Variable Oil Pump Pressure for Centrifugal Separator Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

The crankcase ventilation system in internal combustion engines requires a high energy input for oil separation from blow-by gases, necessitating a more energy-efficient solution for the oil pressure pump operation.

Innovation Solution

A method to control the oil pressure of the oil pump based on specific engine operation conditions, using an oil pressure demand that adapts to the theoretical required pressure, allowing the separator to operate efficiently by varying the oil pressure according to the amount of blow-by gases, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the separator is operated with a fixed speed or fixed oil pressure set for full load condition, then the separator can handle the maximum amount of blow-by gases, but the oil pump consumes excessive energy during part load conditions due to unnecessary overload operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparator operation capabilityVSAvoidoil pump energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed-speed separator to a variable-speed separator that adapts its rotational speed based on actual engine operating conditions. The control unit receives signals about engine load and speed, then dynamically adjusts the separator's speed via the oil pump, ensuring the separator operates at optimal speed for each condition rather than maintaining constant full-load speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the oil pressure and separator speed parameters according to engine operating conditions. The control unit adjusts these parameters in real-time based on engine load and speed signals, changing the operational parameters from fixed values to variable values that match actual separation requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the oil pump is operated at high pressure to ensure sufficient oil supply to the separator, then the separator can effectively separate oil from blow-by gases, but the oil pump consumes unnecessary energy during low load conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoil separation effectivenessVSAvoidoil pump energy waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by using a control unit that receives information about engine operating conditions (load and speed) and uses this feedback to adjust the oil pump's operation. The control unit continuously monitors engine state and dynamically adjusts oil pressure and separator speed to match actual separation needs, preventing energy waste during low-load conditions while maintaining adequate pressure for effective separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If a centrifugal separator with high rotational speed is used to improve oil separation efficiency, then the separation performance increases, but the energy input required to drive the separator increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoil separation efficiencyVSAvoidseparator energy input

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the separator speed variable rather than fixed at high rotational speed. The control unit adjusts the separator's rotational speed dynamically based on actual engine load and operating conditions, allowing the separator to operate at lower speeds during part-load conditions when less separation capacity is needed, thereby reducing energy input while maintaining adequate separation efficiency when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 enables the oil pump to operate more efficiently, saving energy by matching the oil pressure to the specific engine conditions, thus reducing fuel consumption and preventing overload operations.

Implementation Method 1

a centrifugal separator with a centrifugal rotor for separating the particles from the gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Implementation Method 2

controlling the oil pressure of said oil pump based on said oil pressure demand

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3610139B1A method for controlling the oil pressure of an oil pump in a combustion engine and an oil pressure arrangement

Publication Date: 2022.08.17 VOLVO TRUCK CORP

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling the oil pressure of an oil pump (40, 140) in a combustion engine (100). The combustion engine (100) comprises a crankcase (11) and a separator (14, 114) for separating oil present in a blow-by gas from the crankcase (11). The method comprises the step (201) of providing oil pressure demand for a set of different engine operation conditions, the oil pressure demand defining the theoretical required oil pressure of the oil pump (40, 140); the step (203) of controlling the oil pressure of the oil pump (40, 140) based on the oil pressure demand for at least one engine operation condition in the set of different engine operation conditions; the step (205) of driving the separator (14, 114) using oil from the oil pump (40, 140), the oil being pressurized based on the oil pressure demand.