Dual Pass Intercooled Supercharger for Compact Engine Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional supercharger systems face challenges in achieving optimal engine intake temperature due to limited space between the compressor and engine, requiring increased intercooler depth or compromising on temperature for vehicle configurations with restricted hood space.
Innovation Solution
A dual pass intercooled supercharger system with a dual pass heat exchanger configuration, where compressed air passes through the intercooler twice, utilizing a common coolant medium to enhance heat removal and maintain cooling efficiency with reduced intercooler depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the intercooler depth is increased to achieve optimal intake temperature, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but the space requirement between the engine and hood increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intercooler is divided into two separate passes: a first pass through a first portion of the intercooler and a second pass through a second portion of the intercooler. This segmentation allows the air to be cooled in two stages, achieving optimal temperature reduction while maintaining a compact overall depth that fits within the available space between the engine and hood.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual pass configuration allows the air flow path to be nested within the intercooler structure, where the air enters, passes through the first portion, exits into a common chamber, and then passes through the second portion. This nesting approach maximizes the cooling surface area and heat exchange efficiency within a reduced depth footprint.
2Length of stationary object
If the intercooler depth is reduced to fit limited space, then the space requirement is satisfied, but the cooling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing depth in one dimension, the invention utilizes the horizontal arrangement of two separate portions (first and second portions) of the intercooler. The air flow is directed through the first portion, then through the common chamber, and finally through the second portion, effectively distributing the cooling function across multiple dimensions while maintaining a compact depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual pass configuration ensures continuous cooling action throughout the air flow path. The air undergoes cooling in the first pass, then continues cooling in the second pass through the common chamber and second portion, maintaining continuous heat exchange efficiency without requiring increased intercooler depth.
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 dual pass intercooled supercharger achieves effective air cooling and power optimization without the need for increased intercooler depth, offering a more compact and efficient cooling solution for engine intake.
Implementation Method 1
an intercooler in fluid communication with an exit of the supercharger, the intercooler configured as a dual pass heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
The air is then passed through the intercooler to reduce the air volatility and increase the oxygen level by increasing the air density and reducing the temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The dual pass intercooled supercharger includes a supercharger and intercooler. The system is configured such that air leaving the supercharger traverses the intercooler from one side to an opposing side two or more times.