CN116624239A - Method and system using brayton cycle - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods and systems for a brayton cycle system are provided. In one example, a system for an air brayton cycle includes: a chamber capable of receiving a first energy source and a second energy source; a turbocharger; and a motor/generator coupled to a turbine shaft of the turbocharger and located between the compressor and the turbine.

Description

Method and system using brayton cycle

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present disclosure claims priority from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 63/268,231, entitled "METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AIR BRAYTON CYCLES," filed on 18, 02, 2022. The entire contents of the above application are incorporated by reference into the present disclosure for all purposes.

Technical Field

Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein relate to systems employing a brayton cycle, and more particularly to operating a system using an air brayton cycle with an electric turbocharger.

Background

The air brayton cycle is a thermodynamic cycle that can utilize air as a working fluid to drive an engine. The air brayton cycle may be operated using a turbocharger and a mixing chamber. The compressor of the turbocharger may output compressed air into a mixing chamber, which then mixes the compressed air in the mixing chamber with a first energy source such as a heat exchanger to output a heated charge (heated charge) into the turbine. The turbine may then convert the energy stored in the heated charge into mechanical motion that drives the turbine, which in turn drives a turbine shaft. In some examples, the turbine shaft may be connected to a mechanical load, thereby converting some of the rotational movement of the turbine shaft into work performed on the mechanical load. In other examples, the engine may not include a mechanical load coupled to the turbine shaft, but may include a gas load, whereby a portion of the compressed gas generated by the compressor during the air brayton cycle is withdrawn from the recirculation loop for another process. In some examples, the first energy source may be an uncontrollable energy source, such as waste heat collected by a waste heat exchanger. It is desirable to have systems and methods that differ from currently available systems and methods.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides support for a system comprising: a housing defining a chamber configured to receive a first energy source and a second energy source; a turbocharger coupled to the chamber; and a motor/generator coupled to a turbine shaft of the turbocharger, the turbine shaft being located between the compressor and the turbine.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides support for a method that includes adjusting operation of a motor/generator of a turbocharger in response to a condition, wherein a turbine shaft of the turbocharger is coupled to a turbine, the motor/generator, a compressor, and a mechanical load.

In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure provides support for a system comprising: a housing defining a chamber configured to receive a first energy source and a second energy source; a turbocharger coupled to the chamber; a motor/generator coupled to a turbine shaft of the turbocharger, the turbine shaft being located between the compressor and the turbine; a mechanical load coupled to the turbine shaft; and a controller having computer readable instructions stored on a memory of the controller that, when executed, cause the controller to monitor a state of the system and adjust operation of the motor/generator in response to the state.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an air brayton cycle including a turbocharger according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Fig. 2 shows a high-level method for controlling the start of an air brayton cycle by operation of the electric turbocharger of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows a high-level method for controlling the closing of the air brayton cycle by operation of the electric turbocharger of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 illustrates a high-level method for setpoint control of an air brayton cycle by operation of the electric turbocharger of fig. 1.

Fig. 5 shows an operating sequence that graphically illustrates changing the state of an electric turbocharger based on the operating point of the air brayton cycle.

Detailed Description

The description and embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein relate to methods and systems for operating a system using an electric turbocharger (referred to herein as an electric turbocharger) to adjust the operating point of an air brayton cycle. An electric turbocharger may be useful in an air brayton cycle, as shown in fig. 1. The operation of the electric turbocharger may be adjusted in response to various operating points of the air brayton cycle. For example, when a start request is present, the motor/generator of the electric turbocharger may drive the turbine shaft of the electric turbocharger to increase the output of the compressor and reduce the time required to achieve self-sustaining (self-sustaining) operation, as shown in FIG. 2. As another example, when a shutdown request is present, the motor/generator may draw power from the turbine shaft and slow down the compressor and turbine, thereby reducing the time required for the air brayton cycle to exit self-sustaining operation, as shown in fig. 3. Further, the electric turbocharger may be operated to control one or more operating points of the air brayton cycle to increase the efficiency of the electric turbocharger, as shown in fig. 4. Fig. 5 graphically illustrates an operational sequence showing a change in operation of the electric turbocharger in response to an operating point of the air brayton cycle.

Referring to fig. 1, fig. 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a system 100. In one example, the system may use an air brayton cycle. The air brayton cycle may be used in the operation of an engine system. In one example, a suitable engine system may be the engine system of a locomotive. Additionally or alternatively, the air brayton cycle may be useful for an independent power source, such as a stationary generator (stationary power generator). The air brayton cycle may control a pump, mechanical motor, or other device. In some examples, additionally or alternatively, an air brayton cycle may be useful for an engine.

