CONCENTRIC INTRODUCTION OF THE WASTE-GATE MASS FLOW INTO A FLOW-OPTIMIZED AXIAL DIFFUSOR

Abstract

An exhaust turbine includes a turbine wheel having a plurality of rotor blades, an exhaust outlet where the exhaust outlet is arranged downstream of the rotor blades and is delimited radial to the outside by an axial turbine diffusor. An exhaust mass flow can be output in an axial flow direction by the exhaust outlet duct and the axial turbine diffusor opens downstream, radially to the outside at a non-constant diffusor-opening angle, such that at a first diffusor-opening angle deviates from a second diffusor-opening angle by at least 1°. The exhaust turbine further includes a waste gate duct, the outlet region of which opens into the diffusor or directly downstream of the diffusor into the exhaust outlet duct. The waste gate duct is designed to generate a substantially axial flow direction of a waste gate mass flow at the outlet region of the waste gate duct.

Claims

1. An exhaust turbines comprising: a turbine wheel comprising a plurality of rotor blades; an exhaust outlet duct arranged downstream of the rotor blades of the turbine wheel, wherein the exhaust outlet duct is delimited radially on an outside by an axial turbine diffusor, wherein an exhaust mass flow can be discharged in an axial direction of flow through the exhaust outlet duct, and wherein the axial turbine diffusor opens downstream, radially outward, at a non-constant diffusor opening angle, in such a way that a first diffusor opening angle deviates from a second diffusor opening angle by at least 1°; and a waste gate duct, an outlet region of which opens into the axial turbine diffusor or directly downstream of the axial turbine diffusor into the exhaust outlet duct and through which a waste-gate mass flow can be injected into the exhaust mass flow, wherein the waste gate duct is designed to generate a substantially axial direction of flow of the waste-gate mass flow at the outlet region of the waste gate duct, wherein the axial turbine diffusor has a first diffusor portion having an increasing diffusor opening angle and a second diffusor portion, located downstream of the first diffusor portion, having a decreasing diffusor opening angle, and wherein a transition angle in a transition region between the axial turbine diffusor and a radial inner wall of the waste gate duct is less than 5°.

2. The exhaust turbine as claimed in claim 1, in which the waste-gate mass flow is injected into the exhaust mass flow along a circumference of the waste gate duct concentrically with respect to an axis of rotation of the turbine wheel or in segments concentrically with respect to the axis of rotation of the turbine wheel or through bores in the axial turbine diffusor which are provided at a distance from one another along the circumference of the waste gate duct.

3. The exhaust turbine as claimed in claim 1, in which the downstream, radially outer end region of the axial turbine diffusor extends concentrically around an axis of rotation of the turbine wheel.

4. The exhaust turbine as claimed in claim 3, in which the downstream, radially outer end region of the axial turbine diffusor forms a radially inner end region of the waste gate duct or directly adjoins the radially inner end region of the waste gate duct.

5. The exhaust turbine as claimed in claim 4, in which the radially outer end region of the waste gate duct projects beyond the radially inner end region of the waste gate duct in the downstream direction.

6. The exhaust turbine as claimed in claim 1, in which the axial turbine diffusor has a number N>1 of successive conical diffusor segments, or in which the diffusor opening angle is non-constant in a continuously differentiable manner.

7. The exhaust turbine as claimed in claim 1, in which the exhaust outlet duct is partially delimited radially on an inside by a spinner.

8. The exhaust turbine as claimed in claim 7, in which the spinner is designed as an integral component of the turbine wheel or is shrunk or screwed or pressed or cinched as a separate component onto a turbine wheel hub.

9. The exhaust turbine as claimed in claim 1, in which the transition region between the axial turbine diffusor and the radial inner wall of the waste gate duct is of a rounded design.

10. The exhaust turbine as claimed in claim 1, in which the first diffusor opening angle is arranged upstream of the second diffusor opening angle and is greater than the second diffusor opening angle.

11. The exhaust turbine as claimed in claim 10, in which the outlet region of the waste gate duct opens into the second diffusor portion or downstream of the second diffusor portion.

