Active Oil Separator Speed Control for Low-Energy Crankcase Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional active oil separators in motor vehicles suffer from excessive power consumption and inadequate optimization of rotational speed, leading to inefficient oil separation and increased emissions, which fail to meet stringent legal emission limits.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for operating an active oil separator that dynamically adjusts the rotational speed of the oil separator based on engine operating state, oil temperature, oil pressure, vehicle system voltage, water content, and fuel content, using detection and control devices to optimize energy usage and ensure reliable oil separation without excessive power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the rotational speed of the oil separator is increased to improve oil separation performance, then the separation efficiency improves, but the power consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic rotational speed adjustment of the oil separator based on real-time detection of engine operating parameters. The rotational speed is no longer fixed but varies dynamically to match actual separation needs, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high separation performance and reducing unnecessary power consumption during low-demand conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter (rotational speed) of the oil separator from a constant value to a variable value that adapts to different operating conditions. By adjusting the rotational speed parameter based on detected engine state, the system achieves optimal separation performance only when needed while consuming less energy during normal operation.
2Device complexity
If a rigid filter system with fixed filter plates is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the oil separation performance becomes inadequate for stringent emission limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the rigid, static filter system into a dynamic one by introducing rotational movement of the filter elements. This dynamic configuration allows the filter to actively engage with the gas flow and adapt to varying separation requirements, significantly improving oil separation performance while maintaining reasonable device complexity through the use of a single rotating component.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the rotational speed is optimized for maximum separation efficiency, then emission compliance improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter change by adjusting the rotational speed of the oil separator based on detected engine operating conditions. The system maintains high separation efficiency (ensuring emission compliance) only when engine parameters indicate high oil content in blow-by gases, while reducing rotational speed and energy consumption during normal operating conditions where less separation is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the rotational speed of the oil separator is continuously adjusted based on detected engine operating parameters. This closed-loop control ensures that energy is consumed at high levels only when the separation system actually needs to work harder to meet emission requirements, thereby resolving the contradiction between emission compliance and energy conservation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method and device ensure efficient and economical operation of the oil separator, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective oil separation performance, thus meeting stringent legal requirements without degrading filter results.
Implementation Method 1
detecting an engine operating state of the internal combustion engine by means of a detection device, wherein the engine operating state is determined by an engine load and/or an engine speed
Implementation Method 2
Disk separators often have a disk stack composed of disks that have a downwardly angled edge region and that are carried spaced apart from one another on a common rotating shaft
Implementation Method 3
The rotational speed of the rotating shaft can be controlled, for example, as a function of an operating state of the internal combustion engine, in particular as a function of an internal pressure in the crankcase
Implementation Method 4
controlling an electric motor to drive the oil separator at the preferred SET rotational speed by means of a control device
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating an active oil separator for separating oil from exhaust air of a crankcase of a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine. An engine operating state of the internal combustion engine is detected. A first SET rotational speed of the oil separator is determined as a function of the detected engine operating state and a first characteristic map. A maximum SET rotational speed of the oil separator is determined as a function of the first SET rotational speed by the determination device. A preferred SET rotational speed is determined on the basis of the maximum SET rotational speed by a determination device. An electric motor is controlled to drive the oil separator at the preferred SET rotational speed by a control device. A device is also provided for separating oil from exhaust air of a crankcase of a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine.