Variable Geometry Nozzle for Turbocharger Volute

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Turbochargers face inefficiencies in gasoline engines due to low efficiency characteristics at closed positions, which impact knocking sensitivity and damp pulse recovery from exhaust gas, limiting the applicability of variable nozzle turbines (VNT) in these engines.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a variable geometry turbine housing with adjustable divider vanes and nozzle vanes that pivot to optimize exhaust gas flow to the turbine wheel, enhancing fuel efficiency and addressing backflow issues by varying the geometry of passages leading to the turbine wheel space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If variable nozzle turbines (VNT) are used to improve fuel efficiency, then fuel efficiency is improved, but knocking sensitivity increases and pulse recovery is damped

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidknocking sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing adjustable divider vanes and nozzle vanes that can pivot to different positions. The divider vanes adjust the separation between exhaust gas channels, while the nozzle vanes control the flow direction to the turbine wheel. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize fuel efficiency at certain operating conditions while preventing knocking sensitivity and maintaining pulse recovery at others, thereby resolving the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If variable geometry nozzle vanes are added to optimize exhaust flow, then turbine performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveturbine performanceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of flow separation and flow direction control by integrating adjustable divider vanes and nozzle vanes into a single variable geometry turbine housing assembly. Both sets of vanes are controlled through the same housing structure, allowing coordinated adjustment to optimize exhaust flow to the turbine wheel while managing the overall device complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration improves fuel efficiency, reduces knocking sensitivity, and enhances turbine performance by better utilizing exhaust pulse energy, particularly in gasoline engines, by maintaining flow separation and optimizing exhaust gas flow.

Implementation Method 1

at least one set of adjustable variable geometry nozzle vanes that define nozzle throats that direct flow of exhaust gas from one of the exhaust gas channels to the turbine wheel space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExhaust gas flow:

Implementation Method 2

Exhaust may be directed to a turbine wheel such that energy may be extracted, for example, to drive a compressor wheel of a compressor assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy extraction from exhaust gas:

Data Source

PatentEP3054121B1Variable geometry nozzle for partitioned volute
Publication Date: 2020.01.15 GARRETT TRANSPORTATION I INC
  • EP3054121B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3054121B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3054121B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An assembly can include an exhaust gas turbine housing that includes an inner wall and an outer wall that define a first exhaust gas channel and a second exhaust gas channel to a turbine wheel space where the inner wall includes an inner wall end at the turbine wheel space and the outer wall includes an outer wall end at the turbine wheel space; a first adjustable divider vane disposed adjacent to the inner wall end; a second adjustable divider vane disposed adjacent to the outer wall end; and at least one set of adjustable variable geometry nozzle vanes that define nozzle throats that direct flow of exhaust gas from one of the exhaust gas channels to the turbine wheel space. Corresponding method for operating such a assembly.