Claims:1. An Intake air separation system (100) for an internal combustion (IC) engine, said system (100) comprising:
at least one gas separator (102) coupled between an air filtering device and an inlet manifold of said engine, said gas separator (102) includes:
a canister (104h), said canister (104h) defining an interior space (104hi) therein;
a cap (104c) connected to said canister (104h);
a desiccant (106) disposed within said interior space (104hi) of said canister (104h);
a first inlet (108), a first outlet (110), a second inlet (112) and a second outlet (114) defined towards bottom portion of said canister (104h),
wherein,
said desiccant (106) is configured to adsorb a predetermined gas from said intake air, when said intake air flows from said first inlet (108) to said first outlet (110) through said desiccant (106).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said desiccant (106) is at least a cartridge having top and central permeable member (or membrane) and a non-permeable outer wall, said desiccant (106) is disposed in a spaced relation to said canister (104h), said desiccant (106) is configured to adsorb nitrogen gas (or nitrogen molecules) from said intake air.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
said first inlet (108) is in fluid communication with ambient air;
said first outlet (110) is in fluid communication with said intake manifold of said engine,
said second inlet (112) is in fluid communication with an exhaust gas recirculation unit; and
said second outlet (114) is in communication with ambient.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system (100) includes:
a feedback circuit (118), said feedback unit (118) includes:
at least one first sensor (120) coupled towards said first outlet (110); and
at least one second sensor (122) coupled towards said second outlet (114),
wherein,
said first sensor (110) is configured to measure if said percentage of nitrogen gas (or content of nitrogen gas) in said intake air is within a threshold value;
said first sensor (120) is adapted to generate and communicate at least one input signal to said feedback circuit (118), if percentage of said nitrogen in said intake air is above said threshold value; and
said second sensor (122) is configured to measure a percentage of nitrogen ejected from second outlet (114) during purging of said gas separator (102).
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system (100) includes at least two gas separators (102) each having said desiccant (106) disposed in corresponding interior space (104hi) defined by said canister (104h).
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said feedback circuit (118) actuates a valve (124) which is selected from group consisting of one of a solenoid valve, a double check valve, a non-return valve and a mechanical governor valve, to shift to one of a first position or a second position to maintain a continuous air flow to said intake manifold of said engine through one of said gas separator (102) and simultaneously schedule other gas separator (102) for next cycle of operation by ejecting out said nitrogen molecules from said desiccant of said corresponding gas separator (102).
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said feedback circuit (118) is configured to actuate said valve (124) to shift between said first position or said second position based on said input signal received from said first sensor (120), said feedback circuit (118) operates said valve (124) to shift to said first position and thereby initiates nitrogen gas separation in one of said gas separator (102) and simultaneously actuates a purging process in said other gas separator (102) to completely dry out said desiccant (106) by passing a predetermined quantity of exhaust gas through said desiccant (106) to eject nitrogen molecules from said desiccant (106), said feedback circuit (118) operates said valve (124) to shift to said second position and thereby initiates nitrogen gas separation through purged (or dried) gas separator (102) and initiates said purging process for said gas separator which is completed filled with nitrogen molecules.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system (100) includes a resilient member (116) disposed between said canister (104h) and said desiccant (106) within said canister (104), said resilient member (116) is at least a spring having predetermined tension therein, said resilient member (116) is adapted to hold said desiccant (106) in a predetermined position.
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said desiccant (106) is made-up of chemical adsorbent which has affinity for said nitrogen molecules, said desiccant (106) includes a bottom wall and an extended wall (106e) which extends from said bottom wall for a predetermined distance, said bottom wall and said extended wall (106e) defines a central bore therein, said extended wall (106e) includes a plurality of external threads which is screwed towards said bottom portion of said gas separator (102), said extended wall (106e) is provided with said external threaded portion to hold said desiccant (106) in said predetermined position, said extended wall (106e) is connected to said second outlet (114), whereby said exhaust gases passes through said desiccant (106) to exit through said central bore of said extended wall (106e) and thereby pass through said second outlet (114) to said ambient.
10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first inlet (108) and said first outlet (110) are sealed and said second inlet (112) and second outlet (114) are held open when said gas separator (102) is subjected to said purging process.
11. A method (200) for separating a predetermined gas from intake air supplied to an internal combustion engine, said method (200) comprising:
allowing air from ambient to pass through a gas separator (102);
passing intake air through a desiccant (106) disposed within a canister (104h);
separating a predetermined gas (or nitrogen molecules) from said intake air by chemicals disposed within said desiccant (106); and
supplying intake air with reduced predetermined gas (or nitrogen molecules) to an intake manifold of said engine.