12. The exhaust turbine as claimed in claim 1, in which there may or may not be flow through the waste gate duct.

13. An exhaust turbocharger having the exhaust turbine as claimed in claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0032] The present disclosure will be explained below with reference to exemplary embodiments, which are shown in the figures and from which further advantages and modifications can be derived.

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a partial region of an exhaust turbine in order to illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of an exhaust outlet duct of an exhaust turbine in order to illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of an exhaust outlet duct of an exhaust turbine in order to illustrate a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a partial region of an exhaust turbine in order to illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] In particular, FIG. 1 shows a turbine wheel 7 with an axial axis of rotation 6, about which the turbine wheel 7 is rotatably mounted. The turbine wheel 7 typically has a multiplicity of rotor blades 8, although only one rotor blade 8 is shown by way of example in the section illustrated in FIG. 1. The diffusor concept described herein can be applied to mixed-flow turbines, radial turbines, and axial turbines, but is not restricted to mixed-flow turbines, radial turbines, and axial turbines.

[0038] The rotor blades 8 of the turbine wheel 7 typically include a leading edge 9 and a trailing edge 10. The leading edge 9 of the rotor blades 8 is that edge of the rotor blades to which the exhaust gas flows during operation of the exhaust turbine. The trailing edge 10 of the rotor blades 8 is that edge of the rotor blades from which the exhaust gas flows off during operation of the exhaust turbine. The direction of flow 5 of the exhaust gas is indicated by an arrow in FIG. 1.

[0039] As shown by way of example in FIG. 1, the exhaust turbine according to the disclosure includes an exhaust outlet duct 12, which is arranged downstream of the rotor blades 8 of the turbine wheel 7. The exhaust outlet duct 12 is delimited radially on the outside by an axial turbine diffusor 1. Furthermore, the exhaust outlet duct 12 is partially delimited radially on the inside by a spinner 2. According to an embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the axial turbine diffusor 1 is designed to be static, i.e. non-rotating. Furthermore, the spinner 2 can be rotatable. It is also possible to dispense with a spinner.

[0040] As illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1, the turbine diffusor 1 opens radially outward at a non-constant diffusor opening angle. In this context, a diffusor opening angle is to be understood to mean the local angle of the diffusor wall relative to the axis of rotation 6. The diffusor contour 3, 3a delimiting the exhaust outlet duct 12 is S-shaped. This makes it possible to combine the exhaust mass flow output by the exhaust turbine with a waste-gas mass flow substantially in parallel, preferably at an angle which is less than 5°. This creates a prerequisite for the waste-gate mass flow to be able to flow in in such a way that separation of the exhaust mass flow is counteracted.

[0041] As can be seen from FIG. 1, the diffusor contour 3 represents the radially outer boundary of the exhaust outlet duct 12. The spinner 2 includes a spinner contour 4. As is further evident from FIG. 1, the spinner contour 4 represents a radially inner boundary of the exhaust outlet duct 12. In FIGS. 1-3, the radial direction is marked with the reference number 15. “Radially inwardly directed” means directed toward the axis of rotation 6 or axis of symmetry of the exhaust outlet duct. “Radially outwardly directed” means directed away from the axis of rotation 6 or axis of symmetry of the exhaust outlet duct.

[0042] According to an embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the spinner 2 can be embodied as an integral component of the turbine wheel 7, as is shown by way of example in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the spinner 2 can, for example, be embodied as a separate component (not explicitly illustrated), which can be connected to the turbine wheel. Accordingly, during operation of the exhaust turbine, the spinner 2 can rotate with the turbine wheel 7. It thus rotates at the same speed of rotation as the turbine wheel. The spinner 2 can extend in the axial direction up to the level of the outlet region 13a of the waste gate duct 13 or even beyond it.

[0043] Furthermore, the exhaust turbine illustrated in FIG. 1 has a waste gate duct 13, through which a waste-gate mass flow can be injected into the exhaust mass flow. The outlet region 13a of the waste gate duct 13 is arranged downstream of the turbine diffusor 1. The waste-gate mass flow is injected into the waste-gate mass flow in the axial direction of flow 11, which corresponds to the axial direction of flow 5 of the exhaust mass flow. In addition, the waste-gate mass flow is injected concentrically with respect to the axis of rotation 6 of the turbine wheel 7.

