Air Brayton Cycle e-Turbo Control for Faster Start-Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air Brayton cycle systems lack efficient control mechanisms for start-up, shutdown, and operational efficiency, particularly in utilizing electric turbochargers (e-turbo) to adjust operating points and reduce transition times.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electric turbocharger (e-turbo) with a motor/generator coupled to the shaft between the compressor and turbine, and a controller that adjusts the e-turbo's operation based on system conditions to manage start-up, shutdown, and set-point control, utilizing energy sources like waste heat and mechanical loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional turbocharger is used in the air Brayton cycle, then the system can operate with fewer components, but the start-up and shutdown times are prolonged and operational flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a conventional turbocharger with an electric turbocharger (e-turbo) into a hybrid system. The e-turbo includes a motor/generator coupled to the turbocharger shaft, allowing electrical assistance during start-up and energy recovery during shutdown. This merging of mechanical and electrical systems resolves the contradiction by enabling fast start-up/shutdown while maintaining the structural framework of a conventional turbocharger.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor/generator in the e-turbo system serves multiple functions: it acts as a motor to assist start-up, as a generator to recover energy during shutdown, and as a control element to adjust operational parameters. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address multiple performance requirements, improving productivity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the e-turbo operation is fixed, then the system structure is simpler, but the operational efficiency and adaptability to different conditions are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the e-turbo system where the motor/generator operation is continuously adjusted based on real-time system conditions such as pressure differential, flow rate, and power requirements. The controller modifies the electrical input to the motor/generator to optimize performance across varying operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity through intelligent dynamic adjustment rather than fixed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control where sensors monitor operating parameters (pressure, flow, temperature) and the controller adjusts the motor/generator operation accordingly. This closed-loop control enables the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining optimal efficiency, addressing the adaptability requirement without requiring overly complex manual intervention systems.
3Productivity
If the motor/generator is continuously operated, then the start-up and shutdown performance is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor/generator operates periodically rather than continuously - it provides electrical assistance during start-up when needed, then disengages during self-sustaining operation. During shutdown, it operates in generator mode to recover energy. This periodic operation pattern resolves the contradiction by concentrating energy input only when necessary for performance improvement, rather than continuous operation that would waste energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the kinetic energy present in the rotating mass during shutdown from a potential waste into a useful resource by operating the motor/generator in generator mode. This energy recovery process transforms what would otherwise be wasted energy into electrical power that can be stored or reused, resolving the energy consumption contradiction by turning potential losses into benefits.
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 the air Brayton cycle's efficiency by reducing start-up and shutdown times, maintaining self-sustaining operations, and optimizing energy usage through dynamic control of the e-turbo, thereby improving overall system performance.
Implementation Method 1
a motor/generator coupled to a shaft of the turbocharger between a compressor and a turbine
Implementation Method 2
The turbine may then convert the energy stored in the heated charge into the mechanical motion driving the turbine
Implementation Method 3
The compressor of the turbocharger may output compressed air into the mixing chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for a Brayton cycle system. In one example, a system for an air Brayton cycle includes a chamber that can receive a first energy source and a second energy source, a turbocharger, and a motor/generator coupled to a shaft of the turbocharger between a compressor and a turbine.