Turbocharger Control for Transient Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing turbocharger control systems face challenges in maintaining maximum turbine efficiency during transitions from dual turbo mode to single turbo mode, affecting transient performance in internal combustion engines.

Innovation Solution

A turbocharger control system that includes a turbo mode determination module and a transition control module, which determines the transition from dual to single turbo mode and controls the high-pressure turbocharger and bypass valve based on desired turbine efficiency, using a variable geometry turbocharger and pressure ratio to maintain maximum turbine efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the high-pressure turbocharger is deactivated during transition from dual turbo mode to single turbo mode, then the system complexity is reduced, but the turbine efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveturbocharger system complexityVSAvoidturbine efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the turbocharger system configurable between different operational modes (dual turbo mode and single turbo mode) based on transient conditions. The high-pressure turbocharger's turbine can dynamically switch between active and idle states, allowing the system to adapt its complexity to match the immediate performance requirements while maintaining efficiency during transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the operational state of the high-pressure turbocharger's turbine during mode transitions. By controlling the turbine's operational parameters (active vs. idle) and coordinating with bypass valve positioning, the system maintains optimal turbine efficiency while transitioning between dual and single turbo modes, preventing energy loss during the switch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If the transition from dual turbo mode to single turbo mode is performed quickly, then the transient response time is reduced, but the turbine efficiency is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransition response timeVSAvoidturbine efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by preparing the high-pressure turbocharger for mode transition in advance. Before the actual transition occurs, the system positions the bypass valve and adjusts the turbine operational state proactively, ensuring that when the transition to single turbo mode begins, the turbine is already configured to maintain efficiency, thus achieving both quick response and energy conservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes feedback by continuously monitoring transient conditions and turbine efficiency parameters during mode transitions. This feedback mechanism allows the control system to adjust the transition timing and bypass valve positioning in real-time, optimizing the balance between response time and turbine efficiency based on actual system state rather than pre-programmed fixed sequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of energy

If the high-pressure turbocharger is maintained at maximum turbine efficiency during transition, then the energy loss is minimized, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveturbine efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism that coordinates between the high-pressure turbocharger's turbine and the bypass valve during mode transitions. This intermediary control layer manages the complex interactions between multiple components, maintaining turbine efficiency by orchestrating their coordinated operation without requiring direct complex control of each individual component's full operational range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8640459B2Turbocharger control systems and methods for improved transient performance
Publication Date: 2014.02.04 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • US8640459B2 patent drawing
  • US8640459B2 patent drawing
  • US8640459B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A turbocharger control system for a high-pressure turbocharger and a low-pressure turbocharger includes a turbo mode determination module and a transition control module. The turbo mode determination module determines a transition from a dual turbo mode to a single turbo mode. The high-pressure turbocharger is active in the dual turbo mode and idle in the single turbo mode. The transition control module determines a turbine efficiency of the high-pressure turbocharger and controls the high-pressure turbocharger during the transition based on a predetermined maximum turbine efficiency equation.