GB2557909A - An electric supercharger having a radial flow compressor Assembly - Google Patents

An electric supercharger having a radial flow compressor Assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2557909A
GB2557909A GB1621323.3A GB201621323A GB2557909A GB 2557909 A GB2557909 A GB 2557909A GB 201621323 A GB201621323 A GB 201621323A GB 2557909 A GB2557909 A GB 2557909A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
vaned
insert
diffuser
configuration
compressor assembly
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1621323.3A
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GB201621323D0 (en
Inventor
Lee Don
Peacey Matthew
Goncalo Manuel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Valeo Air Management UK Ltd
Original Assignee
Valeo Air Management UK Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Valeo Air Management UK Ltd filed Critical Valeo Air Management UK Ltd
Priority to GB1621323.3A priority Critical patent/GB2557909A/en
Publication of GB201621323D0 publication Critical patent/GB201621323D0/en
Publication of GB2557909A publication Critical patent/GB2557909A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
    • F02B39/00—Component parts, details, or accessories relating to, driven charging or scavenging pumps, not provided for in groups F02B33/00 - F02B37/00
    • F02B39/02—Drives of pumps; Varying pump drive gear ratio
    • F02B39/08—Non-mechanical drives, e.g. fluid drives having variable gear ratio
    • F02B39/10—Non-mechanical drives, e.g. fluid drives having variable gear ratio electric
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
    • F02B33/00—Engines characterised by provision of pumps for charging or scavenging
    • F02B33/32—Engines with pumps other than of reciprocating-piston type
    • F02B33/34—Engines with pumps other than of reciprocating-piston type with rotary pumps
    • F02B33/40—Engines with pumps other than of reciprocating-piston type with rotary pumps of non-positive-displacement type
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
    • F02B39/00—Component parts, details, or accessories relating to, driven charging or scavenging pumps, not provided for in groups F02B33/00 - F02B37/00
    • F02B39/16—Other safety measures for, or other control of, pumps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
    • F04D29/40—Casings; Connections of working fluid
    • F04D29/42—Casings; Connections of working fluid for radial or helico-centrifugal pumps
    • F04D29/44—Fluid-guiding means, e.g. diffusers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
    • F04D29/40—Casings; Connections of working fluid
    • F04D29/42—Casings; Connections of working fluid for radial or helico-centrifugal pumps
    • F04D29/44—Fluid-guiding means, e.g. diffusers
    • F04D29/441—Fluid-guiding means, e.g. diffusers especially adapted for elastic fluid pumps
    • F04D29/444—Bladed diffusers

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Structures Of Non-Positive Displacement Pumps (AREA)

Abstract

A reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly 3 for an electric supercharger 1 has a vaned insert 22 releasable attached in the diffuser 13 between the compressors wheel 5 and a volute 10 leading to the outlet. The configuration allows the diffuser to be interchangeable between a vaned and non-vaned configuration. Cartridges with and without guide vanes are also disclosed. The walls of either the vaned or non-vanned insert may form part of the diffuser passage 14 together with an opposite surface wall of the diffuser. Vanes are provided in the diffuser to improve the flow characteristics, for example choke and surge, of the compressor. The reconfigurable compressor increases the scope of application over conventional compressors and optimises the manufacturing process.  A kit of parts, electrical supercharger, engine system, method of operation and method of manufacture relating to the compressor are also disclosed.

Description

(54) Title ofthe Invention: An electric supercharger having a radial flow compressor Assembly Abstract Title: Radial flow compressor with vaned and non-vaned configurations (57) A reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly 3 for an electric supercharger 1 has a vaned insert 22 releasable attached in the diffuser 13 between the compressor’s wheel 5 and a volute 10 leading to the outlet. The configuration allows the diffuser to be interchangeable between a vaned and non-vaned configuration. Cartridges with and without guide vanes are also disclosed.
The walls of either the vaned or non-vanned insert may form part of the diffuser passage 14 together with an opposite surface wall ofthe diffuser.
Vanes are provided in the diffuser to improve the flow characteristics, for example choke and surge, ofthe compressor. The reconfigurable compressor increases the scope of application over conventional compressors and optimises the manufacturing process.
A kit of parts, electrical supercharger, engine system, method of operation and method of manufacture relating to the compressor are also disclosed.
Figure GB2557909A_D0001
At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.
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AN ELECTRIC SUPERCHARGER HAVING A RADIAL FLOW COMPRESSOR
ASSEMBLY
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a radial flow compressor assembly for an electric supercharger that is reconfigurable between a vaned configuration and a non-vaned configuration. The present invention also relates to kit of parts comprising a reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly and to an electric supercharger having a reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly.
The present invention also relates to a method of manufacture of a reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly and to a method of changing the configuration of a radial flow compressor assembly.
