Quick engine startup system and method
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorsManoj Prakash Gokhale, Yogesh Kumar
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A technique is provided for improved response of internal combustion engines to increased load demands. The engine is equipped with an air storage tank that stores compressed air. The air may be stored at an elevated pressure (e.g., manifold air pressure) during normal full load operation of the engine. Valving maintains the compressed air isolated during normal operation. During transitory periods of higher power output demand, the compressed air is directed to the engine, and output of a turbo-driven compressor can be vented to avoid surge. The technique allows for quicker reaction to load demands, and improved combustion during transitory periods, and reduced particulate and smoke emissions.
Claims19
A method for operating an internal combustion engine comprising:
- charging a compressed air storage vessel via a turbo-driven compressor during normal operation of the engine;
- and
- discharging compressed air from the vessel to the engine to enhance fuel combustion during a period of application of a load to the engine and thereby to reduce time of acceleration of the engine and to maintain an air to fuel ratio above a desired level.
A method for operating an internal combustion engine comprising:
- charging a compressed air storage vessel via a turbo-driven compressor during normal operation of the engine;
- operating directional control valving to isolate the compressor from the vessel;
- and
- upon application of a load to the engine, increasing fuel supply to the engine and operating the directional control valving to discharge compressed air from the vessel to the engine to enhance fuel combustion and thereby to reduce time of acceleration of the engine.
A method for operating an internal combustion engine comprising:
- charging a compressed air storage vessel via a turbo-driven compressor during normal operation of the engine;
- operating first directional control valving to isolate the compressor from the vessel and to direct air from the compressor to the engine;
- and
- upon application of a load to the engine, increasing fuel supply to the engine, operating the first directional control valving to discharge compressed air from the vessel to the engine to enhance fuel combustion and to reduce time of acceleration of the engine, and operating second directional control valving to vent air from the compressor and thereby to avoid surge in the compressor.
An engine system comprising:
- a turbo-driven compressor;
- a compressed air storage vessel;
- directional control valving operative to charge the vessel with compressed air from the compressor during normal operation of the engine, and to direct compressed air from the vessel to the engine upon application of a load to the engine;
- and
- second directional control valving operative to vent air from the compressor and thereby to avoid surge in the compressor when compressed air is directed from the vessel to the engine.
A method for operating an internal combustion engine comprising:
- charging a compressed air storage vessel via a turbo-driven compressor during engine operation with engine speed above an engine speed level;
- and
- discharging compressed air from the vessel to the engine to enhance fuel combustion in response to changes in engine load during engine operation with engine speed below the engine speed level to reduce time of acceleration of the engine speed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.