12. A method (300) of purging a gas separator (102), said method (300) comprising:
providing at least two gas separators (102) and allowing air to flow through a desiccant (106) of one of said gas separator (102);
identifying by at least one first sensor (120), a percentage of nitrogen molecules or other predetermined gas delivered to an intake manifold of said engine is within a threshold value;
generating and communicating an input signal to a feedback circuit (118) by said first sensor (120), when percentage of nitrogen molecules or other gas particle are above said threshold value;
actuating a solenoid valve (124) by said feedback circuit (118) to move from a first position to a second position to shift intake air flow from one gas separator (102) to other gas separator (102) and maintain a continuous air flow to said intake manifold of said engine;
initiating a purging process by said feedback circuit (118) to eject nitrogen molecules or other gas particles filled in corresponding gas separator (102) by passing a predetermined quantity of exhaust gas through said corresponding desiccant (106) of said gas separator (102); and
scheduling purged gas separator (102) for next cycle of operation to separate nitrogen molecules or other gas particles from said intake air.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein relates to internal combustion engines, and more particularly to a method and a system for separating nitrogen molecules or other gases from intake air supplied to an internal combustion engine to reduce harmful emissions and thereby reduce air pollution.
BACKGROUND
[002] The combustion of fuel in an internal combustion engine leads to emission of harmful pollutants such as carbon-monoxide, carbon-dioxide, hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Nitrogen oxides are found to be most irritant as they are highly acidic in nature and therefore the emission of nitrogen oxides needs to be controlled and reduced. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are formed in the combustion process where the oxidation of nitrogen and its oxides take place to form NO and NO2. In the combustion process, there are three ways in which NOx are formed i.e. thermal NOx, fuel NOx and prompt NOx. Thermal NOx is the major pollutant amongst the three types, contributing to around 70% of total NOx formation/concentration. It is formed when nitrogen and oxygen react at high temperatures above 1300-1500 ºC.
[003] Different methods and systems are employed in the internal combustion engine to reduce and control the formation of thermal NOx. One such commonly used method is the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) which helps in regulating the temperature of the combustion chamber by recirculating a desired quantity of exhaust gases in the engine. The exhaust gases are mixed with the air, making the mixture inert to reaction, thus reducing the temperature of combustion. Additional EGR coolers are used to further reduce the temperature of combustion chamber and reduce NOx formation. There is a limit to the use of re-circulated exhaust gases as excessive use affects the power output and fuel economy of the engine. EGR can also cause the increase in the particulate matter in the exhaust gases.
[004] Other methods and systems which use nitrogen rich, and oxygen rich air mixture are successful in controlling the emissions of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter, however they tend to increase the concentration of NOx.
[005] Another way of reducing thermal NOx formation/concentration is to remove the nitrogen and nitrogen oxide from the air mixture. The present solutions available use membranes/filters that need to be cleaned and replaced periodically. This creates a maintenance issue to clean or replace the filter which in turn affects the performance of the IC engine.
[006] Therefore, there exists a need for a method and a system for separating (or isolating) nitrogen from intake air supplied to an internal combustion engine to reduce nitrogen oxide emission and thereby reduce air pollution. Further, there exists a need for the system for separating (or isolating) nitrogen from the intake air, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS
[007] The principal object of embodiments herein is to provide a system for separating nitrogen molecules or other predetermined gas from intake air supplied to an internal combustion engine to reduce harmful emissions.
[008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for separating nitrogen molecules or other predetermined gas from intake air supplied to an internal combustion engine.
[009] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide the system which includes a canister with filling of nitrogen adsorbent (or other gas adsorbent) to separate nitrogen gas (or other predetermined gas) from the intake air supplied to an inlet manifold of the internal combustion engine.
[0010] Still another object of the present invention is to provide the system which is adapted to remove nitrogen molecules from the intake air supplied to the engine to achieve better combustion and thereby reduce nitrogen oxide emission.
[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide the system which is adapted to purge the desiccant using a predetermined quantity of EGR for drying the adsorbent when the adsorbent is completely soaked with nitrogen particles or other gas particles.
[0012] Still another object of the present invention is to provide the system which is integrated with a feedback mechanism to initiate a purging process when the adsorbent is completely soaked with the nitrogen particles or other gas particles.
[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide the system for nitrogen separation or other predetermined gas separation which is , simple, inexpensive and facilitates easy maintenance.
