Compressor Inducer Augmentation for Secondary Fluid Intake

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing engine configurations with intake air compressors, such as turbochargers or superchargers, face inefficiencies in drawing adequate fluid into the compressor due to pressure loss in intake passages connected to other flow circuits, limiting the effective use of secondary fluids.

Innovation Solution

A compressor assembly with a secondary inlet passage around the inducer bore, featuring an inlet slot that intersects the inducer bore to allow additional fluid entry, and a compressor wheel with stepped portions to enhance airflow, allowing for the introduction of secondary fluids like exhaust gas or crankcase vapors, which can be mixed with air for compression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple flow circuits are connected to the compressor inlet, then the compressor can utilize secondary fluids (exhaust gas, crankcase vapors), but pressure loss in the intake passage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to utilize secondary fluidsVSAvoidpressure loss in intake passage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The compressor inlet is segmented into a primary inlet passage for main air intake and a secondary inlet passage for secondary fluids. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each passage, enabling the secondary passage to be positioned and sized specifically for secondary fluid intake without compromising the primary air flow path, thus reducing pressure loss while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary inlet passage is positioned radially outward from the primary inlet passage, utilizing the radial dimension around the inducer bore. This dimensional arrangement allows both primary and secondary passages to coexist without interfering with each other's flow paths, enabling multi-fluid capability while maintaining adequate pressure in both passages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the effective flow area of the compressor is increased to draw more fluid, then the compressor capacity increases, but the compressor wheel and housing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompressor flow capacityVSAvoidcompressor wheel and housing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing the axial or radial width of the primary inlet passage, the effective flow area is increased by adding a secondary inlet passage in the radial dimension around the inducer bore. This allows the compressor to draw additional fluid through a different spatial dimension without complicating the primary flow path or requiring a larger overall compressor housing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary inlet passage utilizes the existing radial space around the inducer bore and integrates with the existing compressor wheel vanes. The compressor wheel's stepped portions and the secondary passage work together to draw in secondary fluids using the same compression mechanism already present, avoiding the need for separate pumping or induction systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This configuration increases the effective flow area and capacity of the compressor, reducing pressure losses and enabling more efficient use of secondary fluids, thereby improving engine performance by drawing in additional air and fluids effectively.

Implementation Method 1

The inlet slot advantageously defines an augmented inducer diameter region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGeometric configuration: Geometry

Implementation Method 2

a compressor wheel located in the compressor housing and having a stepped portion formed by at least one plurality of vanes operatively associated with the augmented inducer diameter region adjacent to the inlet slot of the housing to receive fluid therefrom

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVane operation: Impeller

Implementation Method 3

A method of operating an internal combustion engine includes the step of compressing a flow of air in a compressor to yield an intake flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS8137057B2Engine intake air compressor and method

Publication Date: 2012.03.20 INT ENGINE INTPROP CO LLC

AI summary

A compressor assembly (304) includes a compressor housing (312) having a main air inlet (324) and an annular wall (328) defining an inducer bore (325). A secondary inlet passage (322) is disposed around the inducer bore (325). The secondary inlet passage (322) has an inlet slot (320) operatively intersecting the inducer bore (325) to permit the entry of a fluid thereinto through an inlet port (327). The inlet slot (320) advantageously defines an augmented inducer diameter region (331). Preferably the secondary inlet passage (322) may be selectively partially or completely isolated from the main air inlet (324). A compressor wheel (318) is located in the compressor housing (312) and has a stepped portion (330) formed by at least one plurality of vanes (238) operatively associated with the augmented inducer diameter region (331) adjacent to the inlet slot (320) of the housing (312) to receive fluid therefrom.