Micro Fuel Pumps for Small, Heavy Fuel Engines

A micro fuel injection system has been proposed to mix fuel and air directly in a combustion chamber quickly and in a controlled fashion to promote efficient and clean combustion. A system constituting of a high pressure fuel pump system, injector(s), distribution lines, injector drivers and control harness would support this micro fuel injection system. A novel pump design (using traditional elements) has been developed to support these fuel injector systems. Miniaturization of traditional fixed clearance pumps sized for the 5-200HP (30lb Thrust Class Inclusive) engine ranges has seen limited efforts. While high performance pumps exist, engine applications have not emphasized the need for miniaturization. Innovative engine technologies coupled with the high performance and small foot print needs of military and aerospace applications are driving the expansion of the technology envelope for optimized lower flow miniaturized pumps. Low flow/high pressure applications define a corner of the pump market that has been met through pump over sizing. This pump design is optimized for the aforementioned low flow applications. Particular attention has been paid to internal sealing, component tolerances, and performance optimization. Specifically, geometry considerations at the pump inlet allow for greater fill pressure and thereby higher altitude operations and performance.