Electric Motor-Assisted Boost Control for Internal Combustion Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional internal combustion engines, particularly gas engines, face inefficiencies due to excessive boost pressure and the need for complex and costly variable turbine geometry to manage boost pressure control, especially at high altitudes or high temperatures, which leads to reduced efficiency and frequent mechanical failures.
Innovation Solution
An internal combustion engine system with a compressor, turbine, and an electric motor connected to the compressor, where the electric motor is controlled based on ambient air density parameters to provide targeted boost pressure, allowing the turbine to be larger and reducing the need for additional pressure regulation, thus enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the turbine is undersized to provide boost pressure control reserve at low air density, then the engine can maintain speed and power at high altitudes or temperatures, but excessive boost pressure occurs at majority operating points requiring pressure control devices that reduce efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the turbine geometry variable through a control device that adjusts turbine vane positions based on operating conditions. This allows the turbine to adapt its characteristics dynamically - operating as a smaller turbine when boost pressure reserve is needed at low air density, and as a larger turbine when excessive boost pressure occurs at other operating points, thereby eliminating the need for efficiency-reducing pressure control devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the turbine system by introducing variable turbine geometry that modifies the turbine's effective size and characteristics. The control device alters turbine vane positions to change the turbine's pressure ratio and flow characteristics, enabling the same turbine to provide both boost pressure control reserve at low density and appropriate boost pressure at other conditions without waste
2Loss of energy
If variable turbine geometry is used to achieve boost pressure control reserve, then efficiency is maintained, but device complexity increases and mechanical failure susceptibility rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the turbine control function by separating the variable geometry mechanism into distinct controllable elements (turbine vanes, control device) that can be independently actuated. This segmentation allows for simplified control strategies where the turbine geometry is adjusted in discrete steps or positions based on sensor feedback, reducing overall system complexity compared to continuously variable systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the turbine system multi-functional by designing the variable geometry turbine to serve multiple purposes: providing boost pressure control reserve at low air density, regulating excessive boost pressure at other conditions, and potentially optimizing performance across the entire operating range. This universal design eliminates the need for separate pressure control devices, reducing overall system complexity despite the added turbine geometry features
3Reliability
If variable turbine geometry is implemented, then boost pressure control is improved, but maintenance intervals are extended and economic feasibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical variable geometry mechanisms with a more simplified control system that uses electronically controlled actuators and sensor feedback. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity and maintenance requirements while maintaining the ability to provide boost pressure control reserve and regulate excessive boost pressure, improving economic feasibility
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 system provides efficient boost pressure control with reduced mechanical complexity and maintenance needs, maintaining high dynamic performance and efficiency by optimizing the electric motor's operation based on ambient conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor. The electric motor is drive-operatively connected with the compressor
Implementation Method 2
a turbine which is arranged in an exhaust gas path and which is drive-operatively connected with the compressor
Implementation Method 3
a compressor that is arranged in an air path in order to compress air—in particular intake ambient air surrounding the internal combustion engine—flowing along the air path
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating an internal combustion engine includes the steps of: providing that the internal combustion engine includes a compressor, a turbine, and an electric motor, the compressor being arranged in an air path so as to compress ambient air of the internal combustion engine flowing along the air path, the turbine being arranged in an exhaust gas path and being drive-operatively connected with the compressor, the electric motor being drive-operatively connected with the compressor; collecting at least one operating parameter that is characteristic for a density of the ambient air of the internal combustion engine; and controlling the electric motor depending on the at least one operating parameter.