The brayton cycle system may include a housing defining a chamber 105. A first energy source 106 may be provided to the chamber. The first energy source may be an uncontrollable first energy source, such as waste heat obtained from another process and absorbed by a heat exchanger.

The first energy source may be coupled to a stage of the turbocharger. In one example, the stage is an electric turbocharger 120. In some examples, the turbocharger may additionally or alternatively include multiple stages, wherein other stages are not electrically powered, and the stages are the only electrically powered stages of the turbocharger. Additionally or alternatively, in other embodiments, the turbocharger may include a plurality of electric turbocharger stages. The chamber of the first energy source may be coupled to an electric turbocharger and receive a second energy element, such as air, from the electric turbocharger.

The compressor 130 of the electric turbocharger may provide a compressed air output 185, the compressed air output 185 flowing through the downstream compressor stage 115 and into the chamber of the first energy source. The first energy source may produce a heated charge output 190, which heated charge output 190 may flow through the upstream turbine stage 110 before flowing to the turbine 135 of the electric turbocharger and expanding within the turbine 135. In one example, a downstream compressor stage may receive air from each stage of a turbocharger included in the brayton cycle system. The upstream turbine stage may output the heated charge to each stage of a turbocharger included in the brayton cycle system. Thus, the downstream compressor stage and the upstream turbine stage may include a plurality of ports and fittings coupled to conduits that extend to different stages of the turbocharger, wherein the downstream compressor stage is coupled only to the compressor of the turbocharger and the upstream turbine stage is coupled only to the turbine of the turbocharger.

The compressor and other compressors of each stage of the turbocharger may receive an air input 175 from upstream compressor stage 150. The upstream compressor stage may include a plurality of ports and conduits extending from the upstream compressor stage to each compressor of the turbocharger. Additionally or alternatively, the upstream compressor stage may include a single port for receiving air. The turbine and other turbines of each stage of the turbocharger may discharge gas 180 to the downstream turbine stage 155. The downstream turbine stage may include multiple ports and conduits for receiving gas from the turbine, and a single port and conduit for discharging the gas to the ambient atmosphere or an aftertreatment system.

The turbocharger may drive the second fluid toward the first energy source to operate the brayton cycle system. The turbine shaft 140, which mechanically couples the compressor and turbine, may assist in accelerating or slowing down during start-up and shut-down of the brayton cycle system. The motor/generator 125 may be coupled to the turbine shaft and disposed between the turbine and the compressor. The motor/generator may be included solely in the electric turbocharger. In one example, the motor/generator is not included in other stages of the turbocharger. The mechanical load 145 may be coupled to and driven by the turbine shaft. In one example, the mechanical load is coupled to a first extremity of the turbine shaft, and the turbine is coupled to a second extremity of the turbine shaft, the second extremity being opposite the first extremity. The motor/generator and the compressor may be disposed on a section of the turbine shaft between the turbine and the mechanical load.

In a first mode (e.g., motoring mode), the motor/generator may increase the rotational speed of the turbine shaft. In a second mode (e.g., a power generation mode), the motor/generator may reduce the rotational speed of the turbine shaft. In a third mode (e.g., zero power operation), the motor/generator may not regulate the speed of the turbine shaft. The motor/generator may be coupled to an electric turbocharger control device 160, which electric turbocharger control device 160 may direct electrical energy 195 to flow from the energy storage device 165 to the motor/generator when in motoring mode. In one example, the motor/generator may provide a third energy source that drives the turbine shaft, wherein the first and second energy sources are fluid energy sources and the third energy source is mechanical energy and is driven by electricity.

In the generating mode, when the motor/generator slows the turbine shaft, electrical energy is generated and the electric turbocharger control device may direct the electrical energy to an energy storage device (e.g., a battery, a capacitor bank, or an electrochemical converter). Additionally or alternatively, during the generation mode, the electric turbocharger control device may direct electrical energy 172 to auxiliary equipment 174. The auxiliary device may include a pump, fan, or other device. In some examples, the energy storage device used to power the motoring mode may additionally or alternatively be different from the energy storage device that receives electrical energy during the generating mode.

The system may operate according to an air brayton cycle whereby in self-sustaining mode the same turbocharger as in fig. 1 may be driven by only the first and second working fluids. Prior to reaching the self-sustaining mode, the electric turbocharger may provide a third energy source and drive the turbine shaft to assist the brayton cycle system and reduce the time required to reach the self-sustaining mode.

