient conditioned combustible fluid for a plurality of cycles of the combustion engine.
The present invention provides in a second aspect a combustion engine, comprising: a pre-chamber for receiving a combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid, the pre-chamber being arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible fluid is conditioned; a combustor for receiving the conditioned combustible fluid from the pre-chamber and a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid for combustion of the conditioned combustible fluid; and a conduit for providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre-chamber, the conduit comprising a valve for controlling the fluidal communication, the valve being positioned at a side- portion of at least one of the pre-chamber and the combustor; wherein the engine is arranged so that the pre- chamber contains in use sufficient conditioned combustible fluid for a plurality of cycles of the combustion engine. The present invention provides in a third aspect a combustion engine, comprising: a pre-chamber for receiving a combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid, the pre-chamber being arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible fluid is conditioned; a combustor for receiving the conditioned combustible fluid from the pre-chamber and a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid for combustion of the conditioned combustible fluid, the combustor being spaced apart from the pre-chamber; and a conduit for providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre-chamber, the conduit comprising a valve for controlling the fluidal communication; wherein the engine is arranged so that the pre- chamber contains in use sufficient conditioned combustible fluid for a plurality of cycles of the combustion engine.
The present invention provides in a fourth aspect a combustion engine, comprising: a pre-chamber for receiving a gaseous combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid, the pre-chamber being arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible fluid is conditioned; a combustor for receiving the conditioned combustible fluid from the pre-chamber and a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid for combustion of the conditioned combustible fluid; and a conduit for providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre-chamber, the conduit comprising a valve for controlling the fluidal communication; wherein the engine is arranged so that the pre- chamber contains in use sufficient conditioned combustible fluid for a plurality of cycles of the combustion engine.
The present invention provides in a fifth aspect a continuous combustion engine, comprising: a rotor blade; a pre-chamber for receiving a combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid, the pre-chamber being arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible fluid is conditioned; a compressor for compressing a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid whereby a temperature of the second oxygen containing gaseous fluid is increased; a combustor for receiving the conditioned combustible fluid from the pre-chamber and the compressed second oxygen containing gaseous fluid for combustion of the conditioned combustible fluid; and a conduit for providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre-chamber, the conduit comprising a valve for controlling the fluidal communication; wherein the engine is arranged so that the pre- chamber contains in use sufficient conditioned combustible fluid for a plurality of rotations of the rotor blade. The present invention provides in a sixth aspect a combustion engine, comprising: a pre-chamber for receiving a combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid, the pre-chamber being arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible fluid is conditioned, the pre-chamber comprising an outer casing within which at least one of a first and a second material at least partially surround an interior space, the second material being different to the first material and being thermally insulating; a combustor for receiving the conditioned combustible fluid from the pre-chamber and a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid for combustion of the conditioned combustible fluid; and a conduit for providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre-chamber, the conduit comprising a valve for controlling the fluidal communication; wherein the engine is arranged so that the pre- chamber contains in use sufficient conditioned combustible fluid for a plurality of cycles of the combustion engine.
The present invention provides in a seventh aspect a combustion engine, comprising: a pre-chamber for receiving a combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid, the pre-chamber being arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible fluid is conditioned, the pre-chamber comprising an interior wall portion that comprises openings for directing at least a portion of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid into an interior of the pre-chamber, the openings being end-portions of channels; a combustor for receiving the conditioned combustible fluid from the pre-chamber and a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid for combustion of the conditioned combustible fluid; and a conduit for providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre-chamber, the conduit comprising a valve for controlling the fluidal communication; wherein the engine is arranged so that the pre- chamber contains in use sufficient conditioned combustible fluid for a plurality of cycles of the combustion engine.
The present invention provides in an eighth aspect a component for a combustion engine, the component comprising: a pre-chamber for receiving a combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid, the pre-chamber being arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible fluid is conditioned; and a conduit for connection to a combustor and providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre- chamber, the conduit comprising a valve for controlling the fluidal communication.
