WO2016115603A1 - Système de stockage et de distribution de combustible à gaz comprimé - Google Patents

Système de stockage et de distribution de combustible à gaz comprimé Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016115603A1
WO2016115603A1 PCT/AU2016/050031 AU2016050031W WO2016115603A1 WO 2016115603 A1 WO2016115603 A1 WO 2016115603A1 AU 2016050031 W AU2016050031 W AU 2016050031W WO 2016115603 A1 WO2016115603 A1 WO 2016115603A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
gas
pressure
upstream
fuel
booster
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2016/050031
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Paul Anthony Whiteman
Derek Shane FEKETE
Original Assignee
Mosaic Technology Development Pty Ltd
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 AU2015900197A external-priority patent/AU2015900197A0/en
Application filed by Mosaic Technology Development Pty Ltd filed Critical Mosaic Technology Development Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2016115603A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016115603A1/fr

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D19/00—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures
    • F02D19/02—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with gaseous fuels
    • F02D19/021—Control of components of the fuel supply system
    • F02D19/022—Control of components of the fuel supply system to adjust the fuel pressure, temperature or composition
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M21/00—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form
    • F02M21/02—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form for gaseous fuels
    • F02M21/0203—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form for gaseous fuels characterised by the type of gaseous fuel
    • F02M21/0215—Mixtures of gaseous fuels; Natural gas; Biogas; Mine gas; Landfill gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M21/00—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form
    • F02M21/02—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form for gaseous fuels
    • F02M21/0218—Details on the gaseous fuel supply system, e.g. tanks, valves, pipes, pumps, rails, injectors or mixers
    • F02M21/0221—Fuel storage reservoirs, e.g. cryogenic tanks
    • F02M21/0224—Secondary gaseous fuel storages
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M21/00—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form
    • F02M21/02—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form for gaseous fuels
    • F02M21/0218—Details on the gaseous fuel supply system, e.g. tanks, valves, pipes, pumps, rails, injectors or mixers
    • F02M21/0245—High pressure fuel supply systems; Rails; Pumps; Arrangement of valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M21/00—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form
    • F02M21/02—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form for gaseous fuels
    • F02M21/0218—Details on the gaseous fuel supply system, e.g. tanks, valves, pipes, pumps, rails, injectors or mixers
    • F02M21/0248—Injectors
    • F02M21/0275—Injectors for in-cylinder direct injection, e.g. injector combined with spark plug
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M21/00—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form
    • F02M21/02—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form for gaseous fuels
    • F02M21/0218—Details on the gaseous fuel supply system, e.g. tanks, valves, pipes, pumps, rails, injectors or mixers
    • F02M21/0284—Arrangement of multiple injectors or fuel-air mixers per combustion chamber
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C7/00—Methods or apparatus for discharging liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases from pressure vessels, not covered by another subclass
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0123—Mounting arrangements characterised by number of vessels
    • F17C2205/013—Two or more vessels
    • F17C2205/0134—Two or more vessels characterised by the presence of fluid connection between vessels
    • F17C2205/0142—Two or more vessels characterised by the presence of fluid connection between vessels bundled in parallel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0326—Valves electrically actuated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0335—Check-valves or non-return valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0338—Pressure regulators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0388—Arrangement of valves, regulators, filters
    • F17C2205/0394—Arrangement of valves, regulators, filters in direct contact with the pressure vessel
    • F17C2205/0397—Arrangement of valves, regulators, filters in direct contact with the pressure vessel on both sides of the pressure vessel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
    • F17C2221/033—Methane, e.g. natural gas, CNG, LNG, GNL, GNC, PLNG
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2223/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/036—Very high pressure (>80 bar)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/01—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2225/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2225/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/03—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2225/035—High pressure, i.e. between 10 and 80 bars
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/01—Propulsion of the fluid
    • F17C2227/0128—Propulsion of the fluid with pumps or compressors
    • F17C2227/0157—Compressors
    • F17C2227/0164—Compressors with specified compressor type, e.g. piston or impulsive type
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/04—Methods for emptying or filling
    • F17C2227/043—Methods for emptying or filling by pressure cascade
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/01—Intermediate tanks
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/043—Pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0439—Temperature
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2265/00—Effects achieved by gas storage or gas handling
    • F17C2265/06—Fluid distribution
    • F17C2265/065—Fluid distribution for refueling vehicle fuel tanks
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2265/00—Effects achieved by gas storage or gas handling
    • F17C2265/06—Fluid distribution
    • F17C2265/066—Fluid distribution for feeding engines for propulsion
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0165—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road
    • F17C2270/0168—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road by vehicles
    • 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
    • Y02T10/30—Use of alternative fuels, e.g. biofuels

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a fuel system.
  • the invention relates, but is not limited, to a fuel system for use with compressed natural gas (CNG).
  • CNG compressed natural gas
  • HPDI high pressure direct injection
  • the booster together with the packaging required to accommodate it, is heavy, expensive, and has a significant space claim on the vehicle. It is not feasible to install such a booster package on many modern short wheelbase heavy duty trucks configured with the cabin over the steering wheels and consequently this has excluded this technology from a significant percentage of trucks in the market.