The system may further include a control system 114. The control system is shown to receive information from a plurality of sensors 116 (various examples of sensors described herein) and to send control signals to a plurality of actuators 181 (various examples of actuators described herein). As one example, the sensors may include motor/generator speed and torque sensors for measuring motor/generator speed and direction of rotation and motor/generator torque, respectively. Other sensors, such as additional pressure sensors, temperature sensors, air/fuel ratio sensors, and constituent sensors, may be coupled to various locations in the system.

The controller 112 may be programmed and/or configured as a conventional microcomputer including a microprocessor unit, input/output port, read only memory, random access memory, non-failing memory (keep alive memory), controller Area Network (CAN) bus, or the like. The controller may transition between sleep and awake modes for additional energy efficiency. The controller may receive input data from various sensors, process the input data, and trigger the actuators based on instructions or code programmed into the controller corresponding to one or more routines and in response to the processed input data. Exemplary control routines are described herein with reference to fig. 2-4. The controller may selectively switch the various systems and components between modes of operation.

Turning now to fig. 2, fig. 2 shows a high-level flow chart illustrating a method 200 for adjusting operation of an electric turbocharger in response to a start request for an air brayton cycle. Instructions for performing the methods and other methods included herein may be executed by a controller based on computer readable instructions stored on a memory of the controller in combination with signals received from sensors of an engine system, including sensors such as those described above with reference to fig. 1. The controller may use engine actuators of the engine system to adjust engine operation, control cycles, and performance, and/or switch between modes according to methods described below. In one example, the modes may include a first mode in which the system operates in the absence of a brayton cycle and a second mode in which the system operates with a brayton cycle.

In step 201, the method may include determining whether a start request exists. If the ignition switch is turned or the start button is pressed, there may be a start request. Additionally or alternatively, the initiation may be requested remotely over a wireless connection. In one example, a mobile device such as a phone, keyboard, laptop computer, or the like may be used to issue the start request signal. If no start-up request is present, in step 202, the method includes continuing to monitor the operating parameters. Additionally or alternatively, the motor/generator may not be tuned to motoring mode to assist in starting the Brayton cycle system.

If a start request is present, in step 203, the method includes determining if the motor/generator is in motoring mode. In one example, the controller may determine that the motor/generator is in motoring mode by feedback from a motor/generator speed sensor indicating that the direction of rotation of the motor/generator is positive. In another example, the controller may determine whether the motor/generator is in motoring mode based on a state of the electric turbocharger control device. For example, if the electric turbocharger control device is transferring power to the motor/generator, the motoring mode may be active. Additionally or alternatively, the motoring mode may be active if a state of charge (SOC) of the energy storage device is being consumed. The power generation mode may be active if the SOC of the energy storage device is increasing, or if the motor/generator rotation direction is negative. The zero power mode may be active if the rotational speed of the motor/generator is zero. If it is determined that the motor/generator is not in motoring mode, then in step 206 the method may include switching to motoring mode. Switching to motoring mode may include the motor/generator receiving electrical energy and mechanically driving the turbine shaft to provide a third source of energy to the brayton cycle system.

If the motoring mode is active, in step 209, the method includes providing power to the electric turbocharger via the motor/generator. Powering the electric turbocharger via the motor/generator may reduce the duration from starting the brayton cycle system until self-sustaining operation is achieved. In one example, the power amplitude provided may be a fixed amount. In some embodiments, the magnitude of the power provided may be a dynamic amount based on one or more of the SOC of the energy storage device, the electric turbocharger speed, the power output, and the mechanical load power demand. For example, if the SOC is less than a threshold SOC, the magnitude of the power provided may be reduced, and if the SOC is greater than or equal to the threshold SOC, the magnitude of the power provided may be increased. As another example, as the electric turbocharger speed increases, the magnitude of power provided may be higher during the early stages of start-up and lower during the later stages of start-up. As another example, the power amplitude provided may be increased in response to the power output of the brayton cycle system being below the determined power output. The determined power output may be proportional to the mechanical load power demand. If the power output is less than the determined power output, the mechanical load power demand may not be satisfied. In the event that the mechanical load power demand is not met, the power amplitude provided may be increased.

