Compressor Wheel Tapered Connecting Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressor wheels for turbochargers, particularly exhaust gas turbochargers, face inefficiencies that hinder the overall system's performance, necessitating improvements in compressor efficiency to enhance turbocharger efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A compressor wheel design featuring multiple blade elements arranged radially and spirally around an axis of rotation, with a tapered connection element on the inflow side that tapers in sections along the axis, optimizing fluid flow and energy addition to improve compression efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional compressor wheel design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the compressor efficiency is insufficient leading to reduced turbocharger efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor wheel is divided into multiple blade elements (at least two, preferably six) arranged radially around the axis of rotation. Each blade element is a separate component that can be individually optimized for aerodynamic performance while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element features a tapered outer shape that varies along the axis of rotation, with the taper angle and profile optimized for different axial positions. This local variation in geometry allows the structure to adapt to changing flow conditions at different radial distances, improving overall compressor efficiency without requiring complete redesign of the entire wheel
2Productivity
If the compressor efficiency is increased through design modifications, then the turbocharger efficiency improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the compressor wheel into discrete blade elements attached to a connecting element, the design allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard machining processes, then assembled through conventional joining methods. This segmentation maintains ease of manufacture while enabling efficiency improvements through optimized blade geometry and arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element's outer shape is tapered with specific angular parameters optimized for flow guidance. By carefully selecting and maintaining these geometric parameters within standard manufacturing tolerances, the design achieves improved turbocharger efficiency without requiring ultra-precision manufacturing processes
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 enhances the compressor's efficiency by reducing turbulence and dead zones, leading to improved aerodynamics and increased efficiency of the turbocharger, especially when supported by an electric drive, resulting in higher overall system performance.
Implementation Method 1
The compressor wheel can be designed to rotate about the axis of rotation and thereby compress, in particular compress, the fluid medium, for example, air
Implementation Method 2
Within the scope of the present invention, a 'compressor wheel' is understood to be any element designed to compress a fluid medium by means of a rotational movement. For example, the compressor wheel can be configured as an impeller
Implementation Method 3
The connecting element has an outer shape that tapers at least partially along the axis of rotation in the direction of the blade elements
Data Source
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AI summary
A compressor wheel (112) for compressing a fluid medium, in particular for a compressor (110), especially for an exhaust gas turbocharger of an internal combustion engine, as well as a compressor (110) and a method for manufacturing a compressor (110) are proposed. The compressor wheel (112) comprises a plurality of blade elements (128), in particular blade elements (128) arranged radially and/or spirally around an axis of rotation of the compressor wheel, in particular turbine blades. The compressor wheel (112) further comprises a connecting element (132) arranged upstream of the blade elements (128), wherein the connecting element (132) has an outer shape (134) that tapers at least partially along the axis of rotation (130) in the direction of the blade elements (128).