Method of operating an internal combustion engine of a watercraft
US12139246B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 12, 2022 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 12, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02B2075/1808
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The disclosure relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine of a watercraft, in particular on inland waters, in which (i) in an electrolysis unit for the production of hydrogen, water is split into hydrogen and oxygen, (ii) a carbon dioxide sorption unit extracts carbon dioxide from the ambient air, (iii) the hydrogen and the carbon dioxide are fed to a methanol synthesis unit for the production of methanol, and are synthesized therein to methanol, (iv) a photovoltaic unit absorbs solar energy and converts it into electrical energy. The electrolysis unit, the carbon dioxide sorption unit and the methanol synthesis unit are powered by the electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic unit. The methanol produced is transported by means of a distributor system to at least one tank of the watercraft, and is fed from the tank as required to the internal combustion engine, and therein is combusted to generate mechanical energy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.