PHOTOCATALYTIC CAPSULE TO BE USED IN THE IMPROVEMENT OF FUEL PROPERTIES

Abstract

The present invention relates to the photocatalysis unit (100) that reduces the exhaust emission while enriching the combustion properties of gasoline and other alternative fuels used in the internal combustion engines by means of photocatalysis and TiO2 The photocatalysis unit (100) is developed to more easily control the exhaust emissions by way of changing the fuel properties prior to combustion in the internal combustion engines and to increase the fuel combustion efficiency. Combustion is improved by means of the photocatalytic effect posed by said photocatalysis unit (100), thereby both reducing the fuel consumption and reducing the hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions resulting from the incomplete combustion, depending on the improvement of the combustion.

Claims

1. Photocatalysis unit (100) used in the fuel system of internal combustion engines, that both reduces fuel comsumption by improving the fuel combustion and reduces hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions resulting from the incomplete combustion based on the combustion improvement, characterized by comprising; ethanol as a reductant in the ratio of 5% or more, that is used in the fuel to be subjected to the photocatalysis in the photocatalytic capsule (108) having a TiO.sub.2 coated surface (107) by means of UV light provided by at least one UV lamp (104) positioned in the casing (111).

2. Photocatalysis unit (100) according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a UV lamp (104) in the wavelength range of 200-700 nm on the interior surface of any one of outer edges of the casing (111).

3. Photocatalysis unit (100) according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a cooling fan (102) positioned so as to eliminate the heat to be caused by the UV lamp (104) on any one of outer edges of the casing (111).

4. Photocatalysis unit (100) according to claim 1, characterized by comprising an air inlet (101) and air outlet (109), such that they are at the opposite side of the casing (111).

5. Photocatalysis unit (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface of its photocatalytic capsule (108), that corresponds to the UV lamp (104), is of glass (105).

6. Photocatalysis unit (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that its photocatalytic capsule (108) comprises a fuel and reductant mixture inlet (103), in which the fuel and reductant mixture (106) is fed.

7. Photocatalysis unit (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fuel and reductant mixture (106) fed into its photocatalytic capsule (108) comprises a fuel and reductant mixture outlet (110), through which it is discharged, after being subjected to the photocatalysis.

8. Photocatalysis unit (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that its photocatalytic capsule (108) comprises a TiO.sub.2 coated surface (107), which has a particle size in the range of 10-100 nm and is of the entire anatase form or comprises rutile in sufficient amounts.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0019] In order for the embodiment of the invention and the advantages thereof together with additional components to be better understood, the below explained figures should be taken into account while making an evaluation.

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a general schematic view of the photocatalysis unit.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0021] 100. Photocatalysts unit

[0022] 101. Air inlet

[0023] 102. Fan

[0024] 103. Fuel and reductant mixture inlet

[0025] 104. UV lamp

[0026] 105. Glass

[0027] 106. Fuel and reductant mixture

[0028] 107. TiO.sub.2 coated surface

[0029] 108. Photocatalytic capsule (Polyimide Plastic)

[0030] 109. Air outlet

[0031] 110. Fuel and reductant mixture outlet

[0032] 111. Casing

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] In the detailed description, the inventive photocatalysis unit (100) that reduces the exhaust emission, while enriching the combustion properties of gasoline and other alternative fuels used in the internal combustion engines by means of photocatalysis and TiO.sub.2 is disclosed such that it is exemplary for a better understanding of the subject and it does not constitute any limiting effect.

[0034] The photocatalysis unit (100) shown in FIG. 1 is developed to control the exhaust emissions more easily by way of changing the fuel properties prior to combustion in the internal combustion engines and to increase the fuel combustion performance.

[0035] Combustion is improved by means of the photocatalytic effect posed by said photocatalysis unit (100), thereby both reducing the fuel consumption and reducing the hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions resulting from the incomplete combustion, depending on the improvement of the combustion. Said photocatalysis unit (100) basically comprises photocatalytic capsule (108) and UV lamps (104) positioned in the casing (111). The fan (102) to be used for cooling for the purpose of eliminating the heating effect of UV lamps (104) is positioned on any outer edges of the casing (111) in the monoblock or fragmental form and the air outlet (109), through which the air heated due to the UV lamps (104) is positioned on another outer edge of the casing and the air inlet (101), through which the air is the inlet. It comprises air inlet (101) and air outlet (109), such that they are at the opposite side of the casing (111). UV lamps (104) and photocatalytic capsule (108) are positioned oppositely on any one of the sides of the casing (111), preferably on the longer sides.

