Hybrid Engine Turbo Compounding with Combustor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines face limitations in power output due to the diminished energy in exhaust gases after passing through the turbocharger, making it difficult to meet peak power demands efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a second stage electric turbo compounding system that recycles waste exhaust heat using a high-speed generator and a combustor to provide additional power, coupled with a motor to increase engine output, allowing for a compact auxiliary power source to meet peak demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a second turbine is added to extract energy from exhaust gases after the turbocharger, then additional power can be generated, but the energy available in the exhaust gases is already diminished, limiting the power extraction capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a combustor that fundamentally changes the thermal state of the exhaust gases by adding heat, thereby increasing the energy content and temperature of the gas stream before it enters the second turbine. This parameter change (adding thermal energy) enables the second turbine to extract significantly more power than would be available from the original exhaust gases alone.
2Power
If a combustor is added to provide additional hot gases to the turbo compounding turbine, then substantial additional power output is possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the combustor with the existing turbocharger and second turbine system, creating an integrated assembly where the combustor is positioned to receive exhaust gases directly from the turbocharger and deliver heated gases to the second turbine. This merging approach reduces the number of separate components and interconnections needed, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second turbine serves multiple functions: it generates electrical power through the generator during normal operation, and it also drives the motor to provide direct mechanical assistance to the engine during peak power demands. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve substantial power output without requiring entirely separate systems for different operating conditions.
3Power
If a second stage electric turbo compounding system with combustor is implemented, then engine output increases by 10 to 30%, but the system requires additional hardware including high-speed generator, motor, and combustor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent includes a motor that can directly couple to the engine flywheel to provide immediate mechanical power assistance during transient peak power demands. This 'skipping' approach bypasses the electrical conversion cycle (mechanical to electrical to mechanical) by providing direct mechanical coupling when rapid power delivery is needed, thereby achieving high power output without requiring the auxiliary hardware to be continuously sized for maximum demand.
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 output by 10 to 30% with efficient power recycling, enabling a small engine to operate at a higher duty cycle and improve system efficiency during peak usage, while maintaining efficiency in other operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a second stage electric turbo compounding device... a second turbine connected to an electrical generator... The combustor delivers additional hot gasses to the turbo compounding turbine to provide supplemental power output
Implementation Method 2
a second turbine connected to an electrical generator... The electrical output of the generator is then coupled back to the engine using an electrical motor
Implementation Method 3
The electrical output of the generator is then coupled back to the engine using an electrical motor
Implementation Method 4
A combustor is commonly used with a gas turbine engine... The combustor delivers additional hot gasses to the turbo compounding turbine
Data Source
AI summary
An internal combustion engine includes an exhaust manifold; an intake manifold; and a turbocharger including a turbine in communication with the exhaust manifold, and a compressor in communication with the intake manifold. An electrical generator is coupled with the turbine. A motor receives electrical input power from the generator and provides mechanical output power. A combustor selectively provides additional input power to the motor.