Enhanced oxygen pressure engine

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Drawing sheet — no readable text.

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US 2009/0283059 A1 Nov. 19, 2009

ENHANCED OXYGEN PRESSURE ENGINE embodiments only and not for the purpose of limiting the same, FIG. 1 illustrates a block schematic view of an IC

TECHNICAL FIELD engine system 10 according to one embodiment of the present 0001. This disclosure is related generally to the operation disclosure. IC engine 3 has an intake manifold 5 and an of internal combustion (“IC) engines. More particularly, it exhaust manifold 7. In one embodiment, the intake manifold relates to Systems and methods for increasing the level of 5 includes a throttle body for metering air. There is an air filter oxygen in the air admitted into Such engines during their 9 for filtering air admitted to the IC engine 3. An exhaust gas normal operation. aftertreatment device 11 (e.g. catalytic converter) is attached to the exhaust manifold by means of an exhaust conduit 21

BACKGROUND attached to the exhaust manifold 7 for purposes of oxidizing both carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons, and the 0002 The statements in this section merely provide back reduction of nitrogen oxides prior to permitting the exhaust ground information related to the present disclosure and may gases to escape into the Surroundings. An oxygen generator not constitute prior art. 13 has an effluent conduit 19 through which air having oxy 0003 IC engines have been in widespread use for over a gen levels in excess of that of normal atmospheric air. In one century in various employments, owing to the convenience of embodiment the effluent may be controllably delivered their operation and the general availability of fuels upon through a valve 15 to the air intake at point A Such provision which they depend. In addition to requiring a fuel, generally enables controlled delivery of an air feed containing Super a hydrocarbon fuel, IC engines also require a source of oxy atmospheric levels of oxygen to the IC engine 3. In one gen for the fuel's combustion. Oxygen requirement for com alternate embodiment, the effluent of the oxygen generator 13 bustion of a fuel in an IC engine has come from the ambient is delivered to the air-intake side of the IC engine at point B, air in the engine's Surroundings, which air contains about through a valve 17, the effluent conduit 23 in this alternate 21% oxygen and about 78% nitrogen on a mass basis. Pref embodiment being illustrated by the dashed lines in FIG. 1. erably, this air is filtered prior to being admitted into the 0010. In preferred embodiments, the oxygen generator 13 combustion chambers of an IC engine, in order to remove dirt employs one or more molecular sieves (including "Zeolites'. and debris which could otherwise have a detrimental effect on a.k.a. aluminosilicates) as a functional component in provid operability over the long term. ing oxygen for use as described herein, in Some embodiments 0004. Many workers have sought over the years to by pressure Swing adsorption. Known devices employing increase performance and/or economy of operation of IC molecular sieves which are suitable for employment in this engines, by altering parameters associated with either or both disclosure include, without limitation: Eclipse, Personal the fuel requirement and the oxygen requirement. Many dif Ambulatory Oxygen System (PAOS) from SeOual Technolo ferent fuels and additives including oxygenates and metal gies, San Diego, Calif., USA: Perfecto2 Oxygen Concentra alkyls have been incorporated into fuels to enhance engine tors by Invacare, Cleveland, Ohio, USA: EverFlo Oxygen performance. On-board nitrous oxide tanks have been Concentrators from Respironics, Murrysville, Pa., USA; Ino employed to provide enhanced combustion of fuel and greater gen One Oxygen Therapy System from Inogen, Goleta, performance. Other efforts relating to the non-fuel compo Calif., USA; and L-6. Oxygen concentrator from OxLife, nent of combustion included the creation and deployment of Hendersonville, N.C., USA.

Superchargers and turbochargers (hereinafter “forced induc 0011. In the case of motorized vehicles including automo tion'), for use in aviation. These systems survive to this day biles, trucks, and the like, the oxygen generator 13 may in one and may be found in diesel-driven equipment and perfor embodiment be located in the engine compartment. In other mance-oriented automobiles.

embodiments, the oxygen generator 13 is remotely located,

SUMMARY Such as in the trunk area, behind a vehicle's cab, or any other selected location. The effluent of the oxygen generator 13, 0005. A system useful for operating an internal combus which can often be essentially-pure oxygen, is fed through tion engine includes an internal combustion engine having an conventional plumbing or ducting commonly employed in intake manifold and an exhaust manifold, and an oxygen the automotive arts to the air intake for the IC engine 3, and in generator including molecular sieves as a functional compo preferred embodiments is controllably delivered thereto by nent having an oxygen effluent therefrom directed to the means of control valves including by way of example, those intake manifold. such as 15, 17.

