Condensate Management Device for Turbocharged Engines

Abstract

The present application provides methods and systems for managing condensate within an inlet of a turbine. In one example, a method or system may include using a channel shape along a wall of the inlet. The channel shape transports the condensate to convey the condensate to an impeller or a rotor.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority of UK Patent Application No. 1712638.4, filed on August 7, 2017. The entire content of the above - mentioned application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Technical field

[0003] This specification generally relates to methods and systems for managing condensate entering a compressor of a turbocharger. Background art

[0004] Diesel engines and gasoline engines typically use turbochargers to increase the power output of the engine. The compressor of the turbocharger is used to force high - pressure air into the engine's intake port, thereby increasing the power output.

[0005] Reducing exhaust emissions from internal combustion engines is a common goal. Low - pressure exhaust gas recirculation (LP - EGR) systems are typically used to reduce emissions. These systems recirculate exhaust gas from the exhaust side of the engine downstream of the turbine of the turbocharger to the air inlet of the compressor of the turbocharger.

[0006] However, this recirculated exhaust gas typically contains a large amount of water vapor, especially under certain driving conditions, such as cold ambient temperature conditions with low engine load and low exhaust temperature. In such cases, the water vapor entrained in the EGR flow will cool below its dew point temperature and form condensate.

[0007] This condensate in the form of water droplets can be transported through the inlet pipe to the compressor of the turbocharger, which is used to supply air to the compressor of the turbocharger.

[0008] However, the inventors have recognized potential problems with such systems. As an example, water droplets entering the compressor will strike the rapidly rotating compressor impeller of the compressor, resulting in erosion of the compressor impeller. This erosion is greater around the periphery of the compressor impeller where the rotational speed is highest. Summary of the invention

[0009] In one example, the above problem can be solved by a condensate management device including at least one spiral guide located in the cavity of an inlet duct that defines an inlet flow path leading to a compressor of a turbocharger. Each spiral guide has a collection portion and a delivery portion. The collection portion has a uniform outer diameter that contacts the cavity of the inlet duct. The delivery portion is located between the collection portion and the compressor of the turbocharger and has an outer diameter that tapers toward the compressor of the turbocharger so as to deliver any condensate collected by the collection portion to a location at the center of the inlet duct and adjacent to the compressor of the turbocharger.

[0010] As an example, the guide will collect the condensate formed in the inlet. The condensate will travel to the delivery portion which is positioned such that the condensate will contact an internal portion of the compressor, such as a hub. The condensate impacting on the hub will cause less damage to the compressor compared to water droplets hitting the outer edge of the blades traveling at high speed. In an inlet without a condensate management device, the condensate can travel down the outer wall of the inlet to hit the outer edge of the compressor blades.

[0011] An object of the disclosed embodiments is to provide devices and methods for managing condensate flow entering a compressor of a turbocharger of an engine to minimize erosion of the compressor impeller of the compressor by the condensate.

[0012] Many embodiments of methods or devices for condensate management are possible. One such embodiment includes: each guide is arranged to capture and direct condensate formed on the wall of the inlet duct to the inlet of the compressor. Another embodiment includes: each guide is one of a V-shaped guide path and a U-shaped guide path having an open end facing away from the compressor of the turbocharger.

[0013] In the U-shaped guide path embodiment, the U-shaped guide path can be formed by a U-shaped guide member having an outlet end substantially located on the central longitudinal axis of the inlet duct and adjacent to the compressor of the turbocharger. Each U-shaped guide member can also define a spiral angle in the range of 100 degrees to 140 degrees relative to the central longitudinal axis of the inlet duct.

[0014] Further embodiments include a condensate device including at least one radial bracket for the guide. Still further embodiments include: the outer diameter of the condensate management device is greater than the diameter of the cavity of the inlet duct in which the condensate management device is to be installed at at least one location before inserting the condensate management device into the cavity of the inlet duct so as to hold the condensate management device in place during use.

[0015] Some embodiments also include a turbocharged engine system that includes: an engine; a turbocharger for the engine having a compressor and a turbine; a low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation loop for recirculating exhaust gas from a location downstream of the turbine of the turbocharger to a location upstream of the compressor; and a condensate management device located in the air flow path leading to the compressor and between a location where the air flowing to the compressor receives recirculated exhaust gas and the inlet of the compressor.

[0016] The compressor may have a compressor impeller having a plurality of blades supported by a central hub, and the condensate management device may be arranged to deliver any collected condensate to a location adjacent to the end of the hub of the compressor impeller.