  • the booster adds significantly to the vehicle parasitic loads, particularly when the pressure of the gas in the gas pressure vessel is at the lower end of the useable range around 30 to 40 barg.
  • the invention resides in a fuel system, the fuel system including: a gas fuel storage having at least one gas pressure vessel; a direct fuel delivery system including: a gas booster connected to the gas fuel storage; and at least one direct injector connected to the gas booster, the at least one direct injector being configured to deliver compressed gas directly into a combustion chamber of an engine; and an upstream fuel delivery system including: a pressure regulator connected to the gas fuel storage; and at least one upstream injector connected to the pressure regulator, the at least one upstream injector being configured to deliver compressed gas into an airstream upstream of the combustion chamber; wherein the gas booster is configured to maintain the pressure of the compressed gas delivered to the at least one direct injector.
  • the at least one gas pressure vessel includes a first gas inlet/outlet.
  • the at least one gas pressure vessel includes a second gas inlet/outlet.
  • the first gas inlet/outlet is located at one end of the at least one gas pressure vessel and the second gas inlet/outlet is located at the other end of the at least one gas pressure vessel.
  • the gas fuel storage includes a plurality of gas pressure vessels.
  • each of the plurality of gas pressure vessels includes a first gas inlet/outlet.
  • each of the plurality of gas pressure vessels includes a second gas inlet/outlet.
  • the gas fuel storage includes a valve control system.
  • the valve control system includes a first valve and a second valve.
  • the first valve and the second valve direct compressed gas between the direct fuel delivery system and the upstream fuel delivery system.
  • the first valve is associated with the first inlet/outlet and the second valve is associated with the second inlet/outlet of the at least one gas pressure vessel.
  • the first valve and second valve are associated with the first inlet/outlet and a check valve prevents compressed gas returning from the direct fuel delivery system.
  • the check valve prevents compressed gas returning from the direct fuel delivery system to the upstream fuel system.
  • the valve control system includes a plurality of first valves.
  • the valves of the plurality of first valves are in fluid communication with each other.
  • each of the plurality of first valves is respectively associated with one of the first gas inlets/outlets of the plurality of gas pressure vessels.
  • the valve control system includes a plurality of second valves.
  • the valves of the plurality of second valves are in fluid communication with each other.
  • each of the plurality of second valves is respectively associated with one of the second gas inlets/outlets of the plurality of gas pressure vessels.
  • each of the plurality of first valves and each of the plurality of second valves are respectively associated with one of the first gas inlets/outlets of the plurality of gas pressure vessels.
  • check valves are respectively located between the plurality of first valves.
  • the plurality of first valves and the plurality of second valves are configured to direct compressed gas between the direct fuel delivery system and the upstream delivery system from the plurality of gas pressure vessels.
  • the first valve controls compressed gas flow between the first gas inlet/outlet and a re-fuelling connector. Similarly, preferably the plurality of first valves control compressed gas flow between the associated first gas inlets/outlets and the re-fuelling connector. [0021 ] Preferably, the first valve controls compressed gas flow between the first gas inlet/outlet and the gas booster. Similarly, preferably the plurality of first valves control compressed gas flow between associated first gas inlets/outlets and the gas booster.
  • a buffer cylinder is located between the gas booster and the at least one direct injector.
  • the gas booster maintains pressure of the compressed gas in the buffer cylinder to assist in maintaining the pressure of the compressed gas delivered to the least one direct injector.
  • the plurality of pressure vessels are arranged to be filled simultaneously with compressed gas from a supply line connected to each first valve of the plurality of gas pressure vessels.
  • the second valve controls compressed gas flow between the second gas inlet/outlet and the at least one upstream injector.
  • the plurality of second valves control compressed gas flow between the second gas inlets/outlets and the at least one upstream injector.
  • the system includes a pressure regulator.
  • the pressure regulator regulates pressure to the at least one upstream injector.
  • the pressure regulator reduces the pressure of the compressed gas between the second gas inlet(s)/outlet(s) and the at least one upstream injector.
  • the pressure regulator reduces the pressure of the compressed gas to a nominal 10 barg.
  • the gas booster includes an outer body and an internal body.
  • the internal body defines a liquid chamber and a gas chamber within the outer body.
  • the outer body is substantially in the form of a cylinder.
  • the inner body is in the form of a shaft having a piston on either end.
  • a chamber at atmospheric pressure is defined between the pistons.
  • the liquid chamber is larger than the gas chamber.
  • the liquid chamber is connected to a liquid pump.
  • the liquid pump is connected to a liquid reservoir.
  • a three port valve is located between the liquid pump and the liquid chamber.
  • the three port valve is actuated by a solenoid.
  • the liquid chamber is in the form of a hydraulic chamber.
  • the liquid pump is in the form of a hydraulic pump.
  • the liquid reservoir is a hydraulic tank.
  • a two port valve is located between the liquid chamber and the liquid reservoir.
  • the two port valve is actuated by a solenoid.
