DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein relate to an exhaust energy recovery system for a vehicle, which generates electric power by utilizing exhaust gases from an engine and using the generated electric power to drive the turbocharger compressor through a motor and to drive other auxiliary components such as electric water pump.
BACKGROUND
[002] Internal combustion engines, such as gasoline and diesel engines, produce power by combustion of fuel in the cylinders to produce energy. Typically, exhaust gases produced by combustion are discharged to the atmosphere. The exhaust gases typically are at a very high temperature and pressure and contain a considerable amount of energy. This energy is generally considered as wasted energy.
[003] There are many systems developed to utilize exhaust energy. A first solution comprises a turbine that is run by the exhaust energy, which then drives a compressor that sends additional air into the engine, which provides boost. The disadvantage of this system is that it is inefficient at low engine rpm and also creates a backpressure at high rpm reducing engine efficiency.
[004] Another system utilizes the high exhaust temperature to convert coolant (water) into steam and then run a turbine using the steam to generate electricity. Other solutions use turbo-compounding devices to generate electricity using a generator and use it to run a motor to provide the assist to the engine via the crankshaft. The disadvantage is the complexity in the mechanisms and the inability to utilize the exhaust energy to its full potential.
[005] Therefore, there exists a need for an exhaust energy recovery system for a vehicle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[006] The principal object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide an exhaust energy recovery system for a vehicle, which generates electric power by utilizing exhaust gases from an engine and using the generated electric power to drive the turbocharger compressor through a motor and to drive other auxiliary components such as electric water pump, front-end component and auxiliary components.
[007] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide an exhaust energy recovery system for a vehicle, which reduces the engine load thereby enhancing the performance of the engine.
[008] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide an exhaust energy recovery system for a vehicle, which utilizes the generated and stored electric power that is attained at both low speed and high speed is used to run a turbocharger compressor during start of an engine, thereby avoiding turbo lag, to a particular rpm.
[009] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING
[0010] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0011] Fig. 1 depicts a schematic view of an exhaust energy recovery system for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0013] The embodiments herein achieve an exhaust energy recovery system for a vehicle. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Fig. 1, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0014] Fig. 1 depicts a schematic view of an exhaust energy recovery system 100 for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the vehicle (not shown) includes an exhaust energy recovery system 100, an engine E, a turbocharger (not shown), an electric motor M (hereinafter motor M), a power source B and may include other standard components as present in a standard vehicle. In an embodiment, the exhaust energy recovery system 100 includes at least one first control valve 102, at least one second control valve 104, a turbine 106, a controller unit 108, a generator 110, a power transmission unit 112, an inverter 114 and a converter 116.
[0015] In an embodiment, the first control valve 102 is used to allow the exhaust gas flow from the engine E to a turbocharger turbine T therein to drive the turbocharger turbine T. The first control valve 102 is movable between an open position in which exhaust gas flow from the engine E to the turbocharger turbine T and a closed position in which the first control valve 102 restricts the exhaust gas flow to the turbocharger turbine T. In an embodiment, the first control valve 102 is provided in fluid communication with the engine E and the turbocharger turbine T through a first duct D1. The first control valve 102 is at least an electro-mechanical control valve. The first control valve 102 is provided in communication with the controller unit 108.
[0016] In an embodiment, the second control valve 104 is used to allow the exhaust gas flow from the engine E to the turbine 106 therein to drive the turbine 106. The second control valve 104 is movable between an open position in which exhaust gas flow from the engine E to the turbine 106 and a closed position in which the second control valve 104 restricts the exhaust gas flow to the turbine 106. In an embodiment, the second control valve 104 is provided in fluid communication with the engine E and the turbine 106 through a second duct D2. The second control valve 104 is at least an electro-mechanical control valve. The second control valve 104 is provided in communication with the controller unit 108.
[0017] The turbine 106 is used to drive the generator 110 through the power transmission unit 112. The turbine 106 is coupled to the generator 110 through the power transmission unit 112. The turbine 106 is provided in fluid communication with the second control valve 104 and the engine E through the second duct D2.
[0018] The controller unit 108 is provided in communication with the engine E, the first control valve 102, the second control valve 104, the converter 116, the motor M, the motor coupling means C1 and the turbocharger turbine coupling means C2. The controller unit 108 is at least an electronic controller unit. The controller unit 108 is provided in communication with an engine speed sensor (not shown), exhaust gas temperature sensor (not shown).
