JP2021032194A - Engine system - Google Patents

Abstract

To start an engine in a short time even in a condition where the outside air temperature is low.SOLUTION: An engine system 100 includes: a fuel tank 110 for storing fuel; a catalyst reaction unit 120 for modifying fuel into modified fuel with a predetermined composition which is determined on the basis of predetermined prediction information; and a fuel supply unit 140 for supplying the modified fuel to an engine 150 at least when starting up the engine 150.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an engine system.

In a cold region or other low outside temperature, even if fuel is injected into the combustion chamber when the engine is started, part of the fuel (high boiling point component) does not vaporize and remains in the combustion chamber as a liquid. Then, there arises a problem that the engine does not start, or even if the engine starts, the drive of the engine is not stable.

Therefore, the motor and the engine are engaged by the clutch, the engine is rotated by driving the motor while the exhaust valve is fully closed, and when the temperature of the cooling water exceeds a predetermined value, it synchronizes with the rotation of the engine. A hybrid vehicle that opens and closes an exhaust valve and injects fuel is disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-209763

In the technique of Patent Document 1, the engine cannot be started until the temperature of the cooling water reaches a predetermined value. That is, in the technique of Patent Document 1, it takes a long time to start the engine.

An object of the present invention is to provide an engine system capable of starting an engine in a short time even when the outside air temperature is low.

In order to solve the above problems, the engine system of the present invention includes a fuel tank for storing fuel and a catalytic reaction unit for reforming the fuel into a reformed fuel having a predetermined composition determined based on predetermined prediction information. A fuel supply unit that supplies reformed fuel to the engine at least when the engine is started is provided.

Further, the catalytic reaction unit may reform the fuel when the engine is stopped and / or when the engine is stopped.

The prediction information includes one or more of information indicating the next start timing of the engine, information indicating the predicted value of the outside air temperature at the next start timing, and information indicating the composition of the fuel stored in the fuel tank. It may be included.

According to the present invention, the engine can be started in a short time even when the outside air temperature is low.

It is a figure explaining the engine system which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure explaining an example of a target composition map. It is a figure explaining an example of reaction time information. It is a 1st flowchart which shows the flow of the fuel reforming process which concerns on embodiment. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows the flow of the fuel reforming process which concerns on embodiment. It is a 3rd flowchart which shows the flow of the fuel reforming process which concerns on embodiment.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, other specific numerical values, etc. shown in the embodiment are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In the present specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are designated by the same reference numerals to omit duplicate description, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown. To do.

[Engine system 100]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an engine system 100 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the signal flow is indicated by a broken line arrow.

As shown in FIG. 1, the engine system 100 mounted on the vehicle includes a fuel tank 110, a catalytic reaction unit 120, a reformed fuel tank 130, a fuel supply unit 140, an engine 150, and a central control unit 160. , The storage unit 170 and the like.

The fuel tank 110 stores fuel (gasoline or light oil, hereinafter referred to as "normal fuel") supplied from a gas station.

The catalytic reaction unit 120 reforms the normal fuel stored in the fuel tank 110 into a reformed fuel having a predetermined composition. The reformed fuel is usually a low molecular weight fuel. Therefore, the reformed fuel has a lower boiling point than the normal fuel. In the present embodiment, the catalyst reaction unit 120 includes a catalyst housing unit 122 and a heating unit 124. The catalyst accommodating unit 122 usually accommodates a reforming catalyst (for example, a cracking catalyst (for example, platinum)) that reforms (reduces the molecular weight) the fuel. Further, the catalyst accommodating portion 122 is provided with a stirring device (not shown).

The catalyst accommodating portion 122 is connected to the fuel tank 110 via the first connecting pipe 112. The first connecting pipe 112 is provided with an on-off valve 112a. Further, the catalyst accommodating portion 122 is connected to the reformed fuel tank 130, which will be described later, via the second connecting pipe 132. The second connecting pipe 132 is provided with an on-off valve 132a.

The heating unit 124 heats the inside of the catalyst housing unit 122 to the active temperature of the reforming catalyst (below the boiling point of the fuel (for example, 50 ° C. or lower)). The heating unit 124 is, for example, an electric heater.