Background of the Invention
A known electric supercharger comprises a compressor wheel rotatable about a rotation axis on a drive shaft driven by an electric motor. An outlet housing comprises a volute section that has a scroll shape and defines a volute passage arranged to receive air compressed by the compressor wheel and to pass the compressed air to an outlet.
It is known to provide guide vanes in the diffuser of a centrifugal compressor so as to improve the flow characteristics of the compressor (e.g. choke and surge characteristics) .
However, the applicant has identified that a known centrifugal compressor, for an electric supercharger, with a vaned diffuser or a known centrifugal compressor with a vaneless diffuser, is relatively limited in its application and that the manufacturing process used to make these known centrifugal compressors is sub-optimal.
The present invention seeks to address or mitigate at least some of the above mentioned problems. Alternatively, or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide a reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly for an electric supercharger, a kit of parts comprising a reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly for an electric supercharger and/or an electric supercharger comprising a reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly. Alternatively, or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide a method of manufacture of a reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly and/or a method of changing the configuration of a radial flow compressor assembly.
Summary of the Invention
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising a reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly for an electric supercharger and a vaned insert, the radial flow compressor assembly comprising: a compressor wheel rotatable on a drive shaft, for being driven by an electric motor; an air inlet through which inlet air can flow to the compressor wheel; a volute with an air outlet, and a diffuser having a diffuser passage that fluidly connects the compressor wheel and the volute; wherein the compressor assembly comprises an insert attachment interface configured for releasable attachment of the vaned insert such that the diffuser is interchangeable between a vaned configuration in which the vaned insert is in the diffuser, and a non-vaned configuration in which the vaned insert is not in the diffuser.
This is advantageous in that the radial flow compressor assembly is reconfigurable between a vaned configuration and a non-vaned configuration, depending on its desired application.
This may allow for a relatively efficient manufacturing process, as a single type of radial flow compressor assembly may be manufactured and then placed into either the vaned configured or non-vaned configuration, depending on its desired application.
Furthermore this may allow for flexibility in use in that, having been used in the vaned or non-vaned configuration to suit a particular application of the radial flow compressor assembly, the radial flow compressor assembly is then reconfigured to the other configuration to suit a different application, for example where it is to be used in different flow conditions and/or to provide different properties (e.g. surge or choke characteristics).
The insert attachment interface may, in principle, be located at one of a number of possible locations on the compressor assembly. However, in preferred embodiments, of the invention, the diffuser comprises the insert attachment interface .
Optionally the vaned insert comprises a wall and a plurality of vanes that extend from the wall and are distributed in the circumferential direction.
In some embodiments of the invention when the vaned insert is attached to the insert attachment interface, the vaned insert extends circumferentially around the rotational axis of the compressor wheel.
The vaned insert may be a ring. The vaned insert may be substantially circular.
It will be appreciated that, unless otherwise stated, references to an axial, circumferential or radial direction
are in relation to the rotational axis of the compressor
wheel.
In some embodiments of the invention, in the vaned
configuration the vaned insert is attached to the insert
attachment interface such that its vanes are located in the
diffuser passage to guide air flow through the diffuser passage. It will be appreciated that the vanes may take a number of different forms. For example, the vanes may have aerofoil, planar or pipe-section profiles.
In some embodiments of the invention, circumferentially adjacent vanes define vane passages between them, to guide air flow through the diffuser.
Optionally when the vaned insert is attached to the
insert attachment interface, a surface of the wall of the
vaned insert, together with an opposed surface of the
diffuser, defines the diffuser passage at least part-way along
its length.
Optionally the surface of the wall of the vaned insert
extends substantially along the length of one side of the
diffuser passage.
Optionally the kit of parts further comprises a non-vaned insert, the insert attachment interface is configured for interchangeable attachment of the vaned insert and the nonvaned insert and in the non-vaned configuration the non-vaned insert is attached to the insert attachment interface.
Alternatively, in the non-vaned configuration, the nonvaned insert may not be attached to the insert attachment member. In this regard, the non-vaned insert may be omitted.
Optionally the non-vaned insert comprises a wall and, when the non-vaned insert is attached to the insert attachment interface, a surface of the wall together with an opposed surface of the diffuser, defines the diffuser passage at least part-way along its length.
Optionally the surface of the wall of the non-vaned insert extends substantially along the length of one side of the diffuser passage.
Optionally, when the non-vaned insert is attached to the insert attachment interface, the non-vaned insert extends circumferentially around the rotational axis of the compressor wheel. The non-vaned insert may be a ring. The non-vaned insert may be substantially circular.
