Abstract: Exemplary turbine blade outer edges, exemplary vane inner edges, exemplary systems and exemplary methods are disclosed that help to reduce noise in variable geometry turbines and optionally other turbines wherein a turbine blade interacts with an object. Other exemplary turbine-related technologies are also disclosed.

Abstract: Turbochargers of this invention comprise a turbine housing and a turbine wheel rotatably disposed therein. A center housing is connected to the turbine housing, and a compressor housing is attached to the center housing. A compressor is rotatably disposed within the compressor housing, and comprises two impellers placed in back-to-back orientation. A movable member is disposed within the compressor housing to downstream of the compressor to control the flow of air within the compressor housing. The position of the movable member can be operated to control the amount of pressurized air that is produced by one of the compressor impellers to provide enhanced compressor operating efficiency throughout the operating range and mass flow requirements of the engine.

Abstract: Improved actuation assemblies are used with variable geometry turbochargers comprising a plurality of movable aerodynamic vanes attached to a movable unison ring that is coupled to an actuator. The actuation assembly includes a crank arm that is attached at a first end to the actuator, and at a second end to the unison ring. A first gear member is attached to the crank arm second end and includes teeth. The unison ring includes a second gear member attached thereto that also comprises teeth. The teeth of the first and second gear members are cooperatively engaged with one another. The second gear member is movably attached to the unison ring to maintain predetermined distance between the first and second gear members during operation of the turbocharger and related thermal movement of the unison ring.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, devices, and/or systems are suitable for regenerating a plurality of after-treatment units. An exemplary method includes selecting less than all of a plurality of after-treatment units and adjusting air to fuel ratio for less than all of a plurality of combustion chambers of an engine to thereby cause the selected after-treatment units to receive exhaust having hydrocarbon and oxygen concentrations that favor regeneration of the selected after-treatment units. Other exemplary methods, devices and/or systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A high-pressure ratio turbocharger of this invention has a two-stage compressor section comprising a first-stage compressor impeller rotatably disposed in a first compressor housing, and a second-stage compressor impeller rotatably disposed in a second-stage compressor housing. The first and second stage compressor impellers are attached to a common shaft, and are positioned within respective compressor housing in a direction facing away from one another. A portion of the second-stage compressor housing is formed from a compressor backplate attached to a turbocharger center housing. A scroll seal is disposed between the first and second-stage compressor housings, and is interposed between the impellers to separate outlet air flow between each respective first and second-stage compressor chamber.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine system, dual loop EGR system and method is provided, with a high pressure EGR loop, controlled by a control valve, in fluidic connection with the exhaust outlet of the exhaust manifold and the air inlet of the intake manifold, and a low pressure EGR loop, wherein exhaust, in proportions controlled by a control valve, enters a compressor from a point downstream of an exhaust emissions controller, together with fresh air, the low pressure EGR loop being in fluidic connection with an output of the compressor and the air inlet of the intake manifold.

Abstract: A high-pressure ratio turbocharger of this invention has a two-stage compressor section comprising a first-stage compressor impeller rotatably disposed in a first compressor housing, and a second-stage compressor impeller rotatably disposed in a second-stage compressor housing. The first and second stage compressor impellers are attached to a common shaft, and are positioned within respective compressor housing in a direction facing away from one another. A portion of the second-stage compressor housing is formed from a compressor backplate attached to a turbocharger center housing. A scroll seal is disposed between the first and second-stage compressor housings, and is interposed between the impellers to separate outlet air flow between each respective first and second-stage compressor chamber.

Abstract: Exemplary turbine blade outer edges, exemplary vane inner edges, exemplary systems and exemplary methods are disclosed that help to reduce noise in variable geometry turbines and optionally other turbines wherein a turbine blade interacts with an object. Other exemplary turbine-related technologies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A high-pressure ratio turbocharger of this invention has a two-stage compressor section comprising a first-stage compressor impeller rotatably disposed in a first compressor housing, and a second-stage compressor impeller rotatably disposed in a second compressor housing. The first and second stage compressor impellers are attached to a common shaft, and are positioned within respective compressor housing in a direction facing away from one another. A portion of the second compressor housing is formed from a compressor backplate attached to a turbocharger center housing. A scroll seal is disposed between the first and second compressor housings, and is interposed between the impellers to separate outlet air flow between each respective first and second compressor chamber.

Abstract: Variable geometry turbochargers include a turbine housing having an exhaust gas inlet and outlet, a volute connected to the inlet, and typically a nozzle wall adjacent the volute. The turbine housing includes a bypass exhaust gas flow port disposed internally therein having an inlet opening positioned upstream from the turbine wheel, and a outlet opening positioned downstream from the turbine wheel. The inlet opening is exposed for facilitating bypass exhaust gas flow through the turbocharger when a respective vane is actuated or moved into an open position. The turbine housing may also include a specially configured nozzle wall terminal edge designed to work with vanes having a recessed underside surface to permit additional bypass exhaust gas flow within the turbocharger when the vanes are actuated in an open position.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine system, dual loop EGR system and method is provided, with a high pressure EGR loop, controlled by a control valve, in fluidic connection with the exhaust outlet of the exhaust manifold and the air inlet of the intake manifold, and a low pressure EGR loop, wherein exhaust, in proportions controlled by a control valve, enters a compressor from a point downstream of an exhaust emissions controller, together with fresh air, the low pressure EGR loop being in fluidic connection with an output of the compressor and the air inlet of the intake manifold.

