Variable geometry turbocharger evaluation

Abstract

In some embodiments, a controller may cause a first adjustment of at least one component of a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) of a machine. The controller may cause a second adjustment of the at least one component of the VGT based on causing the first adjustment of the at least one component of the VGT. The controller may determine an amount of time to reduce a speed of the VGT to less than or equal to a speed threshold based on causing a second adjustment of at least one component of the VGT. The controller may determine VGT evaluation information based on the amount of time. The controller may determine one or more actions to be performed based on the VGT evaluation information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to variable geometry turbochargers (VGTs), and, for example, to VGT evaluation. Background Art

[0002] A VGT is a turbocharger with an adjustable geometry that can be used in a machine to optimize the performance of the machine. For example, one or more components of the VGT can be adjusted to control the flow and / or pressure of the exhaust gas flowing through the VGT, which enables improved efficiency, enhanced power output, and better response in the machine. Typically, the VGT includes one or more bearings that facilitate the rotation of the shafts connecting the turbine and compressor of the VGT. During the operational life of the VGT, one or more bearings are subject to wear, which can ultimately lead to the failure of one or more bearings, and thus to the failure of the VGT. The failure of one or more bearings (and the failure of the VGT) can cause the performance of the machine to be impaired, and cause damage to nearby components of the VGT.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 7,104,120 (the '120 patent) discloses an electronic control module that includes a turbocharger life determination algorithm operable to estimate the life of a turbocharger based in part on a relationship between a sensed compressor inlet pressure and a sensed compressor outlet pressure. According to the '120 patent, the relationship may be represented as a ratio of the sensed compressor inlet pressure to the sensed compressor outlet pressure, the ratio being related to turbocharger speed. Although the '120 patent discloses some benefits for estimating the life of a turbocharger having fixed components (e.g., a non-variable geometry turbocharger), the present disclosure is associated with evaluating a VGT (e.g., a turbocharger having at least one adjustable component rather than a fixed component).

[0004] The controller of the present disclosure solves one or more of the problems set forth above and / or other problems in the art. Summary of the invention

[0005] A machine comprises: a VGT; and a controller, the controller being configured to: determine that one or more VGT evaluation initial conditions are satisfied based on the operation of the machine; cause a first adjustment of at least one component of the VGT based on the determination that the one or more VGT evaluation initial conditions are satisfied, so that the VGT restricts the exhaust flow through the VGT and increases the speed of the VGT to greater than or equal to a first speed threshold; determine that the speed of the VGT is stable within a time period based on causing the first adjustment of at least one component of the VGT; cause a second adjustment of at least one component of the VGT based on the determination that the speed of the VGT is stable within the time period, so that the VGT stops restricting the exhaust flow through the VGT and reduces the speed of the VGT to less than or equal to a second speed threshold; determine the amount of time it takes for the speed of the VGT to decrease from greater than or equal to the first speed threshold to less than or equal to the second speed threshold based on causing the second adjustment of at least one component of the VGT; determine VGT evaluation information based on the amount of time; and cause one or more actions to be performed based on the VGT evaluation information.

[0006] A controller of a machine may include: one or more memories; and one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: cause a first adjustment of at least one component of a VGT of the machine; determine that a speed of the VGT is stable over a time period based on causing the first adjustment of at least one component of the VGT; cause a second adjustment of at least one component of the VGT based on determining that the speed of the VGT is stable over the time period; determine an amount of time for the speed of the VGT to decrease from greater than or equal to a first speed threshold to less than or equal to a second speed threshold based on causing the second adjustment of at least one component of the VGT; determine VGT evaluation information based on the amount of time; and cause one or more actions to be performed based on the VGT evaluation information.

[0007] A method may include causing, by a controller of a machine, a first adjustment of at least one component of a VGT of the machine; causing, by the controller and based on causing the first adjustment of at least one component of the VGT, a second adjustment of at least one component of the VGT; determining, by the controller and based on causing the second adjustment of at least one component of the VGT, an amount of time for a speed of the VGT to decrease to less than or equal to a speed threshold; determining, by the controller and based on the amount of time, VGT evaluation information; and determining, by the controller and based on the VGT evaluation information, one or more actions to be performed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a diagram of an exemplary machine described herein.

[0009] Figure 2 is a diagram of an exemplary powertrain system described herein.

[0010] Figure 3 is a diagram of an exemplary environment in which the systems and / or methods described herein may be implemented.