Optionally an opening is provided in a surface of the diffuser, for receiving the vaned insert when the diffuser is in the vaned configuration, and wherein the non-vaned insert is arranged such that when it is attached to the insert attachment interface, when the diffuser is in the non-vaned
configuration, opening. the non-vaned insert substantially covers the
Optionally when the diffuser is in the non-vaned
configuration, a surface of the non-vaned insert is
substantially flush with a surface of the diffuser.
In some embodiments of the invention the non-vaned insert is releasably attachable to the insert attachment interface.
In some embodiments of the invention the non-vaned insert does not comprise any vanes that extend into the diffuser passage when the non-vaned insert is attached to the insert attachment interface.
In some embodiments of the invention, in the non-vaned configuration there are no vanes located in the diffuser passage. It will be appreciated that reference herein to 'non-vaned' does not, however, necessarily preclude the existence of all other structure in the diffuser. For example, in some embodiments of the invention there may, in the non-vaned configuration, be some structure (that does not act as a vane) , such as a faired structural support, in the diffuser. Such structure may be common to both the vaned and non-vaned configuration, but need not necessarily be so.
In some embodiments of the invention, in the non-vaned configuration the non-vaned insert is attached to the insert attachment interface instead of the vaned insert.
In some embodiments of the invention, in the vaned configuration the vaned insert is attached to the insert attachment interface instead of the non-vaned insert.
In some embodiments of the invention, in the vaned configuration the non-vaned insert is not attached to the insert attachment interface and in the non-vaned configuration the vaned insert is not attached to the insert attachment interface .
Optionally the vaned insert and non-vaned insert are interchangeably attachable to the insert attachment interface.
Preferably the insert attachment interface is provided on an opposite side of the diffuser passage to the air inlet.
Optionally the insert attachment interface is provided on, or by, a plate provided on a rear side of the compressor wheel. For example, the interface may be on the back plate of the supercharger.
A surface of the plate may define, with an opposed surface of the diffuser, the diffuser passage.
In some embodiments of the invention the insert attachment interface is arranged such that when the vaned insert is attached to the insert attachment interface, at least a section of the vaned insert is substantially fixed relative to the diffuser.
The at least a section of the vaned insert may be substantially fixed relative to a wall of the diffuser.
Optionally when the vaned insert is attached to the insert attachment interface, the wall of the vaned insert is substantially fixed relative to the diffuser.
Optionally the insert attachment interface is arranged such that when the non-vaned insert is attached to the insert attachment interface, at least a section of the non-vaned insert is substantially fixed relative to the diffuser.
The at least a section of the non-vaned insert may be substantially fixed relative to a wall of the diffuser.
Optionally when the non-vaned insert is attached to the insert attachment interface, the wall of the non-vaned insert is substantially fixed relative to the diffuser.
Optionally the kit of parts also comprises an electric motor coupled to the drive shaft so as to drive the compressor wheel.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly for an electric supercharger, the radial flow compressor assembly comprising: a compressor wheel rotatable on a drive shaft, for being driven by an electric motor; an air inlet through which inlet air can flow to the compressor wheel; a volute with an air outlet, and a diffuser having a diffuser passage that fluidly connects the compressor wheel and the volute; wherein the compressor assembly, and more preferably the diffuser, comprises an insert attachment interface configured for releasable attachment of a vaned insert such that the diffuser is interchangeable between a vaned configuration in which the vaned insert is in the diffuser, and a non-vaned configuration in which the vaned insert is not in the diffuser.
Optionally the insert attachment interface is configured for interchangeable attachment of a vaned insert and a nonvaned insert such that in the non-vaned configuration the nonvaned insert is attached to the insert attachment interface.
Optionally the radial flow compressor assembly comprises a vaned insert attached to the insert attachment member.
Optionally the radial flow compressor assembly comprises a non-vaned insert attached to the insert attachment member.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided an electric supercharger comprising a reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly according to the second aspect of the invention and an electric motor, wherein the electric motor is coupled to the drive shaft so as to drive the compressor wheel.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided an engine system comprising an internal combustion engine and an electric supercharger according to the third aspect of the invention arranged to supply air to the internal combustion engine.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a vaned insert for use with a radial flow compressor assembly according to the second aspect of the invention, wherein the vaned insert is releasably attachable to the insert attachment interface such that when the vaned insert is attached to the insert attachment interface, vanes of the vane insert are located in the diffuser passage to guide air flow through the diffuser passage.
According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided non-vaned insert for use with radial flow compressor assembly according to the second aspect of the is invention, wherein the non-vaned insert attachable to the insert attachment interface.
