Single Electric Compressor for Dual Cylinder Banks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines with multiple cylinder banks face challenges in torque improvement due to inefficient electric compressor integration, leading to high costs, space constraints, and uneven power distribution across cylinder banks, especially at varying rotational speeds.
Innovation Solution
An internal combustion engine design with a first and second cylinder bank, each with an air collector apparatus, an electric compressor, and at least one exhaust gas turbocharger, featuring shut-off members to selectively switch between symmetrical and asymmetrical operation based on rotational speed, optimizing air flow through e-compressor outlet and exhaust gas turbocharger lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If two electric compressors are provided, each cylinder bank being assigned an electric compressor, then torque improvement is achieved, but cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two electric compressors into a single unit that serves both cylinder banks. This single electric compressor integrates the functionality of what would otherwise require two separate compressors, reducing cost and space requirements while maintaining the torque improvement benefit of having dedicated compression for each cylinder bank.
Solution Approach 2:
The single electric compressor is designed to perform multiple functions by serving both cylinder banks. It can operate in different modes (symmetrical and asymmetrical) to provide compressed air to either both cylinder banks simultaneously or to one cylinder bank at a time, making the device universal rather than specialized for a single function.
2Device complexity
If a single electric compressor is integrated symmetrically, then space requirements are reduced, but efficiency deteriorates at high rotational speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between symmetrical and asymmetrical operation modes based on the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine. At low rotational speeds, symmetrical operation is used to save space. At high rotational speeds, the system transitions to asymmetrical operation where the electric compressor connects to only one cylinder bank, optimizing efficiency and preventing energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the electric compressor based on engine speed. By adjusting which cylinder bank receives compressed air from the electric compressor (changing the connection configuration from symmetrical to asymmetrical), the system adapts to different operating conditions and maintains optimal efficiency across the rotational speed range.
3Loss of energy
If a single electric compressor is integrated asymmetrically, then efficiency is improved, but power output distribution becomes unequal
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation mode of the electric compressor based on engine speed requirements. At high rotational speeds, asymmetrical operation is employed to maximize efficiency. At low rotational speeds, the system switches to symmetrical operation to ensure equal power distribution to both cylinder banks, thus balancing efficiency and power distribution according to operational needs.
4Device complexity
If symmetrical operation is used at high rotational speeds, then space requirements are reduced, but e-compressor efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to dynamically change its operational configuration based on engine speed. Rather than being fixed in a symmetrical configuration, the electric compressor system transitions to an asymmetrical configuration at high rotational speeds, allowing it to maintain high efficiency while preserving the space benefits of a unified compressor 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 allows for efficient operation by reducing turbo lag and increasing torque at low rotational speeds while maintaining efficiency advantages at high speeds, avoiding load differences between cylinder banks.
Implementation Method 1
an electric compressor (24) with an e-compressor inlet (23) and an e-compressor outlet (28)
Implementation Method 2
at least one exhaust gas turbocharger, in each case with a turbine and a compressor
Implementation Method 3
at least one exhaust gas turbocharger, in each case with a turbine and a compressor
Data Source
AI summary
An internal combustion engine has two cylinder banks, an electrical compressor, and at least one turbocharger, in which a first shut-off valve, which is arranged in the line leading from an e-compressor outlet to air-collecting devices of the cylinder banks, can at least release and block a throughflow through the line. A method operates the internal combustion engine, by which the internal combustion chamber is operated symmetrically or asymmetrically, depending on the engine speed.