0012. According to one embodiment, the control valves

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 15, 17 are solenoid-actuated valves. In an alternate embodi 0006. One or more embodiments will now be described, ment, the control valves 15, 17 are vacuum-actuated. In yet by way of example, with reference to the accompanying other alternate embodiments, the control valves 15, 17 are drawings, in which: actuated electrically, electromechanically, or using Smart 0007 FIG. 1 shows a block schematic view of an IC materials in mechamatronic devices. Regardless of the engine system in accordance with the present disclosure; and motive energy or method used for Switching or controlling the 0008 FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a control system valves employed, the control valves 15, 17 are preferably of useful in accordance with operation of an IC engine accord the type which can provide for a wide range of flow rate ing to certain embodiments of the disclosure. capabilities of the effluent from the oxygen generator 13. Such valves are well-known in the automotive arts and are

DETAILED DESCRIPTION found in exhaust gas recirculation (“EGR) valves, to cite but one non-limiting example. Additional control over the 0009 Referring now to the drawings, wherein the show amount of oxygen provided may be achieved by varying the ings are for the purpose of illustrating certain exemplary Voltage input to the oxygen generator 13, Such as through a

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microprocessor of the type commonly employed in automo sensors. In one embodiment, the delivery of Supplemental tive applications, wherein signals from various sensors dis oxygen from the oxygen generator 13 is controlled based on posed at locations on the IC engine 3 are used to provide input data provided by an oxygen sensor disposed in the conduit 21, parameters which the microprocessor uses to make decisions to be the presence of a slight excess of oxygen in the engine concerning Supplemental oxygen flow to the intake manifold exhaust effluent at that point, on the order of at least about provided by the oxygen generator 13. 0.05% to 1%, or more, on a mass basis. Alternately, such 0013. In one embodiment, one or more oxygen sensors are oxygen sensor may be disposed at any location in the exhaust provided in pre-intake or post-combustion locations such as gas stream of the engine 3. In another embodiment, the deliv the intake manifold, the conduit 21 or at location C in FIG. 1, ery of Supplemental oxygen from the oxygen generator 13 is which is after the exhaust gas aftertreatment device 11. controlled based on data provided by a knock sensor disposed 0014. In accordance with an IC engine system as provided in any location in, on, or near the engine block, and the herein, the amounts of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the exhaust oxygen content of the intake air is adjusted until no knocking gas may be significantly reduced by providing Supplemental is sensed for the operating conditions present at any given oxygen to the intake manifold side of the IC engine 3. point in time. In another embodiment, the delivery of supple Although not to be construed as limiting the present disclo mental oxygen from the oxygen generator 13 is controlled in Sure in any fashion, it is theorized that a portion of this part based on data provided by an oxygen sensor disposed in reduction of NOx may be due to the fact that less nitrogen is the intake manifold 5 of the IC engine 3. In yet another present in the intake air when the intake air contains enhanced embodiment, the delivery of Supplemental oxygen from the levels of oxygen, as provided hereby. Additionally, increased oxygen generator 13 is controlled based on data provided by thermodynamic efficiency of the IC engine 3 is achieved by a NOx sensor disposed at any location in the effluent exhaust increased combustion efficiency. For IC engines being oper stream of the IC engine 3.