[0011] Figure 4 is a flow chart of an exemplary process associated with a VGT assessment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The present disclosure relates to a controller, such as an engine control module (ECM), which controls a VGT to evaluate the VGT (to determine whether the VGT is in an end-of-life state). As described herein, the controller and VGT have general applicability to any machine that utilizes such a controller and VGT. The term "machine" may refer to a vehicle, any machine that performs operations associated with an industry such as mining, construction, agriculture, transportation, or any other industry, and any other machine that includes a VGT. As some examples, the machine may be an automobile (e.g., a passenger car, truck, or other vehicle), an off-highway truck, a backhoe loader, a cold planer, a wheel loader, a compactor, a feller buncher, a forestry machine, a forwarder, a harvester, an excavator, an industrial loader, a knuckle loaders, a material handler, a motor grader, a pipe laying machine, a road reclaimer, a skid steer loader, a skidder, a telehandler, a tractor, a bulldozer, a tractor scraper, a pump, a power generation equipment (e.g., a "generator set"), a stationary device, a non-stationary device, or other ground equipment, underground equipment, aerial equipment, or marine equipment.

[0013] Figure 1 is a diagram of an exemplary machine 100 described herein. For example, machine 100 may include a mobile machine such as Figure 1 1 or any other type of mobile machine. Machine 100 may include an operator station 120, one or more traction devices 140 (sometimes referred to as ground engaging devices), a power source 160 operably connected to provide power to drive at least one of traction devices 140, and a controller 180 (e.g., an ECM) connected to one or more components of machine 100. As described in more detail elsewhere herein, controller 180 may perform operations related to controlling the VGT of power source 160 (e.g., to perform a VGT evaluation).

[0014] As mentioned above, providing Figure 1 As an example. Other examples can be combined with Figure 1 The instances described are different.

[0015] Figure 2is a diagram of an exemplary power system 200 described herein, which may be included in power source 160. Power system 200 may include a compression ignition internal combustion engine, or may include any other type of internal combustion engine. Additionally or alternatively, power system 200 may include a fuel cell, another type of combustion engine, and / or another type of energy conversion device. Power system 200 may be powered by a fuel such as gasoline, distilled diesel fuel, biodiesel, dimethyl ether, gaseous fuels (such as hydrogen, natural gas, and propane), alcohol, ethanol, and / or any combination thereof. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , powertrain 200 may include compressor 202, intake manifold 204, power generation block 206, turbine 208, common shaft 210, sensor system 212, controller 180, and / or one or more other components (not shown). As further described herein, compressor 202, turbine 208, and common shaft 210 together form VGT 214.

[0016] like Figure 2 As further shown in FIG. 2 , air (e.g., ambient air from an environment external to power system 200) may be introduced into power system 200, such as via compressor 202. In some embodiments, exhaust gas (e.g., generated by power generation block 206 of power system 200) may be provided to compressor 202 (e.g., via an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, not shown), and thus compressor 202 may introduce air and exhaust gas into power system 200. Compressor 202 may pressurize and provide the air (or air and exhaust gas) to intake manifold 204. Intake manifold 204 may mix and distribute the air (or air and exhaust gas) to power generation block 206 for subsequent power generation processes (e.g., to generate and provide power to drive at least one of traction devices 140 of machine 100).

[0017] As part of the power generation process, the power generation block 206 generates exhaust gas that flows from the power generation block 206. For example, when the power generation block 206 includes multiple cylinders (e.g., six or more cylinders), the multiple cylinders may generate exhaust gas due to the combustion process. The exhaust gas may flow to the turbine 208. A portion of the exhaust gas may be provided to the compressor 202 (e.g., via an EGR system).

[0018] Turbine 208 may be positioned to receive exhaust gas from power generation block 206 and may be connected to compressor 202 via common shaft 210. As exhaust gas flows through turbine 208 and expands against its blades, turbine 208 may rotate and drive compressor 202 to pressurize air (or air and exhaust gas).

[0019] The turbine 208, the compressor 202, and the common shaft 210 may form a VGT 214. That is, the VGT 214 may include an assembly including the turbine 208, the compressor 202, and the common shaft 210 (e.g., where the turbine 208 and the compressor 202 are connected to the common shaft 210 via respective wheels), which is sometimes referred to as a "shaft and wheel" assembly. The turbine 208 may be a variable geometry turbine including one or more adjustable vanes, such that the distance between the one or more adjustable vanes may be varied to vary the performance of the VGT 214. For example, the adjustable vanes may be extended to a "closed" position, or may be retracted to an "open" position or a "partially open" position, which may control how much the common shaft 210 rotates, and thus may cause more or less energy from the exhaust flow (e.g., via the common shaft 210) to be transferred to the compressor 202. This may cause the compressor 202 to modify (e.g., increase or decrease) the air flow (and / or air and exhaust flow) to the intake manifold 204. This in turn modifies (e.g., increases or decreases) exhaust flow through the VGT 214, which modifies (e.g., increases or decreases) the speed of the VGT 214 (e.g., the speed of the shaft and wheel assembly of the VGT 214, the speed at which the turbine 208 rotates on the common shaft 210, and / or another speed associated with the VGT 214).