[0017] It should be understood that the above summary is provided to introduce in a simplified form some concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify the key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is uniquely defined by the claims that follow the detailed description. Moreover, the claimed subject matter is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a motor vehicle having a turbocharged engine system that includes a condensate management device.

[0019] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the arrangement of the condensate management device in the air flow path leading to the compressor of the turbocharger.

[0020] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the condensate management device in the air flow path leading to the compressor of the turbocharger.

[0021] Figure 4A is Figures 1 to 3 a side view of the condensate management device shown, which shows a spiral condensate guiding member forming part of the condensate management device.

[0022] Figure 4B is Figure 4A a view in the direction of arrow V in Figure 4A which shows a radial support ring forming part of the condensate management device shown.

[0023] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the area "R" shown in FIG. 4.

[0024] Figure 6A and Figure 6BIt is a cross-sectional view through a guide for a condensate management device.

[0025] Figures 1 - 6B Shown generally to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following description relates to systems and methods for managing condensate in an inlet to a compressor. These systems and methods transport the collected condensate to locations on the compressor that will reduce damage. Many embodiments are possible. One embodiment includes a guide that transports condensate to a location near the hub of the compressor. Other embodiments include a guide having a U-shaped configuration with an open end facing away from the compressor. Further embodiments include a radial bracket that positions a delivery portion of the guide to transport condensate to a desired location.

[0027] Figure 1 A motor vehicle 1 is shown having a turbocharged engine system 50 that includes an internal combustion engine 10, a turbocharger 45, a low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation loop 14, and an electronic controller 20. As Figure 1 shown by arrow 2 therein, air enters the compressor 16 of the turbocharger 45 via an inlet passage in the form of a cylindrical inlet duct 4. Before entering the compressor 16, the air flows through the cavity 5 of the inlet duct 4 and through a condensate management device 30. After being compressed by the compressor 16, the air flows through an induction passage 6 into the cylinders of the engine 10. As shown by arrow 12, exhaust gases flow out of the engine 10 via an exhaust passage 11 to the turbine 17 of the turbocharger 45 and then are discharged to the atmosphere. Downstream of the turbine 17, exhaust gases are taken from the exhaust stream and are passed through an exhaust cooler 13 and an exhaust gas recirculation valve 25, which form part of a low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (LP-EGR) loop 14.

[0028] It should be understood that one or more aftertreatment devices will typically be present in the exhaust flow path from the engine 10 to the atmosphere, but these have been omitted from Figure 1 for the reason that they are not directly relevant to the present invention. For example, it is common practice to locate a particulate trap upstream of the entry location into the low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation loop to prevent particulate matter from being recirculated.

[0029] The electronic controller 20 is used to control the opening and closing of the exhaust gas recirculation valve 25 and is also used to control other operating functions of the turbocharged engine system 50, such as but not limited to: engine fuel supply, engine air supply, and ignition timing in the case of a spark-ignition engine.

[0030] Exhaust gas from the LP-EGR circuit 14 enters the inlet duct 4 at a location upstream of the condensate management device 30. The air and recirculated exhaust gas from the LP-EGR circuit 14 flow through the inlet duct 4, where entrained water vapor will tend to condense out on the relatively cold walls of the inlet duct 4.

[0031] Given the direction and magnitude of the air flow towards the compressor 16, a force is exerted on the condensate to cause it to migrate towards the compressor 16. However, due to the presence of the condensate management device 30 in the inlet duct 4, the condensate cannot flow directly along the lumen 5 of the inlet duct 4 into the compressor 16. The condensate is collected and guided by the guide members forming the condensate management device 30 so as to be conveyed to the compressor 16. The condensate is conveyed at a location substantially at the center of the inlet duct 4 at a position immediately upstream of the inlet of the compressor 16. Thus, the condensate impinges on the compressor impeller of the compressor 16 near the axis of rotation of the compressor impeller, where it will cause little erosion to the compressor impeller, especially little erosion to any blades.

[0032] Embodiments of the condensate management device 30 may exhibit features based on interaction with the air flow. The compressor inlet may be designed such that the air rotates as it travels towards the compressor. The condensate management device 30 may have a shape that interacts with this rotation. For example, the condensate management device 30 may rotate in the same direction as the direction in which the gas rotates as it travels through the inlet. Additionally, the angle of the condensate management device 30 relative to the longitudinal axis of the inlet may be selected to further induce rotation of the gas. Further still, the cross-sectional shape of the guide member 32 may be shaped to reduce friction with the flowing gas. One such embodiment may be a cross-sectional shape of the wall that overlaps the open end portion of the guide member 32 so as to minimize the contact area with the flowing gas.

