Mounting unit for a turbocharger arrangement for a reciprocating internal combustion engine, turbocharger arrangement, and reciprocating internal combustion engine

Abstract

A mounting unit (1, 1') for a turbocharger arrangement for a reciprocating internal combustion engine is provided as a single rigid structure formed by at least a mounting base (6), a hot low-pressure air passage (2), a cold low-pressure air passage (3), a hot high-pressure air passage (4), and a cold high-pressure air passage (5). At least a low-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port (2a) and a high-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port (4a) are arranged at the mounting base (6), so that a low-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet (8b) and a high-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet (10b) can be directly connected thereto, respectively, thereby physically mounting the turbochargers (8, 10) simultaneously to the mounting unit (1). The invention also relates to a turbocharger arrangement (10) and a reciprocating internal combustion engine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a turbocharger associated with a reciprocating internal combustion piston engine, and more particularly to a mounting unit for such a turbocharger. The present disclosure also relates to a turbocharger arrangement and a reciprocating internal combustion piston engine utilizing such a mounting unit. Background Art

[0002] Turbochargers are commonly used with reciprocating internal combustion piston engines to increase the amount of intake air available for combustion in the combustion cylinders. Briefly, a turbocharger comprises a turbine rotationally coupled to a compressor such that the turbine, driven by the exhaust, drives the compressor to supercharge the intake air flow.

[0003] Additionally, arrangements with more than one turbocharger coupled in series (ie, in series) are known for further increasing the pressure of the boosted intake air. It is also known to use more than one turbocharger coupled in parallel to increase the flow rate of the boosted intake air.

[0004] However, increasing the number of turbochargers increases the amount of piping required, which generally results in a more complex structure, making assembly and maintenance of the turbochargers and their associated piping more difficult. In addition, access to any components near the turbochargers and their associated piping also becomes more limited, further hindering assembly and maintenance of the associated engine. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting unit, a turbocharger arrangement equipped with such a mounting unit and a reciprocating internal combustion piston engine equipped with such a turbocharger arrangement in order to alleviate the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0006] The objects of the present disclosure are achieved by a mounting unit, a turbocharger arrangement and a reciprocating internal combustion piston engine, which are characterized by what is stated in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0007] The present disclosure is based on the concept of providing a mounting unit as a single rigid structure formed by at least a mounting base, a hot low-pressure air passage, a cold low-pressure air passage, a hot high-pressure air passage, and a cold high-pressure air passage. Furthermore, at least the low-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port and the high-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port are arranged on the mounting base so that the low-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet and the high-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet, respectively, can be directly coupled to the outlet ports, thereby mounting the low-pressure turbocharger and the high-pressure turbocharger to the mounting unit. In other words, the mounting unit enables the low-pressure turbocharger and the high-pressure turbocharger to be rigidly attached to the mounting unit while simultaneously enabling fluid communication between the hot low-pressure air passage and the low-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet, and fluid communication between the hot high-pressure air passage and the high-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet.

[0008] As a result, a simpler structure for the associated turbocharger arrangement and engine is achieved, as less piping is required. This in turn translates into improved access to or near the turbocharger, thereby facilitating assembly and / or maintenance.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a mounting unit for a turbocharger arrangement of a reciprocating internal combustion engine.

[0010] In the context of this disclosure, the terms low pressure and high pressure are used relative to each other. That is, a low-pressure entity is intended to be associated with a lower pressure than the corresponding high-pressure entity. In a similar manner, the terms "hot" and "cold" are also used relative to each other. That is, a cold entity is intended to be associated with a lower temperature than the corresponding hot entity. For example, a hot low-pressure air channel is intended to be associated with airflow at a relatively higher temperature and lower pressure than a cold high-pressure air channel.

[0011] The mounting unit includes a longitudinally extending hot low-pressure air passage. The hot low-pressure air passage further includes a low-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port for providing fluid communication between the low-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet and the hot low-pressure air passage. The hot low-pressure air passage also includes a low-pressure heat exchanger inlet port for providing fluid communication between the hot low-pressure air passage and a low-pressure heat exchanger inlet. For example, either or both of the low-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port and the low-pressure heat exchanger inlet port may be configured as corresponding flanges associated with the associated air passage.