[0020] The VGT 214 may include one or more bearings (e.g., to facilitate rotation of the common shaft 210, which facilitates rotation of the respective wheels of the turbine 208 and the compressor 202 via the common shaft 210). During the operational life of the VGT 214, one or more bearings may experience wear. Such wear may degrade the performance of the VGT and ultimately lead to failure of one or more bearings, and thus failure of the VGT 214. Therefore, it is important to identify when the VGT 214 is in an end-of-life condition (e.g., when failure of one or more bearings is imminent) to allow for proactive replacement of the VGT 214 (e.g., prior to failure), and thereby reduce the likelihood that performance of the powertrain 200 and / or components of the powertrain 200 that will be affected by failure of the VGT 214 will be impaired.

[0021] As further described herein, the controller 180 may provide control of the power system 200 and / or components of the power system 200 (such as the VGT 214). The controller 180 may be implemented as a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another type of processing component. The processor may be implemented in hardware, firmware, and / or a combination of hardware and software. The controller 180 may include one or more processors that can be programmed to perform functions. One or more memories including random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and / or another type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., flash memory, magnetic memory, and / or optical memory) may store information and / or instructions used by the controller 180. The controller 180 may include a memory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable medium) capable of storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform one or more processes and / or methods described herein.

[0022] The sensor system 212 may provide measurements associated with various parameters used by the controller 180 to enable control of the power system 200 and / or components of the power system 200. The sensor system 212 may include physical sensors and / or any suitable type of control system that generates sensed parameter values ​​based on a computational model and / or one or more measured parameters. As used herein, "sensed parameters" may refer to those measured parameters that are directly measured and / or estimated by one or more sensors (e.g., physical sensors, virtual sensors, and / or other sensors). Exemplary sensors may include a temperature sensor (e.g., to measure the temperature of the engine oil of the power system 200), a speed sensor (e.g., to measure the speed of the engine of the power system 200 and / or the speed of the VGT 214, such as in revolutions per minute (RPM)), a position sensor (e.g., to measure the respective position of one or more components of the VGT 214, such as one or more blades of the turbine 208), a pressure sensor (e.g., to measure pressure, such as the intake manifold absolute pressure (IMAP) associated with the intake manifold 204 and / or the back pressure on the VGT 214 caused by the exhaust treatment system of the power system 200, such as in kilopascals (kPa)), an engine airflow sensor (e.g., to measure the engine airflow rate, such as in cubic meters per minute, cubic feet per minute, etc.), and / or other sensors. The sensed parameter may also include any output parameter that may be measured indirectly by a physical sensor and / or calculated based on the reading of the physical sensor.

[0023] As mentioned above, providing Figure 2 As an example. Other examples can be combined with Figure 2 The instances described are different.

[0024] Figure 3 3 is a diagram of an exemplary environment 300 in which the systems and / or methods described herein may be implemented. Figure 3 As shown in , environment 300 may include one or more control devices 310 (individually referred to as "control device 310", and collectively referred to as "control device 310") and one or more sensors 320 (individually referred to as "sensor 320", and collectively referred to as "sensor 320") and controller 180. Devices and / or components of environment 300 may be interconnected via wired connections, wireless connections, or a combination of wired and wireless connections.

[0025] The control device 310 may be any type of device that may be used by the controller 180 to control a performance characteristic of the power system 200. For example, the control device 310 may include one or more actuators, switches, etc. that are capable of controlling components of the power system 200. The control device 310 may be capable of causing adjustment (e.g., from a first vane position to a second vane position) of one or more components of the VGT 214, such as one or more adjustable vanes of the turbine 208 of the VGT 214. The sensor 320 may include any type of sensor configured to measure an operating state of the power system 200. As described herein, the sensor 320 may be a sensor of the sensor system 212.

[0026] The controller 180 may include one or more devices configured to control one or more components of the power system 200. For example, the controller 180 may be configured to control the VGT 214, such as to change (e.g., control) the exhaust flow through the VGT 214 and / or the speed of the VGT 214, among other examples. The controller 180 may control one or more components of the power system 200 by sending one or more commands to the control device 310.