[0019] The generator 110 is used to generate electric power by converting the mechanical power into electric power. In one embodiment, the generator 110 is coupled to the turbine 106 through the power transmission unit 112. In another embodiment, the generator 110 is at least one of directly and indirectly coupled to the turbine 106. The generator 110 is electrically connected to the power source B through the inverter 114 and the converter 116.
[0020] The power transmission unit 112 is used to reduce the mechanical power of the turbine 106 and provide the reduced mechanical power to the generator 110. The power transmission unit 112 is coupled between the turbine 106 and the generator 110. The power transmission unit 112 is at least a reduction gearbox.
[0021] The inverter 114 is used to convert the DC supply from the generator 110 into AC supply. The inverter 114 is provided in communication and electrically connected with the generator 110.
[0022] The converter 116 is used to convert the Ac supply from the inverter 114 into DC supply and provide the DC supply to the power source B. The converter 116 is provided in communication with the inverter 114 and the power source B.
[0023] The power source B is at least a rechargeable battery. In one embodiment, the power source B is a main battery of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the power source B is a separate battery or an auxiliary battery. The turbocharger turbine T is used to drive the turbocharger compressor C which in turn provides compressed air supply to the engine E. The motor M is used to drive the turbocharger compressor C which in turn provides compressed air supply to the engine E. The motor M is at least an electric motor. The motor M is electrically connected to the controller unit 108 and the power source B.
[0024] The first control valve 102 is adapted to be moved to the closed position and the second control valve 104 is adapted to be moved to the open position when the first control valve 102 and the second control valve 104 receives an input from the controller unit 108 and accordingly the second control valve 104 allows the exhaust gas flow from the engine E to the turbine 106 which in turn drives the generator 110 to generate electric power which is stored in the power source B, and the motor M is adapted to drive the turbocharger compressor C during at least one of starting of the engine E and the speed of the engine E reaches a predefined operating speed (low speed). .
[0025] The controller unit 108 is configured to at least one of decouple the motor M from the turbocharger compressor C and couple the turbocharger turbine T with the turbocharger compressor C, and the first control valve 102 is adapted to be moved to the open position and the second control valve 104 is adapted to be moved to the closed position when the first control valve 102 and the second control valve 104 receives an input from the controller unit 108 and accordingly the first control valve 102 allows the exhaust gas flow from the engine E to the turbocharger turbine T which in turn drives the turbocharger compressor C during at least one of the speed of the engine E reaches a predefined operating speed (medium speed) and a backpressure is absent.
[0026] The controller unit 108 is configured to at least one of couple the motor M with the turbocharger compressor C and de-couple the turbocharger turbine T from the turbocharger compressor C, and the first control valve 102 is adapted to be moved to the closed position and the second control valve 104 is adapted to be moved to the open position when the first control valve 102 and the second control valve 104 receives an input from the controller unit 108 and accordingly the second control valve 104 allows the exhaust gas flow from the engine E to the turbine 106 which in turn drives said generator 110 to generate electric power which is stored in the power source B adapted to provide the electric power to the motor M which drives the turbocharger compressor C during at least one of the speed of the engine E reaches a predefined operating speed (high speed) and the backpressure is present.
[0027] The controller unit 108 is adapted to actuate the motor M which is adapted to drive the turbocharger compressor C during at least one of starting of the engine E, the speed of the engine E reaches a predefined operating speed (high speed) and the backpressure is present.
[0028] The controller unit 108 is configured to actuate a motor coupling means C1 which is adapted to at least one of couple the motor M with the turbocharger compressor C during at least one of the speed of the engine E reaches a predefined operating speed, starting of the engine E and the backpressure is present, and de-couple the motor M from the turbocharger compressor C during at least one of the speed of the engine E reaches a predefined operating speed and the backpressure is absent.
[0029] The controller unit 108 is configured to actuate a turbocharger turbine coupling means C2 which is adapted to at least one of couple the turbocharger turbine T with the turbocharger compressor C during at least one of the speed of the engine E reaches a predefined operating speed and the backpressure is absent, and de-couple the turbocharger turbine T from the turbocharger compressor C during at least one of the speed of the engine E reaches a predefined operating speed, starting of the engine E and the backpressure is present.
[0030] The generated and stored electric power from the power source B is adapted to be provided to at least one of an electric water pump, at least one front-end component and at least one auxiliary component of the vehicle.