The invention will be more fully understood from the following description of specific embodiments of the invention. The description is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings . Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 shows a portion of a combustion engine according to a first specific embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 2 shows a portion of a combustion engine according to a second specific embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 3 shows a portion of a combustion engine according to a third specific embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 4 shows a portion of a combustion engine according to a fourth specific embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 shows a portion of a combustion engine according to a fifth specific embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 6 shows a portion of a combustion engine according to a sixth specific embodiment of the present invention, and
Figure 7 shows a portion of a combustion engine according to a seventh specific embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments
PCT international application number PCT/IB2006/001997 discloses a piston engine and the disclosure of this PCT international application is hereby incorporated by cross- reference.
Referring initially to Figure 1, a combustion engine according to a specific embodiment of the present invention is now described. Figure 1 shows a portion of a combustion engine 100 comprising a pre-chamber 102 and a combustor, which is provided in the form of a combustion chamber 103. The engine 100 is a piston engine and comprises a piston 104. The combustion engine 100 further comprises a valve 106.
A combustible fluid, in this embodiment a hydrocarbon fluid, such as liquid petrol or an alcohol, is directed through fuel inlet 108 into the pre-chamber 102. After a start-up phase, the hydrocarbon fluid is conditioned at a temperature above the contact reaction temperature of the conditioned hydrocarbon fluid and the interior of the pre- chamber has in use a high temperature such as 400 - 12000C.
The term "contact reaction temperature" is used for a minimum temperature at which molecules of the combustible fluid will spontaneously react in air, without the use of a catalyst and/or additional internal or external ignition source .
In this embodiment, the pre-chamber 102 comprises a porous body 110 that is composed of a high temperature resistant ceramic material or a cermet material. The pores of the porous body 110 are coupled to a channel arrangement 112, which is arranged for receiving a small amount of an oxygen containing gaseous fluid.
The small amount of the oxygen containing gaseous fluid is directed into the pre-chamber 102 and which is sufficient for processing the hydrocarbon fluid at the high temperatures in a manner such that hydrocarbon chains of the hydrocarbon fluid crack, whereby the corabustibility of the hydrocarbon fluid is increased and/or any energy output associated with the combustion is increased and/or exhaust gas pollutants are minimised. In this embodiment the small amount of oxygen containing gaseous fluid is directed through pores of the porous body 110. Alternatively or additionally, the small amount of the oxygen containing gaseous fluid may also be directed through the fuel inlet port 108 into the pre-chamber 102.
The oxygen containing gaseous fluid is taken off from the combustion chamber 103 via take-off port 114 and a portion of the oxygen containing gaseous fluid is then directed into the inlet port of the channel arrangement 112. Typically, the combustion engine 100 comprises a pump or compressor or the like that forces the portion of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid into the channel arrangement 112 and/or into the fuel inlet port 108.
For details of chemical processes which take place during processing of the hydrocarbon fluid in the pre-chamber 102 and details of the combustion of the conditioned combustible fluid in the combustion chamber 103 reference is being made to the PCT international application number PCT/IB2006/001997.
The pre-chamber 102 is sized so that sufficient fuel is conditioned for approximately 10, 20, 50, 100 or even more cycles at any given time during normal operation.
As in use a small amount of oxygen advects through pores of the porous body 110 into the pre-chamber 102, byproducts associated with processing the hydrocarbon fluid in the pre-chamber, such as coke or the like that could contaminate interior wall portions of the pre-chamber 102, react with oxygen and contamination of the interior wall portions of the pre-chamber 102 is reduced or prevented.
The valve 106 is arranged so that it is in an open position when the combustion chamber is charged with conditioned combustible fluid. In this embodiment the valve 106 is a variable valve and allows varying a time in which the valve remains in the open position. The variable valve 106 allows controlling of a power output of the engine 100 and also facilitates the use of different types of fuel. Further, the opening of the valve can in this embodiment be varied, whereby a through-put of conditioned combustible fluid can be varied.
Further, the combustion engine 100 comprises an ignition device 116 that is arranged for heating the process chamber and assisting operation during a start-up phase.
