VGT and ITV Control for Exhaust Temperature and Compressor Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Internal combustion engines face challenges in maintaining efficient exhaust gas temperature for regeneration processes and transient response due to reduced airflow, especially under low environmental temperatures, which affects emission control and engine performance.

Innovation Solution

A controller system that identifies desired compressor outlet pressure and exhaust gas temperature, determines sets of potential parameters for the variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) and intake throttle valve (ITV) settings, calculates scores based on predicted values, and adjusts these components to optimize exhaust gas temperature and compressor outlet pressure, thereby enhancing engine performance and reducing emissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the exhaust gas temperature is increased to maintain regeneration processes, then the emission control effectiveness is improved, but the airflow of the engine is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexhaust gas temperatureVSAvoidairflow
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the VGT turbine vane position and ITV opening based on real-time operating conditions to optimize the balance between exhaust temperature and airflow. The controller continuously monitors engine load, speed, and temperature requirements to determine optimal component positions, allowing the system to adapt to varying regeneration needs while maintaining adequate airflow for engine performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key operating parameters including VGT turbine vane angle, ITV opening degree, and engine air-to-fuel ratio to achieve desired exhaust temperatures without excessively compromising airflow. By adjusting these parameters in coordination, the system can raise exhaust temperature for regeneration while minimizing the negative impact on engine airflow and power output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If the airflow is reduced to increase exhaust gas temperature, then the regeneration process is facilitated, but the transient response performance is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexhaust gas temperatureVSAvoidtransient response
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary warming of the exhaust gas stream before regeneration events by adjusting VGT and ITV positions in advance. This allows the exhaust temperature to reach regeneration thresholds faster, reducing the duration of temperature-deficient operation and minimizing the impact on transient response during subsequent load changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses coordinated control of multiple components (VGT turbine vanes, ITV) rather than relying on a single mechanical adjustment. This multi-component coordination allows for more precise and faster modulation of exhaust flow and temperature, improving the system's ability to respond quickly to transient conditions while maintaining regeneration effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the VGT and ITV are controlled to increase exhaust temperature, then the regeneration effectiveness is improved, but the engine performance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregeneration effectivenessVSAvoidengine performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The VGT and ITV components serve multiple functions simultaneously: the VGT controls both turbocharging pressure and exhaust temperature, while the ITV manages both airflow and exhaust gas recirculation. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve regeneration goals while maintaining engine performance through coordinated control of these dual-purpose components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system adjusts multiple parameters including VGT turbine vane position, ITV opening degree, and engine operating points to find optimal trade-offs between regeneration effectiveness and engine performance. By changing these parameters in combination rather than isolation, the system can achieve sufficient exhaust temperatures for regeneration while minimizing impacts on power output and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11939908B1Controlling a variable geometry turbocharger and an intake throttle valve to optimize exhaust gas temperature and compressor outlet pressure of an engine
Publication Date: 2024.03.26 CATERPILLAR INC
  • US11939908B1 patent drawing
  • US11939908B1 patent drawing
  • US11939908B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A controller may identify a plurality of sets of potential parameters associated with operation of an engine, wherein each set of potential parameters includes a potential setting of a turbine of a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) of the engine and a potential setting of an intake throttle valve (ITV) of the engine. The controller may determine, based on the plurality of sets of potential parameters, a plurality of sets of predicted values, wherein each set of predicted values includes a predicted outlet pressure of a compressor of the VGT and a predicted temperature of an exhaust gas of the engine. The controller may determine respective scores of the plurality of sets of predicted values, and may select, based on the respective scores, a particular set of predicted values of the plurality of sets of predicted values. The controller may thereby control the turbine of the VGT and the ITV.