Mixed-Flow Turbine Compact Actuation for Engine Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supercharged internal combustion engines face challenges with compact design and efficient exhaust gas utilization due to the large diameter and complex kinematics of adjustment rings in variable geometry turbines, leading to increased inertia and reduced packaging density.
Innovation Solution
A mixed-flow turbine with a rotatable adjustment ring having external toothing and gearwheels on guide vane-specific shafts, allowing for compact integration and precise adjustment of guide vanes without increasing the turbine's diameter, utilizing bevel gears for kinematic coupling and reducing inertia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a variable geometry turbine with adjustment ring is used to improve torque characteristics, then the turbine can adapt to different operating conditions, but the adjustment ring has large diameter and complex kinematics leading to increased inertia and reduced packaging density
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into multiple independent guide vanes (3-6 vanes) that can be adjusted separately, each with its own actuation mechanism. This segmentation allows the turbine to adapt to different operating conditions through selective vane adjustment while reducing the overall complexity compared to a single large adjustment ring with complex kinematics
Solution Approach 2:
The guide vanes are arranged radially around the turbine wheel in a circular pattern, utilizing the radial dimension to distribute the adjustment mechanism. This radial arrangement allows multiple vanes to be controlled through a simplified kinematic mechanism compared to a planar adjustment ring, reducing the adjustment ring diameter and overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability across different operating conditions
2Volume of moving object
If the adjustment ring diameter is reduced to improve packaging density, then compactness is improved, but the guide vane arrangement may create gaps reducing adjustment precision
Solution Approach 1:
The guide vane assembly is segmented into multiple discrete vanes (3-6 vanes) distributed around the turbine periphery. This segmentation allows for gapless radial arrangement where each vane can be precisely positioned and adjusted independently, maintaining adjustment precision while enabling a more compact turbine design with reduced adjustment ring diameter
Solution Approach 2:
Each guide vane is designed with localized adjustment capabilities through individual actuation mechanisms. This local quality approach ensures that each vane can be precisely positioned without requiring the entire adjustment ring to maintain high precision, allowing for compact design while preserving local adjustment accuracy for optimal turbine performance
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple guide vanes are arranged radially to improve adaptability, then torque characteristics are enhanced, but the kinematic coupling mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A single actuation mechanism is designed to control multiple guide vanes simultaneously, giving this mechanism the universal function of adjusting the entire vane assembly. This multi-functional approach enhances adaptability across different operating conditions while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent actuation systems, as one mechanism performs the work of coordinating all vanes
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation mechanisms for multiple guide vanes are merged into a unified kinematic coupling system. This combining approach allows all vanes to be controlled through a single coordinated motion, enhancing the turbine's adaptability to various operating conditions while reducing the overall kinematic complexity compared to having separate control systems for each vane
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 solution enhances the compactness and responsiveness of the supercharged internal combustion engine by reducing the adjustment ring's diameter, minimizing inertia, and enabling gapless guide vane arrangement, thus improving torque characteristics and fuel efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The hot exhaust-gas flow is supplied to the turbine and expands in the turbine with a release of energy, as a result of which the shaft is set in rotation
Implementation Method 2
The compressor delivers and compresses the charge air supplied to it, as a result of which supercharging of the cylinders is obtained
Implementation Method 3
A charge-air cooler is advantageously provided in the intake system downstream of the compressor, by means of which charge-air cooler the compressed charge air is cooled before it enters the at least one cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a supercharged internal combustion with a mixed flow turbine. In one example, a system comprises a mixed-flow turbine having a turbine shaft coupled to a compressor, a plurality of guide vanes arranged in an inlet of the mixed-flow turbine, a plurality of bevel wheels each coupled to a respective guide vane via a respective guide vane shaft, a pinion wheel with a plurality of teeth to mesh with the plurality of bevel wheels, and a pinion drive coupled to one of the bevel wheels.