Abstract: An Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system for an internal combustion engine is provided. The EGR system utilizes a turbocharger having a compressor with more than one stage. The first stage of the compressor boosts the intake air to an intermediate pressure below the pressure at the intake manifold of the engine. The recirculated exhaust gas is maintained at approximately this intermediate pressure, thus providing a lower back pressure on the exhaust manifold of the engine, thereby improving fuel efficiency. The exhaust gas and intake air are mixed and subsequently boosted by a second stage of the compressor to a pressure required to supply the demanded mass flow to the engine.

Abstract: A high-pressure ratio turbocharger of this invention has a two-stage compressor section comprising a first-stage compressor impeller rotatably disposed in a first compressor housing, and a second-stage compressor impeller rotatably disposed in a second compressor housing. The first and second stage compressor impellers are attached to a common shaft, and are positioned within respective compressor housing in a direction facing away from one another. A portion of the second compressor housing is formed from a compressor backplate attached to a turbocharger center housing. A scroll seal is disposed between the first and second compressor housings, and is interposed between the impellers to separate outlet air flow between each respective first and second compressor chamber.

Abstract: Methods and systems of this invention for positioning a variable geometry member disposed within a variable geometry turbocharger involve determining a boost pressure target for the turbocharger and comparing the same to an actual boost to calculate an error value, errboost.

Abstract: A control system of this invention for use with a variable geometry turbocharger is designed to enable turbocharger control based solely on engine speed. The control system takes measured engine speed and sends the same to an engine control unit (ECU) having an actuator position v. engine speed map. The ECU utilizes only the measured engine speed to determine a desired actuator position from the map, and produces a control signal for effecting actuator operation. The control signal generated by the ECU can be converted to an analog signal by pulse width modulation, for example. The control signal is sent to an actuator for placing the actuator into the desired actuator position. The actuator is connected to a variable geometry member in the turbocharger so that operation and placement of the actuator into the desired actuator position thereby places the variable geometry member into a desired position to effect the desired change in turbocharger operation.

Abstract: A turbocharger comprises a center housing, and a shaft positioned therein having a first end and a second end. A turbine housing is attached to one side of the center housing and has a turbine wheel disposed therein that is coupled to the first end of the shaft. A first variable geometry member is disposed within the turbine housing between an exhaust gas inlet and the turbine wheel. A compressor housing is attached to another side of the center housing opposite the turbine housing, and includes a compressor impeller disposed therein. The compressor impeller is coupled to the second end of the shaft. A second variable geometry member is disposed within the compressor housing, and is interposed between an air outlet and the compressor impeller. An actuator assembly is disposed within the turbocharger and is connected to both of the variable geometry members to provide simultaneous actuation of the same.

Abstract: Improved vanes of this invention are constructed for use within a variable geometry turbocharger assembly. Each vane comprises an inner airfoil surface oriented adjacent a turbine wheel, and an outer airfoil surface oriented opposite the inner airfoil surface. The inner and outer airfoil surfaces define a vane airfoil thickness. Each vane includes a leading edge positioned along a first inner and outer airfoil surface junction, a trailing edge positioned along a second inner and outer surface junction, a hole disposed within a first axial vane surface substantially parallel to an outer nozzle wall for receiving a respective post therein, and an actuation tab extending from a second axial vane surface opposite from the first vane surface. A key feature of improved vanes of this invention is that they have an airfoil thickness that is greater than 0.16 times a length of the vane as measured between the vane leading and trailing edges.

Abstract: Control method for variable geometry turbocharger and related system are disclosed, wherein a boost target for a turbocharger is determined. Next, an error value between target boost and actual boost pressure is calculated and utilized to determine a new vane position. For example, the new vane position can be determined by calculating a needed change in vane position from the equation, &Dgr;&thgr;=kp(err)+kd·d(err)/dt, where &Dgr;&thgr; is the change in vane position, kp is a proportional gain value, kd is a differential gain value, and err is the error value between the boost target and the actual boost. A new vane position for the turbocharger is then determined by summing &Dgr;&thgr; with the previous vane position, and the turbocharger's set of vanes is positioned according to the new vane position. An open loop diagnostic mechanism and a feed-forward mechanism can also be employed to enhance vane positioning.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, devices and/or system for enhancing engine performance through use of one or more compressors and/or one or more turbines. An exemplary system includes an electric compressor to boost intake charge pressure supplied to an internal combustion engine; an electric turbine to generate electrical power from exhaust received from the internal combustion engine; and an electric power control to provide electrical power from a power storage to the electric compressor upon a request for boost and to provide electrical power generated by the electric turbine to the electric compressor after a request for boost and upon a depletion of the power storage to a predetermined power storage level. Various other exemplary methods, devices and/or systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, devices, and/or systems are suitable for regenerating a plurality of after-treatment units. An exemplary method includes selecting less than all of a plurality of after-treatment units and adjusting air to fuel ratio for less than all of a plurality of combustion chambers of an engine to thereby cause the selected after-treatment units to receive exhaust having hydrocarbon and oxygen concentrations that favor regeneration of the selected after-treatment units. Other exemplary methods, devices and/or systems are also disclosed.