Air Compressor Inlet Pressure Regulation for Turbo Pressure Peaks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive air compressors face damage from pressure peaks in compressed air delivered by turbocompressors, leading to potential inefficiencies and increased power consumption when compression ratios are reduced to mitigate these peaks.
Innovation Solution
A compressed air generation system that includes a pressure regulator to limit the intake pressure of the air compressor below its maximum threshold, preventing damage from pressure peaks and optimizing operation by reducing unnecessary power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the compression ratio of the air compressor is reduced to withstand pressure peaks, then the air compressor can operate safely without damage, but the compression efficiency decreases leading to increased filling time and fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure regulator valve is introduced as an intermediary device between the turbocompressor inlet and outlet. This valve controls and limits the maximum pressure of compressed air delivered to the air compressor, preventing pressure peaks from damaging the air compressor while allowing the compression ratio to remain optimized for efficient operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the pressure parameter of the compressed air delivered to the air compressor by using a pressure regulator valve. The valve modifies the pressure parameter in real-time to maintain it within optimal ranges, ensuring both safety and efficiency during different operating conditions including pressure peak events.
2Reliability
If the compression ratio is reduced to avoid damage from pressure peaks, then the air compressor can withstand overpressure, but power consumption increases due to lower compression efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator valve serves as a mediator that protects the air compressor from pressure peaks without requiring a reduction in compression ratio. By controlling the inlet pressure to remain below the maximum threshold, the valve enables the air compressor to maintain its optimal compression ratio and efficiency while still withstanding pressure variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure regulator valve performs preliminary pressure control on the compressed air before it reaches the air compressor. By pre-limiting the pressure to stay below the maximum threshold, the system prevents damage before it can occur while allowing the air compressor to operate at its designed compression ratio for optimal power efficiency.
3Reliability
If the air compressor operates with reduced compression ratio to handle pressure peaks, then safety is improved, but the filling time of air tanks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator valve acts as an intermediary that decouples the pressure peak protection function from the compression ratio adjustment. This allows the air compressor to maintain its optimal compression ratio for fast filling while the valve handles pressure peak management, thus reducing filling time without compromising safety.
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 system effectively prevents air compressor damage from pressure peaks while maintaining efficient operation by limiting intake pressure and optimizing compression efficiency, thereby reducing power consumption and enhancing performance.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure regulator (14) connected upstream the air compressor (8) and limiting the pressure P4 of the compressed air fed from the turbocompressor (4) to the air compressor (8)
Implementation Method 2
an air compressor (8) adapted to compress air provided by the turbocompressor (4)
Implementation Method 3
a turbocompressor (4) producing compressed air from air at atmospheric pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
This compressed air generation system (12) for an automotive vehicle (V) comprises: - a turbocompressor (4) feeding an internal combustion engine (2) of the automotive vehicle (V) with compressed air, - an air compressor (8), - at least one compressed air tank (10) connected to an outlet pipe (82) of the air compressor (8), the air compressor (8) comprising an inlet pipe (80) fed with compressed air from the turbocompressor (4). The compressed air generation system (12) comprises a pressure regulator (14) placed downstream the turbocompressor (4) and upstream the air compressor (8) and which limits the pressure (P8) of the compressed air fed from the turbocompressor (4) to the air compressor (8) to a first threshold (T1).