  • the gas chamber is connected to the gas fuel storage.
  • a first check valve is located between the fuel storage and the gas chamber.
  • the first check valve is located in an inlet port of the gas chamber.
  • a second check valve is located between the gas chamber and the at least one injector.
  • the second check valve is located in an outlet port of the gas chamber
  • the three port valve allows the internal body to move within the external body.
  • the three port valve allows the internal body to be located at one end of the external body with the size of the gas chamber at its maximum.
  • the three port valve allows liquid to travel into the liquid chamber, causing the internal body to travel towards the other end of the external body further compressing the compressed gas in the gas chamber and causing the compressed gas to exit the gas chamber.
  • the gas exits via the second check valve.
  • the internal body is driven towards the first position by gas entering the gas chamber from the at least one gas pressure vessel and the liquid in the liquid chamber is forced through the two port valve back into the liquid reservoir.
  • the gas booster increases the compressed gas pressure by a factor of up to four.
  • the gas booster is configured to increase the pressure of the compressed gas once the inlet pressure of the gas booster falls below a predetermined direct injector pressure value.
  • the predetermined direct injector pressure value is between 270 and 300 barg.
  • the chamber defined between the pistons is separated into two segments and one or both is supplied hydraulic fluid in order to respectively drive the pistons towards the liquid chamber and/or gas chamber.
  • the fuel delivery system includes a plurality of direct injectors.
  • a direct injector supply line is connects each of the plurality of direct injectors to the gas booster.
  • the direct injectors are configured to deliver compressed gas directly into the cylinder by activating a solenoid or piezo actuator.
  • the fuel delivery system includes a plurality of upstream injectors.
  • an upstream injector supply line connects each of the plurality of upstream injectors to the pressure regulator.
  • the upstream injectors are configured to deliver gas upstream of the direct injectors by activating a solenoid or piezo actuator.
  • the upstream injectors are located upstream of inlet valves in an engine.
  • the valve control system is configured to supply compressed gas to the fuel delivery system by sequencing supply from the plurality of gas pressure vessels.
  • a controller is configured to sequence supply from a first gas pressure vessel and a second gas pressure vessel of the plurality of gas pressure vessels.
  • the controller sequences supply from the first gas pressure vessel, the second gas pressure vessel, a third gas pressure vessel and a fourth gas pressure vessel of the plurality of gas pressure vessels.
  • the controller is configured to open the first valve and the second valve of the first gas pressure vessel.
  • the gas booster commences stroking to maintain pressure to the plurality of direct injectors.
  • the controller is configured to close the first valve of the first gas pressure vessel when the pressure of the first gas pressure vessel falls to a predetermined first valve pressure value.
  • the predetermined first valve pressure value is about 150 barg.
  • the controller is configured to open the first valve of the second gas pressure vessel when the first valve of the first gas pressure vessel closes.
  • the gas booster commences stroking to maintain pressure to the plurality of direct injectors.
  • the controller is configured to close the second valve of the first pressure vessel when the pressure of the first gas pressure vessel falls to a predetermined second valve pressure value.
  • the predetermined second valve pressure value is about 15 barg.
  • the controller is configured to open the second valve of the second gas pressure vessel when the second valve of the first pressure vessel closes.
  • the controller is also configured to open the first valve of third pressure vessel and close the first valve of the second pressure vessel when the first gas pressure vessel falls to a predetermined second valve pressure value.
  • the gas booster commences stroking to maintain pressure to the plurality of direct injectors.
  • the controller is configured to close the second valve of the second gas pressure vessel when the pressure of the second gas pressure vessel falls to the predetermined second valve pressure value.
  • the controller is configured to open the second valve of the third gas pressure vessel when the second valve of the second pressure vessel closes.
  • the controller is also configured to open the first valve of fourth pressure vessel and close the first valve of the third pressure vessel when the second gas pressure vessel falls to a predetermined second valve pressure value.
  • the gas booster commences stroking to maintain pressure to the plurality of direct injectors.
  • the controller is configured to close the second valve of the third gas pressure vessel when the pressure of the third gas pressure vessel falls to the predetermined second valve pressure value.
  • the controller is configured to open the second valve of the fourth gas pressure vessel when the second valve of the third pressure vessel closes.
  • the compressed gas is compressed natural gas.
  • the compressed gas includes methane.
  • the compressed gas includes hydrogen.
  • the invention resides in a method for delivering fuel, the method including the steps of:
  • supplying compressed gas to a gas booster supplying compressed gas from the gas booster to at least one direct injector configured to deliver compressed gas directly into a combustion chamber of an engine; and supplying compressed gas to at least one upstream injector configured to deliver compressed gas into an airstream upstream of the combustion chamber.
  • the method further includes injecting compressed gas directly into the combustion chamber with the at least one direct injector.
  • the method further includes injecting compressed gas into the airstream upstream of the combustion chamber with the at least one upstream injector.
  • the step of injecting compressed gas into the airstream upstream of the combustion chamber with the at least one upstream injector includes injecting a level of compressed gas that is substantially too lean to detonate.
  • the method includes the step of increasing the pressure of the compressed gas with the gas booster.
  • the gas booster increases the pressure of the compressed gas delivered thereto by a factor of up to four.
  • the step of increasing the pressure of the compressed gas with the gas booster occurs when an inlet pressure of the gas booster falls below a predetermined direct injector pressure value.
  • the step of increasing the pressure of the compressed gas with the gas booster includes delivering liquid to the gas booster from a pump in order to compress the compressed gas in a gas chamber of the gas booster.
  • the step of increasing the pressure of the compressed gas with the gas booster includes returning liquid delivered to the gas booster to a liquid reservoir.
  • the step of returning liquid delivered to the gas booster to the reservoir includes supplying compressed gas to a gas chamber of the gas booster in order to force the return of the liquid delivered to the gas booster to the liquid reservoir.
  • the step of increasing the pressure of the compressed gas with the gas booster includes pressurising the gas in one or more stages.
  • the step of supplying compressed gas to the at least one upstream injector includes reducing the pressure of the compressed gas supplied to the at least one upstream injector.
  • the pressure is reduced with a pressure regulator.
  • the pressure of the compressed gas is reduced to approximately 10 barg.
  • the step of supplying compressed gas to the gas booster includes opening a first valve associated with a first gas pressure vessel.
  • the step of supplying compressed gas to the at least one upstream injector includes opening a second valve associated the first gas pressure vessel.
  • the gas booster commences stroking to maintain pressure to the plurality of direct injectors.
  • the step of supplying compressed gas to the gas booster includes closing the first valve associated with the first gas pressure vessel and opening a first valve associated with a second gas pressure vessel.
  • the first valve associated with the first gas pressure vessel is closed when the pressure of the first pressure vessel falls to a predetermined first valve pressure value.
  • the predetermined first valve pressure value is about 150 barg.
  • the gas booster commences stroking to maintain pressure to the plurality of direct injectors.
  • the step of supplying gas to the at least one upstream injector includes opening a second valve associated with a second gas pressure vessel and closing the second valve associated with the first gas pressure vessel.
  • the second valve associated with the first pressure vessel is closed when the pressure of the first pressure vessel falls to a predetermined second valve pressure value.
  • the predetermined second valve pressure value is about 15 barg.
  • the first valve associated with the second gas pressure vessel is closed and the first valve associated with a third gas pressure vessel is opened.
  • the gas booster commences stroking to maintain pressure to the plurality of direct injectors.
  • the step of supplying gas to the at least one upstream injector includes opening the second valve of the third gas pressure vessel and closing the second valve of the second gas pressure vessel when the pressure of the second gas pressure vessel falls to the predetermined second valve pressure value.
  • the second valve associated with the third gas pressure vessel is opened, the first valve associated with the third gas pressure vessel is closed and the first valve associated with the fourth gas pressure vessel is opened.
  • the gas booster commences stroking to maintain pressure to the plurality of direct injectors.
  • the step of supplying gas to the at least one upstream injector includes opening the second valve of the fourth gas pressure vessel and closing the second valve of the third gas pressure vessel when the pressure of the third gas pressure vessel falls to the predetermined second valve pressure value.
  • the step of supplying compressed gas from the gas booster to the at least one direct injector includes supplying compressed gas to a plurality of direct injectors.
  • the step of supplying compressed gas to the at least one upstream injector includes supplying compressed gas to a plurality of upstream injectors.
  • the compressed gas is compressed natural gas.
  • the compressed gas includes methane.
  • the compressed gas includes hydrogen.
  • the method includes wherein gas is initially supplied simultaneously to both the gas booster and the at least one upstream injector from a first gas pressure vessel; and after a pressure in the first gas pressure vessel is reduced, gas is supplied to the gas booster from a second gas pressure vessel while gas continues to be supplied to the at least one upstream injector from the first gas pressure vessel.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a fuel system according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 illustrates a fuel system according to a further embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 illustrates part of the fuel systems shown in figures 1 and 2;
  • Figure 4 illustrates a method of delivering fuel, according to an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to figure 1 ;
  • Figure 5 illustrates a sequence of drawings relating to the method of delivering fuel outlined in figure 4.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a fuel system 10a according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the fuel system 10a includes a gas fuel storage 100a and a fuel delivery system in the form of a direct fuel delivery system 200 and an upstream fuel delivery system 300.
  • the gas fuel storage 100a includes a plurality of gas pressure vessels 1 10 in the form of a first gas pressure vessel 1 10a, a second gas pressure vessel 1 10b, a third gas pressure vessel 1 10c and a fourth gas pressure vessel 1 10d.
  • the plurality of gas pressure vessels 1 10 each include a first inlet/outlet 1 12 (denoted as 1 12a, 1 12b, 1 12c and 1 12d) and a second inlet/outlet 1 14 (denoted as 1 14a, 1 14b, 1 14c and 1 14d).
  • a pressure transducer 1 16 Located adjacent each first inlet/outlet 1 12 is a pressure transducer 1 16 (denoted as 1 16a, 1 16b, 1 16c and 1 16d) and a thermally activated pressure relief device 1 18 (denoted as 1 18a, 1 18b, 1 18c and 1 18d).
  • the gas fuel storage 100a includes a valve control system 120a.
  • the valve control system 120a includes a plurality of first valves 122 and a plurality of second valves 124.
  • the plurality of first valves 122 (denoted 122a, 122b, 122c and 122d) are associated with the first inlets/outlets 1 12 of the plurality of gas pressure vessels 1 10.
  • the plurality of second valves 124 (denoted 124a, 124b, 124c and 124d) are associated with the second inlet/outlets 1 14 of the plurality of gas pressure vessels 1 10.
  • the valve control system 120a also includes a controller (not shown) to control the plurality of first valves 122 and the plurality of second valves 124. As discussed further below, the controller is configured to sequence supply from the plurality of gas pressure vessels 1 10 when a predetermined first valve pressure value or a predetermined second valve pressure value is reached.
  • the gas fuel storage 100a also includes a re-fuelling receptacle 130.
  • the re-fuelling receptacle 130 is in fluid communication with each of the first inlets/outlets 1 12 via their respective first valves 122 when open.
  • a supply line 140 is connected between the re-fuelling receptacle 130 and each of the plurality of gas pressure vessels 1 10, to allow the gas pressure vessels 1 10 to be refilled simultaneously.
  • the gas pressure vessels are filled with a compressed gas in the form of compressed natural gas in this embodiment.
  • the direct fuel delivery system 200 includes a gas booster 220, a plurality of direct injectors 240 and a buffer cylinder 260.
  • the gas booster 220 is in connected to the gas fuel storage 100a via the supply line 140.
  • the gas booster 220 is sequentially in fluid communication with the first gas pressure vessel 1 10a, second gas pressure vessel 1 10b, third gas pressure vessel 1 10c and fourth gas pressure vessel 1 10d.
  • the gas booster 220 is located downstream of the plurality of gas pressure vessels 1 10.
  • the gas booster 220 includes an inner body and an outer body.
  • the outer body is substantially in the form of a cylinder.
  • the inner body is in the form of a shaft having a piston on either end.
  • the inner body defines a liquid chamber 222 and a gas chamber 224 within the outer body depending on the position of the inner body.
  • the liquid chamber 222 and the gas chamber 224 are located adjacent the pistons on the end of the shaft.
  • the piston adjacent the liquid chamber 222 is larger than the piston adjacent the gas chamber 224.
  • the diameter (i.e. size) of liquid chamber 222 in the gas booster 220 is therefore larger than the gas chamber 224.
  • a liquid pump in the form of a hydraulic pump 270 supplies liquid to the liquid chamber 222 via liquid line 232.
  • a three port valve 230 is located in liquid line 232.
  • the three port valve 230 is also connected to the liquid reservoir 234 by liquid return line 233.
  • a two port valve 231 is connected to liquid line 232.
  • the two port valve 231 is also connected to the liquid reservoir 234 by liquid return line 233.
  • the gas chamber 224 of the gas booster 220 is connected to the gas fuel storage 100a via the supply line 140.
  • the gas chamber 224 is sequentially connected to the gas pressure vessels 1 10.
  • a first check valve 226 is located in an inlet port of the gas chamber 224.
  • a second check valve 228 is located in an exit port of the gas chamber 224.
  • the gas booster 220 is configured to increase the pressure of the compressed gas from the gas fuel storage 100a once the inlet pressure of the gas booster 220 falls below a predetermined direct injector pressure value.
  • the pressure of the compressed gas from the gas fuel storage 100a is increased in order to maintain the pressure of compressed gas delivered to the plurality of direct injectors 240. This is further outlined below in relation to the method shown in figure 4.
  • the plurality of direct injectors 240 are located in a head of an engine (not shown).
  • the engine may be a spark ignition engine or a compression ignition engine.
  • a spark ignition engine a combustion chamber will utilise a spark plug to initiate combustion of the compressed gas delivered by the fuel delivery system.
  • the combustion chamber will utilise an injection of a small quantity of liquid fuel to initiate combustion of the compressed gas delivered by the fuel delivery systems 200 and 300.
  • the plurality of direct injectors 240 are in fluid communication with the gas booster 220.
  • a direct injector supply line 242 connects each of the plurality of direct injectors 240 to the gas booster 220.
  • the plurality of direct injectors 240 are configured to deliver compressed gas directly into combustion chambers of the engine at a nominal pressure of 280 barg.
  • the buffer cylinder 260 is in fluid communication with the plurality of direct injectors 240 via supply line 242.
  • the buffer cylinder 260 is located downstream of the second check valve 228.
  • the buffer cylinder 260 is configured to provide a source of compressed gas to the plurality of direct injectors 240 at times when the gas booster 220 is on a return stroke and not delivering compressed gas into the direct injector supply line 242.
  • the upstream fuel delivery system 300 includes a pressure regulator 320 and a plurality of upstream injectors 340. It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that one upstream injector may be appropriate in further embodiments.
