Development of a turbocharger compressor with variable geometry for heavy-duty engines

Abstract

This article describes the first development phase of a centrifugal compressor with variable geometry which is designed to match the needs of future heavy-duty engines. Requirements of truck engines are analyzed, and their impact on the properties of the compressor map is evaluated in order to identify the most suitable kind of variable geometry. Our approach utilizes the transformation of engine data into pressure ratio and mass flow coordinates that can be displayed and interpreted using compressor maps. One-dimensional and three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics fluid flow calculations are used to identify loss mechanisms and constraints of fixed geometry compressors. Linking engine goals and aerodynamic objectives yields specific recommendations on the implementation of the variable geometry compressor.