In step 212, the method includes determining whether the air brayton cycle is self-sustaining. A brayton cycle may be self-sustaining if one or more operating points of the brayton cycle system (e.g., power output, pressure, flow, energy extraction, mechanical load demand, etc.) are satisfied. In one example, the self-sustaining mode may include a situation where the electric turbocharger is operating in an air brayton cycle and meeting the mechanical load power demand without operating the motor/generator in a motoring mode. In another example, the self-sustaining mode may include a case where the electric turbocharger is operating in an air brayton cycle and assistance from a motor/generator operating in a motoring mode is less than a determined amount. The determined amount may be based on SOC consumption. In one example, if the power output of the air brayton cycle is above a threshold level of power, the operation of the electric turbocharger may be self-sustaining such that the air brayton cycle produces a desired parameter at a desired fixed set point level even if the motoring mode of the motor/generator of the electric turbocharger is stopped, wherein the desired fixed set point level is determined, for example, by a measurement of the power produced by the electric turbocharger turbine shaft measured at the motor/generator, and/or by a power sensor included therein measuring a measurement of the power transmitted to the mechanical load. If it is determined that the air brayton cycle is not self-sustaining, the method may return to step 209 to continue operating in motoring mode.

If it is determined that the air brayton cycle is self-sustaining, then in step 215 the method includes switching to a set point control mode. In one example, the motor/generator may be switched to a generating mode or a zero power mode.

Turning now to fig. 3, fig. 3 illustrates a high-level flow chart describing a method 300 for adjusting operation of an electric turbocharger in an air brayton cycle in response to the presence of a shutdown request.

The method begins at step 302, where step 302 includes determining whether a shutdown is requested. The shut down may be requested in response to the ignition switch being turned or the start button being pressed. Additionally or alternatively, the shutdown may be requested remotely via a wireless connection. In one example, a mobile device such as a phone, keyboard, laptop computer, or the like may be used to issue a shutdown request signal. If a shutdown request does not exist, then in step 304 the method includes maintaining current operating parameters. In one example, a shutdown operation is not initiated.

In step 306, the method includes determining whether the motor/generator is in a generating mode. In one example, the controller may determine that the motor/generator is in the generating mode by feedback from a motor/generator speed sensor indicating that the direction of rotation of the motor/generator is negative. In another example, the controller may determine whether the motor/generator is in the generating mode based on a state of the electric turbocharger control device. For example, if the electric turbocharger control device is receiving power from the motor/generator, the power generation mode may be active. Additionally or alternatively, the power generation mode may be active if a state of charge (SOC) of the energy storage device is being replenished. The motoring mode may be active if the SOC of the energy storage device is decreasing, or if the direction of rotation of the motor/generator is positive. The zero power mode may be active if the rotational speed of the motor/generator is zero. If it is determined that the motor/generator is not in the power generation mode, then in step 308, the method may include switching to the power generation mode. Switching to the power generation mode may include a situation in which the motor/generator generates electrical energy by slowing the turbine shaft, wherein the generated electrical energy is sent to the energy storage device or auxiliary device via the electric turbocharger control device.

If it is determined that the motor/generator is in or has been switched to the generating mode, then in step 310 the method includes generating electrical energy by reducing the rotational speed of the turbine shaft. The power generation mode may slow the turbine shaft at a fixed rate based on tolerances of the motor/generator, the electric turbocharger control device, and the energy storage device. Additionally or alternatively, the power generation mode may slow the turbine shaft at different rates based on one or more conditions, wherein the one or more conditions include current turbine shaft speed, SOC, and auxiliary device power demand. For example, when a closing request is present, if the turbine shaft speed is relatively high, the turbine shaft speed may be reduced at a higher rate. Additionally or alternatively, the turbine shaft speed may be reduced at a higher rate if the SOC of the energy storage device is relatively low when a shutdown request is present. In some embodiments, additionally or alternatively, if the auxiliary device power demand is relatively high, the turbine shaft speed may be reduced at a higher rate.

In step 312, the method includes determining whether the air brayton cycle is self-sustaining. If it is determined that the air brayton cycle is not self-sustaining, then in step 314 the method may proceed to a shutdown step whereby the brayton cycle system may gradually reduce the power output of the brayton cycle system to zero in the absence of input from the motor/generator.

Turning now to fig. 4, fig. 4 illustrates a high-level flow chart describing a method 400 for adjusting operation of an electric turbocharger to adjust the state of an air brayton cycle to a determined operating point value.

