Annular Ring Mixer With Vanes For EGR Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current exhaust gas recirculation systems in internal combustion engines face challenges in distributing exhaust gas uniformly to reduce NOx emissions, as the annular ring mixer primarily directs exhaust gas at tangential velocity, limiting its penetration into the intake flow and causing pressure drop and mixing losses.
Innovation Solution
An annular ring mixer design with a volute having a gradually reducing section area and internal vanes or fins to direct exhaust gas centrally, promoting uniform distribution and mixing while minimizing pressure loss, and incorporating an exhaust gas recirculation cooler to maintain pulsation energy and improve drivability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the annular ring mixer directs exhaust gas at tangential velocity, then the exhaust gas can be introduced into the air intake system, but the penetration into the intake flow is limited and pressure drop occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the velocity parameter from purely tangential to a combination of axial and radial velocity components. The exhaust gas is directed along the axis of the annular ring mixer and then radially outward, creating a composite velocity vector that improves penetration into the intake flow while reducing pressure drop compared to purely tangential direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional component to the exhaust gas flow direction. Instead of solely tangential motion, the exhaust gas is directed axially along the ring mixer and then radially outward, adding axial and radial dimensions to the flow vector, which enhances mixing efficiency and reduces pressure losses.
2Ease of manufacture
If the annular ring mixer uses simple geometry, then manufacturing is easier, but mixing efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mixer into functional zones with different geometries. The annular ring mixer includes a first section with a first geometry and a second section with a second geometry, where each section is optimized for specific mixing requirements. This segmentation allows complex mixing functionality while maintaining manufacturability through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different geometric characteristics to different sections of the mixer. The first section has specific geometric properties optimized for initial exhaust gas introduction, while the second section has different geometric properties optimized for final mixing. This local differentiation of geometry enables high mixing efficiency while keeping each individual section relatively simple to manufacture.
3Stability of the object's composition
If exhaust gas is directed centrally into the intake flow, then mixing uniformity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes curved surfaces and circular geometries in the mixer design. The annular ring mixer itself is a circular structure, and the exhaust gas flow paths are designed with curved transitions that guide the gas centrally into the intake flow. These curved geometries naturally achieve uniform mixing distribution while maintaining structural simplicity and ease of manufacture.
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
Enhances exhaust gas mixing efficiency, reduces NOx emissions, and maintains low intake air pressure loss by uniformly distributing and directing exhaust gas into the main intake flow, increasing its penetration and drivability.
Implementation Method 1
a mixer configured to direct the exhaust gas from the conduit, into an engine air intake system. The mixer is arranged with an exhaust gas mixing volute chamber having a plurality of mixing vanes configured to direct the exhaust gas into a central intake airflow
Data Source
AI summary
An exhaust gas recirculation system for an engine includes a conduit, and a mixer. The conduit is configured to direct to direct exhaust gas away from an exhaust manifold. The mixer is configured to direct exhaust gas from the conduit, into an engine air intake system. The mixer is arranged with an exhaust gas mixing volute chamber having a plurality of mixing vanes configured to direct the exhaust gas into a central intake airflow upstream of an intake manifold.