[0012] The mounting unit also includes a longitudinally extending cold low-pressure air passage. The cold low-pressure air passage further includes a low-pressure heat exchanger outlet port for providing fluid communication between the low-pressure heat exchanger outlet and the cold low-pressure air passage. The cold low-pressure air passage also includes a high-pressure turbocharger compressor inlet port for providing fluid communication between the cold low-pressure air passage and the high-pressure turbocharger compressor inlet. For example, either or both of the low-pressure heat exchanger outlet port and the high-pressure turbocharger compressor inlet port may be configured as flanges associated with the associated air passage.

[0013] The mounting unit also includes a longitudinally extending hot high-pressure air passage. The hot high-pressure air passage further includes a high-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port for providing fluid communication between the high-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet and the hot high-pressure air passage. The hot high-pressure air passage also includes a high-pressure heat exchanger inlet port for providing fluid communication between the hot high-pressure air passage and a high-pressure heat exchanger inlet. For example, either or both of the high-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port and the high-pressure heat exchanger inlet port may be configured as flanges associated with the associated air passage.

[0014] The mounting unit also includes a longitudinally extending cold high-pressure air passage. The cold high-pressure air passage further includes a high-pressure heat exchanger outlet port for providing fluid communication between the high-pressure heat exchanger outlet port and the cold high-pressure air passage. The cold high-pressure air passage also includes a charge air supply port for providing fluid communication between the cold high-pressure air passage and the charge air inlet port of the associated engine. For example, either or both of the high-pressure heat exchanger outlet port and the charge air supply port for porting can be configured as flanges associated with the associated air passage.

[0015] The mounting unit further comprises a mounting base for connecting at least the low-pressure turbocharger and the high-pressure turbocharger to the mounting unit, most suitably in a rigid manner.

[0016] In particular, at least the mounting base, the hot low-pressure air channel, the cold low-pressure air channel, the hot high-pressure air channel, and the cold high-pressure air channel are provided as a single rigid structure. For example, the mounting unit may be cast as a single piece, which is subsequently machined to obtain planar surfaces (e.g., the mounting base and the ports) where necessary.

[0017] Most suitably, the air channels are arranged parallel to each other and adjacent to each other in a first transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. The mounting base is further arranged on a side of the mounting unit in a second transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and transverse to the first transverse direction. Preferably, the mounting base is arranged on the top side of the mounting unit when in use.

[0018] Furthermore, at least a low-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port and a high-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port are arranged at the mounting base.

[0019] In this way, the mechanical attachment of the low-pressure turbocharger and the high-pressure turbocharger and the fluid communication between the outlet ports of the turbochargers and their corresponding air passages are achieved simultaneously.In addition, as the air passages are combined in the mounting unit, a less complex physical structure is achieved.

[0020] In an embodiment according to the first aspect, the mounting unit is directly couplable to an identical second mounting unit, such that, when coupled, fluid communication is achieved between the corresponding air passages of the mounting unit and the second mounting unit. That is, when coupled, fluid communication is achieved between the corresponding hot low-pressure air passages, cold low-pressure air passages, and hot high-pressure air passages and the cold high-pressure air passages of the first and second mounting units.

[0021] Most suitably, the hot low-pressure air passage, the cold low-pressure air passage, the hot high-pressure air passage, and the cold high-pressure air passage can be arranged parallel to one another, such that at least one longitudinal end, and preferably both longitudinal ends, of the air passage are configured to be directly coupled to the longitudinal ends of corresponding air passages of the same second mounting unit. In this arrangement, the corresponding air passages of the mounting unit and the second mounting unit form a continuous longitudinal air passage when coupled. This enables the mounting units to be attached to one another to form air passages of a desired length, and increases the number of low-pressure turbochargers and high-pressure turbochargers to achieve the desired mass flow rate without further complicating the required piping.

[0022] In an embodiment according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, at least the low-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port, the high-pressure turbocharger compressor inlet port, and the high-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port are arranged on the same side of the mounting unit relative to the air passage. Thus, coupling the high-pressure turbocharger to its corresponding air passage can be accomplished simultaneously with physically mounting the high-pressure turbocharger to the mounting base of the mounting unit.

[0023] In an embodiment according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, one or more, and preferably all, of the low-pressure heat exchanger inlet port, the low-pressure heat exchanger outlet port, the high-pressure heat exchanger inlet port, and the high-pressure heat exchanger outlet port are arranged at the longitudinal ends of their associated air passages. This ensures that the input or output of a low-pressure or high-pressure heat exchanger can be coupled to its associated air passage at a longitudinal end of the mounting unit. This is particularly advantageous because even an assembly of multiple mounting units will always have a free end to which a heat exchanger can be coupled.

