Radial Compressor Iris Mechanism for Surge-Stable Map Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional centrifugal compressors face challenges in achieving a wide characteristic map with minimum moment of inertia and maximum efficiency at full load, while also ensuring stable operation during transient states and preventing compressor pumping during sudden load shedding.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an iris diaphragm mechanism with a variable iris throttle, featuring offset blade sections and a rotating adjusting ring, allows for adjustable airflow to the compressor wheel, enabling map shifting and preventing compressor pumping by acting as a blow-off valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the moment of inertia of the radial compressor is reduced, then the response behavior and specific rated power are improved, but the map width and peak efficiency cannot be maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a variable geometry inlet guide vane system that can dynamically adjust the airflow angle and magnitude. This allows the compressor to adapt its performance characteristics in real-time, enabling a reduced moment of inertia design to respond quickly while the variable geometry maintains wide map width and peak efficiency across different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying the inlet guide vane angle and airflow parameters to shift the compressor operating map. This enables the compressor to maintain optimal performance across a wide range of operating points, resolving the contradiction between reduced moment of inertia for fast response and maximized map width for versatility.
2Productivity
If the inlet cross-section of the radial compressor is reduced, then the compressor map is shifted towards lower mass flow rates, but the overall operating range and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics by implementing a variable inlet cross-section mechanism that can adjust the flow area in real-time. This allows the compressor to shift its operating map towards lower mass flow rates when needed while maintaining the capability to operate across a wide range of flow rates, thus preserving both productivity positioning and overall operating range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the inlet flow control into multiple adjustable sections or stages. This enables independent control of different flow paths, allowing the compressor to optimize mass flow rate positioning in specific operating regions while maintaining versatility across the entire operating range through coordinated adjustment of segmented control elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed recirculation channel is added, then the usable operating range is broadened, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the recirculation channel to serve multiple functions: it broadens the usable operating range by enabling surge line extension, simultaneously acts as a flow control mechanism for map shifting, and integrates with the variable geometry system to provide coordinated control. This multi-functionality broadens operating range while minimizing additional structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the recirculation channel functionality with existing compressor components and control systems. By integrating the recirculation path into the overall variable geometry control architecture, the patent achieves broadened operating range without proportionally increasing device complexity, as shared control mechanisms manage multiple functions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If variable inlet guide vanes are implemented, then the compressor map can be shifted actively, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by implementing a simplified linkage system or actuator mechanism that mediates between the control signal and the inlet guide vane adjustment. This intermediary mechanism enables active map shifting capability while reducing the overall device complexity compared to direct complex actuation systems, by providing a mechanical or hydraulic transmission that simplifies the control architecture.
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 the operational reliability and efficiency of the centrifugal compressor by expanding its characteristic map range, maintaining stability during engine load changes, and reducing the risk of compressor pumping.
Implementation Method 1
an iris diaphragm mechanism which is designed to at least partially close or open a diaphragm opening, so that a flow cross-section for a fresh air mass flow can be variably adjusted for the flow onto the compressor wheel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a radial compressor (30) having an iris mechanism (50) for a supercharging device (1) of an internal combustion engine. The invention also relates to a supercharging device (1) having such a radial compressor (30) and to a blade (52) for the iris mechanism (50). Here, the radial compressor (30) is equipped with a bearing arrangement (40) in which a rotor shaft (14) is mounted in a rotatable manner, with a compressor wheel (13) which is arranged in a compressor housing (31) and is arranged on the rotor shaft (14) for conjoint rotation, and with a fresh-air feed duct (36) for conducting a fresh-air mass flow (FM) to the compressor wheel (13). Here, an iris mechanism (50) is arranged upstream of the compressor wheel (13), such that a flow cross section for the fresh-air mass flow (FM) for flowing against the compressor wheel (13) is settable in a variable manner at least over a subregion, wherein the iris mechanism (50) has a plurality of blades (52) and each blade (52) has a first and a second blade portion (56, 57), and wherein an offset (61) is formed between the first blade portion (56) and the second blade portion (57) of each blade (52).