An assessment of the impacts of low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation on the air path of a diesel engine equipped with electrically assisted turbochargers

Abstract

The impact of assisted boosting technologies on the ability to maintain desired exhaust gas recirculation is investigated. Regenerative electrically assisted turbocharging is a promising technique for significantly reducing turbo lag. In addition to mitigating turbo lag, assisted boosting systems also allow fuel economy benefits through reduced pumping losses. Pumping loss reduction is achieved through optimally managing the exhaust pressure via vane position (for a variable geometry turbocharger) or waste gate position (for a waste-gated fixed geometry turbocharger). The consequent loss in exhaust turbine power, from reduced exhaust pressure, is supplemented by electrical assist power. Reduced exhaust pressure and a rapid increase in intake pressure results in a pressure differential across the high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation valve that may not support exhaust gas recirculation flow demands. Hence, a natural trade-off exists between the reduction of pumping loss and the ability to meet exhaust gas recirculation demand, as dictated by prescribed constraints on engine-out emissions. Low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation offers a potential solution that may allow the desired fuel economy improvements without sacrificing the desired exhaust gas recirculation fractions in the intake charge. In this article, we consider this problem and investigate the potential benefits of using low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation for assisted boosted systems.