Variable Geometry Turbocompound Turbine Airflow Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard turbocompound engines experience restricted airflow, leading to poor performance, high exhaust temperatures, and increased emissions under conditions such as high altitudes, low speed, and transient load conditions due to the power turbine's limitations in air flow management.
Innovation Solution
A power system incorporating a variable geometry (VG) turbocompound turbine positioned downstream of the turbocharger's turbine, with a controller adjusting the geometry to manage boost levels and airflow, utilizing pivotable vanes or a slideable housing to optimize energy recovery and airflow efficiency across various operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a power turbine is added to recover exhaust energy, then additional output shaft power is provided, but air flow is restricted to unacceptable levels under certain operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies variable geometry to the power turbine nozzle, allowing the nozzle area to be dynamically adjusted based on operating conditions. This enables the system to optimize between power recovery and air flow requirements - the nozzle can be opened wider during transient or low-speed conditions to maintain air flow, and closed more during steady-state high-power conditions to maximize energy recovery.
2Loss of energy
If the power turbine restricts air flow, then exhaust energy recovery is improved, but performance deteriorates and emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the power turbine nozzle dynamically. By adjusting the nozzle area as a controllable parameter, the system can optimize exhaust energy recovery while preventing harmful effects - the nozzle geometry is varied to maintain adequate air flow during conditions that would otherwise cause high emissions, while maximizing energy recovery during favorable operating conditions.
3Device complexity
If a fixed geometry power turbine is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a fixed geometry power turbine to a variable geometry design. The nozzle area is made adjustable through mechanical actuation, allowing the turbine to adapt to different operating conditions such as transient loads, high altitude, and varying speed conditions. This dynamic capability significantly improves adaptability while adding only moderate complexity through the nozzle control mechanism.
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 solution enhances airflow, reduces exhaust temperatures, and improves power output while maintaining lower emissions by dynamically adjusting the VG turbocompound turbine's geometry in response to engine conditions, thereby achieving better fuel efficiency and performance across a range of operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the VG turbocompound turbine 138 may have pivotable vanes or a slideable housing, for example
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a power system comprising a variable geometry (VG) turbocompound turbine.