[0033] Figure 2 Shows the arrangement of the condensate management device 30 within the inlet duct 4. The inlet duct 4 has a wall 9 defining a cylindrical lumen 5 that has an inlet end 5i through which air enters the inlet duct 4. A port 21 formed in the wall defining the inlet duct 4 is coupled to the outlet of the LP-EGR circuit 14 so as to introduce recirculated exhaust gas into the air flow flowing to the compressor 16 of the turbocharger 45.

[0034] The compressor 16 has a housing 22 defining a working chamber in which a compressor impeller 15 is rotatably mounted. The compressor impeller 15 includes a plurality of blades 18 mounted on a central hub 19. The compressor impeller 15 may be axial flow or centrifugal. The housing 22 defines an outlet 24 from the working chamber for connection to an air inlet of the engine 10, for example Figure 1The intake passage 6 shown. The housing 22 also defines an inlet 23 to the working chamber, and the inlet 23 communicates with the cavity 5 of the inlet duct 4.

[0035] The condensate management device 30 is installed within the cavity 5 of the inlet duct 4 such that the periphery of the condensate management device 30 is in close contact with the cavity 5 of the inlet duct 4 over a portion of its length (referred to as the collection portion (CP)). The collection portion (CP) can be substantially circular and have a uniform outer diameter so as to be conformal with the cavity 5 of the inlet duct 4 to which it is installed. Embodiments of the collection portion (CP) include one or more guides ( Figure 2 not shown in the figure) for directing condensed water vapor and the like towards the compressor 16 of the turbocharger 45.

[0036] The length of the condensate management device 30 and the various parts of the device can vary. In one embodiment, the condensate management device 30 can cover the minimum area of the cavity 5 in order to reduce friction with the gas traveling through the inlet. In other embodiments, the condensate management device 30 can be longer to maximize condensate collection.

[0037] The condensate management device 30 can include many different configurations. The shape of the guides can vary. Some of the embodiments described are helical, but other arrangements for collecting and transporting condensate are possible. For example, a simple oval is also possible, where the guide contacts the cavity 5. Guides 32 that contact cavities 5 of other shapes are also possible.

[0038] Embodiments of the end of the condensate management device 30 closest to the compressor 16 include a delivery portion (DP). The delivery portion (DP) extends towards the longitudinal central axis of the cavity 5 of the inlet duct 4. This positioning allows the delivery portion (DP) to deliver the condensate to a location where it will strike the impeller near the center of the compressor impeller. Embodiments of the delivery portion (DP) that include one or more guides can also be in a helical configuration, but converge towards the longitudinal central axis of the cavity 5 of the inlet duct 4 and towards the compressor 16. The guides in portions other than the delivery portion (DP) can have a relatively uniform diameter.

[0039] Other embodiments of the delivery portion (DP) have an outlet end positioned adjacent to the end face of the hub 19 of the compressor impeller 15. The outlet end is also positioned on or near the longitudinal central axis of the cavity 5 of the inlet duct 4. For example, the outlet end may be positioned within 10% of the cavity diameter from the longitudinal axis. This ensures that any condensate leaving the outlet end of the condensate management device 30 will primarily strike the hub 19 of the compressor impeller 15 rather than the blades 18. Compared to directly striking the blades 18, the condensate striking the hub 19 will only cause minor erosion of the hub 19. Thus, changing the impact location can significantly reduce erosion of the blades 18, particularly at the tips of the blades 18.

[0040] The condensate management device 30 can be fixed in the cavity 5 in a variety of ways. One embodiment includes holding the condensate management device 30 in place by the force generated when the condensate management device 30 is installed into the cavity 5 of the inlet duct 4. In such an embodiment, the outer diameter of the condensate management device 30 is greater than the diameter of the cavity 5 of the inlet duct 4 in which the condensate management device 30 is installed at at least one location before the condensate management device 30 is inserted into the cavity 5 of the inlet duct 4. This compression of the condensate management device 30 holds the condensate management device 30 in place during use. Other embodiments may include attachment by brackets or tabs that support the condensate management device 30.

[0041] Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 An alternative embodiment of the embodiment shown in. The port 21 is formed in another inlet duct 7 that is connected to the inlet duct 4 in use, rather than being formed in the wall that defines the inlet duct 4. The inlet duct 7 has a cavity 8 that is coaxially aligned with and cooperates with the cavity 5 of the inlet duct 4 in use. The cavity 8 also has substantially the same diameter as the inlet duct 4.