[0036] In the inventive photocatalysis unit (100), the photocatalytic capsule (108) is positioned in the photocatalysis unit (100) so as to both reduce the fuel consumption by way of improving the fuel combustion and to reduce the hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions resulting from the incomplete combustion depending on the combustion improvement and comprises a TiO.sub.2 coated surface (107) being a glass layer coated with TiO.sub.2 at bottom of said photocatalytic capsule (108). A surface of the photocatalytic capsule (108) is made of glass (105) so that the light to come from the UV lamp (104) used to activate TiO.sub.2 passes through or the glass (105) is mounted to said surface. Thus, at least one UV lamp (104) is positioned in the photocatalysis unit (100) and a photocatalytic capsule (108) comprising a glass (105) on the surface corresponding to the UV lamp (104) is positioned oppositely. Ethanol (C.sub.2H.sub.5OH) as a reductant together with the fuel is fed into the photocatalytic capsule (108) through the fuel and reductant mixture inlet (103) so as to subject the fuel in the photocatalytic capsule (108) positioned at a side of the photocatalysis unit (100) limited by the casing (111) to the photocatalytic effect. Fuel and reductant mixture inlet (106) is the element, through which the fuel and reductant mixture (106) is fed into the photocatalytic capsule (108), wherein its one end is connected with the fuel tank of the internal combustion engine and the other end designed such that it is open in the interior chamber of the photocatalytic capsule (108). Fuel and reductant mixture outlet (110) is the element, through which the fuel and reductant mixture is taken out of the photocatalytic capsule (108), wherein its one end is connected in the photocatalytic capsule (108) and its other end is connected at the outside of the casing (111) and its end is connected with the fuel line of the vehicle with the internal combustion engine. The photocatalysis unit may be also designed as the fuel tank.

[0037] Ethanol (C.sub.2H.sub.5OH) as a reductant in the volumetric ratio of 15% is mixed into the fuel to be fed into the photocatalytic capsule (108) and to be processed. Ethanol ratio may be 5% and above as long as it does not damage the engine operation and fuel system. After the fuel and reductant mixture (106) prepared is fed into the photocatalytic capsule (108), electrons of the TiO.sub.2 coated surface (107) is stimulated, which is to exhibit a photocatalytic activity by means of UV light coming from the UV lamp (104) and passing through the glass (105) surface. Electrical conductivity occurs due to the fact that the electron on the valence band of the atom jumps up to the conductivity band of the atom. That the electrons jump up to the conductivity band from the valence band occurs by means of the UV lamp (104) stimulation. The TiO.sub.2 coated surface comprising a particle size in the range of 10-100 nm and absolutely in the anatase form or comprising a sufficient level of rutile generates electron and hole pairs when subjected to the light coming from the UV lamp (104). The electron on the valence band of TiO.sub.2 is stimulated and jumps up to the conductivity band when subjected to the light. Thus, it is generated (e−) loaded electron and (h+) loaded hole pairs. The generated hole pairs cause various conversions in hydrocarbons comprising oxygen. These conversions also trigger conversions among other hydrocarbons. In the studies conducted relating to the conversions, gasoline mixtures used as fuel are examined by means of FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer) analysis before (E15 fuel) and after (P-E15 fuel) subjecting to the photocatalysis. FTIR results are shown in FIG. 2 and data of the conversions are shown in Table 1.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Peak values and compound classes in the FTIR spectrum for E15 and P-E15 fuels Functional Compound WaveLength E15 P-E15 Group Class 3700-3584 3675 3675 O-H stretching alcohol 3000-2840 2963 2966 C-H stretching alkane 3000-2840 2923 2923 C-H stretching alkane 1420-1330 1378 1378 O-H bending alcohol 1275-1200 1260 1259 C-O stretching Alkyl aryl ether 1225-1200 1220 1220 C-O stretching vinyl ether 1085-1050 1080 1075 C-O stretching Primary alcohol 1060-1025 1051 1051 C-O stretching Primary alcohol

[0038] FIG. 2 shows the effects of the photocatalysis on the molecular level and the chemical compound of the mixture. Peak values in the range of wavelength 3800-3660 cm.sup.−1 prove that there is an increase in the alcohol content. The range is approximately plain for the gasoline and increases as the alcohol is introduced therein. Peak values increasing in the range of wavelength 3200-2800 cm.sup.−1 shows that the amount of the large hydrocarbon molecule increases. In other words, it is seen that aliphatic carbon chains grow, and small molecules are unified into larger structures, Growth in the molecule structure causes an increase in the boiling point. Increases in the boiling point reduce the vapor pressure under the same conditions. While the dry vapor pressure equivalent (DUPE) of the pure gasoline is 62,7 kPa, it increases up to 67,8 kPa with an addition of 15% of the volumetric ethanol (reductant); it decreases to 64,7 kPa by subjecting to the photocatalysis. Values obtained through the vapor pressure proves the molecular growth. When examining the FTIR analysis, it is seen that there occurs a conversion into the ether groups in the gasoline, and thus the ether ratio increases.

