Apparatus and method for directing airflow into the air intake (carburetor or fuel injection system) of an internal combustion engine for increasing air flow velocity and the quantity of air reaching the cylinder or cylinders thereof through the use of an electrically powered fan, are described. The fan is installed inside of the air filter element such that when the air intake throttle plates are closed or partially closed, the unused airflow exits the apparatus to relieve the pressure created by the fan, and when additional air is needed by the engine, air can enter the filter element. The fan may be continuously operated during the operation of the motor, and at all engine speeds.

Apparatus and method for directing airflow into the air intake (carburetor or fuel injection system) of an internal combustion engine for increasing air flow velocity and the quantity of air reaching the cylinder or cylinders thereof through the use of an electrically powered fan, are described. The fan is installed inside of the air filter element such that when the air intake throttle plates are closed or partially closed, the unused airflow exits the apparatus to relieve the pressure created by the fan, and when additional air is needed by the engine, air can enter the filter element. The fan may be continuously operated during the operation of the motor, and at all engine speeds.

A turbine wheel for a turbine of a turbocharger. The turbine wheel includes a plurality of turbine blades distributed evenly about the axis of rotation; and a plurality of inter-blade portions distributed evenly about the axis of rotation. Each of the inter-blade portions is disposed between two blades and each of the blades is disposed between two inter-blade portions, the inter-blade portions and the turbine blades being integrally formed. A cross-section, taken along a plane normal to the axis of rotation, of a surface of each inter-blade portion of the plurality of inter-blade portions being described by a smooth curve extending between the two turbines blades of the plurality of turbine blades between which the inter-blade portion is disposed. In some cases, the smooth curve of each inter-blade portion is described by a curve fitted to a biomimicry design form extending between the first blade and the second blade.

A turbine wheel for a turbine of a turbocharger. The turbine wheel includes a plurality of turbine blades distributed evenly about the axis of rotation; and a plurality of inter-blade portions distributed evenly about the axis of rotation. Each of the inter-blade portions is disposed between two blades and each of the blades is disposed between two inter-blade portions, the inter-blade portions and the turbine blades being integrally formed. A cross-section, taken along a plane normal to the axis of rotation, of a surface of each inter-blade portion of the plurality of inter-blade portions being described by a smooth curve extending between the two turbines blades of the plurality of turbine blades between which the inter-blade portion is disposed. In some cases, the smooth curve of each inter-blade portion is described by a curve fitted to a biomimicry design form extending between the first blade and the second blade.

An electric assist turbocharger unit for use in an internal combustion engine, comprising a shaft configured for torque-transmittingly connecting a compressor to a turbine of the turbocharger unit and an electric motor configured for rotatably actuating the shaft in a first rotational direction and in an opposed second rotational direction. The engine includes an aftertreatment system, and the rotation of the shaft is designed to retard the flow of intake air through an intake passage and of exhaust gases through the aftertreatment system, thereby controlling the temperature in the aftertreatment system.

An electric assist turbocharger unit for use in an internal combustion engine, comprising a shaft configured for torque-transmittingly connecting a compressor to a turbine of the turbocharger unit and an electric motor configured for rotatably actuating the shaft in a first rotational direction and in an opposed second rotational direction. The engine includes an aftertreatment system, and the rotation of the shaft is designed to retard the flow of intake air through an intake passage and of exhaust gases through the aftertreatment system, thereby controlling the temperature in the aftertreatment system.

There is provided a compact turbine-compressor assembly 25. The turbine-compressor assembly 25 includes a turbine wheel 39 with one or more turbine blades 41 and a compressor wheel 47 that includes one or more compressor blades 49. The compressor wheel 47 is concentric with the turbine wheel 39. Furthermore, the compressor wheel 47 and the turbine wheel 39 are not located at opposite ends of a common axle with a medial portion of the axle distancing them apart, as is the case with prior art turbine-compressor assemblies that are known. In contrast, the turbine wheel 39 and the compressor wheel 47 are located adjacent to each other and in one embodiment they axially overlap each other so that one nests within the other to thereby provide a compact arrangement. The turbine-compressor assembly 25 includes a first fluid path 67 which is configured to convey fluid, which will typically be air, through the turbine blades 41. The turbine-compressor assembly 25 also includes a second fluid path 77 which is configured to convey fluid, which will typically be air, through the compressor blades. The turbine-compressor assembly 25 is arranged so that the first fluid path 67 is distinct from the second fluid path 77 and vice-versa.

An electrical power generation system including a micro-turbine alternator including a combustion chamber, at least one turbine driven by combustion gases from the combustion chamber, a first stage compressor, and a second stage compressor located aft of the first stage compressor. The first stage compressor and the second stage compressor being operably connected to the combustion chamber to provide a compressed airflow thereto. The micro-turbine alternator including one or more shafts connecting the at least one turbine to the first stage compressor and the second stage compressor such that rotation of the at least one turbine drives rotation of the first and second stage compressor. An electric generator is disposed along the one or more shafts such that electrical power is generated via rotation of the one or more shafts. The electric generator is disposed along the one or more shafts between the first and second stage compressors.

An electrical power generation system including a micro-turbine alternator including a combustion chamber, at least one turbine driven by combustion gases from the combustion chamber, a first stage compressor, and a second stage compressor located aft of the first stage compressor. The first stage compressor and the second stage compressor being operably connected to the combustion chamber to provide a compressed airflow thereto. The micro-turbine alternator including one or more shafts connecting the at least one turbine to the first stage compressor and the second stage compressor such that rotation of the at least one turbine drives rotation of the first and second stage compressor. An electric generator is disposed along the one or more shafts such that electrical power is generated via rotation of the one or more shafts. The electric generator is disposed along the one or more shafts between the first and second stage compressors.

A compressor housing (12) for a turbocharger includes a recirculation cavity (4) formed in a portion of the compressor housing (12). The recirculation cavity (4) is defined by an inner cavity wall (2) and an outer cavity wall (5). In addition, an inlet groove (1) and an outlet (7) are formed in the recirculation cavity (4) for circulating airflow from the compressor housing (12) through the recirculation cavity (4), and at least one recirculation noise obstruction (6) is fixedly secured within the recirculation cavity (4) to disrupt air flow through the cavity and reduce noise in the compressor housing (12).