According to a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacture of a radial flow compressor assembly for an electric supercharger comprising providing a radial flow compressor assembly, the radial flow compressor assembly comprising a compressor wheel rotatable on a drive shaft, for being driven by an electric motor; an air inlet through which inlet air can flow to the compressor wheel; a releasably volute with an air outlet, and a diffuser having a diffuser passage that fluidly connects the compressor wheel and the volute; wherein the compressor assembly comprises an insert attachment interface configured for releasable attachment of a vaned insert such that the diffuser is interchangeable between a vaned configuration in which the vaned insert is in the diffuser, and a non-vaned configuration in which the vaned insert is not in the diffuser, and wherein the method comprises: providing the compressor assembly with the vaned insert attached to the insert attachment interface, so that the diffuser is in the vaned configuration; or providing the compressor assembly with the vaned insert not attached to the insert attachment interface so that the diffuser is in the non-vaned configuration.
Optionally the insert attachment interface is for interchangeable attachment of a vaned insert and a non-vaned insert and wherein the step of providing the compressor assembly with the vaned insert not attached to the insert attachment interface, so that the diffuser is in the non-vaned configuration, comprises attaching the non-vaned insert to the insert attachment interface.
Optionally the method comprises providing a set of comprising deciding whether a diffuser with a inserts comprising a vaned insert and non-vaned insert;
radial flow compressor assembly having a vaned configuration or a non-vaned configuration is required; selecting either the vaned insert or the non-vaned insert from the set and attaching the selected vaned insert or non-vaned insert to the insert attachment interface so that the diffuser is in the vaned configuration or the non-vaned configuration respectively.
According to an eighth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacture of an electric supercharger comprising manufacturing a radial flow compressor assembly according to the method of the seventh aspect of the invention
and coupling an electric motor to the drive shaft so as to
drive the compressor wheel.
It will be appreciated that the step of coupling an
electric motor to the drive shaft so as to drive the
compressor wheel may be performed at any point in the method and does not have to be performed at the end of the method.
According to an ninth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of changing the configuration of a diffuser of a reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly for an electric supercharger, the radial flow compressor assembly comprising a compressor wheel rotatable on a drive shaft, for being driven by an electric motor; an air inlet through which inlet air can flow to the compressor wheel; a volute with an air outlet, and a diffuser having a diffuser passage that fluidly connects the compressor wheel and the volute; wherein the compressor assembly comprises an insert attachment interface configured for releasable attachment of a vaned insert such that the diffuser is interchangeable between a vaned configuration in which the vaned insert is in the diffuser, and a non-vaned configuration in which the vaned insert is not in the diffuser, wherein the method comprises changing the configuration of the diffuser from one of the vaned configuration or the non-vaned configuration to the other by attaching or removing a vaned insert to or from the insert attachment interface respectively.
Optionally the insert attachment interface is for interchangeable attachment of a vaned insert and a non-vaned insert and when the configuration is changed to the non-vaned configuration, the non-vaned insert is attached to the insert attachment interface.
According to an tenth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of changing the configuration of a diffuser of a reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly of an electric supercharger comprising changing the configuration of a diffuser of a radial flow compressor assembly according to the method of the ninth aspect of the invention, wherein an electric motor is coupled to the drive shaft of the compressor assembly so as to drive the compressor wheel.
It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention.
For example, the radial flow compressor assembly of the second aspect, the vaned insert of the fifth aspect and the non-vaned insert of the sixth aspect may incorporate any of the features of the kit of parts of the first aspect, or viceversa .
Similarly, the method of manufacture of a radial flow compressor assembly according to the seventh aspect, and the method of changing the configuration of a diffuser of a reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly according to the ninth aspect may incorporate any of the features of the kit of parts of the first aspect, or vice-versa.
Other preferred and advantageous features of the invention will be apparent from the following description.
Description of the Drawings
An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:
Figure 1 is a view of an electric supercharger, according to an embodiment of the invention, where a radial flow compressor assembly, of the supercharger, is shown in crosssection and an electric motor assembly of the supercharger is shown in schematic, and where the diffuser of the compressor assembly is in a non-vaned configuration;
Figure 2 is a view corresponding to that of Figure 1, but where the diffuser, of the compressor assembly, is in a vaned configuration;
Figure 3a is an enlarged view of the region labelled A in Figure 1
Figure 3b is a plan view of a sector of the diffuser in Figure 3a;
Figure 4a is an enlarged view of the region labelled B in Figure 2;
Figure 4b is a plan view of a sector of the diffuser in Figure 4a;
Figure 5 is a view corresponding to Figure 3a, but where the diffuser is in a non-vaned configuration according to a further embodiment of the invention;
Figure 6 is a schematic view of a vehicle having an engine system, according to a further embodiment of the invention, comprising the electric supercharger shown in any of Figures 1 to 5;
Figure 7 is a flow-chart showing a method of manufacture of an electric supercharger according to a further embodiment of the invention, and
Figure 8 is a flow-chart showing a method of changing the configuration of a diffuser of a reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly of an electric supercharger.
Detailed Description
Referring to Figures 1 to 4b there is shown an electric supercharger 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.