[0027] The controller 180 may obtain information about the power system 200 from the sensor 320 (e.g., directly from the sensor 320 or via one or more other components or devices of the power system 200, such as a different controller). For example, the controller 180 may obtain information about the speed of the engine of the power system 200, information about the oil temperature of the engine of the power system 200, information about the setting of the VGT 214 (e.g., an “open” setting, a “closed” setting, or a “partially open” setting that indicates a position of at least one component of the turbine 208 of the VGT 214, such as at least one adjustable vane), and / or information about the speed of the VGT 214 (e.g., the speed of the turbine 208 of the VGT 214), among other examples. The controller 180 may obtain information about the power system 200 based on the operation of the machine 100. That is, the controller 180 may obtain the information while the machine is operating (e.g., the machine is powered on and running).

[0028] The controller 180 may determine (e.g., based on information about the powertrain 200) whether one or more VGT evaluation initial conditions are satisfied. For example, the controller 180 may process information about the powertrain 200 to determine whether one or more VGT evaluation initial conditions are satisfied. When the controller determines that one or more VGT evaluation initial conditions are satisfied, the controller 180 may perform one or more operations further described herein (e.g., to facilitate performing an accurate evaluation of the VGT 214). Alternatively, when the controller 180 determines that one or more VGT evaluation initial conditions are not satisfied, the controller 180 may not perform any additional operations described herein (e.g., because it is unlikely that an accurate evaluation of the VGT 214 will be performed).

[0029] One or more VGT assessment initial conditions may include, for example, whether the machine 100 is in an idle state, whether the speed of the engine (e.g., of the power source 160 and / or the power system 200) is stable over a period of time (e.g., which may have a duration greater than or equal to 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, or 15 seconds), whether the oil temperature of the engine is within a temperature range (e.g., which may have a range width less than or equal to 10 degrees Celsius (°C), 15°C, 20°C, or 25°C), and / or whether at least one component of the VGT 214 is in a non-restrictive position. Thus, to determine that one or more VGT evaluation initial conditions are satisfied, the controller 180 may determine that the machine 100 is in an idle state (e.g., the machine 100 is not moving and / or performing any work operations); the engine speed is stable over a time period (e.g., the engine speed changes from the beginning of the time period to the end of the time period by less than 5% of the maximum value of the engine speed); the engine oil temperature is within a temperature range (e.g., the oil temperature is greater than or equal to the minimum value of the temperature range and less than or equal to the maximum value of the temperature range), and / or at least one component of the VGT is in a non-restrictive position (e.g., in an open position or a partially open position).

[0030] The controller 180 may cause a first adjustment of at least one component of the VGT 214 (e.g., based on determining that one or more VGT evaluation initial conditions are satisfied). For example, the controller 180 may cause at least one component (e.g., at least one adjustable vane) of the turbine 208 of the VGT 214 to be adjusted from a first position (e.g., from an open position or a partially open position) to a second position (e.g., a closed position). The second position may be associated with restricting exhaust flow through the VGT 214. Thus, the second position may be associated with increasing the speed of the VGT 214 (e.g., due to the restricted exhaust flow). In this way, the controller 180 may cause a first adjustment of at least one component of the VGT 214 so that the VGT 214 restricts the exhaust flow through the VGT 214 and / or increases the speed of the VGT 214. In addition, the controller 180 may cause the first adjustment to increase the speed of the VGT 214 to be greater than or equal to a first speed threshold. The first speed threshold may be, for example, a specific percentage of the maximum speed of the VGT 214. The particular percentage may be, for example, greater than or equal to 65%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%.

[0031] The controller 180 may determine (e.g., based on causing the first adjustment of at least one component of the VGT 214) whether the speed of the VGT 214 is stable over a period of time. For example, the controller 180 may determine (e.g., based on obtaining information about the powertrain 200 from the sensor 320) a variability percentage of the speed of the VGT 214 from the beginning of the period of time to the end of the period of time (e.g., the difference between the maximum speed of the VGT 214 and the minimum speed of the VGT 214, expressed as a percentage of the maximum speed of the VGT 214). The controller 180 may thereby determine whether the speed of the VGT 214 is stable over a period of time. For example, the controller 180 may determine whether the variability percentage is less than or equal to a specific percentage, which may be less than or equal to 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, or 10%. When the controller 180 determines that the speed of the VGT 214 is stable over a period of time (e.g., the variability percentage is less than or equal to a specific percentage), the controller 180 may perform one or more operations described further herein (e.g., to facilitate accurate evaluation of the VGT 214). Alternatively, when the controller 180 determines that the speed of the VGT 214 is not stable over a period of time (eg, the variability percentage is greater than or equal to a certain percentage), the controller 180 may not perform any additional operations described herein (eg, because an accurate assessment of the VGT 214 is unlikely).