The method begins at step 402, where step 402 includes determining whether operation in an air brayton cycle is self-sustaining. In one example, operation in an air brayton cycle is self-sustaining if one or more operating points are equal to a determined value. The operating points may correspond to operating conditions such as turbine speed, compressor speed, mass flow (mass flow), turbine temperature, compressor temperature, and mechanical power output. The operating point may be measured by a corresponding sensor coupled to the controller. Additionally or alternatively, one or more operating points may be estimated via the controller based on values of other operating points. For example, the compressor speed may be estimated based on the turbine speed. Additionally or alternatively, the mechanical power output may be estimated based on turbine shaft speed. The controller may command the electric turbocharger control device to switch modes of the motor/generator or adjust the magnitude of operation of the motor/generator within the modes to control operation in the air brayton cycle to a determined value. In one example, if the operating point is a mechanical load output, then the operation may be self-sustaining if the mechanical load output is equal to the mechanical load output demand. If the operation is self-sustaining, the method may proceed to step 404, where step 404 includes maintaining current operating parameters.

If it is determined that operation in the air brayton cycle is not self-sustaining, then in step 406 the method includes determining that one or more operating conditions are below a determined value. For example, if the mechanical load output is less than the mechanical load output demand, or if the compressor speed is less than the determined compressor speed, the operating condition is below the corresponding determined value.

If the operating condition is not below the determined value, it may be inferred that operation in the air brayton cycle includes operating conditions above the determined value, and in step 408, the method includes determining whether the electric turbocharger is operating in a motoring mode. If the electric turbocharger is not operating in motoring mode, then in step 410, the method may include increasing the electric turbocharger's electric power generation. In one example, more power is generated by increasing the electric turbocharger's power generation to further reduce turbine shaft speed, wherein the motor/generator is already in the power generation mode. For example, increasing the power generation may further decrease the turbine shaft speed, which may decrease the compressor speed, turbine speed, and other operating points in the air brayton cycle that are closer to the self-sustaining value. The method may return to determining whether the operation is now self-sustaining.

If it is determined that the electric turbocharger is operating in motoring mode, then in step 412, the method includes determining whether the electric turbocharger is operating at zero power production. Determining whether the motor/generator is operating at zero power may include determining one or more of a measurement of power produced by the electric turbocharger turbine shaft measured at the motor/generator and a measurement of power transmitted to the mechanical load measured via a power sensor. Zero power may include the case where the motor/generator is not acting on the turbine shaft. In this way, the turbine shaft may be rotated without input from the motor/generator.

If it is determined that the electric turbocharger is operating at zero power production, then in step 414, the method includes switching to a generating mode. By doing so, the operating point in the air brayton cycle can be reduced to more nearly a self-sustaining operating value.

If it is determined that the electric turbocharger is not operating at zero power production, then in step 416, the method includes reducing the mobility of the electric turbocharger. Reducing the mobility of the electric turbocharger may be achieved by sending less power to the motor/generator, which may result in the motor/generator less assisting in the rotation of the turbine shaft. The method may then monitor whether a self-sustaining operation is achieved.

Returning to step 406, if it is determined that the operating conditions in the air brayton cycle are below one or more determined values, then in step 418 the method includes determining whether the motor/generator is operating in a generating mode. If it is determined that the electric turbocharger is not operating in the generating mode, then in step 420, the method includes increasing the mobility of the electric turbocharger. Increasing the mobility of the electric turbocharger may increase one or more operating point values closer to the determined value corresponding to the self-sustaining mode. For example, by increasing mobility, the speed of the turbine and compressor may be increased, which may increase mechanical load output.

If it is determined that the electric turbocharger is operating in the generating mode, in step 422, the method may include determining whether the electric turbocharger is operating at zero power production. If it is determined that the electric turbocharger is generating electrical power that is sent to the energy storage device, then in step 424, the method includes reducing the amount of power generated. Decreasing the amount of power generation may increase the operating point value to more closely approximate the operating point value to the determined value associated with the self-sustaining operation. The method returns to determine whether the operation is self-sustaining.

If it is determined that the electric turbocharger is operating at zero power, then in step 426 the method includes switching to a motoring mode of the electric turbocharger. Switching to motoring mode may allow the electric turbocharger to increase the measured set point value toward a determined value associated with the self-sustaining value. The method may continue to monitor the parameter and adjust operation of the motor/generator based on a difference between the operating value and a determined value, wherein the determined value is associated with self-sustaining operation.

Turning now to fig. 5, fig. 5 shows an operational sequence illustrating a variation of the electric turbocharger to adjust operating points in the air brayton cycle. The curve 510 shows the compressor speed and the dashed line 512 shows the determined compressor speed. Curve 520 shows the mode of the electric turbocharger. Curve 530 shows whether a start request is present. Curve 540 shows whether a close request is present. The time increases from the left of the figure to the right of the figure. The adjustments described herein may be applied to other conditions in the air brayton cycle that exceed corresponding determined values, such as turbine speed, turbine temperature, compressor speed, battery SOC, and mechanical load demand.