[0044] It can also be seen from FIG. 1 that the downstream, radially outer end region 1a of the turbine diffusor 1 extends concentrically with respect to the axis of rotation 6 of the turbine wheel 7. In the case of this concentric injection, the dotted diffusor contour 3a is an imaginary diffusor contour line along which the waste-gate mass flow is injected into the exhaust mass flow.

[0045] The downstream, radially outer end region 1a of the turbine diffusor 1 furthermore forms a radially inner end region 13b of the waste gate duct 13. This radially inner end region 13b of the waste gate duct 13 can extend parallel to the axis of rotation 6. However, its course can also deviate from said parallel course at a small angle of 1°, for example.

[0046] Moreover, FIG. 1 illustrates that the radially outer end region 13c of the waste gate duct 13 projects beyond the radially inner end region 13b of the waste gate duct 13 in the downstream direction.

[0047] Furthermore, it can be seen from FIG. 1 that the downstream, radially outer end region 1a of the turbine diffusor 1 and thus also the radially inner end region 13b of the waste gate duct 13 enclose a transition angle 14 with the downstream, radially inner end region 1b of the turbine diffusor 1 which is less than 5°. This selection of the transition angle 14 in conjunction with the diffusor contour described allows the waste-gate mass flow to be injected into the exhaust mass flow without turbulence and thus allows the exhaust mass flow to flow off unhindered through the exhaust outlet duct 12.

[0048] The transition angle can be defined by the angle between the side walls in the end region (mouth region) la of the turbine diffusor 1 and in the end region (mouth region) 1b of the turbine diffusor 1, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0049] The following relationship applies to the ratio of the total length Z of the diffusor to the outer radius Q at the turbine rotor outlet:

Z/Q<4.

[0050] Furthermore, the following relationship is advantageous for the ratio of the outside diameter D of the diffusor to the waste gate opening Y at the outlet of the diffusor:

0<Y/(D/2)<0.15.

[0051] An embodiment has been described above in which the waste-gate mass flow is injected into the exhaust mass flow along the entire circumference concentrically with respect to the axis of rotation of the turbine wheel. As an alternative to this, the waste-gate mass flow can also be injected into the exhaust mass flow in segments concentrically with respect to the axis of rotation of the turbine wheel. A further alternative is to perform the injection of the waste-gate mass flow into the exhaust mass flow through bores in the turbine diffusor which are provided at a distance from one another along the circumference of the waste gate duct. The outlet region 13a of the waste gate duct 13 can have a series of holes or slots distributed regularly or irregularly along the circumference or can be an uninterrupted annular duct.

[0052] By means of the configuration described above of the feed of the waste-gate mass flow downstream of the turbocharger turbine into the exhaust mass flow, it is ensured that unhindered outflow of the mass flow through the turbine can take place. A negative reaction in the form of turbine blade vibrations is ruled out by the fact that no hindrance of the outflow can occur. The design configuration described has a positive effect both on the action of the diffusor and on the action of the spinner.

[0053] It has been described above that the waste-gate mass flow is fed into the exhaust mass flow concentrically with respect to the axis of rotation of the turbine wheel.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, there may or may not be flow through the waste gate duct. When there is no flow through the waste gate duct, the described concentric feed acts like a downstream stage diffusor, which leads to an increase in turbine efficiency.

[0055] The configuration described above of the feed of the waste-gate mass flow to the exhaust mass flow can be implemented in a structurally simple and low-cost manner. Existing components can be modified with a small additional outlay. Only a few new elements are required to implement the embodiments of the disclosure.

[0056] In the exemplary embodiment explained with reference to FIG. 1, the diffusor contour 3 and the spinner contour 4 are each of smooth design in the sectional view shown. In the exemplary embodiments explained below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, these contours each have a number of successive conical segments.

[0057] FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of an exhaust outlet duct 12 in order to illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, only the configuration of the diffusor being illustrated in this illustration.