ated using diesel fuel or gasoline as fuel, this means that the 0016. In one embodiment, in FIG. 2 the device 39 controls production of soot, carbon monoxide (“CO) and unburned fuel metering, such as by fuel injectors or other fuel delivery hydrocarbons (“HC) in the exhaust gas effluent of the engine devices, in order to adjust fuel consumption based on input may be substantially reduced and often eliminated. In some gathered from other sensors, including the aforesaid, which embodiments, the NOX or HC or soot or CO content of the may be present. In one embodiment, the fuel delivery is exhaust gas exiting an engine operated according to this dis controlled to provide a less-than-stoichiometric amount of closure is reduced by at least 50% on a molecular mass basis. fuel to the engine (i.e. lean operation). In another embodi In other embodiments the content of more than one of these ment, the fuel delivery is controlled to provide a stoichiomet undesirable gaseous effluent Substances is so reduced. In ric amount of fuel to the engine. In yet another embodiment, some embodiments, the NOX or HC or soot or CO content of the fuel delivery is controlled to provide a greater-than-sto the exhaust gas exiting an engine operated according to this ichiometric amount of fuel to the engine (i.e. rich operation). disclosure is substantially eliminated. In other embodiments 0017. In another embodiment, control device 41 present in the content of more than one of these Substances is Substan a system according to the disclosure, which control device 41 tially eliminated. These reductions lessen the burden on cata is an exhaust gas recirculation valve, is controlled by the lytic converters and other engine exhaust effluent treatment microprocessor 31 to result in amounts of exhaust gas recir devices and may in Some cases even eliminate the need for culation which effect the least amount of NOx in the engine's Such exhaust effluent treatment devices as catalytic convert exhaust effluent as sensed by a NOx sensor that is disposed at ers. In embodiments where the burden on a catalytic converter any desired location in the effluent exhaust stream for given is reduced, the exhaust restriction inherently associated with operating conditions of the IC engine 3. the use of a catalytic converter can accordingly be lessened, 0018. A system 10 as provided hereby can be retrofitted to providing increased Volumetric efficiency for a given engine. existing engines and motorized vehicles containing same, Additionally, cold-start emissions of an IC engine may be since the goals of current design of microprocessor-con significantly reduced through enhancement of the oxygen trolled engines is typically in line with that achieved by content of the air intake charge. Supplementing the intake air with oxygen according to this 0015 FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a control system disclosure. Thus, for example, a Supercharger may be dis useful in accordance with operation of an IC engine accord placed and an oxygen generator 13 Substantially Substituted ing to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a in its stead, and the means for controlling the boost pressure microprocessor 31, which controls the valves 15, 17, and in on the former supercharger can instead control the valve 15, alternate embodiments additionally or independently con 17, or in alternate embodiments the operational energy to the trols the electrical energy inputted to the oxygen generator 13 oxygen generator 13, to afford effective control over the via means of a relay or Solid-state Switch, Such as from an oxygen content of the intake charge, thus eliminating the electrical storage battery or electrical generation means. Supercharger while retaining the essentially the same benefits Engine sensors 33, 35, 37, one or more of which may be thereof without the shortfalls associated with boosted intake present in different embodiments, are employed to provide pressures. In some embodiments of this disclosure, oxygen data to the microprocessor 31 in order to effectuate control from the oxygen generator 13 is delivered only under full over the amount of oxygen from the oxygen generator 13 throttle or near full-throttle conditions, such as 80% full which is delivered to the air intake side of the IC engine 3. throttle or greater as measured by airflow through a throttle These sensors 33, 35, 37 may be sensors including, without body.

limitation, oxygen sensors, mass airflow sensors, manifold 0019. The disclosure has described certain preferred absolute pressure sensors, crankshaft position sensors, hydro embodiments and modifications thereto. Further modifica carbon sensors, NOx sensors, intake air mass flow sensors, tions and alterations may occur to others upon reading and engine r. p.m. sensors, knock sensors, coolant temperature understanding the specification. Therefore, it is intended that sensors, oil temperature sensors, and external temperature the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s)

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disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this functional component, said oxygen effluent of said disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodi oxygen generator being directed to said intake mani ments falling within the scope of the appended claims. fold; and starting and operating said engine;

1. A system useful for operating an internal combustion wherein the amount of oxygen provided by said oxygen engine, said system comprising:

an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold generator to said intake manifold is controlled by said and an exhaust manifold; and controller to be an effective amount of supplemental an oxygen generator having an oxygen effluent, said oxy oxygen to beneficially modify the chemical composition gen generator comprising molecular sieves as a func of gases which exit said exhaust manifold during engine tional component, operation.

wherein said oxygen effluent of said oxygen generator is 10. A method according to claim 9 wherein the total directed to said intake manifold. unburned hydrocarbon content of the gases exiting said 2. A system according to claim 1 wherein said oxygen exhaust manifold during engine operation is reduced by at generator utilizes pressure Swing adsorption. least 50% on a mass basis as a result of oxygen provided to 3. A system according to claim 1 wherein said oxygen said intake manifold by said oxygen generator, compared to generator and said internal combustion engine are both dis the situation wherein oxygen from said oxygen generator is posed on-board of a motorized vehicle selected from the not so provided.

