Internal-combustion engines – Charge forming device – Cooling of combustible mixture
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-23
2001-04-17
Kwon, John (Department: 3747)
Internal-combustion engines
Charge forming device
Cooling of combustible mixture
C123S514000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06216675
ABSTRACT:
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
Applicant's U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,291,869; 5,325,838; and 5,423,303 are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to fuel injection systems and more particularly to in-tank condensers for cooling return fuel in such systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Liquefied petroleum gas (“LPG”) fuel supply systems are known, for example as shown in Applicant's U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,291,869; 5,325,838; and 5,423,303. Such systems typically include a number of specialized fuel injectors which receive fuel from a high pressure tank. A fuel rail connected in-line with a series of injectors is often employed to deliver supply fuel to the injectors. In many systems, uninjected fuel is returned to the fuel tank. This is generally done to keep the supply fuel as cool as possible, particularly where it is intended to inject LPG in liquid rather than gaseous form.
One approach to injecting LPG without permitting it to vaporize is to pump high volumes of supply and return fuel. In this way, the supply fuel spends very little time near the heated engine compartment where it can vaporize. Another approach is to employ a refrigeration cycle as described in the Applicant's patents identified above. The evaporation of return fuel is used to cool supply fuel, thereby maintaining it in liquid form.
A problem with returning vaporized LPG to the fuel tank is that it can increase tank pressure substantially above the vapor pressure of the liquid in the tank. If the vapor does not condense before the pressure limit of the tank is exceeded, the pressure relief valve will release LPG vapor to the atmosphere. This is both unsafe and environmentally undesirable.
What has been needed is a way to cool return fuel in ILPG systems so as to reduce the high fuel tank pressures which can occur.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, an LPG fuel supply system, a method, and a condenser for fuel injection systems are provided.
In one aspect of the system, the LPG system includes a plurality of fuel injectors operably connected to a fuel rail. The fuel rail is in fluid communication with fuel supply and return lines. Both the fuel rail and injectors comprise an arrangement for cooling supply fuel with return fuel. A condenser in the return line cools return fuel.
In another aspect of the invention, the LPG fuel supply system comprises a plurality of fuel injectors in fluid communication with fuel supply and return lines. The fuel return line includes a mechanism for cooling return fuel.
In another aspect of the invention, the LPG fuel supply system comprises a plurality of fuel injectors in communication with a fuel supply line, which in turn communicates with a fuel tank. A condenser is positioned in the fuel tank. It comprises an elongated body having a passage therethrough in fluid communication with a fuel return line A plurality of vent holes spaced along the length of the body, for returning return fuel to the fuel tank, communicate with the passage. The vent holes are sloped relative to horizontal along the length of the body such that gaseous fuel will tend to first exit vent holes toward the distal end of the passage.
In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for condensing return fuel in a fuel tank comprises an elongated body having a passage therethrough in fluid communication with a fuel return line. A plurality of vent holes spaced along the length of the body communicate with the passage. The body, passage, and vent holes are constructed and arranged such that gaseous fuel will tend to first exit vent holes toward the distal end of the passage.
In the method of the present invention, a liquefied petroleum gas fuel supply system is provided, comprising a plurality of fuel injectors in fluid communication with a fuel supply line and fuel return line. Vaporous fuel is produced in the fuel return line by the absorption of heat. The vaporous fuel is then cooled in the fuel return line prior to introducing it into the fuel in the fuel tank.
These and other advantages and features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto. However, for a better understanding of the invention and its advantages, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.
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Bi-Phase Technologies, L.L.C.
Kwon John
Merchant & Gould P.C.
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