[0014] These and other objects of embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
 
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] The embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0016] Fig. 1 depicts a schematic view of a system assembled between an air filtering device and an inlet manifold of an engine, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0017] Figs. 2a and 2b depict perspective views of the system assembled between the air filtering device and the inlet manifold of the engine, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0018] Figs. 3a and 3b depict a sectional views of a canister of the system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0019] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a feedback mechanism integrated to the system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0020] Fig. 5 depicts a flowchart of a method for separating (or isolating) nitrogen molecules or other predetermined gas from intake air supplied to an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0021] Fig. 6 depicts a flowchart of a method of purging a gas separator, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

 
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0023] The embodiments herein achieve a system for separating nitrogen molecules or other predetermined gas from intake air supplied to an internal combustion engine to reduce harmful emissions. Further, the embodiments herein achieve a method for separating nitrogen molecules or other predetermined gas from intake air supplied to an internal combustion engine. Furthermore, the embodiments herein achieve the system which includes a canister with filling of nitrogen adsorbent or other gas adsorbent to separate nitrogen or other gas from the intake air supplied to an intake manifold of the internal combustion engine. Additionally, the embodiments herein achieve the system which is adapted to remove nitrogen molecules or other predetermined gas from the intake air supplied to the engine to achieve better combustion and thereby reduce harmful emission. Moreover, the embodiments herein achieve the system which is adapted to purge a predetermined quantity of EGR for drying the adsorbent when the adsorbent is completely soaked with nitrogen molecules or other gas particles. Further, the embodiments herein achieve the system which is integrated with a feedback mechanism to initiate a purging process when the adsorbent is completely soaked with the nitrogen molecules or other gas particles. Also, the embodiments herein achieve the system for nitrogen gas separation which is simple, inexpensive and facilitates easy maintenance. Referring now to the drawings, particularly through Figs 1 to 6, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0024] Fig. 1 depicts a schematic view of a system assembled between an air filtering device and an inlet manifold of an engine, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Figs. 2a and 2b depict perspective views of the system assembled between the air filtering device and the intake manifold of the engine, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the system (100) for separating nitrogen gas or other gas from intake air supplied to an internal combustion engine to reduce harmful emissions include at least two gas separators (102), the gas separator having a canister (104h), a cap (104c), an interior space (104hi), a desiccant (106), a first inlet (108), a first outlet (110), a second inlet (112), a second outlet (114), a resilient member (116), a feedback circuit (118) in communication with the gas separator (102), at least one first sensor (120), at least one second sensor (122), and a valve (124).
[0025] The system (100) for separating a predetermined gas from intake air supplied to the internal combustion engine includes the gas separator (102) which is coupled between the air filtering device and the intake manifold of the engine as shown in Figs. 1, 2a and 2b. The system (100) may include a plurality of such gas separators (102) for separating a predetermined gas from the intake air. In an embodiment, the system (100) may include two gas separators (102) for separating nitrogen molecules from the intake air. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to practice and/or use the system (100) for separating any other gas from intake air and use multiple gas separators for separating a predetermined gas from intake air, without otherwise deterring the intended function of the system (100) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0026] The system (100) includes the gas separator (102) which is adapted to reduce nitrogen content in the intake air and thereby reduce nitrogen oxide emission to atmosphere. The gas separator (102) includes the canister (104h) which is made-up of predetermined shape and size. In an embodiment, the canister (104h) is a cylindrical member. The desiccant (106) is disposed within the canister (104h) such that the desiccant (106) is in spaced relation to said canister (104h). The cap (104c) is attached to the bottom portion of the canister (104h). Further, the first inlet (108), the first outlet (110), the second inlet (112) and the second outlet (114) are defined at the bottom portion of the canister (104h). The first inlet (108) is provided in fluid communication with ambient air and the first outlet (110) is provided in fluid communication with the intake manifold of the engine. The second inlet (112) is provided in fluid communication with an exhaust gas recirculation unit and the second outlet (114) is in communication with ambient.
[0027] Figs. 3a and 3b depict sectional views of a canister of the system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The desiccant (106) is configured to adsorb a predetermined gas from the intake air, when the intake air flows from the first inlet (108) to the first outlet (110) through the desiccant (106). In an embodiment, the desiccant (106) is at least a cartridge having top and central permeable member (or membrane) and a non-permeable outer wall. In an embodiment, the outer wall is annular to the canister (104h). The desiccant (106) is configured to adsorb nitrogen gas (or nitrogen molecules) form the intake air and thereby trap the nitrogen molecules within the desiccant (106) using chemicals or adsorbents which has an affinity to nitrogen molecules. Further, the desiccant (106) includes a bottom wall and an extended wall (106e) which extends from the bottom wall for a predetermined distance. The bottom wall and the extended wall (106e) define a central bore therein. The extended wall (106e) includes a plurality of external threads (106et) which is screwed towards the bottom portion of the gas separator (102). The extended wall (106e) is provided with the external threads (106et) to hold the desiccant (106) in a predetermined position. The extended wall (106e) is connected to the second outlet (114), whereby the exhaust gases passed through the desiccant (106) exits through the central bore of the extended wall (106e) and thereby passes through the second outlet (114) to ambient. In an alternate embodiment, the resilient member (116) is disposed between the canister (104h) and the desiccant (106) within the canister (104). The resilient member (116) is at least a spring having predetermined tension therein. The resilient member (116) is adapted to hold the desiccant (106) in a predetermined position.
