Variable Geometry Turbine Particulate Filter Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Variable geometry turbochargers face issues with particulate matter deposition in turbine housings, leading to performance degradation and efficiency losses due to the accumulation of soot and other carbon-based species, which can cause sticking and reduced nozzle ring stroke, and require frequent regeneration of downstream diesel particulate filters.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a particulate filter within the turbocharger housing, positioned upstream to capture and oxidize particulate matter into less harmful gases like carbon dioxide and water vapor, reducing the need for downstream filters and minimizing regeneration requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a variable geometry turbine is used to optimize gas flow velocities over a range of mass flow rates, then turbine power output can be varied to suit varying engine demands, but particulate matter accumulates in the turbine housing leading to performance degradation and efficiency losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing and oxidizing particulate matter upstream in the turbine housing before it can accumulate and cause performance degradation. The oxidizer injection system proactively treats exhaust gases to prevent soot buildup on turbine components, maintaining reliable operation over extended periods while the variable geometry mechanism continues to optimize power output across different engine demands
2Productivity
If the inlet passage width is decreased to maintain gas velocity at low flow rates, then turbine operation efficiency is improved, but the nozzle ring is more susceptible to particulate matter deposition causing sticking and reduced stroke
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of restricted inlet passage flow (which causes particulate accumulation) into a benefit by injecting oxidizer upstream to actively burn off soot particles. The restricted geometry that would normally cause sticking is counteracted by the oxidation process that keeps particulate matter levels low, allowing the nozzle ring to maintain full stroke and mobility even at reduced inlet widths
3Object-affected harmful factors
If downstream diesel particulate filters are used to capture particulate matter, then exhaust emissions are reduced, but frequent regeneration is required causing loss of time and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing and oxidizing particulate matter upstream in the turbine housing before it reaches downstream diesel particulate filters. This pre-treatment significantly reduces the particulate load on downstream filters, extending their regeneration intervals and reducing the frequency of productivity-lossing regeneration cycles while maintaining effective exhaust emissions 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
The particulate filter effectively reduces particulate matter accumulation, maintains turbine efficiency, and decreases the frequency of filter regeneration, thereby improving fuel efficiency and reducing the risk of performance degradation.
Implementation Method 1
an oxidizer operable to convert the particulate matter into gaseous species
Data Source
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AI summary
A variable geometry turbine comprising: a housing; a turbine wheel supported within said housing for rotation about a turbine axis; an annular inlet passage within said housing upstream of said turbine wheel and defined between respective radial inlet surfaces of first and second wall members; an outlet passage within said housing downstream of said turbine wheel; an array of vanes (429) extending across the inlet passage, said vanes being connected to said first wall member (425); at least one of said first and second wall members being moveable along the turbine axis to vary the size of the inlet passage and/or at least one of said vanes being rotationally moveable about an axis that is substantially parallel to said turbine axis to vary the size of the inlet passage; wherein at least one particulate filter (431) is provided within said housing at a location such that said particulate filter can be contacted by particulate matter flowing through said turbine during use.