[0042] As another alternative example, the compressor 16 may have an extended housing that defines a cavity extending away from the working chamber, and the condensate management device 30 is fixed in the working chamber.

[0043] Figures 4A to 5 A proportionally enlarged view and more details of an embodiment of the condensate management device 30 are shown. The condensate management device 30 has a periphery that is in close contact with the cavity 5 of the inlet duct 4 in the collection portion (CP) of the guide. As previously described, embodiments of the collection portion (CP) may be substantially circular and have a uniform outer diameter to conform to the cavity 5 of the inlet duct 4 to which it is installed. Figure 4AThe embodiments of the collection portion (CP) depicted include a guide 32 having a helical shape for guiding condensate towards the compressor 16 of the turbocharger 45. Other embodiments may include a guide 32 shaped to conform to an inlet duct 4 that is not of a circular shape. In only one example, the inlet duct 4 may include a constriction that affects the swirl of the gas entering the compressor. The guide 32 of this example may have a shape that conforms to the constriction. In yet another example, the inlet duct 4 and the guide 32 may have an outer diameter that is substantially rectangular in shape.

[0044] Embodiments of the guide 32 may also have various cross-sectional shapes. One such embodiment has a substantially U-shaped cross-section having a pair of spaced-apart walls 33 connected together by a curved end wall 36. A U-shaped guide path 35 is for guiding condensate to the compressor 16 of the turbocharger 45. The open end of the U-shaped guide path 35 faces away from the compressor 16 of the turbocharger 35. Condensate is collected in the U-shaped guide path 35 and guided to the compressor 16. The condensate is collected along the wall of the relatively cold inlet duct 4. The airflow entering the compressor pushes the condensate along the wall of the inlet duct 4 towards the compressor. The guide 32 having a cross-section (such as the U-shaped guide path 35) contacts the cavity 5, and the condensate traveling along the cavity 5 is collected by the open end of the guide 32 facing away from the compressor. In this embodiment, the condensate is collected along the wall of the cavity 5 and travels along the guide positioned to contact the cavity 5. In other words, the condensate travels along the wall of the cavity 5 until it reaches a delivery portion (DP) extending towards the longitudinal axis of the compressor and the cavity. Thus, the condensate travels entirely within the diameter of the cavity 5 until it is delivered to the compressor.

[0045] Embodiments of the cross-sectional shape may be selected to collect condensate, but also to reduce friction with the gas traveling through the inlet. The cross-sectional width may vary to reduce friction or to maximize condensate collection. The cross-sectional shape may also be selected in this manner. For example, a U-shaped cross-section may cause less friction with the gas than a V-shaped cross-section. In a further example, the cross-sectional shape may be asymmetric, with one wall having a longer and curved shape to reduce friction with the flowing gas.

[0046] Embodiments of the guide 32 having a helical shape may be relative to the longitudinal central axis of the cavity 5 of the inlet duct 4 ( Figure 4AThe X-X) in it is arranged at a helix angle θ. An embodiment of the helix angle θ can be in the range of 100 degrees to 140 degrees. Other embodiments can have features with higher angles to reduce the friction between the guide 32 and the gas traveling through the inlet. This angle can also be selected to affect the rotation of the gas traveling through the inlet. The specific configuration of the guide 32 positioned along the cavity 5 can affect the flow of the gas traveling through the inlet. In an exemplary embodiment, the guide 32 with a high angle and shape can be selected to apply rotation to the gas in the rotational direction of the compressor. In other embodiments, the guide 32 can have a lower angle to maximize condensate collection.

[0047] An embodiment of the end of the condensate management device 30 closest to the compressor 16 includes a delivery portion (DP). The delivery portion (DP) includes a helically configured guide 32, but the guide 32 converges towards the compressor 16 and towards the longitudinal central axis X-X of the cavity 5 of the inlet duct 4 without having a uniform outer diameter. That is to say, the outer diameter tapers towards the compressor 16 of the turbocharger 45. It can also be said that the guide 32 has a decreasing helical shape.

[0048] An embodiment of the delivery portion (DP) has an outlet end 34 that is positioned adjacent to the end face of the hub 19 of the compressor impeller 15 and is substantially located on the central axis X-X of the cavity 5 of the inlet duct 4. The outlet end 34 is supported by a support 37 that includes a radially oriented portion 38 fastened to the end of the guide 32.