The electric supercharger 1 is for supplying compressed air to an internal combustion engine. The supercharger 1 comprises an electric motor assembly 2 and a radial flow compressor assembly 3.
The electric motor assembly 2 comprises an electric motor 4 mounted within an electric motor housing (not shown).
The radial flow compressor assembly 3 comprises a compressor wheel 5 rotatable, about a rotation axis X, on a drive shaft 6 arranged to be driven by the electric motor 4.
The radial flow compressor assembly 3 further comprises a cylindrical inlet pipe 8, provided at a front end of the supercharger 1. The inlet pipe 8 defines an inlet passage 9 for passing air to the compressor wheel 5. The inlet passage 9 is cylindrical and has a central longitudinal axis that is coaxial with the rotation axis X of the compressor wheel 5. The inlet pipe 8 has an inlet 7, at its front end. The inlet pipe 8 fluidly connects the inlet 7 to the compressor wheel 5.
The radial flow compressor assembly 3 further comprises a volute 10, having a volute passage 11 and an air outlet 12.
The radial flow compressor assembly 3 further comprises a diffuser 13 having a diffuser passage 14 that fluidly connects the compressor wheel 5 and the volute passage 11.
The compressor wheel 5 is located between the inlet 7 and the diffuser 13.
The diffuser 13 is annular, extends around the rotation axis X of the compressor wheel 5 and is substantially concentric with the rotation axis X. The diffuser 13 is located radially between the compressor wheel 5 and the volute
10.
Opposed front and rear internal surfaces 15, 16 of the diffuser 13 define the diffuser passage 14. The diffuser passage 14 increases in cross-sectional area with increasing radial distance from the compressor wheel 5, so as to increase the pressure of the air leaving the compressor wheel 5.
Opposed front and rear internal surfaces 17, 18 of the volute 10 define the volute passage 11. The volute 10 has the shape of a scroll. In this regard, the volute 10 has a generally U-shaped cross-section and extends along a longitudinal direction that spirals about the rotation axis X. The volute passage 11 spirals around the rotation axis X of the compressor wheel 5 and fluidly connects the compressor wheel 5, via the diffuser 13, to the outlet 12 located at an end of the volute passage 11 distal the compressor wheel 5.
The cross-sectional area of the volute passage 11 increases with increasing distance from the compressor wheel 5, towards the outlet 12, so as to increase the pressure of the air leaving the compressor wheel 5.
The inlet pipe 8 and the front internal surfaces 15, 17 of the diffuser 13 and the volute 10 are formed by a compressor housing 20.
The compressor assembly 3 further comprises a compressor back plate 19. The back plate 19 is a substantially circular and the compressor wheel 5 is mounted in a circular recess in a front surface of the back plate 19, with the drive shaft 6 passing through a bore in the centre of the back plate 19 (which also houses a bearing assembly 65 that rotatably supports the drive shaft 6).
The electric motor assembly 2 is provided on an opposite axial side of the compressor back plate 19 to the compressor wheel 5 (i.e. it is provided on the rear side of the back plate 19) and the back plate 19 acts to shield the electric motor assembly 2 from heat from the compressed air in the compressor assembly 3.
A radially extending section of the front surface of the back plate 19, that extends radially outwardly from the radially outer periphery of the compressor wheel 5, forms part of the rear surface 16 of the diffuser 13. The front surface of the diffuser 13 is formed by an internal rear surface of the compressor housing 20.
A radially extending section of the front surface of the back plate 19, that extends radially outwardly from the diffuser 13, forms the rear surface 18 of the volute 10. The front surface 17 of the volute 10 is formed by an internal rear surface of the compressor housing 20.
As shown in Figures 1 to 4b, the diffuser 13 comprises an insert attachment interface 21 configured for interchangeable attachment of a vaned insert 22 (see Figures 2 and 4a, 4b) and a non-vaned insert 23 (see Figures 1 and 3a, 3b) such that the diffuser 13 is interchangeable between a vaned configuration, as shown in Figures 2 and 4a, 4b, and a non-vaned configuration, as shown in Figures 1 and 3a, 3b.
The insert attachment interface 21 comprises threaded bores 24, which are each arranged to receive a respective fastener 25 (in the form of a counter-sunk screw) . The fasteners 25 pass through the vaned/non-vaned insert to hold it in place against the insert attachment interface.
Referring to Figures 2 and 4a, 4b, the diffuser 13 is shown in its vaned configuration. In this configuration a vaned insert 22 is releasably attached to the insert attachment interface 21 by the fasteners 25.
The vaned insert 22 comprises an annular wall 27 and a plurality of guide vanes 28 distributed in the circumferential direction (see Figure 4b).
