Split Engine Lubrication Paths to Cut Filter Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Engine lubrication systems require substantial parasitic power due to pressure head generated by filters, leading to increased fuel consumption and potential filter bypass issues.
Innovation Solution
A lubrication system with dedicated circuits for bearing systems and piston cooling nozzles, where only 50% of the lubricant is cooled and filtered for bearings, and the remaining uncooled, unfiltered lubricant is directly delivered to piston cooling nozzles, reducing the pressure delta across the pump and eliminating the need for a filter bypass system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all lubricant is cooled and filtered before delivery to bearing system and piston cooling nozzles, then lubrication reliability is improved, but parasitic power loss increases due to pressure head generation
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is divided into two separate circuits: a first circuit that cools and filters lubricant for the bearing system, and a second circuit that delivers uncooled, unfiltered lubricant directly to piston cooling nozzles. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall parasitic power loss while maintaining lubrication reliability where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Different quality levels of lubricant are provided to different engine components based on their specific needs. The bearing system receives fully cooled and filtered lubricant for maximum reliability, while the piston cooling nozzles receive adequate lubricant without the full cooling and filtration treatment, matching the local requirements of each component.
2Reliability
If a lube filter is used to filter lubricant, then lubrication cleanliness is improved, but pressure head generation increases leading to higher parasitic power
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration function is segmented and applied only to the portion of lubricant that requires it (the first circuit serving the bearing system). The second circuit serving piston cooling nozzles bypasses the filter entirely, eliminating the pressure head generation and parasitic power loss associated with filtering all lubricant.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of filtering 100% of the lubricant flow, the system applies filtration to only the necessary portion (approximately 50% of total flow). This partial action is sufficient to maintain bearing system cleanliness while avoiding the excessive energy loss that would result from filtering the entire lubricant flow.
3Reliability
If a filter bypass system is implemented, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses separate delivery paths for filtered and unfiltered lubricant, eliminating the need for a filter bypass system. Each path is independently configured for its specific function, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining reliability through appropriate filtration where needed.
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 reduces parasitic losses, improves engine efficiency, and decreases fuel consumption while ensuring reliable lubrication without filter bypass leakage, allowing for simpler and cost-effective system design.
Implementation Method 1
a cooler having an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the pump and an outlet
Implementation Method 2
a pump having an inlet in fluid communication with a lubricant source and an outlet
Implementation Method 3
a screen disposed in the second delivery path for inhibiting passage of large particles to the piston cooling nozzles
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a lubrication system comprising: a pump having an inlet in fluid communication with a lubricant source and an outlet; a cooler having an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the pump and an outlet; a lubrication filter having an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the cooler and an outlet; a first delivery path in fluid communication with the outlet of the lubrication filter, the first delivery path being configured to deliver cooled, filtered lubricant to a bearing system of an engine; and a second delivery path in fluid communication with the outlet of the pump, the second delivery path being configured to deliver uncooled, unfiltered lubricant to piston cooling nozzles of the engine.