Reversible Turbine Atmosphere Conditioning for Engine Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for simulating atmospheric conditions for testing combustion engines lack the ability to independently control pressure and temperature, particularly failing to effectively simulate both high and low altitude conditions with efficient energy use and compact design.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an inflow conduit, outflow conduit, supercharging turbogenerator, bypass valves, and heat regenerators that allow independent modification of air pressure and temperature by utilizing the heat from exhaust gases, enabling simulation of both high and low altitude conditions with minimal energy expenditure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a radial inward-flow turbine is used for expanding air flow to simulate high altitude conditions, then pressure control below atmospheric pressure is achieved, but the equipment cannot simulate low altitude conditions with increased pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by making the turbine reversible - it can operate in two modes: as an expansion turbine for high altitude simulation (reducing pressure) and as a compression turbine for low altitude simulation (increasing pressure). This allows the same equipment to simulate both high and low altitude conditions without requiring separate systems, thereby improving adaptability while managing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine is designed with multi-functionality to perform both expansion and compression operations. By enabling the turbine to switch between expansion mode (for high altitude simulation) and compression mode (for low altitude simulation), the equipment achieves universal applicability for different altitude conditions, improving the simulation range without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Temperature
If a temperature conditioning system with ±10°C adjustment range is used, then temperature control is achieved, but high temperature simulation conditions cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature control parameter range by integrating a heat exchanger system that can provide substantial heating capability. This allows the temperature conditioning system to extend beyond the limited ±10°C adjustment range and achieve high temperature simulation conditions, thereby improving both the temperature range and overall simulation capability
3Ease of operation
If separate systems are used for pressure and temperature conditioning, then independent control is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressure conditioning and temperature conditioning systems into an integrated setup. The turbine system that provides pressure control is coupled with a heat exchanger system for temperature control, allowing both functions to operate in a coordinated manner. This integration enables independent control of pressure and temperature while reducing energy consumption through shared infrastructure and optimized operation
4Ease of operation
If a compact design is implemented, then ease of use is improved, but the ability to provide independent pressure and temperature control may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by integrating the heat exchanger system within or alongside the turbine structure. The temperature conditioning components are nested within the overall pressure conditioning framework, creating a compact integrated unit. This nesting approach maintains the ability to provide independent pressure and temperature control while achieving a compact design that improves ease of use
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 device allows for precise and efficient simulation of atmospheric conditions at various altitudes, reducing energy consumption and providing a compact, easy-to-use design for testing combustion engines, with independent control of pressure and temperature adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a radial inward-flow turbine for expanding an air flow to the pressure and temperature of the air drawn in by the reciprocating internal combustion engine
Implementation Method 2
a temperature conditioning system, which adjusts the desired temperature in the air after expansion in the radial inward-flow turbine
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an atmosphere conditioning device for testing engines, comprising an inflow conduit connected to an engine admission, an outflow conduit connected to the exhaust of the engine and expelling exhaust gases, a communication conduit which communicates the inflow conduit with the outflow conduit, a supercharging turbogenerator comprising a turbine in the inflow conduit, a bypass valve which diverts the air flow that circulates towards the turbine, a heat regenerator consisting of heat exchangers in the inflow and outflow conduits, connected by the same heat transfer fluid circuit, a bypass valve in the outflow conduit together with the heat exchanger thereof, a heat exchanger in the outflow conduit downstream from the heat regenerator, and a turbocompressor downstream from the heat exchanger.