Zhejiang Geely Holding Group has been granted a patent for an internal combustion engine assembly that integrates a fuel tank, reformer unit, and evaporators. The design utilizes exhaust gases for steam reforming of alcohol, supplying hydrogen to the engine’s cylinders, enhancing fuel efficiency and emissions management. GlobalData’s report on Zhejiang Geely Holding Group gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, HEV energy management was a key innovation area identified from patents. Zhejiang Geely Holding Group's grant share as of July 2024 was 69%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Hydrogen fuel internal combustion engine assembly with reformer unit

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co Ltd

The patent US12071916B2 describes an innovative internal combustion engine assembly designed to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions through a steam reforming process. The assembly includes a fuel tank connected to multiple cylinders, which are linked to an exhaust system. Exhaust gases from this system are utilized in a heat exchange with a reformer unit that converts alcohol into hydrogen. The assembly features an alcohol evaporator and a water evaporator, both of which are in heat exchange contact with the exhaust gases, facilitating the supply of alcohol and water steam to the reformer unit. Additionally, a reformer purge duct allows for the introduction of exhaust gases into the reformer, further optimizing the fuel reforming process.

The patent also outlines a method for operating the engine assembly, which includes a start sequence that initiates combustion in the cylinders and subsequently opens the purge control valve to allow exhaust gases to flow through the reformer unit. This process is designed to produce alcohol and water steam until specific pressure thresholds are met, after which the system transitions to a fuel reforming phase. A stop sequence is also detailed, which involves ceasing the supply of ethanol and water to the reformer, followed by purging the system with exhaust gases to eliminate residual oxygen. This comprehensive approach aims to improve the overall efficiency and environmental performance of internal combustion engines by integrating advanced fuel reforming techniques.

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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.