Turbocharger Compressor Ice Damage Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ice buildup in closed engine breather systems can cause significant damage to turbocharger compressor wheels, especially in cold weather, due to the accumulation of moisture and subsequent freezing, which can lead to ice chunks falling onto the spinning compressor wheel and causing damage.
Innovation Solution
A breather gas port is placed within the compressor cover, in close proximity to the leading edge of the compressor wheel, allowing the spinning wheel to shave off or grind away ice that forms at the breather port, thereby reducing the accumulation of ice and preventing damage to the compressor wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the breather gas port is located in the air inlet duct upstream of the turbocharger, then the closed breather system can recirculate crankcase gases effectively, but ice accumulates at the breather port and causes damage to the compressor wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The breather gas port is extracted from the air inlet duct and relocated to the compressor cover, placing it in a different location where ice accumulation can be mechanically removed by the compressor wheel itself
Solution Approach 2:
The spinning compressor wheel, which would be damaged by ice chunks, is instead positioned to actively remove ice at the breather port, converting a potential harm into a beneficial self-cleaning mechanism
2Strength
If titanium compressor wheel is used, then ice damage resistance is improved, but cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor wheel serves a dual function: compressing air and simultaneously removing ice from the breather port through its rotational motion, eliminating the need for additional protective components
Solution Approach 2:
The breather port location parameter is changed from upstream air inlet duct to the compressor cover, fundamentally altering the system's behavior regarding ice accumulation and removal
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 solution effectively reduces the risk of ice damage to the compressor wheel, enabling the use of a more cost-effective aluminum compressor wheel instead of titanium, which improves turbocharger performance and reduces emissions by preventing ice accumulation and potential damage, while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the compressor wheel can be sufficiently close to the compressor cover such that the compressor wheel is capable of removing ice accumulates at the breather gas port
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology provides methods and systems for reducing ice buildup in a closed engine breather system. The systems comprise an air inlet duct, a compressor wheel and a compressor cover. The compressor cover comprises a breather gas port. The breather gas port is placed in the compressor cover at a location within close proximity to the leading edge of the compressor wheel so that the compressor wheel is capable of removing ice that accumulates at the breather gas port. The present technology also provides methods that include providing an air inlet duct, a compressor wheel, and a compressor cover with a breather gas port in the compressor cover. In this manner the compressor wheel can grind or shave off ice that accumulates at the breather gas port.