Turbocharger Turbine Nozzle Width Using Effective Nozzle Area

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for designing turbine nozzles in turbochargers do not effectively optimize turbine stage efficiency, which is dependent on both the width of the nozzle and the whirl angle induced by the volutes, considering the geometry of the turbine housing and wheel, and operating conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method to determine the width of the turbine nozzle based on a newly defined effective nozzle area, which is dependent on both the width of the nozzle and the whirl angle, optimizing turbine stage efficiency by selecting a target effective nozzle area that balances these factors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the turbine nozzle width is increased, then the effective nozzle area increases, but the turbine stage efficiency deteriorates due to suboptimal flow alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffective nozzle areaVSAvoidturbine stage efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the parameters of the turbine nozzle design by introducing the effective nozzle area concept that incorporates both the physical nozzle width and the whirl angle. This allows simultaneous optimization of area and efficiency by adjusting the relationship between these parameters rather than treating them independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a new dimension to the nozzle design by incorporating the whirl angle (a angular/rotational parameter) into the effective nozzle area calculation. This transforms the design from a purely linear width parameter to a two-dimensional parameter space that includes both width and angular orientation, enabling simultaneous optimization of both area and flow alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of energy

If the whirl angle induced by the volute is increased, then the flow alignment improves, but the effective nozzle area decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveturbine stage efficiencyVSAvoideffective nozzle area

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the parameters of the turbine nozzle design by introducing the effective nozzle area concept that incorporates both the physical nozzle width and the whirl angle. This allows simultaneous optimization of area and efficiency by adjusting the relationship between these parameters rather than treating them independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a new dimension to the nozzle design by incorporating the whirl angle (a angular/rotational parameter) into the effective nozzle area calculation. This transforms the design from a purely linear width parameter to a two-dimensional parameter space that includes both width and angular orientation, enabling simultaneous optimization of both area and flow alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Loss of energy

If the turbine nozzle width is optimized for one operating condition, then efficiency is maximized for that condition, but performance deteriorates across other flow conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveturbine stage efficiencyVSAvoidperformance across flow conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a universal design approach by defining effective nozzle area as a function that works across multiple operating conditions. The relationship between effective nozzle area and wheel throat area provides a scalable design criterion that maintains optimal performance whether the turbine operates under equal admission, single admission, or intermediate flow conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameters of the turbine nozzle design by introducing the effective nozzle area concept that incorporates both the physical nozzle width and the whirl angle. This allows simultaneous optimization of area and efficiency by adjusting the relationship between these parameters rather than treating them independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3714144B1Method of designing a turbine

Publication Date: 2023.05.10 CUMMINS LTD

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AI summary

A turbine comprises a turbine wheel for rotation within a turbine housing, the turbine housing including at least one volute arranged to deliver a fluid to the turbine wheel via the turbine nozzle. A method for determining a width of a turbine nozzle for the turbine, comprises selecting from a relationship between a turbine stage efficiency and an effective nozzle area, at least one target effective nozzle area. As used here, the effective nozzle area is dependent on both the width of the turbine nozzle and a whirl angle induced by the at least one volute. The method further comprises determining,in dependence on the whirl angle, the width of the turbine nozzle as a width that will achieve the at least one target effective nozzle area.