Before t1, there is a start request and the compressor speed is increased. The electric turbocharger is powered by a motor/generator that is in motoring mode. At t1, the motor/generator powers the turbine shaft and provides a third energy source to increase the compressor speed. The compressor speed is still lower than the determined compressor speed. At t2, the compressor speed is equal to the determined compressor speed, and the motor/generator is switched to zero power output. Time elapses between t2 and t 3.

At t3, the compressor speed is greater than the determined compressor speed. The motor/generator operates in a generating mode to slow the turbine shaft and reduce the compressor speed. Between t3 and t4, the compressor speed decreases while the power generation mode is active. At t4, the compressor speed is equal to the determined compressor speed. There is a close request.

Between t4 and t5, the compressor speed is equal to the determined compressor speed, and the air brayton cycle is self-sustaining. Thus, during shutdown operation, the motor/generator may operate in a generating mode and slow down the turbine shaft of the electric turbocharger. Thereby generating electricity.

At t5, the compressor speed is reduced and is lower than the determined compressor speed. Thus, the air brayton cycle is no longer self-sustaining. The motor/generator is switched to a zero power mode. After t5, the shutdown operation continues and the compressor speed decreases.

In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the air brayton cycle may include an electric blower and a Variable Geometry Turbine (VGT). In such examples, the electric blower may function as an assist during start-up, and the operation of the variable geometry turbine may be controlled to adjust the operating conditions in the air brayton cycle to meet the determined operating conditions associated with self-sustaining operation. For example, a variable geometry turbine may have blades that adjust the cross-sectional flow area of the turbine, which may adjust the compressor speed. Alternatively, a fluid variable turbine may be used instead of a VGT.

In this way, by utilizing an electric turbocharger as part of the brayton cycle system, a simplified and energy efficient control of the air brayton cycle may be achieved. In particular, the operation of the electric turbocharger may be adjusted to control the conditions of the air brayton cycle. The electric turbocharger may further be used to enhance start-up and shut-down operations of the brayton cycle system. By doing so, the electric turbocharger may provide power to the brayton cycle system during start-up, extract power from the brayton cycle system during shut-down, and provide or extract power to maintain the operating point at a determined value.

The present disclosure provides support for a system comprising: a housing defining a chamber configured to receive a first energy source and a second energy source; a turbocharger fluidly coupled to the chamber; and a motor/generator coupled to a turbine shaft of the turbocharger and located between the compressor and the turbine. The first example of the system further includes a case where the motor/generator provides a third energy source to the turbine shaft. A second example of the system optionally includes the first example and further includes a case where the first energy source is not controllable and the second energy source is controllable. A third example of the system optionally includes one or more of the previous examples and further includes a case where the first energy source is heat and the second energy source is air. A fourth example of the system optionally includes one or more of the previous examples and further includes a case where the motor/generator is electrically coupled to one or more of the energy storage device and the auxiliary device. A fifth example of the system optionally includes one or more of the previous examples and further includes a controller, wherein the turbine shaft is physically coupled to a mechanical load, and the controller is configured to selectively operate the turbocharger in a first mode and a second mode, the first mode being other than a brayton cycle, the second mode being a brayton cycle.

The present disclosure further provides support for a method comprising adjusting operation of a motor/generator coupled to a turbine shaft of a turbocharger in response to a condition, wherein the turbine shaft is further coupled to a turbine, a compressor, and a mechanical load. The first example of the method further includes: adjusting operation of the motor/generator includes powering the turbine shaft, and wherein the condition is that a start request is present. A second example of the method optionally includes the first example, and further includes: adjusting operation of the motor/generator includes generating electricity and decelerating the turbine shaft, and wherein the condition is that a shutdown request is present. A third example of the method optionally includes one or more of the previous examples, and further comprising: the condition is that the operating value is different from a determined operating value associated with self-sustaining operation of a brayton cycle that includes the turbocharger. A fourth example of the method optionally includes one or more of the previous examples, and further comprising: adjusting operation of the motor/generator includes providing power to the turbine shaft in response to the operating value being below a determined operating value. A fifth example of the method optionally includes one or more of the previous examples, and further comprising: adjusting operation of the motor/generator includes generating electricity and decelerating the turbine shaft. A sixth example of the method optionally includes one or more of the previous examples, and further comprising: adjusting operation of the motor/generator further includes adjusting operation to zero power operation in response to self-sustaining operation of an air brayton cycle, wherein the air brayton cycle includes the turbocharger. A seventh example of the method optionally includes one or more of the previous examples, and further comprising: the motor/generator is coupled to the energy storage device and the auxiliary device. An eighth example of the method optionally includes one or more of the previous examples, and further comprising: the condition is a power output of the turbine shaft.

