Natural gas engines with fuel quality determination
US12209545B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 2023 |
| Grant date | Jan 28, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods for automatic calibration of large industrial engines in applications where the quality of the fuel supply is unknown and/or variable over time, particularly engines that drive compressors on a natural gas well site. A combination of throttles and an oxygen sensor are disclosed, whereby the combination involves a mass-flow-air (MFA) throttle and a mass-flow-gas (MFG) throttle to determine the mass flow of air and mass flow of gas. As a response to exhaust gas oxygen level readings, the mass flow measurements are used to determine real time air-fuel ratios. An algorithm uses the air-fuel ratios as input data, wherein a microcontroller adjusts the throttles to meet engine performance demands. Additionally, using the air-fuel ratio data and suggested engine OEM calibration specifications as block multiplier inputs, particular fuel properties can be accurately interpolated, thereby enabling automatic calibration of the engine and other interventions as desired.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.