Supercharger Impeller Back Surface Cooling via Segmented Liquid Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing supercharger designs face limitations in efficiently cooling the back surface of the compressor impeller, particularly due to production constraints in forming hollow sections, which restricts the effectiveness of cooling structures and subsequently limits the extension of compressor impeller lifetime.
Innovation Solution
An impeller back surface cooling structure comprising two separate members forming a cooling passage through which a liquid flows, allowing for efficient cooling of the compressor impeller without direct air spraying, and enabling the incorporation of fins for enhanced heat exchange, thereby extending the compressor impeller's lifetime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a hollow section is formed inside a single compressor-side housing member, then cooling passage can be provided, but production is limited and cooling efficiency is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two separate members: a compressor-side housing member and a cover member. The cooling passage is formed by the interaction between these two members, specifically by a groove in the compressor-side housing member and a lid with a protrusion that fits into the groove, creating a sealed cooling chamber. This segmentation allows easier manufacturing compared to forming a hollow section within a single member.
2Temperature
If cooling air is directly sprayed to the back surface of the compressor impeller, then cooling effect is achieved, but thrust force increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directly spraying cooling air onto the impeller back surface, the invention uses a cooling passage filled with liquid coolant as an intermediary medium. The coolant absorbs heat from the impeller back surface through the housing members, indirectly cooling the impeller without direct fluid contact, thereby avoiding thrust force increase while achieving effective cooling.
3Temperature
If fins are added to the cooling passage structure, then cooling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fin structures are separately attached to the lid member rather than being integrated into the main housing body. This allows the fins to be manufactured independently and then assembled, reducing the overall manufacturing complexity while still providing enhanced heat exchange surface area for improved cooling efficiency.
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 effectively cools the compressor impeller's back surface, suppresses thrust force increases, and allows for easier production of cooling structures, leading to improved longevity and performance of the compressor impeller.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling passage (20) through which a cooling medium being a liquid flows
Implementation Method 2
the first member is cooled by the liquid flowing through the cooling passage, and the cooled first member cools the air in the gap
Data Source
AI summary
An impeller back surface cooling structure for cooling a back surface of a compressor impeller of a supercharger includes: a first member facing a back surface of a compressor impeller via a gap; and a second member extending in a circumferential direction of the compressor impeller and forming, between the first member and the second member, a cooling passage through which a cooling medium being a liquid flows.