Abstract: A method and system for remotely monitoring the operation of a multicylinder, turbocharged reciprocating engine includes monitoring one or more operating parameters predictive of the turbocharger's output, and generating a parametric output signal corresponding to the value of the sampled operating parameter. The parametric output signal is transmitted via telemetry to a remote diagnostic center, where actual mass flow is determined with a flow detection system, and then the charge air mass flow is compared with a predetermined flow rate corresponding to the monitored operating parameter, such as turbocharger speed or turbocharger pressure ratio. A condition flag is set if the actual charge air flow rate is less than a predetermined flow rate based upon the parametric output signal.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the operation of a multicylinder, turbocharged reciprocating engine with an onboard controller includes monitoring one or more operating parameters predictive of the turbocharger's output, and generating a parametric output signal corresponding to the value of the sampled operating parameter. Actual mass flow is determined with a flow detection system, and then the charge air mass flow is compared with a predetermined flow rate corresponding to the monitored operating parameter, such as turbocharger speed or turbocharger pressure ratio. A charge air condition flag is set if the actual charge air flow rate is less than a predetermined flow rate based upon the parametric output signal.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting impairment of a turbocharger installed as part of an internal combustion engine includes turbo speed monitoring for determining a rotational speed of a turbocharger and airflow sensing for determining airflow rate through the engine. A controller compares the sensed rotational speed of the turbo with a turbo speed threshold and compares the sensed airflow rate with an airflow threshold. A turbocharger impairment flag is set in the event that both the sensed speed of the turbo is less than the turbo speed threshold and the sensed airflow is less than the airflow threshold.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are turbocharger systems and methods for their operation. In one embodiment a turbocharger system is disclosed. The turbocharger system comprises a turbine, a compressor, an air inlet, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a controller. The turbine is mechanically connected to the compressor and the air inlet is connected in fluid communication to the compressor. The first sensor and the second sensor are connected in operational communication with the air inlet and disposed a sufficient distance from one another to be capable of measuring a temperature differential caused by a hot boundary layer. The controller is connected in operational communication with the first sensor and the second sensor, and the controller is configured to detect surge precursors.

Abstract: A diffuser (30) for a centrifugal compressor (60) having a flow slot (34) formed between the leading edge portion (36) of a diffuser vane (32) and an adjoining diffuser wall (70) for the passage of working fluid (67) over the vane from the pressure side ((40) to the suction side (42) of the vane. The portion (38) of the working fluid passing over the vane is injected into the flow boundary region (43), thereby minimizing the growth of a flow separation zone (58) along the suction side.

Abstract: Compressor wheel and techniques for manufacturing such a wheel are provided. The wheel may include a hub with a counterbore internally treated to impart residual compressive stresses for enhanced endurance to stress-induced fatigue. The surface treatment allows extending the counterbore relatively closer to a plane of typical maximum stress of the wheel. This design flexibility advantageously allows avoiding or reducing overhang of the compressor wheel, thereby improving rotor dynamics and reducing the axial length of the hub, and the overall foot print of the compressor wheel.