  • the pressure regulator 320 is located downstream of the plurality of second valves 124.
  • a line 150 is in fluid communication with the plurality of second valves 124 and the pressure regulator 320.
  • the pressure regulator 320 is configured to reduce the pressure of the compressed gas delivered thereto. In this embodiment, the pressure regulator 320 reduces the pressure of the compressed gas delivered thereto to approximately 10 barg.
  • the plurality of upstream injectors 340 are configured to deliver compressed gas into an air stream upstream of the combustion chambers of the engine.
  • the plurality of upstream injectors 340 are respectively located in the inlet ports of the engine. It would also be appreciated that the plurality of upstream injectors 340 may be located in, for example, the inlet manifold of the engine or upstream of a turbocharger.
  • the plurality of upstream injectors 340 are in fluid communication with the pressure regulator 320 and downstream therefrom.
  • An upstream injector supply line 342 connects each of the plurality of upstream injectors 340 to the pressure regulator 320.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a fuel system 10b according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
  • the fuel system 10b includes a gas fuel storage 100b and a fuel delivery system in the form of a direct fuel delivery system 200 and an upstream fuel delivery system 300.
  • the direct fuel delivery system 200 and the upstream fuel delivery system 300 are the same as those shown in Figure 1 and, therefore, the following description is directed towards the gas fuel storage 100b.
  • gas fuel storage 100a is similar to but not identical to the gas fuel storage 100b.
  • references to an element identified only by the numeral refer to all embodiments of that element.
  • a reference to gas fuel storage 100 is intended to include both the gas fuel storage 100a and the gas fuel storage 100b.
  • the gas fuel storage 100b includes similar features to the gas fuel storage 100a and is connected to the direct fuel delivery system 200 and the upstream fuel delivery system 300 in the same manner. However, a notable difference between the gas fuel storage 100a and the gas fuel storage 100b is the valve control systems 120a, 120b. Whilst the valve control systems 120a, 120b include similar components, their layout is different and check valves 124 are added to provide the desired functionality of the valve control system 120b. The valve control system 120b is discussed further below.
  • Valve control system 120b includes a plurality of first valves 122 and a plurality of second valves 124.
  • the plurality of first valves 122 (denoted 122a, 122b, 122c and 122d) are associated with the first inlets/outlets 1 12 of the plurality of gas pressure vessels 1 10.
  • the plurality of second valves (denoted 124a, 124b, 124c and 124d) in the valve control system 120b are also associated with first inlets/outlets 1 12 of the plurality of gas pressure vessels 1 10.
  • check valves 126a, 126b, 126c located between the plurality of first valves in the valve control system 120b.
  • the check valves 126a, 126b, 126c allow the compressed gas to travel in only one direction along gas supply line 140 between the gas pressure vessels (i.e. towards the gas booster 220).
  • the plurality of second valves 124 in the valve control system 120b are connected to a separate line 150.
  • Check valves 125a, 125b, 125c and 125d are associated with each second valve 124 respectively to prevent back flow of gas from supply the line 150.
  • the valve control system 120b also includes a controller (not shown) to control the plurality of first valves 122 and the plurality of second valves 124.
  • the controller in the valve control system 120b is configured in a similar manner as the controller in the valve control system 120a to sequence supply between the plurality of gas pressure vessels 1 10 when a predetermined first valve pressure value or a predetermined second valve pressure value is reached. This is further outlined in the method shown in figure 4 below.
  • Figure 3 illustrates part of the fuel systems 10a, 10b shown in figures 1 and 2. In particular figure 3 illustrates three of the gas pressure vessels 1 10 packaged with the gas booster 220.
  • the sequential supply of high pressure and low pressure gas to the direct fuel delivery system 200 and upstream fuel delivery system 300 respectively allows for a large reduction in size of the gas booster 220, which allows for convenient packaging with the pressure vessels 1 10.
  • Figure 4 illustrates a method 1000 of delivering fuel according to the fuel system 10a shown in figure 1 . It would be appreciated that the method 1000 may also be applied to the fuel system 10b.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a sequence of drawings relating to the method of delivering fuel outlined in figure 4.
  • Figure 5.1 shows gas flowing to both the Low Pressure Fuel Delivery Pipe and the High Pressure Fuel Delivery Pipe from Pressure Vessel 1 10a.
  • Figure 5.2 shows gas flowing to the Low Pressure Fuel Delivery Pipe from Pressure Vessel 1 10a and to the High Pressure Fuel Delivery Pipe from Pressure Vessel 1 10b.
  • Figure 5.3 shows gas flowing to the Low Pressure Fuel Delivery Pipe from Pressure Vessel 1 10b and to the High Pressure Fuel Delivery Pipe from Pressure Vessel 1 10c.
  • Figure 5.4 shows gas flowing to the Low Pressure Fuel Delivery Pipe from Pressure Vessel 1 10c and to the High Pressure Fuel Delivery Pipe from Pressure Vessel 1 10d.
  • Figure 5.5 shows gas flowing to both the Low Pressure Fuel Delivery Pipe and the High Pressure Fuel Delivery Pipe from Pressure Vessel 1 10d.