The reformed fuel tank 130 stores the reformed fuel. The reformed fuel tank 130 stores, for example, reformed fuel of several tens of ml or more and several hundreds of ml or less.

The fuel supply unit 140 supplies one or both of the normal fuel stored in the fuel tank 110 and the reformed fuel stored in the reformed fuel tank 130 to the combustion chamber of the engine 150.

In the present embodiment, the fuel supply unit 140 includes a fuel supply pipe 142, an on-off valve 142a, a reformed supply pipe 144, and an on-off valve 144a. The fuel supply pipe 142 connects the fuel tank 110 and the engine 150 (injector). The on-off valve 142a is provided in the fuel supply pipe 142. The reforming supply pipe 144 connects the reforming fuel tank 130 and the engine 150 (injector). The on-off valve 144a is provided in the reforming supply pipe 144.

The central control unit 160 is composed of a semiconductor integrated circuit including a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The central control unit 160 reads a program, parameters, and the like for operating the CPU itself from the ROM. The central control unit 160 manages and controls the entire engine system 100 in cooperation with RAM as a work area and other electronic circuits.

The storage unit 170 is composed of a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, an HDD, and the like. The storage unit 170 holds programs and various data used by the central control unit 160. In this embodiment, the storage unit 170 holds a target composition map, reaction time information, and a correction map. The target composition map and reaction time information will be described below. The correction map will be described later.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a target composition map. As shown in FIG. 2, the target composition map shows the torque (output) required from the start of the engine 150 to the movement of a predetermined distance, the temperature of the intake air of the engine 150 (outside air temperature), and the target of the reformed fuel. Associated with composition. The target composition is a composition of fuel that does not cause residual liquid fuel or knock in the combustion chamber when the fuel is supplied to the combustion chamber at the time of starting the engine 150. Here, the composition indicates the average number of carbon atoms of the hydrocarbons constituting the fuel.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of reaction time information. As shown in FIG. 3, the reaction time information is associated with the contact time (reaction time) between the reforming catalyst and the normal fuel and the average carbon number of the fuel (normal fuel, reformed combustion). As shown in FIG. 3, according to the reaction time information, the longer the reaction time, the more the fuel reforming (cracking) progresses, and the average carbon number becomes smaller. The reaction time information is predetermined according to the type of the reforming catalyst housed in the catalyst housing part 122 of the catalyst reaction part 120.

Returning to FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the central control unit 160 functions as an information acquisition unit 210, a reforming execution unit 220, and a fuel supply switching unit 230.

The information acquisition unit 210 acquires prediction information including start time information, occupant number information, load capacity information, outside air temperature information, and composition information. The start time information is information indicating the schedule of the next start timing (start time) of the engine 150. The number of occupants information is information indicating the schedule of the number of occupants at the next start timing. The load capacity information is information indicating the load capacity schedule at the next start timing. The outside air temperature information is information indicating a predicted value of the outside air temperature at the next start timing. The composition information is information indicating the composition (average number of carbon atoms) of the normal fuel stored in the fuel tank 110.

In the present embodiment, the information acquisition unit 210 establishes communication with an information terminal (for example, a mobile information terminal) possessed by the driver of the vehicle, and acquires the driver's latest driving schedule. The driving schedule is associated with the scheduled start time of driving, the schedule of the number of occupants in the vehicle, and the schedule of the load capacity on the vehicle. The information acquisition unit 210 refers to the operation schedule and acquires start time information (scheduled operation start time), number of occupants information, and load capacity information.

In addition, the information acquisition unit 210 establishes communication with an external weather information server that holds the weather forecast information, and acquires the weather forecast information. The weather forecast information is information showing predicted values of atmospheric conditions such as air temperature (outside air temperature), weather, atmospheric pressure, wind direction, wind speed, and humidity in the area where the vehicle is located. Then, the information acquisition unit 210 acquires the outside air temperature information based on the weather forecast information and the start time information.

In addition, the information acquisition unit 210 establishes communication with the gas station that refueled last time and acquires composition information.

The reforming execution unit 220 calculates the reforming time Tk, which will be described later. The method of calculating the reforming time Tk by the reforming execution unit 220 will be described in detail later. Further, the reforming execution unit 220 connects a power receiving unit (not shown) to a commercial power source to drive the heating unit 124 and the stirring device. The reforming execution unit 220 controls the opening and closing of the on-off valves 112a and 132a. The power receiving unit may be powered from a commercial power source via a power cable, or may be non-contactly supplied from a commercial power source.

