EXHAUST ENCLOSURE AND THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Abstract

Thermal management is provided. An exhaust enclosure is configured to receive a combustion gas from a combustion engine. The exhaust enclosure is enclosed from an environment by a plurality of enclosure walls extending from an exhaust portion of an exhaust vent. The exhaust enclosure includes skirting walls extending from a compartment portion of the exhaust vent, and open to the environment along a surface opposite from the exhaust vent. The environment is fluidly coupled with the compartment portion of the exhaust vent.

Claims

1. A thermal management system, comprising: an exhaust enclosure configured to receive a combustion gas from a combustion engine, the exhaust enclosure enclosed from an environment by a plurality of enclosure walls extending from an exhaust portion of an exhaust vent; and a plurality of skirting walls extending from a compartment portion of the exhaust vent, and open to the environment along a surface opposite from the exhaust vent, the environment fluidly coupled with the compartment portion of the exhaust vent.

2. The thermal management system of claim 1, wherein the exhaust enclosure comprises: an inlet diffuser, comprising an inlet conical diffuser, extending parallel to and towards the exhaust vent; and an outlet diffuser, comprising an outlet conical diffuser, extending perpendicular to and towards the exhaust vent.

3. The thermal management system of claim 2, wherein a cross-sectional area of the inlet diffuser increases monotonically from the inlet along a surface of an enclosure wall.

4. The thermal management system of claim 1, wherein the exhaust portion of the exhaust vent and the compartment portion of the exhaust vent share a peripheral portion.

5. The thermal management system of claim 1, further comprising: a radiator to receive engine coolant from the combustion engine and sink heat from the engine coolant to air in the environment along a heat exchange surface of the radiator; and a fan to circulate the air between the heat exchange surface and the plurality of enclosure walls.

6. The thermal management system of claim 1, wherein the exhaust enclosure comprises: an inlet diffuser, comprising: an inlet configured to receive the combustion gas from the combustion engine; a first surface of a first enclosure wall, the first surface facing the inlet; and a second surface of a second enclosure wall, the second surface extending between the first surface and an edge defining an opening, the first surface and the second surface forming at least a portion of an inlet flow path to direct the combustion gas from the inlet to the opening; and an outlet diffuser, comprising: a third surface on an opposite side of the second enclosure wall from the first surface; and a fourth surface of a third enclosure wall facing the third surface, wherein the exhaust vent is coupled with the third surface and the fourth surface, the third surface and the fourth surface forming at least a portion of an outlet flow path to direct the combustion gas from the opening to the exhaust vent.

7. The thermal management system of claim 6, wherein: a fifth surface of a fourth enclosure wall and the first surface of the first enclosure wall are shaped to expand the inlet flow path from the inlet to the opening to cause a first reduction in temperature of the combustion gas in the inlet diffuser; and a sixth surface of a fifth enclosure wall is shaped to expand the outlet flow path from the opening to the exhaust vent to cause a second reduction in temperature of the combustion gas in the outlet diffuser.

8. The thermal management system of claim 7, further comprising: a seventh surface of a first skirting wall facing an eighth surface on an opposite side of the third enclosure wall from the fourth surface, the exhaust vent coupled with the seventh surface and the eighth surface, the seventh surface and the eighth surface forming at least a portion of a skirting flow path to direct air from a second environment exterior to the inlet diffuser and the outlet diffuser to the exhaust vent.

9. The thermal management system of claim 7, wherein the outlet diffuser comprises a plurality of outlet baffles disposed off-nominal from the outlet flow path.

10. An exhaust enclosure for combustion gas, the exhaust enclosure comprising: an enclosed portion comprising: an inlet diffuser defining an inlet flow path for the combustion gas, the inlet flow path extending from an exhaust inlet of the inlet diffuser to an outlet diffuser; the outlet diffuser defining an outlet flow path extending from the inlet flow path to an exhaust vent; and an unenclosed skirting defining a skirting flow path separated from the inlet flow path and the outlet flow path by the enclosed portion of the exhaust enclosure.