The present disclosure provides additional support for a system comprising: a housing defining a chamber configured to receive a first energy source and a second energy source; a turbocharger coupled to the chamber; a motor/generator coupled to a turbine shaft of the turbocharger and located between the compressor and the turbine; a mechanical load coupled to the turbine shaft; and a controller having computer readable instructions stored on a memory of the controller that, when executed, cause the controller to monitor a status of the system and adjust operation of the motor/generator in response to the status. The first example of the system further includes: the condition is one or more of turbine speed, compressor speed, turbine temperature, compressor temperature, turbine shaft speed, and mechanical load output. A second example of the system optionally includes the first example, and further includes: the controller is configured to cause the motor/generator to provide power to the turbine shaft in response to a condition that a start request is present, and wherein the controller is configured to regenerate the motor/generator and slow the turbine shaft in response to a condition that a shut down request is present. A third example of the system optionally includes one or more of the previous examples, and further comprising: the controller is configured to adjust operation of the motor/generator to zero power operation when the system is in self-sustaining operation, and the condition includes an operating point of the system being equal to a determined operating point value, the determined operating point value being associated with the self-sustaining operation. A fourth example of the system optionally includes one or more of the previous examples, and further comprising: the motor/generator is electrically coupled to the energy storage device and the auxiliary device, and the controller is configured to selectively operate the system in a brayton cycle.

In one embodiment, the control system or controller may have a deployed local data collection system and machine learning may be used to implement the derived learning results. By making data-driven predictions and adapting from the dataset (including the data provided by the various sensors), the controller can learn from and make decisions on the dataset. In embodiments, machine learning may involve performing a plurality of machine learning tasks, such as supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning, by a machine learning system. Supervised learning may include presenting a set of example inputs and desired outputs to the machine learning system. Unsupervised learning may include a learning algorithm constructing its input by methods such as pattern detection and/or feature learning. Reinforcement learning may include a machine learning system executing in a dynamic environment and then providing feedback regarding correct and incorrect decisions. In an example, based on the output of the machine learning system, the machine learning may include a number of other tasks. The task may be a machine learning problem such as classification, regression, clustering, density estimation, dimension reduction, anomaly detection, etc. In an example, machine learning may include a variety of mathematical and statistical techniques. The machine learning algorithm may include decision tree based learning, association rule learning, deep learning, artificial neural network, genetic learning algorithm, inductive logic programming, support Vector Machine (SVM), bayesian network, reinforcement learning, token learning, rule based machine learning, sparse dictionary learning, similarity and metric learning, learning Classifier System (LCS), logistic regression, random forest, K-means, gradient boosting, K-nearest neighbor (KNN), a priori algorithm, etc. In embodiments, certain machine learning algorithms may be used (e.g., to solve constrained and unconstrained optimization problems that may be based on natural choices). In an example, the algorithm may be used to solve a mixed integer programming problem, where some components are limited to integer values. Algorithms and machine learning techniques and systems may be used in computing intelligent systems, computer vision, natural Language Processing (NLP), recommendation systems, reinforcement learning, building graphical models, and the like. In an example, machine learning may be used for vehicle performance and control, behavioral analysis, and the like.

In one embodiment, the controller may include a policy engine that may apply one or more policies. These policies may be based at least in part on characteristics of a given device or environmental item. With respect to control strategies, neural networks may receive input of a number of environment and task related parameters. The neural network may be trained to produce an output based on these inputs, the output being indicative of an action or sequence of actions that the engine system should take. This may be useful for balancing competing constraints on the engine. During operation of one embodiment, the determination may be made by processing the input through parameters of the neural network to produce a value at the output node specifying the action as the desired action. This action may be translated into a signal that causes the engine to operate. This may be achieved by back propagation, feed forward processes, closed loop feedback or open loop feedback. Alternatively, the machine learning system of the controller may use evolutionary strategy techniques to adjust various parameters of the artificial neural network, rather than using back propagation. The controller may use a neural network architecture with functions that are not always solved using back propagation, such as non-convex functions. In one embodiment, the neural network has a set of parameters representing node connection weights of the neural network. Multiple copies of the network are generated, and then parameters are adjusted differently and simulated. Once the outputs of the various models are obtained, the performance of the various models may be evaluated using the determined measure of success. The best model is selected and the vehicle controller executes the plan to achieve the desired input data to reflect the predicted best result scenario. Alternatively, the success metric may be a combination of the optimization results. These optimization results may be weighted against each other.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the present disclosure do not exclude that additional embodiments also exist that include the referenced features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising," "including," or "having" an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional elements of this type that do not have that property. The terms "comprising" and "wherein" are used as ordinary language equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements or a particular order of location on their objects.

