Hybrid Forced Induction System with Electric Motor and Turbine Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional turbochargers face inefficiencies and responsiveness issues due to turbine inertia and the need for sufficient exhaust gas flow, leading to operational limitations at low engine speeds and unwanted energy generation during deceleration, while superchargers compromise engine efficiency for improved driveability.
Innovation Solution
A forced induction system with a compressor driven by an electric motor, where a generator is connected to the turbine, allowing for independent control of compressor speed using AC signals, decoupling the turbine and compressor to optimize their geometries and operation independently, and utilizing energy storage for improved responsiveness and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional turbocharger is used, then engine efficiency is improved through energy recovery from exhaust gases, but responsiveness is worsened due to turbine inertia and boost threshold delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power delivery to the compressor by providing multiple independent power sources: turbine power for steady-state efficiency and electric motor power for transient responsiveness. This allows the turbine and motor to operate semi-independently, with the motor compensating for turbine lag during acceleration while the turbine handles steady-state energy recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges a turbine-driven compressor with an electric motor-driven compressor into a single hybrid system. The turbine compressor handles steady-state operation for energy recovery, while the electric motor compressor provides instantaneous response during transients, combining the advantages of both conventional turbocharging and electric supercharging.
2Productivity
If a conventional turbocharger is used, then steady-state performance is improved, but low-speed operation is worsened due to insufficient exhaust gas flow
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor acts as an intermediary power source that bridges the gap at low speeds. When exhaust gas flow is insufficient to drive the turbine effectively at low engine speeds, the electric motor provides the necessary power to the compressor, ensuring continuous air delivery across the entire operating range without being limited by turbine inlet conditions.
3Speed
If a supercharger is used, then responsiveness is improved through direct crankshaft drive, but engine efficiency is worsened due to power drawn from the crankshaft
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-service by recovering exhaust energy through the turbine to power the compressor during steady-state operation, eliminating the need to draw power from the crankshaft. The electric motor only intervenes during transients when exhaust energy is insufficient, minimizing overall energy consumption while maintaining responsiveness.
4Loss of energy
If a turbocharger is used, then energy recovery is improved, but system complexity increases due to wastegate requirements for deceleration control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wastegate system with an electrically-controlled compressor system. During deceleration, the electric motor can be controlled to reduce or stop compressor operation without requiring exhaust gas bypass, eliminating the need for wastegates and associated mechanical complexity while maintaining energy recovery during steady-state operation.
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 system enhances engine responsiveness and efficiency by allowing the compressor to operate independently of turbine limitations, reducing wastegate usage, and optimizing turbine and compressor performance across a range of engine speeds, thereby improving driveability and reducing emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a generator arranged to be driven by the turbine; and, an electric motor arranged to drive the compressor, wherein the generator and motor are electrically connected
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor arranged to drive the compressor, wherein the generator and motor are electrically connected such that the compressor is driven at least in part by an output torque of the turbine via said electrical connection
Data Source
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AI summary
A forced induction system (10) for an engine (18) comprising a compressor (50) for increasing the pressure of gas into the engine and a turbine (12) arranged to be driven by engine exhaust gas. The system further comprises a generator (24) and an electric motor (42). The generator (24) is arranged to be driven by the turbine and the motor (42) is arranged to drive the compressor (50), wherein the generator and motor are electrically connected. The system comprises electrical control means (29) arranged to receive the electrical signal output by said generator (24) during operation and to apply an AC control signal to said electric motor (42) whereby the compressor (50) is driven at least in part by an output torque of the turbine (12) via the electrical connection therebetween.