[0032] The controller 180 may cause a second adjustment of at least one component of the VGT 214 (e.g., based on determining that the speed of the VGT 214 is stable over a period of time). For example, the controller 180 may cause at least one component (e.g., at least one adjustable vane) of the turbine 208 of the VGT 214 (e.g., adjusted as part of the first adjustment) to be adjusted from the second position (e.g., from the closed position) to the first position or another position (e.g., to the open position or partially open position). The first position may not be associated with restricting the exhaust flow through the VGT 214. Therefore, the first position may be associated with reducing the speed of the VGT 214 (e.g., due to the unrestricted exhaust flow). In this way, the controller 180 may cause a second adjustment of at least one component of the VGT 214 to cause the VGT 214 to stop restricting the exhaust flow through the VGT 214 and / or to reduce the speed of the VGT 214. In addition, the controller 180 may cause the second adjustment to reduce the speed of the VGT 214 to less than or equal to the second speed threshold. The second speed threshold may be, for example, a certain percentage of the minimum non-zero speed of the VGT 214. The certain percentage may be, for example, less than or equal to 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, or 125%.

[0033] The controller 180 may determine an amount of time for the speed of the VGT 214 to decrease from greater than or equal to the first speed threshold to less than or equal to the second speed threshold (e.g., based on causing a second adjustment of at least one component of the VGT 214). For example, the controller 180 may identify a first moment associated with causing a second adjustment of at least one component of the VGT 214 (e.g., the moment when the second adjustment occurs) as the beginning of the amount of time, and may identify a second moment associated with the speed of the VGT 214 becoming less than or equal to the second speed threshold (e.g., the moment when the speed of the VGT 214 crosses the second speed threshold). The controller 180 may thereby determine the amount of time as the difference between the first moment and the second moment.

[0034] Thus, the controller 180 may determine (e.g., based on the amount of time) the VGT evaluation information. The evaluation information may indicate, for example, that the VGT 214 is in an end-of-life state (e.g., failure of one or more bearings of the VGT 214 is imminent), or alternatively, that the VGT 214 is not in an end-of-life state (e.g., failure of one or more bearings of the VGT 214 is not imminent). In some embodiments, the controller 180 may determine whether the amount of time is less than or equal to a time amount threshold value in order to determine the VGT evaluation information. For example, the controller 180 may determine that the amount of time is less than or equal to the time amount threshold value, and thereby may determine that the VGT evaluation information indicates that the VGT 214 is in an end-of-life state (e.g., because one or more bearings of the VGT 214 inhibit rotation of the turbine 208 due to wear of the one or more bearings, and thereby reduce the speed of the VGT 214 too quickly). As an alternative example, the controller 180 may determine that the amount of time is greater than the time amount threshold value, and thereby may determine that the VGT evaluation information indicates that the VGT 214 is not in an end-of-life state. The time amount threshold may be, for example, 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, or 5 seconds (or fractions thereof).

[0035] The controller 180 may cause one or more actions to be performed (e.g., based on the VGT 214 assessment information). For example, the controller 180 may cause a display (e.g., a display located in the operator station 120 of the machine 100) to present the VGT assessment information. In this way, the controller 180 may indicate to the operator of the machine 100 that the VGT 214 is approaching failure and / or should be replaced (e.g., when the assessment information indicates that the VGT 214 is in an end-of-life condition), and the operator may adjust the operation of the machine 100 accordingly (e.g., to reduce the chance of the VGT 214 suddenly failing) and / or schedule the replacement of the VGT 214. This reduces the likelihood that the VGT 214 will suddenly fail (and therefore suddenly fail to operate the machine 100 as intended), and increases the likelihood that the VGT 214 will be replaced before the VGT 214 fails and causes damage to any other components of the machine 100.

[0036] As another example, the controller 180 may cause the VGT assessment information to be transmitted to a device not included in the machine 100 (e.g., associated with a regulator, a regulatory organization, or another entity associated with the machine 100). The controller 180 may send a message including at least a portion of the assessment information to the device. This may allow the device (e.g., a user device, a server device, or another type of device) to facilitate scheduling the replacement of the VGT 214 (e.g., when the assessment information indicates that the VGT 214 is in an end-of-life condition), which increases the likelihood that the VGT 214 will be replaced before the VGT 214 fails and causes damage to any other components of the machine 100.

