Parallel Turbo and Motor Compressor Engine System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Turbochargers in internal combustion engines often experience excess boost generation and lag due to inertia, friction, and compressor load, leading to inefficiencies and poor throttle response, which negatively impacts vehicle performance and consumer appeal.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented where an intake air-supply turbine drives a generator connected to an energy storage device, and a motor-driven compressor is used in parallel, allowing for adjustable airflow and energy recovery, thereby reducing turbo-lag and improving engine efficiency by storing excess energy for later use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a turbocharger is used to improve engine power output, then power output is improved, but turbo-lag occurs due to inertia and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-rotates the turbocharger turbine using exhaust gas during deceleration and idle conditions, storing rotational energy in the turbine's inertia before acceleration is needed. This preliminary action eliminates turbo-lag by ensuring the turbine is already spinning when throttle input occurs, allowing immediate boost response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts exhaust gas energy during deceleration (which would otherwise be wasted) into useful rotational energy to spin up the turbine. By capturing and utilizing this normally harmful exhaust flow, the system prepares the turbocharger for upcoming acceleration demands, transforming a waste product into a performance-enhancing resource.
2Power
If a turbocharger generates excess boost, then power output is improved, but engine efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors engine operating conditions including manifold pressure, engine speed, and throttle position. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts wastegate valve opening to precisely control boost pressure, ensuring the turbocharger generates only the amount of boost needed for current engine demands, thereby eliminating excess boost and improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a variable geometry turbine (VGT) with adjustable vanes that can dynamically change the flow area in real-time. This dynamic adjustment allows the turbine to optimize its characteristics across different operating ranges, providing precise boost control and preventing excess boost generation that would waste energy and reduce efficiency.
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 enhances engine efficiency, reduces turbo-lag, and improves throttle response by utilizing energy storage during low-load conditions and providing supplemental boost during high-load conditions, resulting in improved fuel economy and performance.
Implementation Method 1
permitting intake airflow through an intake air-supply turbine positioned upstream of a cylinder to drive a generator, the generator coupled to an energy storage device
Implementation Method 2
a motor-driven compressor arranged in parallel flow arrangement with the intake air-supply turbine, the motor driven compressor coupled to a motor coupled to the energy storage device
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operation of an engine. The method includes during a first operating condition, permitting intake airflow through an intake air-supply turbine positioned upstream of a cylinder to drive a generator, the generator coupled to an energy storage device, and inhibiting intake airflow through a motor-driven compressor arranged in parallel flow arrangement with the intake air-supply turbine, the motor driven compressor coupled to a motor coupled to the energy storage device. The method further includes during a second operating condition, permitting intake airflow through the motor-driven compressor while the motor-driven compressor receives rotation input from the motor, and inhibiting intake airflow through the intake air-supply turbine.