Turbocharger Ported Turbine Shroud for High Flow Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbochargers face efficiency limitations at high flow rates due to the maximum flow capacity constraints of the turbine wheel size, making it challenging to achieve desired efficiency targets without increasing the turbine wheel size, which would result in a bulky design.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a ported turbine shroud that allows a portion of the fluid to flow through a port, increasing efficiency and flow capacity while maintaining a compact design with a small turbine wheel, by directing flow effectively between the leading and trailing edges of the turbine blades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the turbine wheel size is increased to allow for desired flow capacity, then the flow capacity is improved, but the turbocharger becomes too bulky for a particular vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine housing flow passage is segmented into a first flow passage and a second flow passage (port). The first flow passage carries fluid through the turbine wheel, while the second flow passage provides an additional flow path that bypasses or supplements the turbine wheel. This segmentation allows the system to handle higher total flow rates without increasing the turbine wheel size, thereby resolving the contradiction between flow capacity and turbocharger size.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a dimensional aspect to the flow path by creating a port that extends through the turbine shroud member, effectively adding a third-dimensional flow path through the turbine housing structure. This allows fluid to be directed through alternative paths (inlet port, intermediate passage, outlet port) that do not require increasing the turbine wheel diameter, thus achieving higher flow capacity in a compact package.
2Productivity
If the turbine wheel size is increased to achieve high flow rates, then the flow rate is improved, but the efficiency at that flow condition is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flow is segmented into different paths: one through the turbine wheel (first flow passage) and another through the port structure (second flow passage). This allows the turbine wheel to operate at its optimal efficiency point for a given size while the port structure handles the additional flow, preventing the efficiency loss that would occur if the turbine wheel were oversized to handle all the flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The port structure acts as an intermediary flow path that mediates between the high flow rate requirement and the turbine wheel's efficiency constraints. By providing this intermediate passage, the system can direct fluid through the turbine wheel at efficient flow rates while the port handles the excess flow, thereby maintaining overall system efficiency at high flow conditions.
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 ported turbine shroud enhances efficiency at high flow rates and increases total flow capacity, allowing for high flow rates with a compact turbine section, even when operating in choke conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The turbine wheel rotates as a fluid (e.g., exhaust gas) flows through the flow passage of the housing
Implementation Method 2
the port is configured to receive a portion of the fluid flowing through the flow passage
Data Source
AI summary
A turbocharger includes a turbine housing that defines a flow passage for a fluid. The turbine housing includes a turbine shroud member. The turbocharger also includes a turbine wheel supported for rotation within the turbine housing relative to the turbine shroud member. The turbine wheel is configured to rotate as the fluid flows through the flow passage. Moreover, the turbocharger includes a port extending through the turbine shroud member. The port is configured to receive a portion of the fluid flowing through the flow passage.