The combustion chamber 103 is also arranged for intake of an oxygen containing gas, such as compressed air, via a separate port (not shown) in the cylinder. The combustion chamber 103 communicates with the pre-chamber 102 via the valve 106 which opens periodically and allows introduction of conditioned combustible fluid into the combustion chamber 103. Combustion occurs via mixing of the conditioned combustible fluid and the supplied oxygen containing gas in the combustion chamber above the piston, as contact reactions via rapid mixing. Contact reactions are defined here as reactions that occur at a temperature above the above-defined contact reaction temperature of the reactants.
Figure 2 shows a portion of a combustion engine 200, which is related to the described combustion engine 100 and uses the same reference numerals for features that were previously described. In this embodiment the pre-chamber 202 comprises a porous body 204 that is composed of the same material as the porous body 110 described above.
However, the porous body 204 is in this example at least partially surrounded by an additional thermally insulating material 206. The additional thermally insulating material 206 further improves thermal insulation, which reduces heat loss of the pre-chamber 202.
Figure 3 shows a combustion engine according to a further specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 shows a combustion engine 300 that comprises a pre-chamber 302 with a porous ceramic body 304. In this embodiment the porous body 304 does not entirely enclose the interior portion of the pre-chamber 302, but a portion of the interior of the pre-chamber 302 is surrounded by a thermally insulating material 306, such as silicon carbide which is high temperature resistant. The thermally insulating material 306 is in this embodiment arranged to further improve mechanical stability of the pre-chamber 302.
In a variation of the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the thermally insulating material 306 may also be disposed within the porous material of the porous body 304. Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of a combustion engine according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. The combustion engine 400 comprises a pre- chamber 402 that includes a thermally insulating body 404. In this embodiment the combustion engine 400 does not comprise a porous ceramic material, but instead comprises a plurality of channels 406 that are arranged for directing the oxygen containing gas into the pre-chamber 402 in a similar manner as the pores of bodies 110, 204 and 304 described above. The oxygen containing gas that in use exits from the openings of the channels 406 into the pre-chamber 402 enables in use reaction of by-products with oxygen and thereby reduced deposition of the byproducts at the interior wall portions of the pre-chamber 402.
Figure 5 shows a combustion engine according to a further specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 shows the combustion engine 500 which is related to combustion engine 100 shown in Figure 1, but in this case the pre-chamber 102 and the combustion chamber 103 do not share a common wall portion and are spaced apart. The pre- chamber 102 and the combustion chamber 103 are linked by a conduit, which in this example is provided in the form of a tube 502 that is thermally insulated and includes the valve 106. Further, the pre-chamber 102 and the combustion chamber 103 are linked at side-portions by the conduit 502 which has advantages if a predetermined available space for the engine only allows for relatively low-height engine shapes. The diameter of the tube 502 determines the velocity of the conditioned combustible fluid and hence a mixing rate in the combustion chamber 103. Further, separation of the pre-chamber from the combustion chamber may allow positioning of the process chamber at a suitable position such as near a side portion of the combustion chamber. Alternatively, the pre-chamber 102 may also surround at least a portion of the combustion chamber 103 and/or may have an annular or crown shape.
In any one of above-described embodiments the combustion chambers and pre-chambers comprise outer casings which are formed from a suitable steel or aluminum alloy. The valve 106 may comprise a hexagonal boron nitride material, which is particularly suitable for high temperature applications. Further, the combustion engine according to any one of the described embodiments comprises a sensor for sensing an oxygen content of the exhaust gas and is arranged so that the sensed oxygen content is used to regulate, typically as a function of output power demand and/or fuel-type, the supply rates of the hydrocarbon fluid and the oxygen containing gaseous fluids so that combustion is optimised.
In one variation of the described embodiment the valve is electronically controlled. In this case the valve is controlled by a computer processor or the like and comprises suitable actuators (not shown) . Alternatively, the valve 106 may comprise a hydraulic arrangement, which is shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6 shows components of an internal combustion engine 600 that comprises a conduit 602 in or on which a valve 606 is positioned. The opening period and/or the maximal opening of the valve 606 is controlled by a pressure of the hydrocarbon fluid in a further fuel line 620. For example, the further fuel line 620 may be coupled to a suitable fuel pump (not shown) that periodically increases the pressure of the combustible fluid in the further fuel line 620. The fuel pump may be computer controlled. In this example the valve 606 is arranged so that a high pressure in the further fuel line 620 effects an increase in the valve opening and/or an increase in the time during which the valve 106 remains in the open condition. The combustion engine 600 may also comprise another fuel line positioned in the proximity of the valve 606 and arranged so that throughput of the combustible fluid through the other fuel line cools the valve 606.