Each guide vane 28 extends in the axial direction from a root 29, at a front surface of the annular wall 27, to a tip 30. Each guide vane 28 also extends in the radial direction from a leading edge 31 to a trailing edge 32.
The guide vanes 28 extend axially across substantially the entire axial width of the diffuser passage 14 such that the tip 30 of each guide vane 28 is in abutment with the front surface 15 of the diffuser 13.
Circumferentially adjacent guide vanes 28 define vane passages between them, to guide air flow through the diffuser passage 14.
The guide vanes 28 are arranged to improve the flow characteristics of the compressor assembly 3, for example the choke and surge characteristics.
The guide vanes 28 are fixed relative to the annular wall 27 of the vaned insert 22.
Referring to Figures 1 and 3a, 3b, the diffuser 13 is shown in its non-vaned configuration. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 3a, 3b, when the diffuser 13 is in the nonvaned configuration the fasteners 25 pass through the nonvaned insert to hold it in place against the insert attachment interface .
A front surface 43 of the non-vaned insert 23 substantially covers the opening 40 in the rear surface 16 of the diffuser 13. The front surface 43 of the non-vaned insert 23 is substantially flush with the radially adjacent parts of the front surface 16 of the diffuser 13. The front surface 43, together with the opposed section of the rear internal surface 15 of the compressor housing 20, defines a central section of the diffuser passage 14.
In this regard, the non-vaned insert 23 may mitigate any negative aerodynamic effect on the flow that would otherwise be caused by the opening 40 if the non-vaned insert 23 was not present.
The non-vaned insert 23 is releasably attachable to the insert attachment interface 21 via the fasteners 25.
Referring to Figure 5 there is shown a further embodiment of the invention where, when the diffuser 13 is in the nonvaned configuration, the non-vaned insert 23 is not attached to the insert attachment interface 21. In this regard, in the non-vaned configuration neither the vaned insert 22 nor the non-vaned insert 23 are attached to the insert attachment interface 21.
In this embodiment, the attachment section 21 is configured for releasable attachment of the vaned insert 22 such that the diffuser 13 is interchangeable between a vaned configuration, as shown in Figures 2 and 4a, 4b, and the nonvaned configuration shown in Figure 5.
In a further embodiment of the invention, a kit of parts comprises the radial flow compressor assembly 3, the vaned insert 22 and optionally the non-vaned insert 23.
The kit of parts optionally further comprises the electric motor assembly 2.
Referring to Figure 6 there is schematically shown a vehicle 50 comprising an engine assembly 51 that forms the power-plant of the vehicle 50. The engine assembly 51 comprises the supercharger 1 and an internal combustion engine 52 that drives the vehicle 50. The supercharger 1 is arranged to supply compressed air, from the compressor assembly volute outlet 12, to an air intake 53 of the engine 52, so as to boost the power from the engine 52.
Referring to Figure 7, there is shown a flow-chart showing a method of manufacture of an electric supercharger 1, according to a further embodiment of the invention.
As shown in Figure 7, the method comprises the steps of 1001- Providing the radial flow compressor assembly 3 (of any of the above described embodiments); 1002- providing a set of inserts comprising a said vaned insert 22 and a said non-vaned insert 23; 1003- Deciding whether a radial flow compressor assembly 3 having a diffuser 13 with a vaned configuration or a non-vaned configuration is required, for example based on performance requirements; 1004- Selecting either the vaned insert 22 or the non-vaned insert 23 from the set and attaching the selected vaned insert 22 or non-vaned insert 23 to the insert attachment interface 21 so that the diffuser 13 is in the vaned configuration or the non-vaned configuration respectively; 1005- Coupling the electric motor 4 to the drive shaft 6 so as to drive the compressor wheel 5.
Alternatively, if the non-vaned configuration is required, the non-vaned insert may not be attached to the insert attachment interface 21 (as in Figure 5).
It will be appreciated that the step (1005) of coupling an electric motor 4 to the drive shaft 6 so as to drive the compressor wheel 5 may be performed at any point in the method and does not have to be performed at the end of the method.
Furthermore, a method of manufacture of a radial flow compressor assembly 3 for an electric supercharger 1, according to a further embodiment of the invention, comprises steps 1001 to 1004 but not step 1005.
The method may omit step 1002 and instead only provide either a vaned insert 22 or a non-vaned insert 23, based on requirements, and then attach that insert to the insert attachment interface 21 to provide the required configuration.
Referring to Figure 8, there is shown a flow-chart showing a method of changing the configuration of a diffuser 13 of a reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly 3 of an electric supercharger 1, according to a further embodiment of the invention.
As shown in Figure 8, the method comprises the steps of 2001- changing the configuration of the diffuser 13 of the compressor assembly 3 (of any of the above described embodiments) from one of the vaned configuration or the nonvaned configuration to the other configuration by attaching or removing the vaned insert 22 to or from the insert attachment interface 21 respectively and optionally 2002- where the configuration of the diffuser 13 is to be changed from the vaned configuration to the non-vaned configuration, attaching the non-vaned insert 23 to the insert attachment interface 21.