[0058] In particular, FIG. 2 shows an exhaust outlet duct 12 which is arranged downstream of the rotor blades of the turbine wheel. The exhaust outlet duct 12 is delimited radially on the outside by an axial turbine diffusor 1.

[0059] Furthermore, the exhaust outlet duct 12 is partially delimited radially on the inside by a spinner 2.

[0060] As is illustrated by way of example in FIG. 2, the axial turbine diffusor 1 has a number N>1 of successive conical diffusor segments. In FIG. 2, three diffusor segments are illustrated by way of example. In this context, it is pointed out that the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 with three diffusor segments is not to be understood as restrictive but that, in principle, any desired number N of diffusor segments greater than or equal to the value 2 can be chosen.

[0061] Furthermore, FIG. 2 illustrates axial diffusor opening angles A between the successive diffusor segments. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the axial diffusor opening angle A between the successive diffusor segments is to be understood to mean that angle which results at the transition between adjacent diffusor segments. Typically, an axial diffusor opening angle A between successive diffusor segments has a value of A≥1.0°, in particular A≥2.5°. The value for the axial diffusor opening angle A between adjacent diffusor segments can be constant or have different values. For example, the values of the diffusor opening angle A between successive diffusor segments can increase or even decrease in the direction of flow 5.

[0062] As is illustrated by way of example in FIG. 2, the spinner 2 has a number P≥1 of successive conical spinner segments. In FIG. 2, three spinner segments are illustrated by way of example. In this context, it is pointed out that the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 with three spinner segments is not to be understood as restrictive but that, in principle, any desired number P of spinner segments greater than or equal to the value 1 can be chosen.

[0063] Furthermore, FIG. 2 illustrates axial spinner opening angles B between the successive spinner segments. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the axial spinner opening angle B between the successive spinner segments is to be understood to mean that angle which results at the transition between adjacent spinner segments.

[0064] Typically, an axial spinner opening angle B between successive spinner segments has a value of B≥1.0°, in particular B≥2.5°. The value for the axial spinner opening angle B between adjacent spinner segments can be constant or have different values. For example, the values of the spinner opening angle B between successive spinner segments can increase or even decrease in the direction of flow 5.

[0065] Furthermore, FIG. 2 shows the axial diffusor segment length L, the inlet height H of the exhaust outlet duct 12, the maximum radius S of the spinner 2 and the axial spinner segment length M. In this context, it is noted that the axial diffusor segment length L is typically constant. Alternatively, the axial diffusor segment length L can increase in the direction of flow 5 or decrease in the direction of flow 5. Likewise, the axial spinner segment length M is typically constant. Alternatively, the axial spinner segment length M can increase in the direction of flow 5 or decrease in the direction of flow 5.

[0066] A ratio L/H between the axial diffusor segment length L and the inlet height H of the exhaust outlet duct 15 typically has a value of L/H≥0.01, in particular L/H≥0.05.

[0067] A ratio H/S between the inlet height H of the exhaust outlet duct and the maximum radius S of the spinner 2 typically has a value of H/S≥1.0, in particular H/S≥1.3.

[0068] A ratio M/H between an axial spinner segment length M and the inlet height H of the exhaust outlet duct 15 typically has a value of M/H≥0.01, in particular M/H≥0.05.

[0069] According to an embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the starting point 16 of the diffusor contour 3 can have an axial offset V at the inlet to the exhaust outlet duct, as compared with the starting point 17 of the spinner contour 4, as is illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 2 and 3. The axial offset V of the starting point 16 of the diffusor contour 3 relative to the starting point 17 of the spinner contour 4 can be provided counter to the direction of flow 5, as is illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 2 and 3. Alternatively, the axial offset V of the starting point 16 of the diffusor contour 3 relative to the starting point 17 of the spinner contour 4 can be provided in the direction of flow 5 (not explicitly illustrated). In particular, the offset V can be less than or equal to half the inlet height of the exhaust outlet duct, i.e. V≤H/2.

[0070] An exhaust turbine which has an improved diffusor design that permits improved pressure recovery at the exhaust turbine outlet is thus advantageously provided.