It is to be appreciated that in variations of the above- described embodiments the combustion engine may not necessarily be an internal combustion engine or a piston engine. For example, the combustion engine may be a rotary engine or a continuous combustion engine such as a gas turbine .
Figure 7 shows a portion of a gas turbine according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 shows the gas turbine 700 comprising a pre-chamber 702, and a combustor 703 and turbine 705. The pre-chamber comprises a porous body 710 with channel arrangement 712. In this embodiment the pre-chamber 702 is arranged to function in the same manner as the pre-chamber 102 shown in Figure 1 and described above. The gas turbine 700 further comprises a valve 706, a fuel line 708, an ignition device 716 and a pump 713. In addition, the gas turbine 700 comprises a compressor 704 for compressing air before directing the air into the combustor 703, whereby a temperature of the air is increased and auto-ignition in the combustor is facilitated.
In further variations of the above-described embodiments the combustion engine may comprise more than one combustion chamber such as a multi-piston arrangement, and two or more of the combustion chambers may share one or more pre-chambers . In this case each combustion chamber is in communication with a pre-chamber via a respective conduit with valve. Alternatively, each combustion chamber may be linked to a respective pre-chamber or to more than one pre-chambers. Further, the respective valve with which each combustion chamber is associated may not necessarily be a variable valve and may be arranged for fixed timing and/or opening conditions.
Further variations of the described embodiments provide combustion engine components that comprise one or more pre-chambers and valve arrangements in accordance with the above-described embodiments, but are arranged to be
(retro-) fitted to combustion chambers of existing combustion engines. In this case the combustion engine would be arranged in a similar manner as the above- described combustion engines. For example, a bore for receiving a fuel injector of a conventional combustion engine may be used as a conduit for linking to the pre- chamber. The bore may also receive the valve or may be linked to the valve.
It is to be appreciated that the reference that is being made to PCT international application number PCT/IB2006/001997 does not constitute an admission that this PCT international application is part of the common general knowledge of a skilled person in Australia or any other country.
Although the invention has been described with reference to particular examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms .

Claims

The Claims :
1. A combustion engine comprising: a pre-chamber for receiving a combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid, the pre-chamber being arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible fluid is conditioned; a combustor for receiving the conditioned combustible fluid from the pre-chamber and a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid for combustion of the conditioned combustible fluid; and a conduit for providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre-chamber, the conduit comprising a variable valve for controlling the fluidal communication; wherein the engine is arranged so that the pre- chamber contains in use sufficient conditioned combustible fluid for a plurality of cycles of the combustion engine.
2. A combustion engine comprising: a pre-chamber for receiving a combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid, the pre-chamber being arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible fluid is conditioned; a combustor for receiving the conditioned combustible fluid from the pre-chamber and a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid for combustion of the conditioned combustible fluid; and a conduit for providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre-chamber, the conduit comprising a valve for controlling the fluidal communication, the valve being positioned at a side- portion of at least one of the pre-chamber and the combustor; wherein the engine is arranged so that the pre- chamber contains in use sufficient conditioned combustible fluid for a plurality of cycles of the combustion engine.
3. A combustion engine comprising: a pre-chamber for receiving a combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid, the pre-chamber being arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible fluid is conditioned; a combustor for receiving the conditioned combustible fluid from the pre-chamber and a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid for combustion of the conditioned combustible fluid, the combustor being spaced apart from the pre-chamber; and a conduit for providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre-chamber, the conduit comprising a valve for controlling the fluidal communication; wherein the engine is arranged so that the pre- chamber contains in use sufficient conditioned combustible fluid for a plurality of cycles of the combustion engine.