11. The exhaust enclosure of claim 10, configure to exchange heat between: the combustion gas in the enclosed portion; and air exterior to the enclosed portion and interior to the unenclosed skirting.

12. The exhaust enclosure of claim 11, wherein: the outlet diffuser comprises a plurality of perforated baffles; and the exhaust vent comprises: an exhaust portion fluidly coupled with an interior of the outlet diffuser; and a compartment portion fluidly coupled with the air exterior to the enclosed portion and interior to the unenclosed skirting.

13. The exhaust enclosure of claim 10, wherein: the inlet diffuser comprises an inlet conical diffuser that extends along the inlet flow path between the exhaust inlet and the outlet diffuser; and the outlet diffuser comprises an outlet conical diffuser that extends along the outlet flow path between the inlet conical diffuser and the exhaust vent.

14. The exhaust enclosure of claim 10, wherein: the unenclosed skirting laterally surrounds a perimeter of the exhaust enclosure; and the outlet diffuser comprises: a third enclosure wall defining a perimeter of the exhaust portion of the exhaust vent and a compartment portion of the exhaust vent; and a second enclosure wall, parallel to and laterally spaced from the third enclosure wall, the second enclosure wall defining a perimeter of the compartment portion of the exhaust vent.

15. The exhaust enclosure of claim 10, wherein the outlet diffuser comprises: a drain port at a first side of the exhaust enclosure, opposite from a second side of the exhaust enclosure, wherein the exhaust vent is disposed at the second side.

16. The exhaust enclosure of claim 10, wherein one or more skirting walls of the unenclosed skirting flared outward from the exhaust enclosure.

17. A method of exhaust enclosure installation, comprising: coupling an inlet of an exhaust enclosure with an exhaust system, the coupling configured to cause the exhaust enclosure to receive combustion gases from a combustion engine; and inserting the exhaust enclosure into a wall of a compartment configured to receive the exhaust enclosure, wherein the exhaust enclosure comprises: a plurality of enclosure walls extending from an exhaust portion of an exhaust vent; and a plurality of skirting walls extending from a compartment portion of the exhaust vent, and open to an environment along a surface opposite from the exhaust vent, the environment fluidly coupled with the compartment portion of the exhaust vent.

18. The method of claim 17, comprising: coupling the inlet as vertically aligned with a vertical stack portion of the exhaust system, wherein the exhaust portion of the exhaust enclosure is perpendicular to the vertically alignment.

19. The method of claim 17, comprising: installing an upper surface of an inlet diffuser along a curvature of a locomotive engine compartment, wherein the exhaust portion of the exhaust enclosure protrudes above the locomotive engine compartment.

20. The method of claim 17, comprising: coupling the inlet vertically above a radiator fan in a locomotive engine compartment.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a thermal management system including an exhaust enclosure, according to some embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a thermal management system including an exhaust enclosure in relation to other components of an engine compartment, according to some embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a thermal management system including an exhaust enclosure, according to some embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a detail view of the sectioned exhaust enclosure of FIG. 3, according to some embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 5 is perspective sectional view of an exhaust enclosure, according to some embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a view of an engine coupled with the exhaust enclosure, according to some embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the exhaust enclosure, according to some embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an exhaust enclosure coupled with an exhaust system, according to some embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 9 is another sectional view of an exhaust enclosure coupled with an exhaust system, according to some embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram for a method of installation of an exhaust enclosure, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of, methods, apparatuses, and systems related to exhaust enclosures. Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0024] Referring to the figures generally, the various embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems and devices of exhaust enclosures, and methods of their installation or provision. For example, an exhaust enclosure, according to any of the embodiments provided herein, can be provided.