[0049] An embodiment of the outlet end 34 is positioned adjacent to the end face of the hub 19 of the compressor impeller 15 and is substantially located on the central axis X-X of the cavity 5. For example, the outlet end 34 can be positioned near the central axis X-X, within 10% of the diameter of the inlet duct 4. In another example, the outlet end can be positioned at the terminal of the inlet duct 4. In yet another example, the outlet end 34 can extend into the housing 22 to a minimum clearance above the hub 19.

[0050] These positioning embodiments ensure that any condensate leaving the outlet end 34 of the condensate management device 30 will mainly impact the hub 19 of the compressor impeller 15 rather than the blades 18. Changing the impact site greatly reduces the erosion of the blades 18 of the compressor impeller 15. It should be understood that due to the rotating hub 19, any condensate impacting the hub 19 will tend to move outwards. This outward flow along the blades 18 will have a very small erosion effect compared to the condensate impacting the blades 18.

[0051] Figure 6AA cross-section of an embodiment is shown that includes a guide 132 forming part of a condensate management device 130. The guide 132 defines a V-shaped guide path 135 having an open end facing away from the compressor of the turbocharger. Condensate is collected in the guide 132 and directed to the compressor. The condensate management device 130 including the guide 132 is similar to embodiments of the previously described condensate management devices and has a collection portion and a delivery portion. The condensate management device 130 can be installed in the cavity 5 of the inlet duct 4 that supplies air to the compressor of the turbocharger.

[0052] Reference Figure 6B , which shows a cross-section of an embodiment that includes a guide 232 forming part of a condensate management device 230. The guide 232 defines a V-shaped guide path 235 having an open end facing away from the compressor of the turbocharger. Condensate is collected in the guide 232 and directed to the compressor.

[0053] The condensate management device 230 including the guide 232 is similar to embodiments of the previously described condensate management devices and has a collection portion and a delivery portion. The condensate management device 230 is installed in the cavity 5 of the inlet duct 4 that supplies air to the compressor of the turbocharger.

[0054] Embodiments of the condensate management device include a guide that is used to direct condensate formed on a wall that defines a cavity of an inlet duct leading to a compressor impeller of a turbocharger, where the condensate will strike the hub of the compressor impeller at a central location rather than directly striking the blades of the compressor impeller. Thus, erosion of the blades is greatly reduced, and the reliability and lifespan of the compressor impeller are improved. Embodiments of these guides are easy to implement and have low production costs. The disclosed embodiments alleviate problems associated with condensate that can cause compressor damage. Condensate forms on and travels along the cavity of the inlet passage leading to the compressor impeller. Thus, collecting the condensate and transferring it to a safe location reduces destructive erosion of the compressor impeller.

[0055] Figures 1 - 6BAn example configuration showing the relative positioning of various components is presented. If shown as directly contacting or directly coupled to each other, these elements may be referred to as being in direct contact or direct coupling, respectively, at least in one example. Similarly, at least in one example, elements shown as adjacent or neighboring to each other may be adjacent or neighboring to each other, respectively. As an example, components that contact each other face-to-face may be referred to as having face-sharing contact. As another example, at least in one example, elements that are arranged separately from each other and have only space therebetween without other components may be so named. As yet another example, elements that are vertically opposite, laterally opposite, or left / right opposite to each other may be so referred to relative to each other. Additionally, as shown in the figure, at least in one example, the topmost element or point of an element may be referred to as the "top" of the component, and the bottommost element or point of an element may be referred to as the "bottom" of the component. As used herein, top / bottom, upper / lower, and above / below may be with respect to the vertical axis of the drawing and are used to describe the positioning of the elements of the drawing relative to each other. In this way, in one example, an element shown above other elements is positioned vertically above the other elements. As yet another example, the shapes of the elements depicted in the figure may be referred to as having those shapes (e.g., may be circular, straight, planar, curved, annular, chamfered, angular, etc.). Additionally, at least in one example, elements shown as crossing each other may be referred to as crossing elements or as crossing each other. Further, in one example, an element shown inside another element or outside another element may be so referred to.

[0056] It should be understood that the configurations and procedures disclosed herein are exemplary in nature and that these specific embodiments should not be considered limiting in a restrictive sense, as many variations are possible. For example, the above techniques may be applied to V-6, I-4, I-6, V-12, opposed 4-cylinder, and other engine types. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of various systems and configurations, as well as other features, functions, and / or characteristics disclosed herein.