[0028] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a feedback mechanism integrated to the system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The system (100) includes the feedback circuit (118) which is adapted to actuate a purging process in one of the gas separator (102). The feedback circuit (118) includes the least one first sensor (120) coupled towards the first outlet (110) and the least one second sensor (122) coupled towards the second outlet (114). The first sensor (110) is configured to measure whether a percentage of nitrogen gas (or content of nitrogen gas) in the intake air is within a threshold value or not. The feedback circuit (118) actuates the valve (124) to shift to one of a first position or a second position to maintain a continuous air flow to the intake manifold of the engine through one of the gas separator (102) and simultaneously schedule other the gas separator (102) for next cycle of operation by ejecting out the nitrogen molecules from the desiccant of the corresponding gas separator (102). In an embodiment, the valve (124) is selected from group consisting of one of a solenoid valve, a double check valve, a non-return valve and a mechanical governor valve. Further, the second sensor (122) is configured to measure a percentage of nitrogen ejected from second outlet (114) during purging of the gas separator (102). The feedback circuit (118) is configured to actuate the valve (124) to shift between the first position and the second position based on the input signal received from the first sensor (120). The feedback circuit (118) operates the valve (124) to shift to the first position and thereby initiates nitrogen gas separation in one of the gas separator (102) and simultaneously actuates the purging process in the other gas separator (102) to completely dry out the desiccant (106) by passing a predetermined quantity of exhaust gas through the desiccant (106) to eject nitrogen molecules from the desiccant (106). Further, the feedback circuit (118) operates the valve (124) to shift to the second position and thereby initiates nitrogen gas separation through purged (or dried) gas separator (102) and initiates the purging process for the gas separator which is completed filled with nitrogen molecules. The first inlet (108) and the first outlet (110) are sealed, and the second inlet (112) and the second outlet (114) are held open when the gas separator (102) is subjected to the purging process. And the first inlet (108) and the first outlet (110) are held open and the second inlet (112) and the second outlet (114) are closed when the gas separator (102) is operated for separating nitrogen molecules from the intake air. Further, the system (100) includes a litmus paper color change indication arrangement integrated to the feedback circuit (118) which is configured to indicate replacement of the cartridge in said canister (104h).
[0029] Fig. 5 depicts a flowchart of a method for separating a predetermined gas from intake air supplied to an internal combustion engine, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The method (200) includes allowing air from ambient to pass through a gas separator (102) (at step 202). Further, the method (200) includes passing intake air through a desiccant (106) disposed within a canister (104h) (at step 204). Furthermore, the method (200) includes separating a predetermined gas (or nitrogen molecules) from said intake air by chemicals disposed within said desiccant (106) (at step 206). Additionally, the method (200) includes supplying intake air with reduced predetermined gas (or nitrogen molecules) to an intake manifold of said engine (at step 208).
[0030] Fig. 6 depicts a flowchart of a method of purging a gas separator, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The method (300) includes providing at least two gas separators (102) and allowing air to flow through a desiccant (106) of one of said gas separator (102) (at step 302). Further, the method (300) includes identifying by at least one first sensor (120), a percentage of nitrogen molecules or other gas delivered to an intake manifold of said engine is within a threshold value (at step 304). Furthermore, the method (300) includes generating and communicating an input signal to a feedback circuit (118) by said first sensor (120), when percentage of nitrogen molecules or other gas are above said threshold value (at step 306). Additionally, the method (300) includes actuating a solenoid valve (124) by said feedback circuit (118) to move from a first position to a second position to shift intake air flow from one gas separator (102) to other gas separator (102) and maintain a continuous air flow to said intake manifold of said engine (at step 308). Moreover, the method (300) includes initiating a purging process by said feedback circuit (118) to eject nitrogen molecules or other gas particles filled in corresponding gas separator (102) by passing a predetermined quantity of exhaust gas through said corresponding desiccant (106) of said gas separator (102) (at step 310). Also, the method (300) includes scheduling purged gas separator (102) for next cycle of operation to separate nitrogen molecules or other gas particles from said intake air (at step 312).
[0031] The technical advantages disclosed by the embodiments herein include reduced nitrogen oxide emission from the engine, less complex and inexpensive.
[0032] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.