Variable Geometry Turbine Adjusting Ring for Exhaust Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing exhaust gas turbochargers with variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbines face limitations in efficiently adapting to different engine speed conditions, leading to suboptimal performance and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A turbine with a rotatable adjusting ring that varies the overflow cross section by adjusting the flow channel between the volute and the turbine wheel, allowing for continuous adjustment of the flow speed to match different operating states, and incorporating guide vanes to reduce incidence losses and control fluid flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed turbine geometry is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different engine speeds deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different engine speedsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a rotatable adjusting ring with variable geometry that dynamically changes the overflow cross-section area according to different operating conditions. The adjusting ring can rotate to different angular positions, creating variable flow areas between the volute outlet and turbine wheel inlet, thereby adapting the turbine performance to match different engine speed requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If the overflow cross section is reduced, then the flow speed increases, but the device complexity increases due to the adjusting mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow speedVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjusting ring provides dynamic control of the overflow cross-section by rotating to different positions. When the ring rotates to reduce the opening area, the flow speed through the restricted area increases, allowing optimization of turbine wheel inlet velocity for different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameter of the overflow cross-section area by rotating the adjusting ring. This parameter change directly affects the flow speed through the volute to turbine wheel passage, enabling optimization of flow velocity for different engine operating states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If guide vanes are added to control flow, then the manufacturing precision requirements increase, but the loss of energy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveincidence lossesVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces guide vanes as intermediary elements between the volute outlet and turbine wheel inlet. These guide vanes condition the exhaust gas flow, reducing incidence angles and improving flow alignment with the turbine wheel blades, thereby reducing incidence losses and improving turbine efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design enhances the flexibility and efficiency of the turbine by allowing it to adapt to various operating states, improving performance at low engine speeds and reducing flow losses, resulting in a more powerful and adaptable turbine system.

Implementation Method 1

the adjusting ring comprises a flow channel between a radially outer first peripheral opening and a radially inner second peripheral opening... during a rotation of the adjusting ring, the outlet opening and the first peripheral opening are adjusted relative to each other in such a way that an overflow cross section between the outlet opening and the first peripheral opening is variably changeable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow control through variable geometry:

Implementation Method 2

a turbine wheel (20), which is driven by the exhaust gas flow of the internal combustion engine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbine energy conversion: Turbine

Implementation Method 3

A compressor with a compressor wheel, which is arranged with a turbine wheel on a mutual shaft, compresses the fresh air taken in for the engine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3546705B1Turbine and corresponding exhaust gas turbocharger
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 BORGWARNER INC
  • EP3546705B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3546705B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3546705B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a turbine comprising a turbine housing defining a volute having a substantially annular outlet opening, a turbine wheel, and an adjusting ring, rotatable about the turbine axis, which is arranged in the turbine housing radially between the volute and the turbine wheel, wherein the adjusting ring comprises a flow channel between a radially outer first peripheral opening and a radially inner second peripheral opening, and wherein the outlet opening is fluidically coupled to the turbine wheel by the flow channel. The outlet opening and the first peripheral opening have a path, variable in the axial direction, so that during a rotation of the adjusting ring, the outlet opening and the first peripheral opening are adjusted relative to each other in such a way that an overflow cross section between the outlet opening and the first peripheral opening is variably changeable.