Dual-loop EGR Control for Turbocharger Pressure Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

In engines with variable geometry turbochargers and dual-loop EGR systems, the feedback control of intake manifold pressure and EGR control often interfere, leading to unintended results due to unbalanced high-pressure and low-pressure EGR quantities, which can cause inappropriate vane openings and poor exhaust performance.

Innovation Solution

A controlling apparatus that switches between single and combination uses of EGR systems, prohibiting feedback control of intake manifold pressure during a predetermined period and executing feedforward control to maintain balance between EGR quantities, using a pressure controller to adjust vanes and recirculation controllers to manage EGR flows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If feedback control of intake manifold pressure is executed simultaneously with EGR control, then both controls can operate independently, but the controls interfere with each other causing unintended results and inappropriate vane openings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol stabilityVSAvoidcontrol interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the switching timing of EGR systems in advance and temporarily suspending feedback control of intake manifold pressure during the switching period. This prevents the feedback control from generating inappropriate vane openings that would occur due to transient imbalances in EGR quantities, thereby eliminating control interference while maintaining control stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If EGR control adjusts total EGR quantity rapidly, then exhaust gas recirculation efficiency improves, but intake air temperature becomes unbalanced causing poor exhaust performance

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEGR efficiencyVSAvoidintake air temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring the temperatures of intake air from high-pressure and low-pressure EGR systems and using this information to regulate EGR quantities. When temperature imbalance is detected, the control adjusts the EGR distribution to maintain proper thermal balance, ensuring both high EGR efficiency and optimal exhaust performance through temperature-managed recirculation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Prevents interference between EGR and intake manifold pressure controls, rapidly achieving target pressures and maintaining proper EGR balance, resulting in improved exhaust performance by adjusting intake air temperature.

Implementation Method 1

a variable geometry turbocharger including a turbine (32) disposed in an exhaust path, a compressor (31) disposed in an intake path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbine: Turbine

Implementation Method 2

variable geometry turbochargers have been widespread that include flow-rate adjusting mechanisms called variable vanes in the vicinity of the turbines of the turbochargers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow rate adjustment mechanism:

Implementation Method 3

turbines that are rotated by the energy of exhaust gas and that drive compressors provided coaxially thereto to supercharge compressed air to cylinders

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP2933458B1Engine control device
Publication Date: 2019.01.09 MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORP
  • EP2933458B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2933458B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2933458B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A first recirculation system (40) includes a first adjuster (45,14) to adjust the exhaust-gas flow rate in a first path (41) connecting an upstream position of a turbine (32) of a VG turbocharger (30) to a downstream position of a compressor (31). A second recirculation system (50) includes a second adjuster (55,13) to adjust the exhaust-gas flow rate in a second path (51) connecting a downstream position of the turbine (32) to an upstream position of the compressor (31). A recirculation controller (63) switches between a single use activating the first or second recirculation system (40,50) and a combination use activating both systems (40,50) by controlling the adjusters (45,14,55,13). A pressure controller (64) executes feedback control of an intake-system pressure through adjusting the opening of vanes (33), and executes feedforward control without the feedback control during a predetermined period from the switching from the single use to the combination use.