Turbo Compressor Surge Suppression via Flexible Cone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional turbochargers lack control over air flow rate after the compressor case is manufactured, limiting their use in surge regions, leading to severe noise generation and compressor wheel damage due to uncontrolled surge and backflow.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a flexible cone and spring member system that adjusts the air passage area into the compressor, allowing variable control of air flow rate and preventing backflow by using a rotatable rotary member and fixing member to alter the cross-sectional area of the flexible cone, thereby managing surge and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the compressor case is manufactured without flow rate control, then the manufacturing process is simple and cost-effective, but the turbocharger cannot be used in surge regions leading to severe noise and compressor wheel damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a variable flow rate control mechanism that allows the air passage area to be adjusted during operation. The control assembly includes a movable component that can change the cross-sectional area of the air passage, enabling the system to adapt to different operating conditions including surge regions, thereby improving reliability without complicating the basic compressor case structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the air passage area parameter through the control assembly. By changing the flow rate parameter dynamically, the system can prevent surge conditions and operate reliably in previously inaccessible regions, while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process for the compressor case itself
2Reliability
If various specifications of compressor wheels are used to secure surge margin, then the surge margin is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple static compressor wheel specifications, the patent implements a dynamic flow rate control system that adjusts the air passage area to maintain optimal surge margin across different operating conditions. This single compressor wheel with variable flow control replaces the need for multiple wheel specifications, reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow rate parameter dynamically through the control assembly, allowing a single compressor wheel to operate efficiently across various conditions. This parameter adjustment approach eliminates the need for multiple compressor wheel specifications, simplifying the overall system
3Productivity
If the air passage area is increased to improve flow rate, then the productivity is improved, but the surge control capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the air passage area variable rather than fixed. The control assembly can adjust the passage area to be larger for high productivity requirements and smaller for surge control, allowing the system to optimize both productivity and reliability based on real-time operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the air passage area parameter. This allows the system to increase flow rate when needed for productivity while maintaining the capability to reduce flow rate for surge control, achieving both high productivity and reliable surge control
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
Effectively suppresses surge and backflow, enhancing the turbocharger's operational margin and reducing noise and damage, while maintaining efficiency even in non-supercharged air conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member (35) coupled to an exterior circumferential surface of the flexible cone (30) to provide an elastic force
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for suppressing a surge of a turbo compressor is provided. The apparatus includes a compressor housing having a compressor wheel provided therein and an inlet having air flowing thereinto and protruding from a first opposite to the compressor wheel. A connection module has a first side connected to the compressor housing to communicate with the inlet and a second side that includes an inlet for supplying air. A flexible cone of an elastic material is disposed in the connection module and is formed in a conical shape having sizes of cross-sectional areas of a first side and a second side that are different from each other. A spring member is coupled to an exterior circumferential surface of the flexible cone to provide an elastic force and operated to change a size of a cross-sectional area of the first or second side of the flexible cone.