[0037] In an additional example, the controller 180 may prevent adjustment of at least one component of the VGT 214, such as when the evaluation information indicates that the VGT 214 is in an end-of-life state. For example, the controller 180 may prevent at least one component of the turbine 208 of the VGT 214 (e.g., at least one adjustable vane) from being adjusted to another position. In this way, when at least one component of the VGT 214 (e.g., due to the second adjustment of at least one component of the VGT 214 described herein) is in an open position or a partially open position, the controller 180 may prevent at least one component of the VGT 214 from being adjusted to a closed position. This minimizes additional wear on one or more bearings of the VGT 214 while also allowing unrestricted exhaust gas flow through the VGT 214, which reduces stress on the VGT 214 and thus reduces potential damage to the VGT 214. This reduces the likelihood that the VGT 214 will suddenly fail (and therefore suddenly fail to operate the machine 100 as intended) and increases the likelihood that the VGT 214 will be replaced before it fails and causes damage to any other components of the machine 100 .

[0038] Although some embodiments described herein relate to the controller 180 causing the adjustable vanes of the turbine 208 of the VGT 214 to adjust (e.g., from a first vane position to a second vane position), embodiments also include the controller 180 causing one or more other components of the VGT 214 to adjust. For example, the controller 180 may cause an adjustable inlet or an adjustable outlet of the turbine 208 of the VGT 214 to adjust. As another example, the controller 180 may cause an adjustable flow area control element of the turbine 208 of the VGT 214 to adjust. Thus, while causing the adjustable vanes of the turbine 208 of the VGT 214 to adjust (or instead of causing the adjustable vanes of the turbine of the VGT to adjust), the controller 180 may cause one or more other components of the turbine 208 of the VGT 214 to adjust.

[0039] supply Figure 3The number and arrangement of devices and networks shown in FIG are examples. In practice, Figure 3 There may be additional devices, fewer devices, different devices, or differently arranged devices than those shown in . Figure 3 Two or more of the devices shown in may be implemented in a single device, or Figure 3 A single device shown in the environment 300 may be implemented as multiple distributed devices. Additionally or alternatively, a group of devices (eg, one or more devices) of the environment 300 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another group of devices of the environment 300.

[0040] Figure 4 is a flow chart of an exemplary process 400 associated with VGT evaluation. Figure 4 One or more process blocks of may be performed by a controller (eg, controller 180). In some embodiments, Figure 4 One or more process blocks of may be performed by another device or group of devices separate from or including the controller, such as a control device (eg, control device 310) and / or a sensor (eg, sensor 320).

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown in , process 400 may include determining that one or more VGT evaluation initial conditions are satisfied (block 410). For example, as described above, the controller may determine that one or more VGT evaluation initial conditions are satisfied based on the operation of the machine. Determining that one or more VGT evaluation initial conditions are satisfied may include at least one of the following: determining that the machine is in an idle state; determining that the engine speed of the machine is stable over another time period; determining that the oil temperature of the engine of the machine is within a temperature range; or determining that at least one component of the VGT is in a non-restrictive position.

[0042] like Figure 4 As further shown in FIG. 4 , process 400 may include causing a first adjustment of at least one component of the VGT (block 420). For example, as described above, the controller may cause a first adjustment of at least one component of the VGT based on determining that one or more VGT evaluation initial conditions are satisfied, such that the VGT restricts exhaust gas flow through the VGT and increases the speed of the VGT to be greater than or equal to a first speed threshold. Causing the first adjustment of at least one component of the VGT may include causing at least one component of a turbine of the VGT to adjust from a first position to a second position associated with restricting exhaust gas flow through the VGT.

[0043] like Figure 4As further shown in FIG. 4 , process 400 may include determining that the speed of the VGT is stable over a period of time (block 430). For example, as described above, the controller may determine that the speed of the VGT is stable over a period of time based on causing a first adjustment of at least one component of the VGT. Determining that the speed of the VGT is stable over the period of time includes determining a percentage of variability of the speed of the VGT from the beginning of the period of time to the end of the period of time, and determining that the speed of the VGT is stable over the period of time based on the percentage of variability being less than or equal to 5%.

[0044] like Figure 4 As further shown in FIG. 4 , process 400 may include causing a second adjustment of at least one component of the VGT (block 440). For example, as described above, the controller may cause a second adjustment of at least one component of the VGT based on determining that the speed of the VGT is stable during the time period so that the VGT stops restricting exhaust gas flow through the VGT and reduces the speed of the VGT to less than or equal to a second speed threshold. Causing a second adjustment of at least one component of the VGT may include causing at least one component of a turbine of the VGT to adjust from the second position to the first position or another position not associated with restricting exhaust gas flow through the VGT.

