초록 ▼

The invention relates to an apparatus and method for supplying high pressure gaseous fuel from a storage vessel to a vehicle's internal combustion engine. More particularly, the invention is a fuel supply system with three main components: the storage vessel; an intensifier; and, an accumulator vess

The invention relates to an apparatus and method for supplying high pressure gaseous fuel from a storage vessel to a vehicle's internal combustion engine. More particularly, the invention is a fuel supply system with three main components: the storage vessel; an intensifier; and, an accumulator vessel. Fuel passages connect each one of the components directly with the other two components. The intensifier has a plurality of compression chambers and one of the compression chambers can be by-passed when the intensifier is operating in a low capacity mode, depending upon the pressure in the storage vessel. The intensifier operates continuously. When no fuel compression is required, the intensifier runs in an idle mode with the respective inlets and outlets of the compression chambers connected by fuel passages, thus preventing any fuel compression. The loading to the intensifier actuating mechanism is balanced in all modes of operation.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for supplying high pressure gaseous fuel to a fuel injector of an internal combustion engine, said apparatus comprising:(a) a fuel storage vessel;(b) an intensifier having a first compression chamber with a first piston therein, and a second compression chamb

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for supplying high pressure gaseous fuel to a fuel injector of an internal combustion engine, said apparatus comprising:(a) a fuel storage vessel;(b) an intensifier having a first compression chamber with a first piston therein, and a second compression chamber with a second piston therein;(c) an accumulator vessel for holding a quantity of gaseous fuel at an injection pressure within a pre-determined acceptable operating range; and,(d) a plurality of fuel lines for directing flow of said gaseous fuel from said storage vessel to said accumulator vessel and for providing direct connections between said fuel storage vessel, said intensifier, and said accumulator vessel, said fuel passages including:(i) a first fuel line for connecting an outlet from said fuel storage vessel to a first inlet to said first compression chamber;(ii) a second fuel line for connecting a first outlet from said first compression chamber to a second inlet to said second compression chamber;(iii) a third fuel line for connecting a second outlet from said second compression chamber to an inlet to said accumulator vessel;(iv) a first closeable by-pass passage, connecting the first fuel line with the second fuel line; and(v) a second closeable by-pass passage, connecting the fuel line with the third fuel line.