Branch Communication Valve Twin Scroll Turbocharger Backpressure

Solution Overview

Problem

Twin scroll turbocharger configurations, which separate exhaust gas pulses to enhance efficiency, can reduce exhaust gas delivery efficiency under high speed and high load conditions due to increased backpressure and pumping work.

Innovation Solution

A branch communication valve is positioned between the first and second scrolls of a twin scroll turbocharger system, allowing for adjustable fluid communication between the scrolls by opening or closing to manage exhaust gas flow, thereby mitigating backpressure and increasing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If exhaust gas pulses are separated in a twin scroll turbocharger, then exhaust gas delivery efficiency is improved at low speeds, but backpressure and pumping work increase at high speeds and high loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexhaust gas delivery efficiencyVSAvoidbackpressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the scroll configuration adaptable through a movable dividing wall or selectable passage connections. The system transitions from a fixed separated scroll configuration to a dynamic configuration where the dividing wall can move or passages can be selectively opened/closed based on operating conditions. This allows the turbocharger to optimize exhaust gas delivery efficiency at low speeds while reducing backpressure at high speeds, resolving the technical contradiction between these two operating regimes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If exhaust gas pulses are separated in a twin scroll turbocharger, then exhaust gas delivery efficiency is improved, but pumping work increases at high speeds and high loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexhaust gas delivery efficiencyVSAvoidpumping work

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the scroll configuration adaptable through a movable dividing wall or selectable passage connections. The system transitions from a fixed separated scroll configuration to a dynamic configuration where the dividing wall can move or passages can be selectively opened/closed based on operating conditions. This allows the turbocharger to optimize exhaust gas delivery efficiency at low speeds while reducing pumping work at high speeds, resolving the technical contradiction between these two operating regimes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If a fixed twin scroll configuration is used, then exhaust gas delivery efficiency is optimized for specific conditions, but performance deteriorates under varying engine operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexhaust gas delivery efficiencyVSAvoidperformance under varying conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the scroll configuration adaptable through a movable dividing wall or selectable passage connections. The system transitions from a fixed separated scroll configuration to a dynamic configuration where the dividing wall can move or passages can be selectively opened/closed based on operating conditions. This allows the turbocharger to optimize exhaust gas delivery efficiency at low speeds while reducing backpressure at high speeds, resolving the technical contradiction between these two operating regimes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the universality principle by designing the turbocharger to perform multiple functions through a single integrated system. The movable dividing wall or selectable passage connections enable the same turbocharger unit to serve different functions: maintaining separated scroll configuration for low-speed efficiency while transitioning to a more open configuration for high-speed performance. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between optimizing for specific conditions versus adapting to varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 branch communication valve increases engine efficiency and power output by allowing increased fluid communication between the scrolls during high-speed and high-load conditions, reducing backpressure and pumping work.

Implementation Method 1

A branch communication valve is positioned between a first scroll and a second scroll in a twin (e.g., dual) turbocharger scroll system... In an open position, exhaust flowing through the first and second scrolls may enter the passage and flow into the opposite scroll. In a closed position, the branch communication valve may seal against an opening between the passage and the first and the second scrolls, thereby reducing fluid communication between the scrolls.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow control:

Data Source

PatentUS11187145B2Branch communication valve for a twin scroll turbocharger

Publication Date: 2021.11.30 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

Methods and systems are provided for a branch communication valve in a twin turbocharger system. A branch communication valve may be positioned adjacent to a dividing wall separating a first scroll and a second scroll of the twin turbocharger. In an open position, the branch communication valve increases fluid communication between the first scroll and the second scroll and in a closed position, the branch communication valve decreases fluid communication between the first scroll and the second scroll.