[0045] like Figure 4 As further shown in FIG. 4 , process 400 may include determining an amount of time for the speed of the VGT to decrease (block 450). For example, as described above, the controller may determine an amount of time for the speed of the VGT to decrease from greater than or equal to a first speed threshold to less than or equal to a second speed threshold based on causing a second adjustment of at least one component of the VGT. Determining the amount of time may include: identifying a first moment associated with causing the second adjustment of at least one component of the VGT as a start of the amount of time; identifying a second moment associated with the speed of the VGT becoming less than or equal to the second speed threshold; and determining the amount of time as a difference between the first moment and the second moment.

[0046] like Figure 4 As further shown in FIG. 4 , process 400 may include determining VGT evaluation information (block 460). For example, as described above, the controller may determine the VGT evaluation information based on the amount of time. Determining the VGT evaluation information may include determining whether the amount of time is less than or equal to a time amount threshold, and determining the VGT evaluation information based on determining whether the amount of time is less than or equal to the time amount threshold. The VGT evaluation information may indicate one of the following: the VGT is in an end-of-life state, or the VGT is not in an end-of-life state.

[0047] like Figure 4As further shown in FIG. 4 , process 400 may include causing one or more actions to be performed (block 470). For example, as described above, the controller may cause one or more actions to be performed based on the VGT assessment information. Causing the one or more actions to be performed may include causing a display of the machine to present the VGT assessment information, and / or causing the VGT assessment information to be transmitted to a device not included in the machine, wherein causing the VGT assessment information to be transmitted to the device not included in the machine allows the device to facilitate scheduling replacement of the VGT.

[0048] although Figure 4 An exemplary block diagram of process 400 is shown, but in some implementations, Figure 4 Process 400 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in . Additionally or alternatively, two or more blocks of process 400 may be performed in parallel.

[0049] Industrial Applicability

[0050] The above-described techniques allow the controller 180 of the machine 100 to control a VGT 214 (e.g., a turbine 208 of the VGT 214) associated with a power source (e.g., which may include the power source 160 of the power system 200) to facilitate evaluation of the VGT 214. For example, the controller 180 causes a first adjustment of at least one component of the VGT 214 (e.g., to restrict exhaust flow through the VGT 214 and thereby increase the speed of the VGT 214), and then causes a second adjustment of at least one component of the VGT 214 based on determining that the speed of the VGT 214 is stable (e.g., after the first adjustment) (e.g., to stop restricting exhaust flow through the VGT 214 and thereby reduce the speed of the VGT 214). The controller 180 determines the amount of time that the speed decreases to be less than or equal to the speed threshold, and thereby determines VGT evaluation information. For example, the controller 180 may determine that the amount of time is less than or equal to a time amount threshold, and thereby may determine that the VGT evaluation information indicates that the VGT is in an end-of-life condition (e.g., because one or more bearings of the VGT 214 inhibit rotation of the turbine 208 due to wear of the one or more bearings, and thereby the speed of the VGT 214 is reduced too quickly). As an alternative example, the controller 180 may determine that the amount of time is greater than the time amount threshold, and thereby may determine that the VGT evaluation information indicates that the VGT 214 is not in an end-of-life condition.

[0051] Thus, the controller 180 causes one or more actions to be performed based on the VGT assessment information. For example, the controller 180 may cause the VGT assessment information to be presented (e.g., via a display of the machine 100), which allows the operator to adjust the operation of the machine 100 accordingly. As another example, the controller 180 may cause the VGT assessment information to be transmitted to a device not included in the machine 100, which allows the device to facilitate scheduling the replacement of the VGT 214. In an additional example, the controller 180 may prevent adjustment of at least one component of the VGT 214. As a result, the controller 180 reduces the likelihood that the VGT 214 will suddenly fail (and therefore suddenly fail to operate the machine 100 as expected), and increases the likelihood that the VGT 214 will be replaced before the VGT 214 fails and causes damage to any other components of the machine 100.

[0052] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made in light of the foregoing disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the embodiments. In addition, any embodiments described herein may be combined unless the foregoing disclosure explicitly provides reasons why one or more embodiments may not be combined. Even though specific combinations of features are listed in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of the various embodiments. Although each dependent claim listed below may be directly dependent on only one claim, the disclosure of the various embodiments includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.