[0071] In particular, the pressure recovery or the rise in the static pressure downstream of the exhaust turbine is improved by a static (non-rotating) axial diffusor and a rotating spinner at the turbine wheel outlet, both the diffusor contour and the spinner contour being designed in such a way that the outlet region, in particular the exhaust outlet duct, is gradually enlarged, thereby advantageously making it possible to achieve a gradual increase in the static pressure downstream of the exhaust turbine. This has the advantage that the speed of flow at the outlet of the exhaust turbine and the kinetic energy losses can be reduced. In particular, the exhaust turbine according to the disclosure has the advantage that expansion losses of the kind that occur, for example, in the case of the exhaust turbines known from the prior art due to discontinuous and unguided surface changes in the exhaust outlet region can be eliminated and the exhaust flow is normalized. It should furthermore be noted that the reduced outlet flow rates which can be achieved in the exhaust turbine according to the disclosure can also advantageously lead to a reduction in pressure losses in a downstream pipe system.

[0072] FIG. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of an exhaust outlet duct 15 of an exhaust turbine according to further embodiments described herein. FIG. 3 also illustrates only the configuration of the diffusor.

[0073] In particular, FIG. 3 shows that, according to an embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the successive conical diffusor segments, as a whole, provide a radially outwardly directed diffusor contour 3. As is illustrated by way of example in FIG. 3, the radially outwardly directed diffusor contour 3 can be smoothed by a first spline contour 11. In this way, the pressure recovery or the rise in the static pressure downstream of the exhaust turbine at the turbine wheel outlet can be improved. For example, the first spline contour 11 can be rounded off by a circular contour with a radius R, the radius R being less than or equal to twice the inlet height H of the exhaust outlet duct (R≤2H).

[0074] Furthermore, FIG. 3 shows that, according to an embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the successive conical spinner segments provide a radially outwardly directed spinner contour 4. As is illustrated by way of example in FIG. 3, the radially inwardly directed spinner contour 4 can be smoothed by a second spline contour 12. In this way, the pressure recovery or the rise in the static pressure downstream of the exhaust turbine at the turbine wheel outlet can be improved. For example, the second spline contour 12 can be rounded off by a circular contour with a radius U, the radius U being less than or equal to the maximum radius S of the spinner (U≤S).

[0075] Furthermore, FIG. 3 shows that, according to an embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, an edge 13 of the last diffusor segment arranged in the direction of flow 5 can be rounded off by a circular contour with a radius R. This has an advantageous effect on pressure recovery. Typically, the radius R is less than or equal to twice the inlet height H of the exhaust outlet duct, i.e. R≤2H.

[0076] Furthermore, FIG. 3 shows that, according to an embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, an edge 14 of the last spinner segment arranged in the direction of flow 5 can be rounded off by a circular contour with a radius U. This has an advantageous effect on pressure recovery. Typically, the radius U is less than or equal to the maximum radius S of the spinner, i.e. U≤S.

[0077] By means of the stepwise opening of the diffusor explained with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, axial compactness of the diffusor is ensured. This axial compactness is of great importance in practice since the space available on the respective engine is limited.

[0078] As can be seen from the embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 1-3, it is advantageous to provide an exhaust turbine which has a diffusor and a waste gate duct and which is improved over the exhaust turbines known from the prior art. In particular, the exhaust turbine according to the disclosure provides an exhaust turbine which has an improved diffusor design that permits improved pressure recovery at the exhaust turbine outlet and, furthermore, permits unhindered outflow of the mass flow through the turbine. A negative reaction in the form of turbine blade vibrations is ruled out by the fact that no hindrance of the outflow can occur. The design configuration described has a positive effect both on the action of the diffusor and on the action of the spinner.

[0079] Advantageously, the diffusor of the exhaust turbine according to the disclosure is implemented in such a way that it has a low complexity and installation space size in comparison with exhaust turbine diffusors known from the prior art, and this has a positive effect on the production costs.

[0080] Finally, it should be noted that the design of the diffusor and of the optionally provided spinner described herein can be appropriately adapted in respect of the required dimensioning. In other words, the design of the diffusor and the spinner described herein is of general application and can be applied to small, medium and large installation space sizes.