[0031] Therefore, an exhaust energy recovery system 100 for a vehicle is provided.
[0032] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
,CLAIMS:We claim,
1. An exhaust energy recovery system 100 comprising:
a first control valve 102 adapted to be provided in fluid communication with an engine E and a turbocharger turbine T;
a second control valve 104 adapted to be provided in fluid communication with the engine E;
a turbine 106 adapted to be provided in fluid communication with said second control valve 104;
a controller unit 108 adapted to be provided in communication with said first control valve 102 and said second control valve 104; and
a generator 110 adapted to be coupled to said turbine 106,
wherein
said first control valve 102 is adapted to be moved to a closed position and said second control valve 104 is adapted to be moved to an open position when said first control valve 102 and said second control valve 104 receives an input from said controller unit 108 and accordingly said second control valve 104 allows the exhaust gas flow from the engine E to said turbine 106 which in turn drives said generator 110 to generate electric power which is stored in a power source B, and a motor M is adapted to drive a turbocharger compressor C during at least one of starting of the engine E and the speed of the engine E reaches a predefined operating speed.
2. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said controller unit 108 is configured to at least one of decouple the motor M from the turbocharger compressor C and couple the turbocharger turbine T with the turbocharger compressor C, and said first control valve 102 is adapted to be moved to an open position and said second control valve 104 is adapted to be moved to a closed position when said first control valve 102 and said second control valve 104 receives an input from said controller unit 108 and accordingly said first control valve 102 allows the exhaust gas flow from the engine E to the turbocharger turbine T which in turn drives the turbocharger compressor C during at least one of the speed of the engine E reaches a predefined operating speed and a backpressure is absent.
3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said controller unit 108 is configured to at least one of couple the motor M with the turbocharger compressor C and de-couple the turbocharger turbine T from the turbocharger compressor C, and said first control valve 102 is adapted to be moved to the closed position and said second control valve 104 is adapted to be moved to the open position when said first control valve 102 and said second control valve 104 receives an input from said controller unit 108 and accordingly said second control valve 104 allows the exhaust gas flow from the engine E to said turbine 106 which in turn drives said generator 110 to generate electric power which is stored in a power source B adapted to provide the electric power to the motor M which drives the turbocharger compressor C during at least one of the speed of the engine E reaches a predefined operating speed and the backpressure is present.
4. The system 100 as claimed in claim 3 comprising a power transmission unit 112 adapted to be coupled between said turbine 106 and said generator 110.
5. The system 100 as claimed in claim 4, wherein said power transmission unit 112 is at least a reduction gearbox.
6. The system 100 as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first control valve 102 is provided in fluid communication with the engine E and the turbocharger turbine T through a first duct D1; and
said second control valve 104 is provided in fluid communication with the engine E and said turbine 106 through a second duct D2.
7. The system 100 as claimed in claim 6, wherein said controller unit 108 is adapted to actuate the motor M which is adapted to drive the turbocharger compressor C during at least one of starting of the engine E, the speed of the engine E reaches a predefined operating speed and the backpressure is present.
8. The system 100 as claimed in claim 7 comprising an inverter 114 adapted to be provided in communication with said generator 110.
9. The system 100 as claimed in claim 8 comprising an converter 116 adapted to provided in communication with said inverter 114 and the power source B,
wherein
said controller unit 108 is adapted to be provided in communication with said converter 116 and the motor M.
10. The system 100 as claimed in claim 9, wherein said controller unit 108 is configured to actuate a motor coupling means C1 which is adapted to at least one of couple the motor M with the turbocharger compressor C during at least one of the speed of the engine E reaches a predefined operating speed, starting of the engine E and the backpressure is present, and de-couple the motor M from the turbocharger compressor C during at least one of the speed of the engine E reaches a predefined operating speed and the backpressure is absent.
11. The system 100 as claimed in claim 10, wherein said controller unit 108 is configured to actuate a turbocharger turbine coupling means C2 which is adapted to at least one of couple the turbocharger turbine T with the turbocharger compressor C during at least one of the speed of the engine E reaches a predefined operating speed and the backpressure is absent, and de-couple the turbocharger turbine T from the turbocharger compressor C during at least one of the speed of the engine E reaches a predefined operating speed, starting of the engine E and the backpressure is present.
12. The system 100 as claimed in claim 11, wherein the generated and stored electric power from the power source B is adapted to be provided to at least one of an electric water pump, at least one front-end component and at least one auxiliary component of the vehicle.