Turbocharger Compressor Guide Device for Low-Speed Torque

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing exhaust-gas turbocharging systems face challenges in achieving a noticeable performance increase across all engine speed ranges due to issues with turbine size, inertia, and the need for multiple turbochargers, which increase cost and space requirements while compromising fuel efficiency and torque characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A supercharged internal combustion engine with a radial compressor and turbine equipped with a revolving guide device featuring an annular support and guide blades, driven by an electric auxiliary drive, allowing continuous rotation and adjustment of the guide blades to enhance torque characteristics and prevent surging at low engine speeds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a large turbine cross section is designed to adapt to high engine speeds, then high-speed performance is improved, but the moment of inertia increases and response to low engine speeds deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh engine speed performanceVSAvoidmoment of inertia
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the turbine into two separate turbines with different cross-sectional areas. The first turbine has a larger cross section optimized for high engine speeds, while the second turbine has a smaller cross section optimized for low engine speeds. This segmentation allows each turbine to be independently sized for its specific operating range, resolving the contradiction between high-speed performance and low-speed responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Speed

If the turbine cross section is reduced to improve low engine speed response, then low-speed performance is improved, but exhaust-gas back pressure increases and fuel consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelow engine speed responseVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the exhaust gas flow path into two parallel turbine paths. The smaller second turbine handles low engine speed flows efficiently without creating excessive back pressure, while the larger first turbine handles high engine speed flows. This segmentation allows optimal turbine sizing for each operating condition, improving low-speed response without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Speed

If multiple turbochargers are arranged in parallel or series to alter torque characteristic, then torque characteristic is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque characteristicVSAvoidnumber of turbochargers
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using multiple separate turbocharger units, the patent segments a single turbocharger into two turbines that process exhaust gas flows in parallel. This achieves the torque characteristic improvement of multiple turbochargers while maintaining the simplicity and compactness of a single turbocharger housing and compressor unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Speed

If a guide device with rotatable ring is used to adjust guide elements, then torque characteristic at low speeds is improved, but the ring can only rotate in limited angle range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque characteristic at low speedsVSAvoidrotation angle range
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamically adjustable guide device where the guide elements can change their orientation and position in response to varying operating conditions. The guide device includes actuation mechanisms that allow the guide elements to move between multiple positions, enabling the system to adapt to both low-speed and high-speed operating ranges, thereby increasing the effective rotation angle range beyond static limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 improves torque characteristics at low engine speeds, reduces the risk of compressor surging, and optimizes charge pressure ratios, leading to increased efficiency and reduced fuel consumption while minimizing space and weight requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a radial compressor (242) with an inflow running substantially axially... an electric auxiliary drive (208) for forcing a revolving movement of the guide device (212) about the shaft (226) of the compressor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

The compressor delivers and compresses the air supplied to it (known as charge air), as a result of which supercharging of the cylinders is obtained

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

The hot exhaust-gas flow from the cylinders is supplied to the turbine and expands in the turbine with a release of energy, as a result of which the shaft is set in rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS10006356B2Exhaust gas-turbocharged internal combustion engine comprising a radial compressor with guide device arranged in the diffuser, and method for operating an internal combustion engine of said type
Publication Date: 2018.06.26 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

Methods and systems are provided for an adjustable diffuser of a turbocharger compressor. In one example, a compressor includes a diffuser formed in a compressor housing downstream of an impeller of the compressor, the diffuser including guide blades mounted on a rotatable annular support of the diffuser. Further, an engine controller may adjust rotation of the annular support based on one or more engine operating conditions.