The fuel supply switching unit 230 adjusts the opening degree of the on-off valves 142a and 144a. When the outside air temperature is lower than the predetermined air temperature when the engine 150 is started, the fuel supply switching unit 230 opens the on-off valve 144a and closes the on-off valve 142a. The predetermined temperature is, for example, 0 ° C. As a result, when the outside air temperature is low, the reformed fuel is supplied to the engine 150 when the engine 150 is started. As described above, the reformed fuel has a lower boiling point than the normal fuel because it has a smaller molecule than the normal fuel. By supplying the reformed fuel to the engine 150 when the engine 150 is started, the engine system 100 avoids a situation in which the liquid fuel remains in the combustion chamber even in a cold region or the like where the outside air temperature is low. can do. Therefore, the engine system 100 can start the engine 150 in a short time without requiring a separate warm-up operation.

Then, when the fuel supply switching unit 230 runs out of reformed fuel stored in the reformed fuel tank 130, the drive of the engine 150 becomes stable, or a predetermined time elapses after the engine 150 starts, the on-off valve 142a Is opened, and the on-off valve 144a is closed.

Subsequently, the fuel reforming process by the central control unit 160 will be described. 4 to 6 are flowcharts showing the flow of the fuel reforming process according to the present embodiment. Further, in the present embodiment, the fuel reforming process is repeatedly performed by interrupts that occur at predetermined time intervals.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the fuel reforming process includes a stop determination process S110, a prediction information acquisition process S120, a schedule determination process S130, a start timing determination process S140, an unexpected temperature determination process S150, and a first reforming process. Process S160, start timer set process S170, remaining amount determination process S180, second reforming process S190, stopped determination process S200, reforming process execution determination process S210, start timer subtraction process S220, start timer determination process S230, weather Forecast information acquisition process S240, unexpected temperature determination process S250, first reforming process S260, start-up determination process S270, current outside air temperature determination process S280, reformed fuel supply process S290, reformed fuel supply determination process S300, switching The condition establishment determination process S310 and the normal fuel supply process S320 are included. Hereinafter, each process will be described in detail.

[Stop determination process S110]
The central control unit 160 determines whether or not the engine 150 is stopped. As a result, when it is determined that the engine 150 is stopped (YES in S110), the central control unit 160 shifts the process to the prediction information acquisition process S120. On the other hand, when it is determined that the engine 150 is not stopped (NO in S110), the central control unit 160 shifts the process to the stopped determination process S200 shown in FIG.

[Prediction information acquisition process S120]
The information acquisition unit 210 acquires forecast information (driving schedule, weather forecast information, composition information). If the operation schedule is not registered in the user's information terminal, the information acquisition unit 210 does not acquire the operation schedule.

[Schedule determination process S130]
The central control unit 160 determines whether or not the operation schedule has been acquired in the prediction information acquisition process S120. When it is determined that the operation schedule has been acquired (YES in S130), the central control unit 160 shifts the process to the start timing determination process S140. On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation schedule has not been acquired (NO in S130), the central control unit 160 shifts the process to the remaining amount determination process S180.

[Starting timing determination process S140]
The reforming execution unit 220 determines whether or not the time from the present to the next start timing is within the maximum reforming time based on the start time information acquired by referring to the operation schedule acquired in the prediction information acquisition process S120. To judge. The maximum reforming time is a predetermined time (for example, 1 hour) longer than the maximum value of the reforming time Tk calculated in the first reforming process S160 described later. As a result, when it is determined that the time from the present to the next start timing is within the maximum reforming time (YES in S140), the reforming execution unit 220 shifts the process to the unexpected temperature determination process S150. On the other hand, when it is determined that the time from the present to the next start timing is not within the maximum reforming time, that is, longer than the maximum reforming time (NO in S140), the reforming execution unit 220 performs the start timer set processing. The process is transferred to S170.