[0025] An engine system can include an exhaust outlet, which may exhaust heated combustion gas via an exhaust system to an ambient environment. The combustion gas may be heated by the combustion of the engine itself, as well as after-treatment portions of the exhaust system which may heat the exhaust gases to manage emissions. For example, an after-treatment system can include a diesel particulate filter or diesel oxidation catalyst. Accordingly, a temperature of the exhaust may be limited by a potential presence of workers or passengers adjacent to the exhaust, or a presence of materials which are not adapted to the elevated temperatures. In some instances, such aftertreatment portions may be retrofitted on existing vehicles, such that an existing exhaust system is configured having a backpressure, temperature, or other attribute adapted to engine operation. For example, the backpressure and temperature profiles may be adapted to encourage scavenging of exhaust gases from a combustion chamber. Accordingly, an exhaust enclosure of the present disclosure may be configured to decrease a temperature of a flow passing therethrough without generating substantial increases in back pressure associated with other enclosures.

[0026] The exhaust enclosure can include an exhaust vent to exhaust combustion gas therethrough. An exhaust portion of the exhaust vent can exhaust such combustion gas as received from a combustion engine. A compartment portion of the exhaust vent can exhaust compartment air from a defined space (e.g., an engine compartment). The combination of the compartment air and the combustion gas can reduce an average temperature at an outlet of the exhaust enclosure, as vented to the atmosphere. The exhaust enclosure can include skirting walls which are open to the air in the engine compartment, but which channel a fluid flow of compartment air from the compartment to the compartment portion of the exhaust vent. The fluid flow of compartment air can conduct heat from the combustion gas through the enclosure walls, further reducing temperature of the exhaust gas prior to its venting. The air of the engine compartment can be circulated according to convection or active cooling (e.g., of a radiator fan) to further encourage heat exchange. Further still, the enclosure walls can define diffuser structures, such as conical diffusers, which further reduce a temperature of a flow of combustion gases passing through the exhaust enclosure without elevating backpressure in excess of a design limit.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, a thermal management system 100 includes an exhaust enclosure 104 configured to receive a combustion gas from a combustion engine, the exhaust enclosure 104 enclosed from an environment 102 (e.g., an environment within an engine compartment) by a plurality of enclosure walls 106 extending from an exhaust portion 112 of an exhaust vent 110. The exhaust enclosure 104 includes a plurality of skirting walls 108 extending from a compartment portion 114 of the exhaust vent 110. The plurality of skirting walls 108 are open to the environment 102 along a surface opposite from the exhaust vent 110, the environment 102 fluidly coupled with the compartment portion 114 of the exhaust vent 110.

[0028] The exhaust enclosure 104 is shown with reference to a first section line 111. The first section line 111 can correspond to an opening in an engine compartment to receive the upper portion of the exhaust enclosure 104. The upper portion of the exhaust enclosure 104, including the exhaust vent 110, can vent air to an ambient environment 118 separate from an environment 102 of the engine compartment. References to the upper portion of the exhaust enclosure 104, like other references to upper, lower, left, right, or so forth, are provided with reference to the figures, and are not intended to be limit the position of the exhaust enclosure 104. Indeed, the exhaust enclosure 104 can be oriented or installed in various orientations.

[0029] A second section line 113 is aligned with an inlet configured to receive a combustion gas from a combustion engine. The combustion gas is received into an inlet diffuser 120 having a first enclosure wall 122 of the enclosure walls 106 along an upper surface thereof. The inlet is obscured by the first enclosure wall 122 as depicted in FIG. 1, but extends through a fourth enclosure wall. A first surface (the inner surface, not depicted) of the first enclosure wall 122 faces the inlet and the fifth surface of the fourth enclosure wall (e.g., the inlet is formed from an opening in the fourth enclosure wall). The inlet may be viewed in, for example, the bottom view of FIG. 7, or in reference to an exhaust system of the combustion engine in, for example, FIG. 3.

[0030] A third section line 115 is aligned with a lower surface of the skirting walls 108. The third section line 115 can extend along a plane, where the lower surface of the skirting walls 108 extends to a same plane around a periphery of the exhaust enclosure 104. In some embodiments, the skirting walls 108 can extend to different heights around the periphery of the exhaust enclosure 104. That is, the third section line 115 can be jogged or piecewise in some embodiments. Likewise, other section lines can correspond to either of a plane perpendicular to an axial line from a bottom-most portion of the exhaust enclosure 104 to a top-most portion of the exhaust enclosure 104, or can include jogged or piecewise portions.