[0053] When a "processor" or "one or more processors" (or another device or component, such as a "controller" or "one or more controllers") is described or claimed (either within a single claim or across multiple claims) as performing or being configured to perform multiple operations, this language is intended to broadly encompass a variety of processor architectures and environments. For example, unless otherwise expressly required (e.g., via the use of "a first processor" and "a second processor" or other language that distinguishes the processors in the claims), this language is intended to encompass a single processor that performs or is configured to perform all of the operations, a group of processors that collectively perform or are configured to perform all of the operations, a first processor that performs or is configured to perform a first operation and a second processor that performs or is configured to perform a second operation, or any combination of processors that performs or is configured to perform the operations. For example, when a claim has the form "one or more processors, the one or more processors configured to: perform X; perform Y; and perform Z," the claim should be interpreted to mean "one or more processors configured to perform X; one or more (possibly different) processors configured to perform Y; and one or more (possibly different) processors configured to perform Z."

[0054] As used herein, "a," "an," and "group" are intended to include one or more items and are used interchangeably with "one or more." Additionally, as used herein, the article "the" is intended to include one or more items referenced in conjunction with the article "the," and is used interchangeably with "the one or more." Additionally, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based, at least in part, on," unless explicitly stated otherwise. Additionally, as used herein, the term "or" is intended to be inclusive when used in series and is used interchangeably with "and / or," unless explicitly stated otherwise (e.g., if used in conjunction with "any" or "only one").

Claims

1. A machine comprising: variable geometry turbocharger (VGT); as well as A controller, wherein the controller is configured to: determining that one or more VGT evaluation initial conditions are satisfied based on operation of the machine; causing a first adjustment of at least one component of the VGT based on determining that the one or more VGT evaluation initial conditions are satisfied so that the VGT restricts exhaust gas flow through the VGT and increases a speed of the VGT to be greater than or equal to a first speed threshold; determining that a speed of the VGT is stable over a period of time based on causing a first adjustment of at least one component of the VGT; based on determining that the speed of the VGT is stable during the time period, causing a second adjustment of at least one component of the VGT so that the VGT ceases to restrict exhaust gas flow through the VGT and the speed of the VGT decreases to less than or equal to a second speed threshold; determining an amount of time for a speed of the VGT to decrease from greater than or equal to the first speed threshold to less than or equal to the second speed threshold based on causing a second adjustment of at least one component of the VGT; determining VGT assessment information based on the amount of time; as well as Based on the VGT evaluation information, one or more actions are caused to be performed.

2. The machine of claim 1 , wherein to cause a first adjustment of at least one component of the VGT, the controller is configured to: At least one component of a turbine of the VGT is adjusted from a first position to a second position associated with restricting exhaust gas flow through the VGT.

3. The machine of any one of claims 1-2, wherein to cause a second adjustment of at least one component of the VGT, the controller is configured to: At least one component of a turbine of the VGT is adjusted from the second position to the first position or another position not associated with restricting exhaust gas flow through the VGT.

4. The machine of any one of claims 1-3, wherein to determine that the speed of the VGT is stable within the time period, the controller is configured to: determining a percentage of variability in the speed of the VGT from the beginning of the time period to the end of the time period; and Based on the percentage of variability being less than or equal to 5%, it is determined that the speed of the VGT is stable during the time period.

5. The machine of any one of claims 1-4, wherein to determine the VGT assessment information, the controller is configured to: determining whether the amount of time is less than or equal to a threshold amount of time; and The VGT evaluation information is determined based on determining whether the amount of time is less than or equal to the amount of time threshold.

6. The machine of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the VGT assessment information indicates one of the following: The VGT is in end-of-life condition, or The VGT is not in an end-of-life condition.

7. The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein in order for the one or more actions to be performed, the controller is configured to: Causing a display of the machine to present the VGT assessment information.

8. A controller for a machine, comprising: one or more memories; as well as One or more processors configured to: causing a first adjustment of at least one component of a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) of the machine; determining that a speed of the VGT is stable over a period of time based on causing a first adjustment of at least one component of the VGT; causing a second adjustment of at least one component of the VGT based on determining that the speed of the VGT is stable during the time period; determining an amount of time for a speed of the VGT to decrease from greater than or equal to a first speed threshold to less than or equal to a second speed threshold based on causing a second adjustment of at least one component of the VGT; determining VGT assessment information based on the amount of time; as well as Based on the VGT evaluation information, one or more actions are caused to be performed.

9. The controller of claim 8, wherein causing a first adjustment of at least one component of the VGT causes the VGT to restrict exhaust flow through the VGT and increases a speed of the VGT to be greater than or equal to the first speed threshold.

10. The controller of any one of claims 8-9, wherein causing a second adjustment of at least one component of the VGT causes the VGT to cease restricting exhaust flow through the VGT and to reduce a speed of the VGT to less than or equal to the second speed threshold.

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