[0024] Preferably, but not necessarily, an additional low-pressure heat exchanger inlet port for providing fluid communication between the hot low-pressure air passage and the low-pressure heat exchanger inlet may be arranged on a side of the mounting unit opposite the mounting base in the second lateral direction relative to the air passage. Most suitably, when used, such an additional port may be provided at the bottom of the mounting unit.

[0025] Preferably, but not necessarily, an additional low-pressure heat exchanger outlet port for providing fluid communication between the low-pressure heat exchanger outlet and the cold low-pressure air passage may be arranged on a side of the mounting unit opposite the mounting base in the second lateral direction relative to the air passage. Most suitably, when in use, such an additional port may be provided at the bottom of the mounting unit.

[0026] Preferably, but not necessarily, an additional high-pressure heat exchanger inlet port for providing fluid communication between the hot high-pressure air passage and the high-pressure heat exchanger inlet may be arranged on a side of the mounting unit opposite the mounting base in the second lateral direction relative to the air passage. Most suitably, when used, such an additional port may be provided at the bottom of the mounting unit.

[0027] Preferably, but not necessarily, an additional high-pressure heat exchanger outlet port for providing fluid communication between the high-pressure heat exchanger outlet and the cold high-pressure air passage may be arranged on a side of the mounting unit opposite the mounting base in the second lateral direction relative to the air passage. Most suitably, when used, such an additional port may be provided at the bottom of the mounting unit.

[0028] In an embodiment according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the low-pressure hot air passage and the low-pressure cold air passage are arranged adjacent to each other, and the high-pressure hot air passage and the high-pressure cold air passage are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0029] In an embodiment according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the low-pressure hot air channel and the high-pressure hot air channel are arranged in close proximity to each other.

[0030] In an embodiment according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the high-pressure cold air passage is arranged at a laterally outermost side relative to the remaining air passages.

[0031] It should be noted that the first aspect of the present invention covers any combination of two or more embodiments as discussed above or variations thereof.

[0032] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a turbocharger device for a reciprocating internal combustion piston engine is provided. As described above, the turbocharger device includes a first mounting unit that is the mounting unit according to any part of the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0033] The turbocharger arrangement further includes a first low-pressure turbocharger. The first low-pressure turbocharger further includes a compressor inlet that is connectable to the air supply. The first low-pressure turbocharger also includes a compressor outlet that is directly connected to the low-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port of the first mounting unit. Furthermore, the first low-pressure turbocharger is mounted to the first mounting unit at its mounting base.

[0034] The turbocharger device also includes a first low-pressure heat exchanger. The first low-pressure heat exchanger further includes an inlet coupled to the low-pressure heat exchanger inlet port of the first mounting unit. The first low-pressure heat exchanger also includes an outlet coupled to the low-pressure heat exchanger outlet port of the first mounting unit. In addition, the first low-pressure heat exchanger is configured to cool the low-pressure airflow between its inlet and outlet. For example, either or both of the first low-pressure heat exchanger inlet and outlet can be directly coupled to the low-pressure heat exchanger inlet port and the low-pressure heat exchanger outlet port of the first mounting unit, respectively. In addition, either or both of the low-pressure heat exchanger inlet and outlet ports can be arranged at the longitudinal ends of the first mounting unit. If necessary, additional low-pressure heat exchangers can naturally be provided.

[0035] The turbocharger arrangement further includes a first high-pressure turbocharger. The first high-pressure turbocharger further includes a compressor inlet coupled to the high-pressure turbocharger compressor inlet port of the first mounting unit. The first high-pressure turbocharger also includes a compressor outlet directly coupled to the high-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port of the first mounting unit. Furthermore, the first high-pressure turbocharger is mounted to the first mounting unit at its mounting base.

[0036] The turbocharger device also includes a first high-pressure heat exchanger. The first high-pressure heat exchanger further includes an inlet coupled to the high-pressure heat exchanger inlet port of the first mounting unit. The first high-pressure heat exchanger also includes an outlet coupled to the high-pressure heat exchanger outlet port of the first mounting unit. In addition, the first high-pressure heat exchanger is configured to cool the high-pressure airflow between its inlet and outlet. For example, the first high-pressure heat exchanger can be directly coupled to either or both of the high-pressure heat exchanger inlet port and outlet port of the first mounting unit. In addition, either or both of the high-pressure heat exchanger inlet port and outlet port can be arranged at the longitudinal ends of the first mounting unit. If necessary, additional high-pressure heat exchangers can naturally be provided.