[0031] The first enclosure wall 122 includes (e.g., defines a surface of) an inlet conical diffuser 116 for the inlet diffuser 120. Additional portions of the first enclosure wall 122 extend upwards and off normal from the second section line 113. These additional portions of the first enclosure wall 122 can define an increase in surface area of the inlet diffuser 120 extending from the inlet towards the exhaust vent 110. For example, a cross sectional area of the inlet diffuser 120 can increase monotonically extending from the inlet and through at least a portion of a flow path in the inlet diffuser 120.

[0032] The portions of the first enclosure wall 122, other than the inlet conical diffuser 116, are shown as slightly convex along a smooth curve which may maintain airflow through the inlet diffuser 120 so as to avoid generating excessive backpressure at an exhaust system fluidly coupled with the exhaust enclosure 104 at the inlet. The inlet conical diffuser 116, depicted as forming a convex impression along an exterior of the exhaust enclosure 104, is concave along at least the first surface of the first enclosure wall 122 of the exhaust enclosure 104. The inlet diffuser 120 includes the inlet conical diffuser 116 along with further walls of the exterior walls. The inlet diffuser 120 including the inlet conical diffuser 116 extends parallel to and towards the inlet conical diffuser, along at least a portion of an inlet flow path through the inlet diffuser 120. A cross sectional area of the inlet conical diffuser 116 can increase monotonically from the inlet to the end of the diffuser, the increased cross-sectional area corresponding to a decreased volume within the inlet conical diffuser 116.

[0033] As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 2, the thermal management system 100 including the exhaust enclosure 104 can be installed within a compartment 201 (e.g., a locomotive engine compartment 201), according to some embodiments. The upper surface of the exhaust enclosure 104 corresponding to the portions extending above the first section line 111 of FIG. 1 (e.g., including the upper surface of the exhaust vent 110) extends from the engine compartment environment 102 to the ambient environment 118 exterior thereto. The ambient environment 118 can include outdoors or another environment such as a shed or a tunnel. An upper surface of the exhaust enclosure 104 corresponding to the portions extending above the second section line 113 and below the first section line 111 conform to an upper surface of a wall of the engine compartment. In some embodiments, the upper surface or other portions of the exhaust enclosure 104 may be thermally coupled with an upper or other wall of the engine compartment 201, such as via metal-to-metal contact, or via a thermal interface applied therebetween, to encourage thermal transfer between the exhaust enclosure 104 and the ambient environment 118.

[0034] An exhaust system 202 including an after-treatment system 204 is shown along with exhaust pipes. The exhaust pipes can include a vertical stack portion 206 extending to the inlet (not depicted). In addition to the heated combustion gases, an engine of the engine compartment 201 can generate further heat which is dissipated via a radiator 208. The radiator 208 can receive engine coolant from the combustion engine and sink heat from the engine coolant to air in the environment 102 along a heat exchange surface of the radiator 208. A fan 210 can circulate the air from the heat exchange surface throughout the engine compartment 201. For example, the fan 210 can circulate a portion of the air to externally facing vents or the enclosure walls 106 of the exhaust enclosure 104. Such vents can include radiator fan vents (e.g., according to ducting for the air flow or a free flow of air within the engine compartment 201). A vent can include the exhaust vent 110 of the exhaust enclosure 104. According to such an airflow, diffusers of the exhaust enclosure 104, such as the inlet diffuser 120 or an outlet diffuser can exchange heat with the environment 102. For example, the environment 102 can absorb heat from the enclosed portion of the exhaust enclosure 104 where the temperature of the exhaust gas in the exhaust enclosure 104 exceeds the temperature of the environment 102. Air in the environment 102 can also exhaust through the compartment portion 114 of the exhaust vent 110. For example, the airflow may be directed, or the engine compartment 201 can be maintained at a positive pressure via an air handling system to exhaust the air.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, an embodiment of the thermal management system 100 including the exhaust enclosure 104 is depicted according to a sectional view. Section lines are repeated from FIG. 1 to provide a general orientation between the figures, although the particular dimensions and relative positions are provided as illustrative and non-limiting. For example, the exhaust enclosure 104 of FIG. 3 may be the exhaust enclosure 104 of FIG. 1, or can vary in some aspects therefrom.