  • Figure 5.6 shows gas flowing to only the Low Pressure Fuel Delivery Pipe from Pressure Vessel 1 10d.
  • the plurality of gas pressure vessels 1 10 are filled with compressed gas.
  • the plurality of gas pressure vessels 1 10 are filled with compressed natural gas.
  • a further supply line (not shown) is releaseably connected to the re-fuelling receptacle 130.
  • the first valves 122 are open and the second valves 124 are closed.
  • Compressed natural gas then flows through the re-fuelling receptacle 130 into the supply line 140.
  • Compressed natural gas simultaneously flows from the supply line 140 into each of the plurality of gas pressure vessels 1 10.
  • the first valves 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d are closed.
  • the controller causes the first valve 122a and the second valve 124a of the first gas pressure vessel 1 10a to open.
  • This valve configuration is depicted in configuration 5.1 on figure 5.
  • the plurality of direct injectors 240 begin injecting compressed natural gas in an engine cylinder firing sequence.
  • the plurality of direct injectors 240 inject compressed natural gas into the combustion chambers of an engine at approximately 280 barg (nominal).
  • the plurality of upstream injectors 340 begin injecting compressed natural gas into the combustion air stream.
  • the plurality of upstream injectors 340 respectively inject compressed natural gas into the combustion air stream upstream of the intake valves in the engine.
  • the compressed natural gas flowing to the upstream injectors 340 is supplied at a nominal 10 barg after passing through the pressure regulator 320.
  • the combined gas amount will equal 100% of the fuel consumed by the engine.
  • the combined gas amount is likely to represent 90% to 95% of the total fuel required with the balance being diesel acting as the ignition source.
  • the first valve 122a of the first gas pressure vessel 1 10a is closed and the first valve 122b of the second gas pressure vessel 1 10b is opened.
  • the predetermined first valve pressure value in this embodiment is 150 barg. Accordingly, based on the pressure transducer 1 16a measuring a pressure of 150 barg, the controller co-ordinates the closing and opening of the first valves 122a, 122b respectively.
  • high pressure compressed natural gas i.e. above 150 barg
  • lower pressure compressed natural gas i.e. below 150 barg
  • This valve configuration is depicted in configuration 5.2 on figure 5.
  • the pressure at which the controller opens and closes the first valves 122a, 122b respectively can be varied to optimise the fuel split between the direct injectors 240 and the upstream injectors 340. This allows the vehicle range using the compressed natural gas to be maximised.
  • step 1400 once the pressure in the second gas pressure vessel 1 10b falls to the predetermined direct injector pressure value (i.e. 280 barg), the gas booster 220 commences stroking in order to increase the pressure of the natural gas delivered thereto and assist in maintaining pressure to the plurality of direct injectors 240.
  • the predetermined direct injector pressure value i.e. 280 barg
  • the three port valve 230 moves to a second position that allows liquid to travel into the liquid chamber 222.
  • the liquid entering the liquid chamber 222 is pressurised by the liquid pump 270, forcing the internal body to move towards the gas chamber 224. This forces the pressure of the natural gas in the gas chamber 224 to rise.
  • the pressure in the gas chamber 224 reaches the pressure in the buffer cylinder 260, natural gas flows from the gas chamber 222 to the buffer cylinder 260 and/or to the plurality of direct injectors 240.
  • compressed natural gas cannot return from the buffer cylinder 260 and/or the plurality of direct injectors 240 due to the second check valve 228.
  • the three port valve 230 moves to the first position and the two port valve 231 opens. This allows the liquid in the liquid chamber 222 to flow back to the liquid reservoir 234 via liquid return line 233. The liquid in the liquid chamber 222 flows back to the reservoir 234 by the force imparted by the compressed natural gas entering into the gas chamber 224 on the internal body. This allows the return stroke of the internal body to be disassociated from the capacity of the liquid pump 270 and occupy only around 10% of the total elapsed cycle time compared to 50% in a conventional booster, which is hydraulically driven in both directions.
  • the position of the internal body can be locked in place by moving the three port valve 230 to its first position while the two port valve 231 is closed. This first position of the three port valve 230 releaseably locks the internal body in any position including as shown in figures 1 and 2.
  • step 1400 once the pressure in the first gas pressure vessel 1 10a falls to a predetermined second valve pressure value, the second valve 124a of the first gas pressure vessel 1 10a is closed, the first valve 122b of the second gas pressure vessel 1 10b is closed, the first valve 122c of the third gas pressure vessel 1 10c is opened and the second valve 124b of the second gas pressure vessel 1 10b is opened.
  • the predetermined second valve pressure value in this embodiment is 15 barg.
  • the controller co-ordinates the closing and opening of the second valves 124a, 124b, respectively, and the closing and opening of first valves 122b and 122c, respectively, to maintain delivery of compressed natural gas to the upstream injectors 340 from the second gas pressure vessel 1 10b and to the direct injectors 240 from the third gas pressure vessel 1 10c.
  • This valve configuration is depicted in configuration 5.3 in figure 5.