[0037] In an embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure or any variation thereof, the first mounting unit is configured as a mounting unit, wherein, when the first mounting unit and the second mounting unit are connected, the air channel of the first mounting unit forms a continuous longitudinal air channel together with the corresponding air channel of the second mounting unit, as discussed in more detail above.

[0038] The turbocharger arrangement may further comprise a second mounting unit, which is also arranged as a mounting unit according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure or any variant thereof, wherein, when the first mounting unit and the second mounting unit are coupled, the air passage of the first mounting unit together with the corresponding air passage of the second mounting unit forms a continuous longitudinal air passage, as discussed in more detail above.

[0039] In particular, the second mounting unit is coupled to the first mounting unit through longitudinal ends of corresponding air passages of the first mounting unit and the second mounting unit, respectively, so that the corresponding air passages of the first mounting unit and the second mounting unit form a continuous longitudinal air passage.

[0040] The turbocharger arrangement may further include a second low-pressure turbocharger. The second low-pressure turbocharger further includes a compressor inlet that is connectable to the air supply. The second low-pressure turbocharger also includes a compressor outlet that is directly connected to the low-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port of the second mounting unit. Furthermore, the second low-pressure turbocharger is mounted to the second mounting unit at its mounting base.

[0041] The turbocharger arrangement may further include a second high-pressure turbocharger. The second high-pressure turbocharger further includes a compressor inlet coupled to the high-pressure turbocharger compressor inlet port of the second mounting unit. The second high-pressure turbocharger further includes a compressor outlet directly coupled to the high-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port of the second mounting unit. Furthermore, the second high-pressure turbocharger is mounted to the second mounting unit at its mounting base.

[0042] The turbocharger device may, but is not necessarily, further include a second low-pressure heat exchanger. The second low-pressure heat exchanger further includes an inlet coupled to the low-pressure heat exchanger inlet port of the second mounting unit. The second low-pressure heat exchanger also includes an outlet coupled to the low-pressure heat exchanger outlet port of the second mounting unit. In addition, the second low-pressure heat exchanger is configured to cool the low-pressure airflow between its inlet and outlet. For example, the second low-pressure heat exchanger can be directly coupled to either or both of the low-pressure heat exchanger inlet port and outlet port of the second mounting unit. In addition, either or both of the low-pressure heat exchanger inlet port and outlet port can be arranged at the longitudinal end of the second mounting unit.

[0043] The turbocharger device may, but is not necessarily, further include a second high-pressure heat exchanger. The second high-pressure heat exchanger further includes an inlet coupled to the high-pressure heat exchanger inlet port of the second mounting unit. The second high-pressure heat exchanger also includes an outlet coupled to the high-pressure heat exchanger outlet port of the second mounting unit. In addition, the second high-pressure heat exchanger is configured to cool the high-pressure airflow between its inlet and outlet. For example, the second high-pressure heat exchanger can be directly coupled to either or both of the high-pressure heat exchanger inlet port and outlet port of the second mounting unit. In addition, either or both of the high-pressure heat exchanger inlet port and outlet port can be arranged at the longitudinal ends of the second mounting unit.

[0044] It should be noted that the second aspect of the present invention covers any combination of two or more embodiments as discussed above or variations thereof.

[0045] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a reciprocating internal combustion engine is provided. The engine includes a turbocharger arrangement according to the second aspect of the present disclosure. In particular, the charge air supply port of either or both of the first mounting unit and the second mounting unit is coupled to a charge air inlet of the engine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in more detail by way of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0047] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a mounting unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, as a perspective view seen from one side with a mounting base.

[0048] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating a plurality of mounting units coupled to each other according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, as a perspective view seen from a side with a mounting base.

[0049] Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 , as seen from the side opposite to the mounting base.

[0050] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a turbocharger arrangement according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Figure 1The mounting unit 1 shown in the figure includes a hot low-pressure air channel 2, a cold low-pressure air channel 3, a hot high-pressure air channel 4, and a cold high-pressure air channel 5, all of which have a tubular cross-sectional shape and extend longitudinally and parallel to each other. The air channels 2, 3, 4, and 5 are arranged parallel to each other and are arranged adjacent to each other in a first transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. The mounting unit also includes a mounting base 6 for attaching at least a low-pressure turbocharger and a high-pressure turbocharger to the mounting unit. The mounting base 6 is arranged on one side of the mounting unit 1 in a second transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and transverse to the first transverse direction.