The control methods and routines disclosed herein may be stored as executable instructions in non-transitory memory and executed by a control system including a controller in conjunction with various sensors, actuators, and other engine hardware. The specific routines described herein may represent one or more of any number of processing strategies such as event-driven processing strategies, interrupt-driven processing strategies, multi-tasking processing strategies, multi-threading processing strategies, and the like. Thus, various acts, operations and/or functions illustrated may be performed in parallel in the order illustrated, or in some cases omitted. Likewise, the order of processing is not necessarily required to achieve the features and advantages of the example embodiments described herein, but is provided for ease of illustration and description. One or more of the acts, operations, and/or functions illustrated may be repeated depending on the particular strategy being used. Furthermore, the described acts, operations, and/or functions may be represented graphically as code to be programmed into the non-transitory memory of the computer readable storage medium in the engine control system, wherein the described acts are performed by executing the instructions in a system that includes various engine hardware components and electronic controllers.

This written description uses examples to disclose the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. These other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the structural elements recited in the literal language of the claims.

Claims (20)

1. A system for using a brayton cycle, comprising:

a housing defining a chamber configured to receive a first energy source and a second energy source;

a turbocharger fluidly coupled to the chamber; and

a motor/generator coupled to a turbine shaft of the turbocharger and located between the compressor and the turbine.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the motor/generator provides a third energy source to the turbine shaft.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first energy source is uncontrollable and the second energy source is controllable.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first energy source is heat and the second energy source is air.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the motor/generator is electrically coupled to one or more of an energy storage device and an auxiliary device.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a controller, wherein the turbine shaft is physically coupled to a mechanical load, and the controller is configured to selectively operate the turbocharger in a first mode and a second mode, the first mode being other than a brayton cycle, the second mode being a brayton cycle.

7. A method of using a brayton cycle, comprising:

operation of a motor/generator coupled to a turbine shaft of a turbocharger is adjusted in response to a condition, wherein the turbine shaft is further coupled to a turbine, a compressor, and a mechanical load.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein adjusting operation of the motor/generator comprises powering the turbine shaft, and wherein the condition is that a start request is present.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein adjusting operation of the motor/generator includes generating electricity and decelerating the turbine shaft, and wherein the condition is that a shutdown request is present.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the condition is that an operating value is different from a determined operating value, the determined operating value is associated with self-sustaining operation of a brayton cycle, and the brayton cycle includes the turbocharger.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein adjusting operation of the motor/generator comprises powering the turbine shaft in response to the operating value being below the determined operating value.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein adjusting operation of the motor/generator includes generating electricity and decelerating the turbine shaft.

13. The method of claim 7, wherein adjusting operation of the motor/generator further comprises adjusting operation to zero power operation in response to self-sustaining operation of an air brayton cycle comprising the turbocharger.

14. The method of claim 7, wherein the motor/generator is coupled to an energy storage device and an auxiliary device.

15. The method of claim 7, wherein the condition is a power output of the turbine shaft.

16. A system for using a brayton cycle, comprising:

a housing defining a chamber configured to receive a first energy source and a second energy source;

a turbocharger coupled to the chamber;

a motor/generator coupled to a turbine shaft of the turbocharger and located between the compressor and the turbine;

a mechanical load coupled to the turbine shaft; and

a controller having computer readable instructions stored on a memory of the controller, which when executed, cause the controller to:

monitoring the state of the system; and

operation of the motor/generator is adjusted in response to the condition.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the condition is one or more of turbine speed, compressor speed, turbine temperature, compressor temperature, turbine shaft speed, and mechanical load output.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the controller is configured to power the motor/generator to the turbine shaft in response to the condition that a start request is present, and wherein the controller is configured to regenerate the motor/generator and slow the turbine shaft in response to the condition that a shut down request is present.

19. The system of claim 16, wherein the controller is configured to adjust operation of the motor/generator to zero power operation when the system is in self-sustaining operation, and the condition comprises an operating point of the system being equal to a determined operating point value, the determined operating point value being associated with the self-sustaining operation.

20. The system of claim 16, wherein the motor/generator is electrically coupled to an energy storage device and an auxiliary device, and the controller is configured to selectively operate the system in a brayton cycle.