Externally Powered Turbine Compressor for Engine Boost
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air compression systems for internal combustion engines, such as turbochargers and superchargers, face limitations in responsiveness and maximum power output due to their reliance on engine exhaust pressure or parasitic losses, and independently powered systems are too large or heavy for practical integration.
Innovation Solution
An externally powered air compression system that uses a gas turbine, electric motor, or other external power sources to drive a compressor and vacuum compressor, reducing exhaust back pressure and enhancing engine efficiency by delivering compressed air and scavenging exhaust gases independently of the engine's state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a turbocharger system is used to increase maximum power output, then the power output increases, but the responsiveness deteriorates due to the tradeoff between turbine size and response time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the compression function into two independent systems: a turbocharger for maximum power output and an electric motor-driven compressor for responsiveness. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized for its specific function without the tradeoff that plagues single-system approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor serves multiple functions: it drives the compressor for responsive air delivery, acts as a generator during engine braking, and can provide starting torque for the engine. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by adding capability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Speed
If a supercharger system is used to improve responsiveness, then the responsiveness improves, but the maximum power output deteriorates due to parasitic losses from the drive system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical drive system (belt or gear driven by the engine) with an electric motor-driven system. This substitution eliminates parasitic mechanical losses while maintaining responsive air delivery, as the electric motor can be controlled independently of engine power output.
3Loss of energy
If an independently powered air compression system is used to avoid parasitic losses, then efficiency improves, but the system size and weight increase making practical integration difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor is integrated to serve multiple functions: driving the compressor, acting as a generator during engine braking, and providing engine starting capability. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve independent power delivery without proportionally increasing weight, as the same motor performs multiple tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the independently powered compressor system with the engine starting and energy recovery functions by using the electric motor for all three purposes. This merging reduces overall system weight compared to having separate systems for each function.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If emissions control components are added to improve environmental performance, then emissions are reduced, but exhaust back pressure increases reducing engine efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor-driven compressor acts as an intermediary system that delivers the required air intake independently of exhaust flow conditions. This allows emissions control components to be installed in the exhaust path without creating back pressure that would limit engine performance, as the air delivery is decoupled from the exhaust system.
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 solution increases engine power output and efficiency by reducing exhaust back pressure and allowing for a boost profile independent of the engine's state, with applicability to high-performance engines and those with emissions control components.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor having an air inlet and a compressed air outlet, the compressed air outlet to couple with the intake manifold of the internal combustion engine
Implementation Method 2
an externally powered turbocharging system for an internal combustion engine... powered independently of the primary internal combustion engine... including but not limited to a gas turbine, gas generator, internal combustion engine, electric motor
Implementation Method 3
a vacuum compressor affixed to the exhaust manifold of the engine and create a vacuum to assist in the removal of any desired quantity of exhaust from the internal combustion engine
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a turbocharging system comprising a compressor having an air inlet and a compressed air outlet, the compressed air outlet to couple with the intake manifold of the internal combustion engine, a first turbine coupled to the compressor, the compressor driven without using power from the internal combustion engine; and a vacuum compressor coupled directly or indirectly to the first turbine. The first turbine can drive a common drive shaft that includes the compressor and the vacuum compressor or output of the first compressor can drive a second compressor that is coupled with the vacuum compressor. The vacuum compressor can be used to scavenge exhaust from the internal combustion engine.