[0052] Specifically, the mounting base 6, the hot low-pressure air passage 2, the cold low-pressure air passage 3, the hot high-pressure air passage 4, and the cold high-pressure air passage 5 are arranged as a single rigid structure. The air passages 2, 3, 4, and 5 are arranged parallel to each other and adjacent to each other in a first transverse direction that is transverse to the longitudinal direction. The mounting base 6 is disposed on one side of the mounting unit 1 along a second transverse direction that is transverse to the longitudinal direction and the first transverse direction.

[0053] The hot low-pressure air passage 2 has a low-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port 2a provided at the mounting base 6. The hot low-pressure air passage 2 also has two opposite longitudinal ends 2c, 2d, each having a flanged annular end surface, either of which can be used as a low-pressure heat exchanger inlet port 2b.

[0054] The cold low-pressure air passage 3 has two opposing longitudinal ends 3c, 3d, each having a flanged annular end surface, either of which can serve as a low-pressure heat exchanger outlet port 3a. The cold low-pressure air passage 3 also has a high-pressure turbocharger compressor inlet port 3b, which is provided on the same side of the mounting unit 1 as the mounting base 6 and is separate from the mounting base 6.

[0055] The hot high-pressure air passage 4 has a high-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port 4a provided at the mounting base 6. The hot high-pressure air passage 4 also has two opposite longitudinal ends 4c, 4d, each having a flanged annular end surface, either of which can be used as a high-pressure heat exchanger inlet port 4b.

[0056] The cold high-pressure air passage 5 has two opposite longitudinal ends 5c, 5d, each of which has a flanged annular end surface, either of which can be used as a high-pressure heat exchanger outlet port 5a. The cold high-pressure air passage 5 also has a pressurized air supply port 5b, which extends from the associated air passage 5 in a first transverse direction at an angle relative to the first transverse direction. Figure 1In the embodiment, the high-pressure cold air channel 5 is arranged laterally outermost (ie, in the first lateral direction) relative to the remaining air channels 2, 3, 4, while the low-pressure hot air channel 2 and the high-pressure hot air channel 4 are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0057] Figure 2 Shows the connection between Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a plurality of mounting units, as seen in perspective from the side with a mounting base, showing the charge air supply port 5b. In particular, the device has a mounting unit 1 which is coupled at each of its longitudinal ends to an identical mounting unit 1'.

[0058] In particular, the hot low-pressure air passage 2 is coupled at its two longitudinal ends 2c, 2d to corresponding longitudinal ends 2c', 2d' of the corresponding low-pressure air passage 2' to form a continuous longitudinal hot low-pressure air passage 2', 2, 2'.

[0059] In a similar manner, the cold low-pressure air channel 3 is coupled at its two longitudinal ends 3c, 3d to corresponding longitudinal ends 3c', 3d' of a corresponding cold low-pressure air channel 3' to form a continuous longitudinal hot low-pressure air channel 3', 3, 3'.

[0060] In a similar manner, the hot high-pressure air passage 4 is coupled at its two longitudinal ends 4c, 4d to corresponding longitudinal ends 4c', 4d' of the corresponding hot high-pressure air passage 4' to form continuous longitudinal hot high-pressure air passages 4', 4'.

[0061] In a similar manner, the cold high-pressure air passage 5 is coupled at its two longitudinal ends 5c, 5d to corresponding longitudinal ends 5c', 5d' of the corresponding cold high-pressure air passage 5' to form continuous longitudinal cold high-pressure air passages 5', 5, 5'.

[0062] Figure 3 The side of the mounting unit 1 ', 1, 1 ' opposite to the mounting base 6 ', 6, 6 is shown. Figure 2 In particular, Figure 3 The cold low-pressure air passages 3', 3', 3' are shown as also being equipped with additional low-pressure heat exchanger outlet ports 3e', 3e, 3e', provided on the side of the respective mounting units 1', 1', 1' opposite the mounting base 6', 6, 6'. Similarly, the cold high-pressure air passages 5', 5', 5' are equipped with additional high-pressure heat exchanger outlet ports 5e', 5e, 5e'. It should be noted that such additional ports can also be provided on a single mounting unit 1, even without being attached to one another.

[0063] Figure 4A schematic diagram of a turbocharger arrangement according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, it illustrates how the hot low-pressure air passages 2, 2' of the first and second mounting units 1, 1' are coupled together at their respective longitudinal ends 2c, 2d' to form a uniform air passage. Similarly, the cold low-pressure air passages 3, 3' are coupled together at their respective longitudinal ends 3c, 3d', the hot high-pressure passages 4, 4' are coupled together at their respective longitudinal ends 4c, 4d', and the cold low-pressure passages 5, 5' are coupled together at their respective longitudinal ends 5c, 5d'.