[0036] An exhaust vent 110 of the exhaust enclosure 104 includes an exhaust portion 112 and a compartment portion 114. The exhaust portion 112 exhausts combustion gas from the combustion engine, as received from the exhaust system 202 at an inlet 302 of the exhaust enclosure 104. Upon entering the inlet 302, the combustion gas flows along an inlet flow path 304 of the inlet diffuser 120, the inlet diffuser 120 configured to receive the combustion gas from the combustion engine (e.g., via the exhaust system 202). The inlet diffuser 120 includes a first surface of a first enclosure wall 122, the first surface facing the inlet 302. The inlet diffuser 120 includes a fifth surface of a fourth enclosure wall 303, the fifth surface extending between the first surface and an edge defining an opening 306. For example, the edge can be a lower edge of a second enclosure wall 308 defining the inlet diffuser 120 (e.g., separating the inlet diffuser 120 from an outlet diffuser 310). The first surface and the second surface form at least a portion of the inlet flow path 304 to direct the combustion gas from the inlet 302 to the opening 306.

[0037] The outlet diffuser 310 includes a conical diffuser (referred to as an outlet conical diffuser 312) extending perpendicular to and towards the exhaust vent 110 (e.g., from the bottom surface of the exhaust enclosure 104). The outlet conical diffuser 312 can be integral to at least one of a third enclosure wall 318 or fifth enclosure wall 320 (e.g., a fourth or sixth surface thereof, respectively). The outlet diffuser 310 can include the second enclosure wall 308. For example, the outlet diffuser 310 can abut a third surface on an opposite side of the second enclosure wall 308 as the from the first surface, such that the second enclosure wall 308 can define a boundary between the inlet diffuser 120 and the outlet diffuser 310. The outlet diffuser 310 can include a third enclosure wall 318. The inner face of the third enclosure wall 318, facing the third surface, may be referred to as a fourth surface. At least the third surface and the fourth surface from at least a portion of an outlet flow path 314 to direct the combustion gas from the opening 306 to the exhaust vent 110. For example, the fourth surface can include a concave surface of the outlet conical diffuser 312.

[0038] The unenclosed skirting defines a skirting flow path 316. The skirting flow path 316 can be separated from the inlet flow path 304 and the outlet flow path 314 by the enclosure walls 106 of the exhaust enclosure 104. In some embodiments, the unenclosed skirting laterally surrounds the perimeter of the exhaust enclosure 104. For example, the unenclosed skirting can include any number of skirting walls 108 extending to a plane along the third section line 115.

[0039] A first skirting wall 322 is disposed away from the third enclosure wall 318, opposite from the second enclosure wall 308. That is, a seventh surface of the first skirting wall 322 can face an eighth surface on an opposite side of the third enclosure wall 318 from the fourth surface. The exhaust vent 110 can couple with the seventh surface and the eighth surface, which may also form at least a portion of the skirting flow path 316. For example, the seventh surface and the eighth surface can direct air from an environment exterior to the inlet diffuser 120 and the outlet diffuser 310 to a compartment portion 114 of the exhaust vent 110.

[0040] At least a portion of the skirting flow path 316 extends along the third enclosure wall 318 towards the exhaust vent 110, and onward to the ambient environment 118. The skirting flow path 316 can pass over any of the enclosure walls of the exhaust enclosure 104. For example, the skirting flow path 316 can pass over any of the exterior faces of the enclosure walls 106 which are fluidly coupled with the environment 102 to exchange heat with the environment 102. Thus, the exhaust enclosure 104 can exchange heat, along the enclosure walls 106, between the combustion gas in the enclosed portion of the exhaust enclosure 104 and air which is both exterior to the enclosed portion and interior to the unenclosed skirting. Such an exchange of heat may be aided by the flow of air along the skirting flow path 316 between the compartment environment 102 and the ambient environment 118. For example, the compartment portion 114 of the exhaust vent 110 can exhaust air exterior to the enclosed portion of the exhaust enclosure 104 and interior to the unenclosed skirting.

