Turbocharger Compressor Wheel Noise Reduction via Leading Edge Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbocharger compressor wheels generate broadband frequency noise due to irregular air turbulence at high speeds, leading to noisy vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A compressor wheel design featuring a wheel hub with spiral blades having a round portion at the leading edge tip, where the round projected area is between 15% to 20% of the effective inlet area, and the leading edge is cut within 30% of its overall length, reducing noise through controlled turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the compressor wheel rotates at high speed to compress air efficiently, then compression performance is improved, but broadband frequency noise is generated due to irregular air turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by modifying only the leading edge tip region of the blades with a round portion, while keeping the rest of the blade structure unchanged. This localized modification reduces irregular air turbulence at the critical leading edge area where noise is generated, without affecting the overall compression performance of the compressor wheel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs spheroidality by introducing a round portion (curved geometry) at the leading edge tip of the blades. This curved surface design replaces the conventional sharp or flat leading edge, which helps to smooth air flow and reduce turbulent eddies, thereby reducing broadband frequency noise while maintaining compression efficiency
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the round projected area is increased to reduce noise, then noise reduction effect is improved, but the effective inlet area for air compression is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the round projected area to be within 15% to 20% of the effective inlet area. This specific parameter range was determined to provide the optimal balance between noise reduction and compression performance, ensuring that the round portion is large enough to reduce turbulence effectively but small enough to maintain adequate air intake
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 design significantly reduces noise and improves vehicle noise characteristics, enabling quieter driving by minimizing air turbulence noise during high-speed rotation.
Implementation Method 1
the compressor wheel is configured to reduce noise caused by irregular turbulence of air as the compressor wheel is rotated at a high speed
Data Source
AI summary
A compression wheel for a turbocharger includes: a wheel hub; and a plurality of blades that are arranged around the wheel hub in a spiral shape, where a round portion is provided at a tip of a leading edge of each of the blades.