[0064] The compressor outlet 8b of the first low-pressure turbocharger 8 and the compressor outlet 8b' of the second low-pressure turbocharger 8 are both coupled to the uniform hot low-pressure air passages 2, 2' via the low-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port 2a of the first mounting unit 1 and the low-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port 2a' of the first mounting unit 1'. That is, both the first low-pressure turbocharger and the second low-pressure turbocharger feed the uniform hot low-pressure air passages 2, 2', which are then coupled at the low-pressure heat exchanger inlet port 2b to the low-pressure heat exchanger inlet 9a of the common low-pressure heat exchanger 9, which is provided at the longitudinal end 2d (opposite to the longitudinal end 2c to which the second mounting unit 1 is coupled).

[0065] The low-pressure heat exchanger outlet 9b of the common low-pressure heat exchanger 9 is connected to the uniform cold low-pressure air channels 3, 3' formed by the corresponding air channels 3, 3' of the first mounting unit 1 and the second mounting unit 1' at the low-pressure heat exchanger outlet port 3a, which is formed at the longitudinal end 3d (opposite to the longitudinal end 3c to which the second mounting unit 1' is connected).

[0066] Uniform cold low pressure air passages 3, 3' are coupled to compressor inlets 10a, 10a' of first and second high pressure turbochargers 10, 10' at high pressure turbocharger inlet ports 3b, 3b' of first and second mounting units 1, 1', respectively.

[0067] The compressor outlets 10b and 10b' of the high-pressure turbochargers are connected to the uniform hot high-pressure air passages 4, 4' at the high-pressure turbocharger outlet ports 4a, 4a'. In addition, the inlet 11a of the common high-pressure heat exchanger 11 is connected to the uniform hot high-pressure air passages 4, 4' at the high-pressure heat exchanger inlet port 4b, which is formed at the longitudinal end 4d (opposite to the longitudinal end 4c to which the second mounting unit 1 is connected).

[0068] The high pressure heat exchanger outlet 11b of the common high pressure heat exchanger 11 is connected to the uniform cold high pressure air passage 5, 5' at the high pressure heat exchanger outlet port 5a, which is formed at the longitudinal end 5d (opposite to the longitudinal end 5c to which the second mounting unit 1' is connected).

[0069] The charge air supply port 5 b of the high pressure air passage 5 , 5 ′ may then be further coupled to a charge air inlet of the associated engine.

Claims

1. A mounting unit (1) for a turbocharger device of a reciprocating internal combustion engine, the mounting unit comprising: A longitudinally extending hot low-pressure air passage (2), wherein the hot low-pressure air passage has: - a low-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port (2a) for providing fluid communication between a low-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet and the hot low-pressure air passage (2), and - a low-pressure heat exchanger inlet port (2b) for providing fluid communication between the hot low-pressure air channel (2) and a low-pressure heat exchanger inlet; A longitudinally extending cold low-pressure air passage (3), wherein the cold low-pressure air passage has: - a low-pressure heat exchanger outlet port (3a) for providing fluid communication between a low-pressure heat exchanger outlet and the cold low-pressure air channel (3), and - a high-pressure turbocharger compressor inlet port (3b) for providing fluid communication between the cold low-pressure air passage (3) and a high-pressure turbocharger compressor inlet; A longitudinally extending hot high-pressure air passage (4), the hot high-pressure air passage having: - a high-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port (4a) for providing fluid communication between the high-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet and the hot high-pressure air passage (4), and - a high pressure heat exchanger inlet port (4b) for providing fluid communication between the hot high pressure air channel (4) and a high pressure heat exchanger inlet; and A longitudinally extending cold high-pressure air passage (5), wherein the cold high-pressure air passage has: - a high-pressure heat exchanger outlet port (5a) for providing fluid communication between a high-pressure heat exchanger outlet and the cold high-pressure air passage (5); and - a charge air supply port (5b) for providing fluid communication between the cold high pressure air passage (5) and the charge air inlet of an associated engine, wherein the mounting unit (1) further comprises a mounting base (6) for attaching at least a low-pressure turbocharger and a high-pressure turbocharger to the mounting unit (1), wherein the mounting base (6), the hot low-pressure air channel (2), the cold low-pressure air channel (3), the hot high-pressure air channel (4) and the cold high-pressure air channel (5) are arranged as a single rigid structure, wherein the air channels (2, 3, 4, 5) are arranged parallel to each other and adjacent to each other in a first transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, wherein the mounting base (6) is arranged on one side of the mounting unit (1) in a second transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and the first transverse direction, and wherein at least the low-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port (2a) and the high-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port (4a) are arranged at the mounting base (6), The invention is characterized in that the mounting unit (1) can be directly coupled to an identical second mounting unit (1') so that upon coupling, fluid communication is achieved between the corresponding air channels (2, 2'; 3, 3'; 4, 4'; 5, 5') of the mounting unit (1) and the second mounting unit (1'), wherein the air channels (2, 3, 4, 5) are arranged parallel to each other, and At least one of the longitudinal ends (2c, 2d, 3c, 3d, 4c, 4d, 5c, 5d) of each air channel (2, 3, 4, 5) is configured to be directly coupled to the longitudinal ends (2c', 2d', 3c', 3d', 4c', 4d', 5c', 5d') of the corresponding air channel (2', 3', 4', 5') of the same second mounting unit (1'), so that when coupled, the corresponding air channels (2, 2'; 3, 3'; 4, 4'; 5, 5') of the mounting unit (1) and the second mounting unit (1') form a continuous longitudinal air channel.