  • step 1500 once the pressure in the second gas pressure vessel 1 10b falls to 15 barg (i.e. the predetermined second valve pressure value), the first valve 122c of the third gas pressure vessel 1 10c is closed and the first valve 122d of the fourth gas pressure vessel 1 10d is opened. Immediately following this the second valve 124b is closed and the second valve 124c is opened. Similar to step 1400 above, the closing and opening of the first valves 122c and 122d is co-ordinated by the controller based on the pressure transducer 1 16b measuring a pressure of 15 barg. High pressure compressed natural gas (i.e.
  • step 1600 once the pressure in the fourth gas pressure vessel 1 10d falls to a nominal 280 barg (i.e. the predetermined direct injector pressure value), the gas booster 220 commences stroking to maintain pressure to the plurality of direct injectors 240. Furthermore, once the pressure in the third gas pressure vessel 1 10c falls to 15 barg (i.e. the predetermined second valve pressure value), the second valve 124c of the third gas pressure vessel 1 10c is closed and the second valve 124d of the fourth gas pressure vessel 1 10d is opened. This valve configuration is shown in configuration 5.5 in figure 5.
  • the plurality of direct injectors 240 and the plurality of upstream injectors 340 will continue to draw compressed natural gas from the fourth gas pressure vessel 1 10d.
  • the engine (not shown) will be supplied with sufficient compressed gas to operate at full power down to a pressure of 80 barg in gas pressure vessel 1 10d. At this point, approximately 91 % of the compressed gas in the gas fuel storage 100 has been used.
  • the engine will not receive sufficient compressed gas to operate at full power as the capacity of the gas booster 220 reduces with reduced pressure in gas supply line 140.
  • the quantity of diesel pilot fuel injected into the engine is able to be increased to maintain engine power when required.
  • step 1900 pressure in the fourth gas pressure vessel 1 10d has fallen to 60 barg and the booster 220 is no longer able to operate.
  • the controller closes first valve 122d and the engine continues to operate as a conventional dual fuel engine.
  • around 60% of the diesel will be displaced by compressed gas supplied by the plurality of upstream injectors 340.
  • the pressure in the fourth gas pressure vessel 1 10d reduces to 15 barg, approximately 96% of the compressed gas in the gas fuel storage 100 will have been used.
  • the fuel system 10 and method 1000 provide a number of advantages.
  • introducing compressed gas through the upstream injectors 340 allows the size and complexity of the gas booster 220 to be greatly reduced.
  • Table 1 below represents a comparison between a standard booster of the prior art and the gas booster 220.
  • the relatively small size and weight of the gas booster 220 makes packaging significantly easier than the packaging for a conventional booster. That is, the relatively small size and weight of the gas booster 220 allows for a simple and robust packaging design. Further, the low compression ratio and smaller flow of the gas booster 220 means substantially no gas cooling is required. Higher booster cycle speeds are also achievable with a significantly smaller hydraulic pump.
  • the plurality of upstream injectors 340 provide improved fuel mixing and combustion in the cylinder, as the gas is given further time to be homogeneously mixed.
  • the low percentage of compressed gas delivered by the plurality of upstream injectors 340 i.e. approximately 50% of total fuel flow
  • the fuel system 10 and method 1000 can deliver power and efficiency similar to that of standard diesel engines.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système de combustible et un procédé pour fournir du combustible qui permettent un rendement amélioré et l'utilisation d'un surpresseur à gaz de taille et de complexité réduites. Le système de combustible comprend : un stockage de combustible gazeux comportant au moins un récipient sous pression ; un système de distribution directe de combustible comprenant : un surpresseur à gaz raccordé au stockage de combustible gazeux ; et au moins un injecteur direct raccordé au surpresseur gazeux, l'au moins un injecteur direct étant conçu de manière à distribuer du gaz comprimé directement dans une chambre de combustion d'un moteur ; et un système de distribution de combustible en amont comprenant : un régulateur de pression raccordé au stockage de combustible gazeux ; et au moins un injecteur en amont raccordé au régulateur de pression, l'au moins un injecteur en amont étant conçu de manière à distribuer du gaz comprimé dans un flux d'air en amont de la chambre de combustion ; le surpresseur à gaz étant conçu pour maintenir la pression du gaz comprimé distribué à l'au moins un injecteur direct.
PCT/AU2016/050031 2015-01-23 2016-01-21 Système de stockage et de distribution de combustible à gaz comprimé WO2016115603A1 (fr)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3741984A1 (fr) * 2019-05-22 2020-11-25 Liebherr Machines Bulle SA Système de réservoirs pressurisés pour la fourniture de gaz
EP3885640A3 (fr) * 2020-03-24 2022-01-12 Liebherr Machines Bulle SA Dispositif d'alimentation d'un moteur en un carburant gazeux
WO2024038302A1 (fr) * 2022-08-16 2024-02-22 Volvo Truck Corporation Commande de système de réservoir de carburant à base d'hydrogène (h2) pour une efficacité et une autonomie améliorées de véhicule à h2

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