[0039] As seen in Table 1 containing the results of FTIR analysis, peak points of 2963 cm.sup.−1 and 2923 cm.sup.−1 refer to the conversion into alkane and saturated hydrocarbons have more enhanced combustion. The reduction in fuel consumption in engine experiments proves this expression. The curve E15 in the range of the wavelength of 1300-1200 cm.sup.−1 is almost plain and increases in this range prove the conversion into the ether groups as stated by Table 1. An increase in the ether ratio in the ether-gasoline mixture firstly reduces the specific fuel consumption [kg/kWh] and increases it after a certain ratio. Additionally, the increase in the ether ratio reduces CO and HC emissions. Increases in the range of wavelength of 1100-1000 cm.sup.−1 show the increase in the density of the alcohol groups (primary alcohols). Reduction in the HC and CO emissions in engine tests proves this case. An increase in the alcohol ratio in the fuel content improves the combustion occurring in a limited period in the combustion chamber due to the higher flame speed of alcohol and reduces HC and CO emissions while increasing the combustion efficiency. The results also show that the oxidation stability of the test fuel E-15 increases by being subjected to the photocatalytic activity. An increase in the absorbance density peak points indicates the increase of fuel stability. In other words, the fuel can be stored for a longer time without losing its properties and forming a precipitate.

[0040] The fuel leaves the photocatalysis unit (100) through the fuel and reductant mixture outlet (110) by improving the combustion property of the fuel, such that both the fuel consumption is reduced and hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions resulting from the incomplete combustion are reduced depending on the combustion improvement, after being subjected to the photocatalysis in the photocatalytic capsule (108).

[0041] The casing (111) in which the UV lamps (104) and photocatalytic capsule (108) are positioned is made of preferably wooden material (MDF—Medium Density Fiberboard). However, plastic derivatives thereof may be used also. The TiO.sub.2 coated surface (107) is positioned in the photocatalytic capsule (108) integrated to said fuel feeding line and the transparent glass (105) is positioned on the surface corresponding to the UV lamps (104). Said gasoline and reductant mixture (106) passes through the photocatalytic capsule (108), namely between the TiO.sub.2 coated surface (107) and the glass (105). The photocatalytic capsule (108) is designed in the form of a fuel passage area with a volume of 100 ml. It may be designed in the range of 50-1000 ml. It may be also designed as fuel tank. The TiO.sub.2 coated surface is positioned in the enclosed volume (photocatalytic capsule—108) so that the fuel is subjected to the photocatalytic effect. Cyanoacrylate that does not easily react with the gasoline is used for the coating process, on the TiO.sub.2 coated surface (107) obtained through coating a glass surface to be fitted into the photocatalytic capsule (108) with TiO.sub.2. Anatase-rutile ratio in TiO.sub.2 used on said TiO.sub.2 coated surface (107) is 80:20 and the average particle size is 25 nm. However, TiO.sub.2 may be comprised of complete anatase or may comprise rutile in various ratios, if necessary. The particle size may be any value in the range of 10 nm-100 nm. Reduction of the particle size will increase the activity, however, it will also increase the cost. At least one and preferably two UV lamp with the wavelength of 365 nm is positioned in the interior portion of the cover of the casing (111) so that the ultraviolet light is introduced into the gasoline and reductant mixture (106). The wavelength of the UV lamp may be in the range of 200 nm-700 nm. It is used as a cooling fan (102) to eliminate the heat resulting from the UV lamps (104) in said photocatalysis unit (100). The photocatalytic capsule (108) in the photocatalysis unit (100) is made of polyamide plastic-material, wherein the polyamide plastic-material is reduced to the desired size through the milling machine and is hollowed completely. On the front surface of the structure obtained, there are grooves, in which the glass (105) through which UV lights passes is to be positioned, and the transparent glass (105) is seated in those grooves, thereby achieving the photocatalytic capsule (108). The connection between the gasoline and reductant mixture inlet (103) and outlet (110) is provided by means of pipes made of preferably metal material and the outer edge surfaces of the glass (105) are isolated with silicone to provide proper sealing. Ethanol is used as a reductant in the gasoline and reductant mixture (106) in said photocatalysis unit (100). Ethanol is mixed more homogeneously with the gasoline based on the water use and helps with maintaining the contact since it does not smear on the TiO.sub.2 coated surface (107). By using ethanol as reductant, as a result of the experiment carried out by photo-catalyzing the gasoline (E15) fuel containing ethanol in the volumetric ratio of %15 with the photocatalytic capsule (108) and the performance measured in the engine arrangement by obtaining 5L of fuel and the emission values, in case of use of the fuel (P-E15) obtained through subjecting the fuel E15 to the photocatalysis, it is achieved 18.1% of reduction in the CO emission, 7% of reduction in the HC emission, 9.9% of reduction in the specific fuel consumption and also 9.1% of the increase in the effective efficiency.