Compressor Surge Control via Recirculation Valve Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Compressor surge in turbocharger systems leads to engine instability and potential damage during transient load conditions, as existing technologies fail to effectively maintain a target surge margin and control compressor recirculation valve positions.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that determine and maintain a target surge margin by controlling the compressor recirculation valve position based on measured pressure ratio, estimated compressor flow, and compressor maps, using a processing subsystem to adjust the CRV and wastegate positions to prevent surge during steady-state and transient conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a compressor recirculation valve is used to control boost pressure, then boost pressure control is achieved, but compressor surge occurs during transient load conditions leading to engine instability and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboost pressure controlVSAvoidcompressor surge prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors compressor operating conditions and adjusts the recirculation valve position based on feedback signals to maintain operation above the surge line, preventing surge while controlling boost pressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The recirculation valve position is dynamically adjusted based on transient load conditions and compressor operating point, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain surge margin during transients

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the compressor recirculation valve position is adjusted to prevent surge, then compressor reliability improves, but engine response during transient conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompressor surge preventionVSAvoidengine response speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system proactively maintains a surge margin by positioning the recirculation valve to prevent surge before it occurs, allowing faster response during transients without risking surge conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the recirculation valve position parameter based on transient conditions and surge margin requirements, optimizing both reliability and response speed by adjusting the balance between surge prevention and performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11530657B2Compressor surge control

Publication Date: 2022.12.20 CUMMINS INC

AI summary

Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for providing or maintaining a target surge margin at the compressor during steady state engine operating conditions and to avoid compressor surge during transients by controlling a compressor recirculation valve position to a commanded position. The estimated surge margin can be determined in response to the measured pressure ratio across the compressor, an estimated compressor flow, and a compressor map for the compressor.