[0041] The outlet diffuser 310 can include perforated baffles 324 disposed off-normal from the outlet flow path 314. For example, the baffles 324 may control (e.g., slow or otherwise modulate) the flow of air along the outlet flow path 314. Such baffles 324 can further oppose an ingress of foreign objects or debris into the exhaust enclosure 104. The exhaust vent 110 may further include a protective element such as a grill, flutter or flap valve, mesh, screen, or louvres to resist such ingress. A protective element of the exhaust vent 110 can vary from or use a same material as the baffles 324.

[0042] Although such a protective element may resist the ingress of water, some water may enter the exhaust enclosure 104 during operation. A lower surface of the exhaust enclosure 104 can include wells 326 to collect water or other debris. For example, the wells 326 can extend downward from (or be integral to) the fifth enclosure wall 320. Further, the flow of combustion gases towards the exhaust vent 110 can resist ingress of water towards the exhaust system 202 and, in any case, the heated combustion gases may evaporate at least a portion of water, for expulsion via the exhaust portion 112 of the exhaust vent 110. The relative elevation of the inlet diffuser 120 relative to the opening 306 can prevent water from reaching the inlet 302. In some embodiments, the wells 326, or another portion of the exhaust enclosure 104 (e.g., the fifth enclosure wall 320) can include a drain port which can couple with a drain line, selectively receive a drain plug, or otherwise control a flow of any water in the exhaust enclosure 104, such as to divert the water from the engine compartment 201.

[0043] FIG. 4 provides a detail view of the of the sectional view of the exhaust enclosure 104 of FIG. 3, according to some embodiments. The exhaust enclosure 104 includes an enclosed portion of the inlet diffuser 120 and an outlet diffuser 310, extending between an inlet 302 and an exhaust portion 112 of an exhaust vent 110. The exhaust portion 112 of the exhaust vent 110 is fluidly coupled with an interior of the outlet diffuser 310. An exhaust portion 112 of the exhaust vent 110 is fluidly coupled with the air exterior to the enclosed portion and interior to the unenclosed skirting. The inlet diffuser 120 defines an inlet flow path 304 for the combustion gas, the inlet flow path 304 extending from an exhaust inlet 302 of the inlet diffuser 120 to an outlet diffuser 310. The outlet diffuser 310 defines an outlet flow path 314 extending from the inlet flow path 304 to the exhaust vent 110.

[0044] The exhaust enclosure 104 includes an unenclosed portion extending between an environment 102 and the compartment portion 114 of the exhaust vent 110. The exhaust portion 112 of the exhaust vent 110 can be disposed within a concavity of the compartment portion 114. For example, the compartment portion 114 can abut the exhaust portion 112 along the third enclosure wall 318 as shown, and can further abut the exhaust portion 112 along one or more surfaces normal to the third enclosure wall 318 (e.g., into and out of the page).

[0045] The enclosure walls 106 include a first enclosure wall 122 extending to a second enclosure wall 308, and includes the inlet diffuser 116. The second enclosure wall 308 includes a lower edge 402 defining an opening 306. A third enclosure wall 318 is shown parallel with the second enclosure wall 308, but can vary somewhat therefrom, in some embodiments (e.g., may slightly flare). A fourth enclosure wall 303 includes (e.g., defines) the inlet 302. A fifth enclosure wall 320 encloses a lower surface of the exhaust enclosure 104 from the environment 102 in the skirting walls 108. A sixth enclosure wall extends between the fifth enclosure wall 320 and the fourth enclosure wall 303.