[Unexpected temperature determination process S150]
The information acquisition unit 210 is based on the start time information and the weather forecast information acquired by referring to the operation schedule acquired in the forecast information acquisition process S120, and the outside air temperature information (predicted value of the outside air temperature at the next start timing (unpredictable temperature). ) Is obtained. Then, the reforming execution unit 220 determines whether or not the unexpected air temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined air temperature (for example, 0 ° C.). As a result, when it is determined that the unexpected air temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined air temperature (YES in S150), the reforming execution unit 220 ends the fuel reforming process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the unexpected air temperature is not equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, that is, less than the predetermined temperature (NO in S150), the reforming execution unit 220 shifts the process to the first reforming process S160.

[First reforming process S160]
The reforming execution unit 220 calculates the reforming time Tk based on the operation schedule and composition information acquired in the prediction information acquisition process S120 and the outside air temperature information (unexpected air temperature) acquired in the unexpected temperature determination process S150. To do.

Specifically, the reforming execution unit 220 has the torque (output) required from the start of the engine 150 to the movement of a predetermined distance based on the occupant number information and the load capacity information acquired by referring to the operation schedule. Is calculated.

Then, the reforming execution unit 220 refers to the target composition map stored in the storage unit 170, and derives the target composition based on the acquired outside air temperature information and the calculated torque (see FIG. 2).

The reforming execution unit 220 refers to the reaction time information stored in the storage unit 170, and calculates the reforming time Tk based on the composition information acquired in the prediction information acquisition process S120 and the derived target composition. Specifically, the reforming execution unit 220 refers to the reaction time information, and the reforming time Tk, which is the reaction time from the average carbon number (composition information) of the normal fuel to the average carbon number of the target composition. Is calculated (see FIG. 3).

Then, the reforming execution unit 220 closes the on-off valve 132a and opens the on-off valve 112a for the first predetermined time. The first predetermined time is a time during which a required amount of normal fuel (for example, several hundred ml) is guided from the fuel tank 110 to the catalyst accommodating portion 122 from the start of the engine 150 to the elapse of the predetermined time.

Then, when the first predetermined time elapses, the reforming execution unit 220 closes the on-off valve 112a and drives the heating unit 124 and the stirring device. As a result, the normal fuel is reformed by the reforming catalyst housed in the catalyst housing unit 122. Then, when the reforming time Tk elapses after the heating by the heating unit 124 is started, or when the engine 150 is started, the reforming execution unit 220 stops the heating unit 124 and the stirring device, and the on-off valve. The valve of 132a is opened to end the fuel reforming process.

[Start timer set process S170]
The reforming execution unit 220 sets a value obtained by subtracting the maximum reforming time from the time from the present to the next start timing (time from the current to the next start timing-maximum reforming time) as the timer value of the start timer. Then, the process is transferred to the remaining amount determination process S180.

[Remaining amount determination process S180]
The reforming execution unit 220 determines whether or not the remaining amount of reformed fuel in the reforming fuel tank 130 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount is the minimum amount of reformed fuel (for example, several tens of ml) required for the initial explosion of the engine 150. As a result, when it is determined that the remaining amount of the reformed fuel is equal to or more than a predetermined amount (YES in S180), the reforming execution unit 220 ends the fuel reforming process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the remaining amount of the reformed fuel is not more than the predetermined amount, that is, less than the predetermined amount (NO in S180), the reforming execution unit 220 shifts the process to the second reforming process S190.

[Second reforming process S190]
The reforming execution unit 220 closes the on-off valve 132a and opens the on-off valve 112a for a second predetermined time. The second predetermined time is a time during which the minimum amount (predetermined amount) of normal fuel (for example, several tens of ml) required for the initial explosion of the engine 150 is guided from the fuel tank 110 to the catalyst accommodating portion 122.

Then, when the second predetermined time elapses, the reforming execution unit 220 closes the on-off valve 112a and drives the heating unit 124 and the stirring device. As a result, the normal fuel is reformed by the reforming catalyst housed in the catalyst housing unit 122. Then, when a third predetermined time elapses after the heating by the heating unit 124 is started, the reforming execution unit 220 stops the heating unit 124 and the stirring device, and opens the on-off valve 132a. The third predetermined time is preset in the ECU (Engine Control Unit) based on the specifications of the engine 150.

