Pump Driven Crankcase Ventilation Gas Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Engine systems face challenges in managing condensation and blow-by gases, which can vary due to weather and location factors, leading to inefficiencies and potential negative impacts on combustion.
Innovation Solution
An engine system with an air intake system, charge air cooler, intake manifold, crankcase, and a pump that recirculates fresh air to dilute blow-by gases and transport them back to the air intake system, utilizing passages to connect the crankcase to both upstream and downstream portions of the air intake system for effective ventilation and gas management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If blow-by gas is recirculated back to the air intake system, then combustion efficiency is improved, but condensation and oil separation become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the blow-by gas recirculation path into two separate passages: one for recirculating the gas to improve combustion, and another for managing condensation and oil separation. This segmentation allows the system to handle harmful byproducts separately while maintaining the beneficial recirculation function.
Solution Approach 2:
A pump is introduced as an intermediary component to actively transport blow-by gas through the recirculation passage. This mediator enables controlled gas flow and pressure management, allowing efficient recirculation while preventing condensation issues by maintaining proper flow dynamics.
2Reliability
If fresh air is delivered to the crankcase for diluting blow-by gas, then gas composition is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air intake system serves multiple functions: it provides fresh air for combustion, supplies dilution air to the crankcase through the second passage, and receives recirculated blow-by gas. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems while achieving reliable gas composition control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the fresh air intake function with the blow-by gas management function by using the same air intake system as the source for both combustion air and crankcase dilution air. This combination simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining effective gas composition control.
3Productivity
If blow-by gas is transported downstream of the charge air cooler, then combustion efficiency is enhanced, but pressure management becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The pump acts as an intermediary that actively manages pressure differences between the crankcase and the downstream air intake system. It provides the necessary pressure to transport blow-by gas against the pressure gradient, enabling downstream recirculation while maintaining proper pressure management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter of the blow-by gas using the pump, transforming it from a low-pressure gas in the crankcase to a high-pressure stream capable of flowing downstream into the air intake system. This parameter change enables efficient recirculation despite pressure differences.
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 effectively dilutes and recirculates blow-by gases, improving engine efficiency by utilizing fresh air to manage pressure and separate oil from gases, enhancing combustion and reducing negative impacts on the engine system.
Implementation Method 1
The air received via the air intake system may be condensed such as by a compressor and cooled such as by a charge air cooler before delivering it to the engine
Implementation Method 2
The pump may be disposed in the first passage to transport diluted blow-by gas from the crankcase to the air intake system downstream of the throttle
Implementation Method 3
The additional air may create positive crankcase ventilation and dilute the blow-by gas
Data Source
AI summary
Engines and engine systems for managing blow-by gas and/or moisture therein, and methods of operating the same are disclosed. The engine systems may include an air intake system including a compressor such as a turbocharge and a charge air cooler. The engine system may also include an engine such as combustion engine have a crankcase. During combustion blow-by gas may be captured in the crankcase and recirculated back to the air intake system. The blow-by gas may be diluted by additional air such as fresh air prior to being recirculated. The system may also include a pump to facilitate recirculation.