Variable Geometry Turbine Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling catalyst temperatures in vehicles are either packaging-intensive or costly, as they often require additional heat exchangers or complex turbocharger configurations, which can reduce engine power and customer satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
Adjusting the position of the intake throttle and the vanes of a variable geometry turbine to manage catalyst temperatures without derating the engine or adding heat exchangers, thereby controlling turbine outlet temperature and maintaining engine power output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If water injection or heat exchanger is used to control catalyst temperature, then catalyst temperature is reduced, but packaging volume increases and engine power decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature control function from separate components (heat exchangers, water injection systems) and integrates it into the existing turbocharger system by utilizing the turbine as a heat extraction device, thereby eliminating the need for additional packaging volume
Solution Approach 2:
The turbocharger turbine is given a dual function: it continues to drive the compressor for engine breathing while simultaneously acting as a heat exchanger to cool the exhaust gas and control catalyst temperature, eliminating the need for dedicated cooling components
2Temperature
If water injection or heat exchanger is used to control catalyst temperature, then catalyst temperature is reduced, but engine power is reduced due to increased heat rejection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful high-temperature exhaust gas into a beneficial cooling resource by using it to drive the turbine, which extracts work and simultaneously cools the gas, protecting the catalyst without requiring additional engine power or heat rejection
3Temperature
If electric or non-electric turbocharger is used to extract work from exhaust gas, then catalyst temperature is reduced, but system complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mechanically coupled compressor-turbine system where the turbine's work extraction automatically drives the compressor, creating a self-regulating system that requires no external power source, control electronics, or complex additional components
4Temperature
If derate is executed to reduce peak engine power, then catalyst temperature is limited, but customer satisfaction decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies temperature control locally at the catalyst inlet through turbine heat extraction, allowing the engine to maintain full power output overall while only the exhaust gas temperature is reduced, thus preserving customer satisfaction with engine performance
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 approach effectively reduces turbine outlet and catalyst temperatures, enhancing catalyst durability and functionality while minimizing packaging size and complexity, and maintaining engine power.
Implementation Method 1
extracting work from the exhaust gas via an electric turbocharger or a non-electric turbocharger
Implementation Method 2
heat extraction from the exhaust gas via the turbine may increase, which may result in a lower turbine outlet temperature
Implementation Method 3
throttling occurs and the intake throttle is adjusted to a more closed position
Implementation Method 4
The turbine may be a variable geometry turbine including a plurality of adjustable vanes that may change the pressure of gas flowing toward a turbine blade
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for controlling a catalyst temperature. In one example, a method includes throttling in response to the catalyst temperature exceeding a threshold temperature. The throttling includes adjusting an intake throttle position to a more closed position. The throttling further includes increasing a turbine work extraction via adjusting a position of a plurality of turbine vanes to decrease a turbine outlet temperature.