[Stopping determination process S200]
As shown in FIG. 5, the central control unit 160 determines whether or not the engine 150 is stopped. As a result, when it is determined that the engine 150 is stopped (YES in S200), the central control unit 160 shifts the process to the reforming process executing determination process S210. On the other hand, when it is determined that the engine 150 is not stopped (NO in S200), the central control unit 160 shifts the process to the start-time determination process S270 shown in FIG.

[Modification processing in progress determination processing S210]
The central control unit 160 determines whether or not the first reforming process S160 is being executed. As a result, when it is determined that the first reforming process S160 is being executed (YES in S210), the central control unit 160 ends the fuel reforming process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the first reforming process S160 is not being executed (NO in S210), the central control unit 160 shifts the process to the start timer subtraction process S220.

[Start timer subtraction process S220]
The central control unit 160 subtracts the timer value of the start timer.

[Start timer determination process S230]
The central control unit 160 determines whether or not the timer value of the start timer is zero. As a result, when it is determined that the timer value of the start timer is zero (YES in S230), the central control unit 160 shifts the process to the weather forecast information acquisition process S240. On the other hand, when it is determined that the timer value of the start timer is not zero (NO in S230), the central control unit 160 ends the fuel reforming process.

[Weather forecast information acquisition process S240]
The information acquisition unit 210 acquires weather forecast information.

[Unexpected temperature determination process S250]
The information acquisition unit 210 refers to the outside air temperature information (next start) based on the start time information acquired by referring to the operation schedule acquired in the prediction information acquisition process S120 and the weather forecast information acquired in the weather forecast information acquisition process S240. (Information indicating the predicted value (unexpected temperature) of the outside air temperature at the timing) is acquired. Then, the reforming execution unit 220 determines whether or not the unexpected air temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined air temperature (for example, 0 ° C.). As a result, when it is determined that the unexpected air temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined air temperature (YES in S250), the reforming execution unit 220 ends the fuel reforming process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the unexpected air temperature is not equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, that is, less than the predetermined temperature (NO in S250), the reforming execution unit 220 shifts the process to the first reforming process S260.

[First reforming process S260]
The reforming execution unit 220 calculates the reforming time Tk based on the operation schedule and composition information acquired in the prediction information acquisition process S120 and the outside air temperature information (unexpected air temperature) acquired in the unexpected temperature determination process S250. To do. Since the method of calculating the reforming time Tk by the reforming execution unit 220 is substantially the same as that of the first reforming process S160, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

Then, the reforming execution unit 220 closes the on-off valve 132a and opens the on-off valve 112a for the first predetermined time. When the first predetermined time elapses, the reforming execution unit 220 closes the on-off valve 112a and drives the heating unit 124 and the stirring device. Then, when the reforming time Tk elapses after the heating by the heating unit 124 is started, or when the engine 150 is started, the reforming execution unit 220 stops the heating unit 124 and the stirring device, and the on-off valve. The valve of 132a is opened to end the fuel reforming process.

[Starting determination process S270]
As shown in FIG. 6, the central control unit 160 determines whether or not the engine 150 is starting. As a result, when it is determined that the engine 150 is starting (YES in S270), the central control unit 160 shifts the process to the current outside air temperature determination process S280. On the other hand, when it is determined that the engine 150 is not started, that is, the engine 150 is being driven (NO in S270), the central control unit 160 shifts the process to the reformed fuel supply determination process S300.

[Current outside air temperature determination process S280]
The central control unit 160 determines whether or not the current outside air temperature detected by a temperature sensor (not shown) is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature (for example, 0 ° C.). As a result, when it is determined that the current outside air temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined air temperature (YES in S280), the central control unit 160 shifts the process to the reformed fuel supply determination process S300. On the other hand, when it is determined that the current outside air temperature is not equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, that is, less than the predetermined temperature (NO in S280), the central control unit 160 shifts the process to the reformed fuel supply process S290.

[Reformed fuel supply process S290]
The fuel supply switching unit 230 closes the on-off valve 142a and opens the on-off valve 144a.

[Reform fuel supply determination process S300]
The fuel supply switching unit 230 determines whether or not the reformed fuel is being supplied to the engine 150, that is, whether or not the on-off valve 142a is closed and the on-off valve 144a is opened. As a result, when it is determined that the reformed fuel is being supplied (YES in S300), the fuel supply switching unit 230 shifts the process to the switching condition establishment determination process S310. On the other hand, when it is determined that the reformed fuel is not being supplied (NO in S300), the fuel supply switching unit 230 shifts the process to the normal fuel supply process S320.