The above described compressor assembly 3 is advantageous in that the radial flow compressor assembly 3 is reconfigurable between a vaned configuration and a non-vaned configuration, depending on its desired application.
The above described compressor assembly 3 and supercharger 1 may be manufactured by, and the above described method of manufacture may provide, a relatively efficient manufacturing process, as a single type of radial flow compressor assembly may be manufactured and then placed into either the vaned configured or non-vaned configuration, depending on its desired application.
Furthermore the above described compressor assembly 3 and supercharger 1 may allow for flexibility in use in that, having been used in the vaned or non-vaned configuration to suit a particular application, the radial flow compressor assembly may then be reconfigured to the other configuration to suit a different application, for example where it is to be used in different flow conditions and/or to provide different properties (e.g. surge or choke characteristics).
It will be appreciated that features described in relation to one embodiment of the present invention may be incorporated into other embodiments of the present invention.
Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. By way of example only, in the described embodiments, the insert attachment interface 21 is a section of the compressor back plate 19. Alternatively, or additionally, the insert attachment interface 21 may be provided by a section of the diffuser 13 on the opposite side of the diffuser passage 14 (i.e. on the same side of the diffuser passage 14 as the air inlet 7) . By way of another example, the vanes need not necessarily be planar/aerofoil shapes shown in Figures l-4b; the vanes may, for example, be half-pipe-section shaped. By way of another example, the vaned-insert and non-vaned inserts need not necessarily be attached to the assembly by a fastener - for example they may instead be held in a press-fit between the compressor housing and the back plate.
Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims.

Claims (30)

1. A kit of parts comprising a reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly for an electric supercharger and a vaned insert;
the radial flow compressor assembly comprising: a compressor wheel rotatable on a drive shaft, for being driven by an electric motor;
an air inlet through which inlet air can flow to the compressor wheel;
a volute with an air outlet, and a diffuser having a diffuser passage that fluidly connects the compressor wheel and the volute;
wherein the compressor assembly comprises an insert attachment interface configured for releasable attachment of the vaned insert such that the diffuser is interchangeable between a vaned configuration in which the vaned insert is in the diffuser, and a non-vaned configuration in which the vaned insert is not in the diffuser.
2. A kit of parts according to claim 1 wherein the vaned insert comprises a wall and a plurality of vanes that extend from the wall and are distributed in the circumferential direction.
3. A kit of parts according to claim 2 wherein when the vaned insert is attached to the insert attachment interface, a surface of the wall of the vaned insert, together with an opposed surface of the diffuser, defines the diffuser passage at least part-way along its length.
4. A kit of parts according to any preceding claim, wherein the kit of parts further comprises a non-vaned insert, the insert attachment interface is configured for interchangeable attachment of the vaned insert and the non-vaned insert and in the non-vaned configuration the non-vaned insert is attached to the insert attachment interface.
5. A kit of parts according to claim 4 wherein the non-vaned insert comprises a wall and, when the non-vaned insert is attached to the insert attachment interface, a surface of the wall together with an opposed surface of the diffuser, defines the diffuser passage at least part-way along its length.
6. A kit of parts according either of claims 4 or 5 wherein an opening is provided in a surface of the diffuser, for receiving the vaned insert when the diffuser is in the vaned configuration, and wherein the non-vaned insert is arranged such that when it is attached to the insert attachment interface, when the diffuser is in the non-vaned configuration, the non-vaned insert substantially covers the opening.
7. A reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly for an electric supercharger, the radial flow compressor assembly comprising:
a compressor wheel rotatable on a drive shaft, for being driven by an electric motor;
an air inlet through which inlet air can flow to the compressor wheel;
a volute with an air outlet, and a diffuser having a diffuser passage that fluidly connects the compressor wheel and the volute;
wherein the compressor assembly comprises an insert attachment interface configured for releasable attachment of a vaned insert such that the diffuser is interchangeable between a vaned configuration in which the vaned insert is in the diffuser, and a non-vaned configuration in which the vaned insert is not in the diffuser.
8. A reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly according to claim 7, wherein the insert attachment interface is configured for interchangeable attachment of a vaned insert and a non-vaned insert such that in the non-vaned configuration the non-vaned insert is attached to the insert attachment interface.
9. A reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly according to either of claims 7 or 8 wherein the radial flow compressor assembly comprises a vaned insert attached to the insert attachment member.
10. A reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly according to claim 8 wherein the radial flow compressor assembly comprises a non-vaned insert attached to the insert attachment member.
