Compressor Inlet Collecting Pocket for EGR Condensate Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In internal combustion engines with a configuration where EGR gas is introduced into the intake passage upstream of a compressor, condensed water can form and pose a risk of erosion by striking the compressor impeller as large droplets, particularly when a large amount of EGR gas is introduced to improve fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A collecting pocket is provided at the outer circumference of the compressor inlet, formed in a ring shape with partition walls to collect and hold back condensed water, which utilizes heat from the compressor housing to evaporate the water without a special heat source, ensuring it is processed with the intake air and preventing droplet formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If EGR gas is introduced into the intake passage upstream of the compressor to improve fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency is improved, but condensed water is generated that can erode the compressor impeller
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful condensed water from the intake air flow by providing a collecting pocket at the compressor inlet. The collecting pocket captures condensed water droplets that form in the intake passage upstream of the compressor, preventing them from reaching and eroding the compressor impeller while allowing the beneficial EGR gas to continue improving fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The collecting pocket acts as an intermediary device between the intake passage and the compressor inlet. It intercepts condensed water droplets in the intake air flow and provides a collection space where droplets can coalesce and be removed, thereby protecting the compressor impeller from erosion while maintaining the EGR-induced fuel efficiency improvements.
2Reliability
If a collecting pocket is provided at the compressor inlet to collect condensed water, then erosion is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collecting pocket is merged with the existing compressor inlet structure, integrating the water collection function into the existing intake system rather than adding a separate, complex drainage system. The partition wall is incorporated directly into the collecting pocket structure, simplifying the overall design while maintaining effective condensed water collection and erosion prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The collecting pocket is segmented into multiple cells by partition walls, creating a multi-compartment structure that efficiently captures condensed water droplets from different regions of the intake flow. This segmentation approach provides effective erosion protection while maintaining a relatively simple integrated structure that combines well with the existing compressor inlet.
3Ease of operation
If partition walls are added to the collecting pocket to hold back condensed water flow, then water discharge is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to actively pump or force condensed water out of the collecting pocket, the partition walls are designed to passively utilize gravity and flow dynamics. The partition walls create a structure where condensed water naturally flows down and collects in the lower portions of each cell, using the inverted approach of letting gravity do the work rather than requiring active discharge mechanisms, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls are positioned and dimensioned to create equipotential flow paths for condensed water within each cell, allowing water to naturally flow to collection points without requiring complex pumping or pressure differential systems. This passive design approach improves water discharge effectiveness while maintaining manufacturing simplicity by relying on natural gravitational flow.
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 effectively suppresses the inflow of condensed water as droplets into the compressor, preventing erosion and eliminating the need for a special drainage measure, while also preventing accumulation and promoting vaporization within the collecting pocket.
Implementation Method 1
utilizes heat from the compressor housing to evaporate the water
Implementation Method 2
evaporate the water without a special heat source
Implementation Method 3
holds back a flow of condensed water that attempts to move in a downward gravitational direction
Data Source
AI summary
The internal combustion engine includes a compressor for supercharging intake air, an EGR device for introducing EGR gas into an intake passage at a position on an upstream side relative to the compressor, and a collecting pocket that is provided at an outer circumference of a compressor inlet and that collects condensed water generated inside the intake passage on an upstream side relative to the compressor. The collecting pocket opens towards the upstream side of the compressor, and is formed in a circular ring shape that surrounds the outer circumference of the compressor inlet. The collecting pocket includes a partition wall that holds back a flow of condensed water that attempts to move in a downward gravitational direction inside an internal space of the collecting pocket.