Direct Injection Systems for Improved Performance, Durability, and Economy

Kinetic BEI, LLC. proposes a dual path approach to fulfilling the need for a direct injected heavy fuel delivery system for engines under 200 Hp. The primary focus will be to advance the Miniature CI Fuel Injection System, a system whose individual components have been demonstrated in on-engine testing in a laboratory environment. The new system will integrate the next generation Miniature CI Injector, CI Fuel Pump and a small commercially-available engine control unit. This advanced system will reduce both size and weight, be capable of achieving even higher pressure operation (1,000 bar), and demonstrate improved performance and durability. Efforts to reduce engine knock will be incorporated throughout the program. Injection cycle frequency and droplet size will be explored through Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis. Small orifice manufacturing will be researched to facilitate the necessary fine atomization of heavy fuels required within the target applications. The effort will also include research into alternate fuel injector functionality methods including Piezo and direct needle actuation. The Phase I effort will focus on design and research, while the Phase II effort will produce prototype hardware for on-engine laboratory testing.