[0057] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the term "about" is interpreted to mean ±5% of the stated range.

[0058] The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and sub - combinations regarded as novel and non - obvious. These claims may refer to "an" element or "a first" element or their equivalents. These claims should be understood to cover combinations of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor precluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and sub - combinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and / or characteristics may be claimed by modifying these claims or by presenting new claims in this or a related application. These claims, whether broader, narrower, the same, or different in scope from the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A condensate management device for a turbocharger, which comprises: at least one spiral guide, each spiral guide extending along the inner circumference of the cavity of the inlet duct, the inlet duct defining an inlet flow path leading to the compressor, each spiral guide having: a collection portion having a uniform outer diameter in contact with the cavity of the inlet duct; and a conveying portion for conveying any condensate collected by the collection portion, the conveying portion being located between the collection portion and the compressor of the turbocharger, the conveying portion having a spiral shape, the outer diameter of the conveying portion decreasing as each spiral guide extends away from the inner circumference of the cavity and towards the compressor of the turbocharger, and the conveying portion having an outlet end which is positioned at the central position of the inlet duct and abuts against the part of the compressor of the turbocharger.

2. The condensate management device according to claim 1, wherein the collection portion has a spiral shape and wherein the collection portion has a larger diameter than the diameter of the conveying portion.

3. The condensate management device according to claim 1, wherein the collection portion and the conveying portion of each spiral guide form a U-shaped guide path facing away from the compressor.

4. The condensate management device according to claim 3, wherein the U-shaped guide path is formed by a U-shaped guide member and the outlet end is located on the central longitudinal axis of the inlet duct.

5. The condensate management device according to claim 4, wherein the outlet end extends away from the inner circumference of the cavity, and wherein a bracket extends radially inwards from the inner circumference of the cavity to support the outlet end of each spiral guide.

6. The condensate management device according to claim 5, wherein each U-shaped guide member defines a spiral angle in the range of 100 degrees to 140 degrees relative to the central longitudinal axis of the inlet duct.

7. The condensate management device according to claim 1, wherein when inserted into the cavity of the inlet duct, the outer diameter of the condensate management device is compressed and this compression holds the condensate management device in place.

8. The condensate management device according to claim 1, wherein each spiral guide defines a V-shaped guide path.

9. A turbocharged engine system, which comprises: an engine, a turbocharger having a compressor and a turbine, a low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation circuit for recirculating exhaust gas from a position downstream of the turbine of the turbocharger to a position upstream of the compressor, and the condensate management device according to any one of claims 1-8, which is located in the air flow path leading to the compressor and is between the position where the air receiving the recirculated exhaust gas flows towards the compressor and the inlet of the compressor.

10. The turbocharged engine system according to claim 9, wherein the compressor has a compressor impeller having a plurality of blades supported by a central hub, and the condensate management device is arranged to deliver any collected condensate to a location adjacent to the end of the hub of the compressor impeller.

11. A condensate management device, which comprises: a guide member located in a cavity at the inlet of the compressor, the guide member facing the compressor and extending along the inner circumference of the cavity, the guide member having two walls and an open end facing away from the compressor; and the guide member includes a delivery portion having a spiral shape, and an outer diameter of the delivery portion decreases as the guide member extends away from the inner circumference of the cavity and towards the longitudinal axis of the inlet and the compressor.

12. The condensate management device according to claim 11, wherein the guide member includes a collection portion having a spiral shape.

13. The condensate management device according to claim 12, wherein a bracket extends radially inwards from the inner circumference of the cavity to support an outlet end of the delivery portion.

14. The condensate management device according to claim 11, wherein an outer diameter of the guide member is compressed when inserted into the cavity, and the compression holds the condensate management device in place.

15. The condensate management device according to claim 11, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the guide member is asymmetrical.

16. A method for collecting and delivering condensate to a compressor, which comprises: collecting condensate in the inlet of the compressor using a guide member having an open end facing away from the compressor; and delivering the condensate to the compressor via the guide member, the guide member having a delivery portion extending along the inner circumference of the cavity and towards the compressor, and a diameter of the delivery portion decreasing as the guide member extends away from contact with the cavity and towards the longitudinal axis of the inlet and the compressor.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein gas passing through the inlet is rotated by the guide member.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the gas rotates in the same direction as the compressor.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the condensate is released onto the hub of the compressor by an outlet end of the guide member.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the outlet end of the guide member extends away from the wall of the cavity towards the longitudinal axis of the cavity and the hub of the compressor.

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