2. The mounting unit according to claim 1, wherein: The two longitudinal ends of each air channel (2, 3, 4, 5) are configured to be directly connected to the longitudinal ends (2c', 2d', 3c', 3d', 4c', 4d', 5c', 5d') of the corresponding air channel (2', 3', 4', 5') of the same second mounting unit (1').

3. The installation unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that At least the low-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port (2a), the high-pressure turbocharger compressor inlet port (3b) and the high-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port (4a) are arranged on the same side of the mounting unit relative to the air passages (2, 3, 4, 5).

4. The mounting unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that One or more or all of the low-pressure heat exchanger inlet port (2b), the low-pressure heat exchanger outlet port (3a), the high-pressure heat exchanger inlet port (4b) and the high-pressure heat exchanger outlet port (5a) are arranged at the longitudinal ends (2c, 2d, 3c, 3d, 4c, 4d, 5c, 5d) of their associated air passages (2, 3, 4, 5).

5. The mounting unit (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that One or more or all of the following are arranged on a side of the mounting unit opposite to the mounting base (6) in the second transverse direction relative to the air channel: - an additional low-pressure heat exchanger inlet port for providing fluid communication between the hot low-pressure air channel (2) and a low-pressure heat exchanger inlet; - an additional low-pressure heat exchanger outlet port (3e) for providing fluid communication between the low-pressure heat exchanger outlet and the cold low-pressure air channel (3); - an additional high pressure heat exchanger inlet port for providing fluid communication between said hot high pressure air passage (4) and a high pressure heat exchanger inlet, and - an additional high pressure heat exchanger outlet port (5e) for providing fluid communication between the high pressure heat exchanger outlet and said cold high pressure air passage (5).

6. The installation unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The hot low-pressure air passage (2) and the cold low-pressure air passage (3) are arranged adjacent to each other, while the hot high-pressure air passage (4) and the cold high-pressure air passage (5) are arranged adjacent to each other.

7. The installation unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The hot low-pressure air passage (2) and the hot high-pressure air passage (4) are arranged adjacent to each other.

8. The mounting unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The cold high-pressure air passage (5) is arranged laterally outermost relative to the remaining air passages (2, 3, 4) so that the charge air supply port (5b) of the cold high-pressure air passage (5) is connected to the charge air inlet of the relevant engine.