4. A combustion engine comprising: a pre-chamber for receiving a gaseous combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid, the pre-chamber being arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible gaseous fluid is conditioned; a combustor for receiving the conditioned combustible gaseous fluid from the pre-chamber and a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid for combustion of the conditioned combustible gaseous fluid; and a conduit for providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre-chamber, the conduit comprising a valve for controlling the fluidal communication; wherein the engine is arranged so that the pre- chamber contains in use sufficient conditioned combustible gaseous fluid for a plurality of cycles of the combustion engine .
5. A continuous combustion engine, comprising: a rotor blade; a pre-chamber for receiving a combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid, the pre-chamber being arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible fluid is conditioned; a compressor for compressing a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid whereby a temperature of the second oxygen containing gaseous fluid is increased; a combustor for receiving the conditioned combustible fluid from the pre-chamber and the compressed second oxygen containing gaseous fluid for combustion of the conditioned combustible fluid; and a conduit for providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre-chamber, the conduit comprising a valve for controlling the fluidal communication; wherein the engine is arranged so that the pre- chamber contains in use sufficient conditioned combustible fluid for a plurality of rotations of the rotor blade.
6. A combustion engine comprising: a pre-chamber for receiving a combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid, the pre-chamber being arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible fluid is conditioned, the pre-chamber comprising an outer casing within which at least one of a first and a second material at least partially surround an interior space, the second material being different to the first material and being thermally insulating; a combustor for receiving the conditioned combustible fluid from the pre-chamber and a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid for combustion of the conditioned combustible fluid; and a conduit for providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre-chamber, the conduit comprising a valve for controlling the fluidal communication; wherein the engine is arranged so that the pre- chamber contains in use sufficient conditioned combustible fluid for a plurality of cycles of the combustion engine.
7. A combustion engine comprising: a pre-chamber for receiving a combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid, the pre-chamber being arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible fluid is conditioned, the pre-chamber comprising an interior wall portion that comprises openings for directing at least a portion of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid into an interior of the pre-chamber, the openings being end-portions of channels; a combustor for receiving the conditioned combustible fluid from the pre-chamber and a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid for combustion of the conditioned combustible fluid; and a conduit for providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre-chamber, the conduit comprising a valve for controlling the fluidal communication; wherein the engine is arranged so that the pre- chamber contains in use sufficient conditioned combustible fluid for a plurality of cycles of the combustion engine.
8. The combustion engine of any one of the preceding claims wherein the combustion engine is arranged so that, when the valve is in an open position, the high pressure in the pre-chamber forces a portion of the conditioned combustible fluid into the combustor.
9. The combustion engine of any one of the preceding claims wherein the combustion engine is arranged so that a rate of the combustible fluid, and/or a rate of the second oxygen containing gaseous fluid and/or a rate of conditioned combustible fluid that is directed into the combustor and/or a rate of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid is controllable whereby an output power of the combustion engine is controllable.
10. The combustion engine of any one of the preceding claims comprising a sensor for sensing an oxygen content of the exhaust gas .
11. The combustion engine of claim 10 wherein the combustion engine is arranged so that the sensed oxygen content is used to regulate at least one operation parameter of the combustion engine.
12. The combustion engine of any one of claims 1 - 5 and 7 - 11 when not dependent on claim 6 wherein the pre- chamber is thermally insulated by a thermally insulating material that at least partially encloses the interior portion of the pre-chamber.
13. The combustion engine of claim 12 wherein the pre- chamber comprises an outer casing within which at least one of a first and a second material at least partially surround an interior space, the second material being different to the first material and being thermally insulating.
14. The combustion engine of claim 6 or 13 wherein the second material at least partially surrounds the first material .
15. The combustion engine of claim 6 or 13 wherein the first and the second materials form interior wall portions of the pre-chamber.
16. The combustion engine of claim 6 or 13 wherein the second material is disposed within the first material or the first material is disposed within the second material.
17. The combustion engine of any one of the preceding claims wherein the pre-chamber is arranged so that in use at least a portion of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid is introduced into the pre-chamber through an interior wall portion of the pre-chamber in a manner so that deposition of processing by-products at the interior wall portion is reduced.
18. The combustion engine of any one of claims 1 - 6 and 8 - 17 when not dependent on claim 7 wherein the pre- chamber has an interior wall portion that comprises openings for directing at least a portion of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid into an interior of the pre-chamber, the openings being end-portions of channels.
