Crankcase Gas Separator Valve Control for Pressure Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for cleaning crankcase gases in internal combustion engines face challenges in maintaining desired gas pressure while maintaining separating efficiency, as reducing rotational speed of the centrifugal rotor decreases separation efficiency and increasing gas pressure.
Innovation Solution
The control equipment is connected to a valve to adjust gas flow through the centrifugal separator, allowing for changes in valve position to maintain crankcase gas pressure, with the option to also adjust rotational speed of the centrifugal rotor, prioritizing high-speed operation for high efficiency during normal conditions and adapting speed during special conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the rotational speed of the centrifugal rotor is reduced to maintain gas pressure in the crankcase, then the gas pressure is maintained at a predetermined value, but the separating efficiency of the centrifugal rotor is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the centrifugal separator and the crankcase. The valve regulates gas flow independently of the rotor speed, allowing the rotor to maintain high rotational speed for optimal separation efficiency while the valve controls the gas pressure in the crankcase by adjusting the amount of gas returned to the crankcase.
Solution Approach 2:
The control function is segmented into two independent components: the centrifugal rotor handles separation efficiency by maintaining high rotational speed, while the valve handles gas pressure control by regulating gas flow. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
2Manufacturing precision
If the rotational speed of the centrifugal rotor is increased to maintain separating efficiency, then the separating efficiency is improved, but the gas pressure in the crankcase increases beyond desired levels
Solution Approach 1:
The valve acts as a mediator that decouples the relationship between rotor speed and crankcase pressure. By positioning the valve in the gas flow path between the separator and crankcase, it allows the rotor to operate at high speed for maximum separation efficiency while the valve throttles the gas flow to maintain appropriate crankcase pressure levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control where the valve position can be adjusted independently of rotor speed. This allows the system to adapt to varying operating conditions by dynamically balancing separation efficiency requirements with crankcase pressure management through coordinated control of both rotor speed and valve position.
3Stress or pressure
If a valve is added to control gas flow through the centrifugal separator, then the gas pressure in the crankcase can be maintained while keeping rotational speed high, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve serves multiple functions: it controls gas pressure in the crankcase, regulates gas flow through the separator, and works in coordination with the rotor speed control to optimize both separation efficiency and pressure management. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by providing comprehensive control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control equipment receives feedback from pressure sensors monitoring the crankcase pressure and adjusts the valve position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback control ensures that the gas pressure is maintained within desired parameters while allowing the system to adapt to changing operating conditions, making the additional complexity worthwhile for achieving precise control.
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 approach effectively maintains desired gas pressure and separating efficiency by adjusting valve position and rotational speed, ensuring efficient crankcase gas cleaning, even under varying operational conditions, such as high loads or limited power availability.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifugal rotor 6b is arranged for cleaning of said crankcase gas
Implementation Method 2
the centrifugal rotor is arranged by its rotation to suck crankcase gas from the crankcase to the centrifugal separator
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) and method for cleaning of crankcase gas being produced in a crankcase (2) during operation of an internal combustion engine (3). The device (1) comprises a centrifugal separator (4) having a housing (5) and a separation chamber (6a) in which a centrifugal rotor (6b) is arranged for cleaning of said crankcase gas. The separator (4) is connected to a gas inlet (7) for conducting crankcase gas from the crankcase (2) to the centrifugal separator (4) and a gas outlet (9) for conducting the cleaned gas from the separator (4). A motor (10) is arranged to rotate the centrifugal rotor (6b) with control equipment (12) for changing the rotational speed of the centrifugal rotor (6b). A sensor (13) is provided for detection of a parameter, the magnitude of which is related to a gas pressure in the crankcase (2). The sensor (13) is arranged to communicate with the control equipment (12) of the motor, the control equipment (12) being operatively connected to a valve (15, 15') which is arranged for adjusting the flow of gas through the centrifugal separator (4). The control equipment (12) is arranged to change the position of the valve (15, 15') in response to a detected change of said parameter in a way such that the gas pressure in the crankcase (2) is maintained at a predetermined value, or at a predetermined pressure interval, during operation of the combustion engine.