[0046] The skirting walls 108 can include a first skirting wall 322 having a lower edge 404 open to the environment 102, and can couple with any of various further skirting walls to peripherally surround (or substantially surround) the exhaust enclosure 104. At least the first skirting wall 322 of the skirting walls 108 can include a flare to accelerate the third flow exiting the compartment portion 114 of the exhaust vent 110.

[0047] A first surface 406 of the first enclosure wall 122 includes the inner facing of the conical inlet diffuser 116 and other inner portions of the first enclosure wall 122. The first surface 406 of the first enclosure wall 122 extends away from the inlet and towards a second surface 408 of the second enclosure wall 308. The opposite side of the second enclosure wall 308 may be referred as a third surface 410. A fourth surface 412 is disposed opposite from the third surface 410. A portion of the fourth surface 412 may include an outlet conical diffuser 312 of the outlet diffuser 310, extending along the outlet flow path 314 between the inlet conical diffuser 116 and the exhaust vent 110. A fifth surface 414 of the fourth enclosure wall 303, along with the first surface 406 of the first enclosure wall 122 are shaped to expand the inlet flow path 304 from the inlet 302 to the opening to cause a first reduction in temperature of the combustion gas in the inlet diffuser 120 (e.g., according to the shape of the inlet conical diffuser 116 and other wall portions). That is, the inlet diffuser 120 can include the inlet conical diffuser extending along the inlet flow path 304 between the exhaust inlet 302 and the outlet diffuser 310.

[0048] A sixth surface 416 of a fifth enclosure wall 320 is shaped to expand the outlet flow path 314 from the opening 306 to the exhaust vent 110 to cause a second reduction in temperature of the combustion gas in the outlet diffuser 310. For example, the fifth enclosure wall 320 can include a surface of the outlet conical diffuser 312 (also referred to with reference to the fourth surface 412). A seventh surface 418 of a first skirting wall 322 can face an eighth surface 420 of the third enclosure wall 318, the eighth surface 420 opposite from the fourth surface 412.

[0049] In some embodiments, the second enclosure wall 308 is a perimeter wall of the exhaust vent 110 generally, as well as the exhaust portion 112 of the exhaust vent 110. For example, such a portion is depicted in along the cut line, and can extend, into or out of the page, to the compartment portion 114 of the exhaust vent 110. The first skirting wall 322 can define an opposite perimeter wall of the exhaust vent 110 generally, as well as the compartment portion 114 of the exhaust vent 110. Accordingly, the third enclosure wall 318, which can extend parallel with the second enclosure wall 308 and be laterally spaced therefrom, can define a perimeter of the compartment portion 114 of the exhaust vent 110. Along the cut line, the third enclosure wall 318 can further define a perimeter of the exhaust portion 112 of the exhaust vent 110, but does not define a perimeter of the exhaust vent 110 generally in the depicted embodiment. For example, the third enclosure wall 318 can be said to define an internal subdivision of the exhaust vent 110.

[0050] FIG. 5 provides a perspective sectional view of the exhaust enclosure 104, according to some embodiments. The perspective sectional view is provided along a cut line along an enclosed portion of the exhaust enclosure. Accordingly, although skirting walls 108 including the first skirting wall 322 and a second skirting wall 502 on an opposite side of the exhaust enclosure 104 are depicted, some skirting walls 108 are not visible. For example, further skirting walls 108 can be disposed forward of the cut line (extending out from the page) and rear of the depicted surfaces (extending into the page). For example, the skirting walls 108 can substantially surround the exhaust enclosure along a plane or other surface, such as between the second section line 113 and the third section line 115.

[0051] The perspective sectional view includes a cavity along an exterior surface of the exhaust enclosure 104, corresponding the inlet conical diffuser 116. The view also includes an interior surface of the exhaust enclosure 104, corresponding the outlet conical diffuser 312 (e.g., integral to or coupled with the third enclosure wall 318 or fifth enclosure wall 320).