9. A turbocharger device (7) for a reciprocating internal combustion engine, characterized in that: The turbocharger device comprises: The mounting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the mounting unit is a first mounting unit (1); A first low-pressure turbocharger (8), the first low-pressure turbocharger having: - a compressor inlet (8a) which can be coupled to an air supply, and - a compressor outlet (8b) directly coupled to the low-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port (2a) of the first mounting unit (1), the first low-pressure turbocharger (8) being mounted to the first mounting unit at the mounting base (6) of the first mounting unit (1); A first low-pressure heat exchanger (9), comprising: - an inlet (9a) coupled to the low-pressure heat exchanger inlet port (2b) of the first mounting unit (1), and an outlet (9b) coupled to the low-pressure heat exchanger outlet port (3a) of the first mounting unit, the first low-pressure heat exchanger (9) being configured to cool a low-pressure air flow between the inlet (9a) and the outlet (9b) of the first low-pressure heat exchanger; A first high-pressure turbocharger (10), the first high-pressure turbocharger having: a compressor inlet (10a) of the first high-pressure turbocharger, the compressor inlet of the first high-pressure turbocharger being coupled to the high-pressure turbocharger compressor inlet port (3b) of the first mounting unit (1), and a compressor outlet (10b), the compressor outlet of the first high-pressure turbocharger being directly coupled to the high-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port (4a) of the first mounting unit (1), the first high-pressure turbocharger (10) being mounted to the first mounting unit at the mounting base (6) of the first mounting unit (1), and A first high-pressure heat exchanger (11), wherein the first high-pressure heat exchanger has: an inlet (11a) of the first high-pressure heat exchanger, the inlet of the first high-pressure heat exchanger being coupled to the high-pressure heat exchanger inlet port (4b) of the first mounting unit (1), and - an outlet (11b), the outlet of the first high-pressure heat exchanger being coupled to the high-pressure heat exchanger outlet port (5a) of the first mounting unit (1), the first high-pressure heat exchanger (11) being configured to cool the high-pressure air flow between the inlet (11a) and the outlet (11b) of the first high-pressure heat exchanger.

10. The turbocharger device according to claim 9, characterized in that The first mounting unit (1) is a mounting unit according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 8, wherein the turbocharger device further comprises: a second mounting unit (1'), the second mounting unit (1') being a mounting unit according to any one of claims 4 to 8, the second mounting unit being coupled to the first mounting unit (1) via the longitudinal ends (2c; 2c', 2d; 2d', 3c; 3c', 3d; 3d', 4c; 4c', 4d; 4d', 5c; 5c', 5d; 4d') of the corresponding air passages (2, 2'; 3, 3'; 4, 4'; 5, 5') of the first mounting unit and the second mounting unit (1'), respectively, so that the corresponding air passages (2, 2'; 3, 3'; 4, 4'; 5, 5') of the first mounting unit (1) and the second mounting unit (1') form a continuous longitudinal air passage; A second low-pressure turbocharger (8'), the second low-pressure turbocharger having: - a compressor inlet (8a') which can be coupled to an air supply, and a compressor outlet (8b') directly coupled to the low-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port (2a') of the second mounting unit (1'), the second low-pressure turbocharger (8') being mounted to the second mounting unit at the mounting base (6') of the second mounting unit (1'), and A second high-pressure turbocharger (10'), the second high-pressure turbocharger having: a compressor inlet (10a') of the second high-pressure turbocharger, the compressor inlet of the second high-pressure turbocharger being coupled to the high-pressure turbocharger compressor inlet port (3b') of the second mounting unit (1'), and - a compressor outlet (10b'), the compressor outlet of the second high-pressure turbocharger being directly coupled to the high-pressure turbocharger compressor outlet port (4a') of the second mounting unit (1'), the second high-pressure turbocharger (10') being mounted to the second mounting unit at the mounting base (6') of the second mounting unit (1').

11. The turbocharger device according to claim 10, characterized in that The turbocharger device further comprises: A second low-pressure heat exchanger (9'), said second low-pressure heat exchanger having: - an inlet (9a') coupled to the low-pressure heat exchanger inlet port (2b') of the second mounting unit (1'), and an outlet (9b') coupled to the low-pressure heat exchanger outlet port (3a') of the second mounting unit (1'), the second low-pressure heat exchanger (9') being configured to cool the low-pressure air flow between the inlet (9a') and the outlet (9b') of the second low-pressure heat exchanger, and A second high-pressure heat exchanger (11), the second high-pressure heat exchanger having: an inlet (11a') of the second high-pressure heat exchanger, the inlet of the second high-pressure heat exchanger being coupled to the high-pressure heat exchanger inlet port (4b') of the second mounting unit (1'), and - an outlet (11b'), the outlet of the second high-pressure heat exchanger being coupled to the high-pressure heat exchanger outlet port (5b') of the second mounting unit (1'), the second high-pressure heat exchanger (11') being configured to cool the high-pressure air flow between the inlet (11a') and the outlet (11b') of the second high-pressure heat exchanger.

12. A reciprocating internal combustion engine, characterized in that: The reciprocating internal combustion engine comprises a turbocharger arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims 9 to 11, The charge air supply port (5b, 5b') of either or both of the first mounting unit (1) and the second mounting unit (1') is coupled to the charge air inlet of the engine.

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