Partitioned Volute Nozzle Vanes for Exhaust Pulse Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbochargers face inefficiencies in utilizing exhaust pulse energy due to pulsating flow and backpressure issues, particularly in gasoline engines, which affect performance and fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A variable nozzle turbine (VNT) combined with a twin flow housing and adjustable vanes is employed to optimize exhaust gas flow, utilizing pulse energy more effectively and reducing backpressure through controlled geometry adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a conventional single-flow turbine housing is used, then the structure is simple, but exhaust pulse energy is not effectively utilized and backpressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine housing is divided into two separate volutes (first and second volutes) that handle exhaust flows from different cylinder groups independently. This segmentation allows each volute to be optimized for its specific flow characteristics, improving exhaust pulse energy utilization while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed geometry nozzle vanes are used, then the device is simple, but exhaust flow cannot be optimized for varying engine conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle vanes are made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the geometry to dynamically adapt to varying exhaust flow conditions across different engine operating ranges. This enables optimization of flow characteristics for both low-speed and high-speed conditions, improving adaptability while the adjustment mechanism is integrated into the existing turbine structure
3Productivity
If exhaust flow from all cylinders is mixed, then the flow is continuous, but pulsating flow characteristics are lost reducing turbine efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust flow paths are segmented into separate volutes for different cylinder groups, preserving the pulsating flow characteristics from each group. This segmentation maintains the kinetic energy of exhaust pulses while directing them separately to the turbine, improving turbine efficiency without completely sacrificing flow continuity through the dual-volute design
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 configuration enhances turbine performance, improves fuel efficiency, and reduces knocking sensitivity in gasoline engines by better managing exhaust gas flow and energy utilization.
Implementation Method 1
A turbocharger can include an exhaust turbine assembly that can receive exhaust gas from cylinders of an internal combustion engine. Exhaust may be directed to a turbine wheel such that energy may be extracted
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed assembly includes an exhaust gas turbine housing having inner and outer walls defining first and second exhaust gas channels to a turbine wheel space where an inner wall includes an inner wall end and an outer wall includes an outer wall end, both at the turbine wheel space. A first flow body is disposed adjacent to the inner wall end. A second flow body is disposed adjacent to the outer wall end. At least one set of adjustable variable geometry nozzle vanes define nozzle throats that direct flow of exhaust gas from at least one of the exhaust gas channels to the turbine wheel space At least one of the first flow body and the second flow body includes a concave trailing surface defined in part by an extension of an airfoil surface.