[0052] As shown in FIG. 6, another view of the exhaust enclosure 104 is provided according to some embodiments, as coupled with an engine assembly 602. The exhaust enclosure 104 couples with a vertical stack portion 206 of an exhaust system 202. The exhaust system 202, in turn, receives a combustion gas from the engine assembly 602. A radiator 208 and radiator fan 210 assembly are shown, along with ducting (including the fan shroud) to fluidly couple the radiator fan 210 with the exhaust enclosure 104. The depicted engine assembly can be disposed in an engine compartment 201 of a locomotive or genset.

[0053] In some embodiments, multiple instances of the engine assembly 602 can be included in a locomotive or genset assembly. For example, a second engine assembly (not depicted) may be oriented substantially mirroring the depicted assembly, so that the depicted exhaust enclosure 104 and a second exhaust enclosure (not depicted) are disposed on opposite ends of the compartment 201 (e.g., the locomotive engine compartment).

[0054] As shown in FIG. 7, a bottom view of the exhaust enclosure 104 is provided according to some embodiments. The skirting walls 108 peripherally surround the exhaust enclosure 104, with enclosure walls 106 defining an enclosed portion of the exhaust enclosure 104. The fifth enclosure wall 320 includes a cavity along an exterior surface of the exhaust enclosure 104, corresponding the outlet conical diffuser 312. The fourth enclosure wall 303 includes the inlet 302. A compartment portion 114 of the exhaust vent 110 is shown as open to an environment 102 exterior to the enclosed portion and under the skirting walls 108.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 8, a sectional view of the exhaust enclosure 104 is provided as coupled with an exhaust system 202, according to some embodiments. A fifth surface 414 of the fourth enclosure wall 303 defining the opening 302 is shown as coupled with the vertical stack portion 206 of the exhaust system 202. For example, the vertical stack portion 206 can include a flange and fastener combination or couple according to a friction fit. In some embodiments, the coupling can include a gasket or other intermediate element. As shown in the sectional view, the enclosed portion of the exhaust enclosure 104 includes a rear enclosure wall 106 disposed forward of a rear skirting wall 108.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 9, another sectional view of the exhaust enclosure 104 is provided as coupled with an exhaust system 202, according to some embodiments. The vertical stack portion 206 of the exhaust system 202 extend towards a further opening 902 to receive combustion gases. For example, the combustion gases may be received as heated. For example, the combustion gases can be heated from combustion within a combustion chamber of a combustion engine 602 or an aftertreatment system to interface with the combustion gases. In some embodiments, the exhaust enclosure 104 can couple with various other portions of an exhaust system or other fluid source.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 10, a flow diagram of a method 1000 of installation of an exhaust enclosure is provided, according to some embodiments. At operation 1005, the method 1000 includes coupling an inlet 302 of the exhaust enclosure 104 with the exhaust system 202, the coupling configured to cause the exhaust enclosure 104 to receive combustion gases from a combustion engine 602. At operation 1010, the method 1000 includes inserting the exhaust vent 110 into a wall of a compartment 201 configured to receive the exhaust vent 110. For example, the wall can include an upper wall or sidewall of a locomotive engine compartment or other enclosure, such as a structure or genset enclosure. The operations of the method 1000 are not intended to be limiting. In various instances, various embodiments can include additional, fewer, or different operations.

[0058] References to or may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using or may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. References to at least one of a conjunctive list of terms may be construed as an inclusive OR to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. For example, a reference to at least one of A and B can include only A, only B, as well as both A and B. Such references used in conjunction with comprising or other open terminology can include additional items.

[0059] As utilized herein, the terms approximately, about, substantially, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

[0060] It should be noted that the term exemplary and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

[0061] The term coupled and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining can be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining can be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled with each other using one or more separate intervening members, or with the two members coupled with each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If coupled or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of coupled provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., directly coupled means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of coupled provided above. Such coupling can be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic. For example, circuit A communicably coupled to circuit B can signify that the circuit A communicates directly with circuit B (i.e., no intermediary) or communicates indirectly with circuit B (e.g., through one or more intermediaries).

[0062] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., top, bottom, above, below) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements can differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. The term or, as used herein, is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements, the term or means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

[0063] Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

[0064] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the systems and methods as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.