19. The combustion engine of any one of the preceding claims wherein the pre-chamber has an interior wall portion that comprises openings for directing at least a portion of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid into an interior of the pre-chamber, the openings being associated with pores and wherein the interior wall portion of the pre-chamber comprises a porous material.
20. The combustion engine of any one of claims 1 - 2 and 4 - 19 when not dependent on claim 3 wherein the pre- chamber and the combustor are positioned immediately adjacent each other.
21. The combustion engine of any one of claims 1 - 2 and 4 - 19 wherein the pre-chamber is spaced apart from the combustor .
22. The combustion engine of any one of the preceding claims wherein the valve is positioned within or on a wall portion of the pre-chamber and/or the combustor.
23. The combustion engine of claim 3 or 21 wherein the combustor and the pre-chamber are spaced apart from each other, and wherein the valve is positioned at a position outside the pre-chamber and the combustor.
24. The combustion engine of any one of the preceding claims wherein the valve is a variable valve that has variable times during which the valve resides in the open condition.
25. The combustion engine of any one of the preceding claims wherein the valve is a variable valve that is arranged so that a maximal opening for throughput of the conditioned combustible fluid can be varied.
26. The combustion engine of claim 24 or 25 wherein the variable valve is arranged for controlling an output power of the combustion engine.
27. The combustion engine of any one of claims 24 to 26 wherein the variable valve is arranged for receiving electronic control signals and is computer controlled.
28. The combustion engine of any one of claims 24 to 26 wherein the variable valve is arranged for controlling by a pressure of the combustible fluid.
29. The combustion engine of claim 28 wherein the variable valve comprises a valve control system that is arranged to respond to an increase in a pressure of the combustible fluid by enabling an increase in throughput of the conditioned combustible fluid into the combustor.
30. The combustion engine of any one of the preceding claims wherein the valve comprises hexagonal Boron Nitride .
31. The combustion engine of any one of claims 1 - 4 and 6 - 30 when not dependent on claim 5 wherein the combustion engine is arranged for continuous combustion.
32. The combustion engine of claim 31 comprising a compressor for compressing a second oxygen containing gaseous fluid whereby a temperature of the second oxygen containing gaseous fluid is increased prior to entering the combustor and auto-ignition in the combustor is facilitated and/or more oxygen is made available for combustion.
33. A component for a combustion engine, the component comprising: a pre-chamber for receiving a combustible fluid and a first oxygen containing gaseous fluid, the pre-chamber being arranged for operation at a temperature that is sufficiently high, and an amount of the first oxygen containing gaseous fluid being selected, so that in use the combustible fluid is conditioned; and a conduit for connection to a combustor and providing a fluidal communication between the combustor and the pre- chamber, the conduit comprising a valve for controlling the fluidal communication.
PCT/AU2007/001552 2006-10-13 2007-10-12 A combustion engine with fuel conditioning WO2008043154A1 (en)

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AU2006905709 2006-10-13
AU2006905703 2006-10-13
AU2006905703A AU2006905703A0 (en) 2006-10-13 Method for engine management in a processkammermotor
AU2006905709A AU2006905709A0 (en) 2006-10-13 Continuous combustion process

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US11028768B2 (en) 2011-07-28 2021-06-08 Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Rotary internal combustion engine with removable subchamber insert
US10125676B2 (en) 2011-07-28 2018-11-13 Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Rotary internal combustion engine with pilot subchamber
US10006358B2 (en) 2011-07-28 2018-06-26 Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Rotary internal combustion engine with pilot subchamber
US10697365B2 (en) 2011-07-28 2020-06-30 Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Rotary internal combustion engine with pilot subchamber
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US8893684B2 (en) 2011-07-28 2014-11-25 Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Rotary internal combustion engine with exhaust purge
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US10041402B2 (en) 2016-05-12 2018-08-07 Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Internal combustion engine with split pilot injection
US10145291B1 (en) 2017-10-10 2018-12-04 Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Rotary engine and method of combusting fuel
US11215110B2 (en) 2017-10-10 2022-01-04 Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Rotary engine and method of combusting fuel
US10801394B2 (en) 2017-11-29 2020-10-13 Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Rotary engine with pilot subchambers

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