Centrifugal Separator Control for Crankcase Gas Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifugal separators for cleaning crankcase gases from internal combustion engines lack adaptability to varying engine workloads, requiring a more efficient operational control system to manage the separation of oil and gas effectively.
Innovation Solution
An electrically driven centrifugal separator with a control unit that adjusts operational modes based on internal parameters, such as motor speed and torque, to adapt to the engine's demand for cleaning crankcase gas, allowing for efficient separation of liquid impurities like oil and soot from gas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the centrifugal separator operates at constant speed, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying engine workloads and cleaning demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the centrifugal separator to operate in multiple speed modes (first speed mode and second speed mode) rather than a fixed constant speed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the rotational speed of the centrifugal separator based on engine operating conditions, allowing it to adapt to varying workloads. This resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible and responsive to changing demands while maintaining manageable control through automated mode switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the rotational speed parameter of the centrifugal separator according to engine workload. The control unit monitors engine operating parameters and adjusts the separator's speed accordingly - using a first speed mode under certain conditions and a second speed mode under other conditions. This allows the system to adapt its performance characteristics to match varying cleaning demands without requiring complex manual intervention.
2Productivity
If the centrifugal separator uses high speed operation, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing variable speed operation where the centrifugal separator can switch between a first speed mode and a second speed mode based on actual cleaning demands. Rather than operating continuously at maximum speed, the control unit adjusts the rotational speed to match engine workload requirements. This dynamic adjustment maintains high cleaning efficiency when needed while reducing energy consumption during lower-demand periods, effectively resolving the contradiction between productivity and energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through alternating between different operational speed modes based on monitored engine parameters. The control unit periodically assesses engine operating conditions and switches the centrifugal separator between first and second speed modes accordingly. This periodic adjustment ensures that high-speed operation (and associated high energy consumption) occurs only when actually required for effective cleaning, while allowing lower-speed operation during periods when less cleaning demand exists, thus balancing productivity and energy efficiency.
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 solution enables the centrifugal separator to automatically adjust its operational modes to match the engine's workload, ensuring effective cleaning of crankcase gases regardless of varying engine conditions, enhancing the separator's adaptability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifugal separator for cleaning gas containing contaminants
Implementation Method 2
a rotating member comprising a plurality of separation members arranged in the separation space and being arranged to rotate around an axis (X) of rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A centrifugal separator for cleaning gas containing contaminants includes a stationary casing enclosing a separation space through which a gas flow is permitted, a gas inlet extending through the stationary casing and permitting supply of the gas to be cleaned, a rotating member including a plurality of separation members arranged in said separation space and being arranged to rotate around an axis of rotation, a gas outlet configured to permit discharge of cleaned gas and including an outlet opening through a wall of the stationary casing, a drainage outlet configured to permit discharge of liquid impurities separated from the gas to be cleaned and an electrical motor for rotating the rotating member. The centrifugal separator further includes a control unit configured to control the operation of the electrical motor and to drive the electrical motor in at least two different operational modes and to further switch between operational modes depending at least on information of at least one measured internal parameter of the electrical motor.