group consisting of automobiles, trucks, earth-moving 11. A method according to claim 9 wherein the total equipment, and watercraft. unburned hydrocarbon content of the gases exiting said 4. A system useful for operating an internal combustion exhaust manifold during engine operation is Substantially engine, said system comprising:

an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold eliminated as a result of oxygen provided to said intake mani and an exhaust manifold; fold by said oxygen generator, compared to the situation a controller; wherein oxygen from said oxygen generator is not so pro vided.

at least one sensor signally coupled to said controller, said at least one sensor being effectively disposed in a loca 12. A method according to claim 9 wherein the total nitro tion about said internal combustion engine to gather gen oxides content of the gases exiting said exhaust manifold engine operating parameter data, and during engine operation is reduced by at least 50% on a mass an oxygen generator having an oxygen effluent, said oxy basis as a result of oxygen provided to said intake manifold by gen generator comprising molecular sieves as a func said oxygen generator, compared to the situation wherein tional component, oxygen from said oxygen generator is not so provided. wherein said oxygen effluent of said oxygen generator is 13. A method according to claim 9 wherein the nitrogen directed to said intake manifold. oxides content of the gases exiting said exhaust manifold 5. A system according to claim 4, wherein said oxygen during engine operation is Substantially eliminated as a result generator includes an electrical energy input, and wherein of oxygen provided to said intake manifold by said oxygen electrical energy is controllably provided to said oxygen gen generator, compared to the situation wherein oxygen from erator by said controller. said oxygen generator is not so provided. 6. A system according to claim 4 wherein said oxygen 14. A method according to claim 9 wherein the total carbon effluent of said oxygen generator is directed to said intake monoxide content of the gases exiting said exhaust manifold manifold through a conduit comprising a control valve dis during engine operation is reduced by at least 50% on a mass posed therein, said control valve being controlled by said basis as a result of oxygen provided to said intake manifold by controller. said oxygen generator, compared to the situation wherein 7. A system according to claim 4 wherein said oxygen oxygen from said oxygen generator is not so provided. generator and said internal combustion engine are both dis 15. A method according to claim 9 wherein the total carbon posed on-board of a motorized vehicles elected from the monoxide content of the gases exiting said exhaust manifold group consisting of automobiles, trucks, earth-moving during engine operation is Substantially eliminated as a result equipment, and watercraft. of oxygen provided to said intake manifold by said oxygen 8. A system according to claim 1 wherein the quantity of generator, compared to the situation wherein oxygen from oxygen provided by said oxygen generator is controlled by said oxygen generator is not so provided. said controller. 16. A system according to claim 9 wherein said oxygen 9. A method for operating an internal combustion engine generator and said internal combustion engine are both dis comprising: posed on-board of a motorized vehicle selected from the providing a system comprising: group consisting of automobiles, trucks, earth-moving an internal combustion engine having an intake mani equipment, and watercraft.

fold and an exhaust manifold, 17. A method according to claim 9 wherein the total soot a controller, content of the gases exiting said exhaust manifold during at least one sensor signally connected to said controller, engine operation is reduced by at least 50% on a mass basis as and said at least one sensor being effectively disposed a result of oxygen provided to said intake manifold by said in a location about said internal combustion engine to oxygen generator, compared to the situation wherein oxygen gather engine operating parameter data, from said oxygen generator is not so provided. an oxygen generator having an oxygen effluent, said 18. A method according to claim 9 wherein the total soot oxygen generator comprising molecular sieves as a content of the gases exiting said exhaust manifold during

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engine operation is Substantially eliminated as a result of any amount between about 0.001% and about 1% on a oxygen provided to said intake manifold by said oxygen molecular mass basis, including all percentages and ranges of generator, compared to the situation wherein oxygen from percentages therebetween.

said oxygen generator is not so provided. 21. A method according to claim 9 wherein said internal 19. A method according to claim 9, further comprising: combustion engine is fed at least one fuel selected from the providing an effective amount of exhaust gas recirculation group consisting of gasoline, diesel fuel, methanol, ethanol, to reduce combustion chamber temperatures of said and C1 to C4 esters of fatty acids (biodiesel), including any internal combustion engine during its operation. mixtures of the foregoing.

20. A method according to claim 9 wherein the oxygen content of the gases exiting said internal combustion engine is c c c c c