[Switching condition establishment determination process S310]
The fuel supply switching unit 230 determines whether or not a predetermined switching condition is satisfied. The switching condition is satisfied when the remaining amount of the reformed fuel tank 130 becomes zero. As a result, when it is determined that the switching condition is satisfied (YES in S310), the fuel supply switching unit 230 shifts the process to the normal fuel supply process S320. On the other hand, when it is determined that the switching condition is not satisfied (NO in S310), the fuel supply switching unit 230 shifts the process to the reformed fuel supply process S290.

[Normal fuel supply process S320]
The fuel supply switching unit 230 opens the on-off valve 142a and closes the on-off valve 144a.

As described above, the engine system 100 of the present embodiment executes the first reforming process S160 or the second reforming process S190 when the engine 150 is stopped. As a result, the engine system 100 can supply the reformed fuel to the combustion chamber when the engine 150 is started, even when the outside air temperature is low such as in a cold region. Therefore, the engine system 100 can avoid a situation in which liquid fuel remains in the combustion chamber when the engine 150 is started. Therefore, the engine system 100 can start the engine 150 in a short time.

Further, the engine system 100 executes the first reforming processes S160 and S260 based on the prediction information. As a result, the reformed fuel having the optimum composition can be supplied to the engine 150 (combustion chamber) from the start of the engine 150 until a predetermined time elapses. As a result, the engine system 100 can stably drive the engine 150 after the engine 150 is started.

Further, the engine system 100 may execute the second reforming process S190 when there is an operation schedule. As a result, the reformed fuel can be supplied to the combustion chamber of the engine 150 even when the engine 150 is unexpectedly started before the next start timing according to the operation schedule.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with various modifications or modifications within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. Will be done.

In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the prediction information includes the number of occupants information and the load capacity information is given as an example. However, the prediction information may include at least start time information, outside air temperature information, and composition information. Further, the prediction information may include road surface information indicating a prediction of the road surface condition at the next start timing. The road surface information is derived from the weather forecast information, the vehicle position information, and the start time information. Then, the central control unit 160 may calculate the torque (output) required from the start of the engine 150 to the movement of a predetermined distance based on the road surface information.

Further, in the above embodiment, the configuration in which the information acquisition unit 210 acquires composition information is given as an example. However, if the composition information of the normal fuel supplied by the gas station is substantially the same in the moving range of the vehicle (region, prefecture, state, country, etc.), the storage unit 170 may hold the composition information in advance.

Further, in the above embodiment, the configuration in which the information acquisition unit 210 establishes communication with an external terminal or server is given as an example. However, the information acquisition unit 210 may acquire prediction information in response to an operation input by the user.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the heating unit 124 is composed of an electric heater is given as an example. However, the heating unit 124 may be a mechanism for heating the inside of the catalyst accommodating portion 122 with the exhaust heat of the engine 150, or a mechanism for storing the exhaust heat of the engine 150 and heating the inside of the catalyst accommodating portion 122. For example, the heating unit 124 may be a mechanism for transferring the heat of the coolant to the catalyst housing unit 122.

Further, the fuel supply unit 140 may supply the reformed fuel not only when the engine 150 is started but also when the EGR gas is recirculated to the combustion chamber of the engine 150.

The present invention can be used in engine systems.

100 Engine system 110 Fuel tank 120 Catalytic reaction unit 140 Fuel supply unit

Claims (3)

A fuel tank that stores fuel and
A catalytic reaction unit that reforms the fuel into a reformed fuel having a predetermined composition determined based on predetermined prediction information.
At least a fuel supply unit that supplies the reformed fuel to the engine when the engine is started,
Engine system with. The engine system according to claim 1, wherein the catalytic reaction unit reforms the fuel when the engine is stopped and / or both of the engines are stopped. The prediction information is any one of information indicating the next start timing of the engine, information indicating a predicted value of the outside air temperature at the next start timing, and information indicating the composition of the fuel stored in the fuel tank. The engine system according to claim 1 or 2, which comprises one or more.

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