System and method for determining and mitigating turbine degradation in variable geometry turbocharger

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and method for determining and mitigating turbine degradation in a variable geometry turbocharger. A method for operating a vehicle system is described herein. The method includes indicating a variable geometry turbine degradation based on a comparison of a modeled set of turbine pressure values and a sensed set of turbine pressure values, each set of turbine pressure values including a pressure value upstream of the turbine and a pressure value downstream of the turbine and the variable geometry turbine positioned downstream of an engine cylinder.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for determining and mitigating turbine degradation in variable geometry turbochargers. Background technique [0002] Boosted engines can provide many benefits, such as reduced emissions and increased fuel efficiency when compared to naturally aspirated engines of similar power output. Additionally, a boosted engine can be lighter than a naturally aspirated engine with a similar power output. Thus, vehicle efficiency increases when the engine is boosted by a device such as a turbocharger. As such, boost devices have many benefits and are thus incorporated into some engine designs to improve performance and fuel economy. [0003] However, turbochargers may experience hysteresis during certain operating conditions (such as tip-in, start-up, etc.). Hysteresis reduces the power output of the engine and delays throttle response, thereby affecting vehicle performance and reducing customer satisfaction. ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Specifically, excessive aerodynamic loads can be placed on the turbine during certain operating conditions that can cause the turbine to slow down and get stuck, as well as problems not considered

Furthermore, determining turbine blade degradation using only engine speed, engine load, and engine temperature can lead to false determinations of degradation (eg, failure)

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