11. An electric supercharger comprising a reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly according to any of claims 7 to 10 and an electric motor, wherein the electric motor is coupled to the drive shaft so as to drive the compressor wheel.
12. An engine system comprising an internal combustion engine and an electric supercharger according to claim 11 arranged to supply air to the internal combustion engine.
13. A vaned insert for use with a radial flow compressor assembly according to either of claims 7 or 8, wherein the vaned insert is releasably attachable to the insert attachment interface such that when the vaned insert is attached to the insert attachment interface, vanes of the vane insert are located in the diffuser passage to guide air flow through the diffuser passage.
14. A non-vaned insert for use with a radial flow compressor assembly according to claim 8, wherein the non-vaned insert is releasably attachable to the insert attachment interface.
15. A method of manufacture of a radial flow compressor assembly for an electric supercharger comprising:
providing a radial flow compressor assembly, the radial flow compressor assembly comprising:
a compressor wheel rotatable on a drive shaft, for being driven by an electric motor;
an air inlet through which inlet air can flow to the compressor wheel;
a volute with an air outlet, and a diffuser having a diffuser passage that fluidly connects the compressor wheel and the volute;
wherein the compressor assembly comprises an insert attachment interface configured for releasable attachment of a vaned insert such that the diffuser is interchangeable between a vaned configuration in which the vaned insert is in the diffuser, and a non-vaned configuration in which the vaned insert is not in the diffuser, and wherein the method comprises:
providing the compressor assembly with the vaned insert attached to the insert attachment interface, so that the diffuser is in the vaned configuration; or providing the compressor assembly with the vaned insert not attached to the insert attachment interface so that the diffuser is in the non-vaned configuration.
16. A method of manufacture according to claim 15 wherein the insert attachment interface is for interchangeable attachment of a vaned insert and a non-vaned insert and wherein the step of providing the compressor assembly with the vaned insert not attached to the insert attachment interface, so that the diffuser is in the non-vaned configuration, comprises attaching the non-vaned insert to the insert attachment interface .
17. A method of manufacture according to claim 16 wherein the method comprises:
providing a set of inserts comprising a vaned insert and non-vaned insert;
deciding whether a radial flow compressor assembly having a diffuser with a vaned configuration or a non-vaned configuration is required, and selecting either the vaned insert or the non-vaned insert from the set and attaching the selected vaned insert or nonvaned insert to the insert attachment interface so that the diffuser is in the vaned configuration or the non-vaned configuration respectively.
18. A method of manufacture of an electric supercharger comprising manufacturing a radial flow compressor assembly according to the method of any of claims 15 to 17 and coupling an electric motor to the drive shaft so as to drive the compressor wheel.
19. A method of changing the configuration of a diffuser of a reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly for an electric supercharger, the radial flow compressor assembly comprising:
a compressor wheel rotatable on a drive shaft, for being driven by an electric motor;
an air inlet through which inlet air can flow to the compressor wheel;
a volute with an air outlet, and a diffuser having a diffuser passage that fluidly connects the compressor wheel and the volute;
wherein the compressor assembly comprises an insert attachment interface configured for releasable attachment of a vaned insert such that the diffuser is interchangeable between a vaned configuration in which the vaned insert is in the diffuser, and a non-vaned configuration in which the vaned insert is not in the diffuser, wherein the method comprises changing the configuration of the diffuser from one of the vaned configuration or the non-vaned configuration to the other by attaching or removing a vaned insert to or from the insert attachment interface respectively.
20. A method of changing the configuration of a diffuser of a reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly according to claim 19, wherein the insert attachment interface is for interchangeable attachment of a vaned insert and a non-vaned insert and when the configuration is changed to the non-vaned configuration, the non-vaned insert is attached to the insert attachment interface.
21. A method of changing the configuration of a diffuser of a reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly of an electric supercharger comprising changing the configuration of a radial flow compressor assembly according to either of claims 19 or 20, wherein an electric motor is coupled to the drive shaft of the compressor assembly so as to drive the compressor wheel.
22. A kit of parts substantially as described herein with reference to the Figures.
23. A reconfigurable radial flow compressor assembly substantially as described herein with reference to the Figures .
24. An electric supercharger substantially as described herein with reference to the Figures.
25. An engine system substantially as described herein with reference to the Figures.
26. A vaned insert substantially as described herein with reference to the Figures.
27. A non-vaned insert substantially as described herein with reference to the Figures.
28. A method of manufacture of a radial flow compressor assembly substantially as described herein with reference to the Figures.
29. A method of manufacture of an electric supercharger substantially as described herein with reference to the Figures .
30. A method of changing the configuration of a diffuser of a reconfigurable compressor assembly substantially as described herein with reference to the Figures.
Intellectual
Property
Office
Application No: GB 1621323.3 Examiner: Nicholas Wigley
GB1621323.3A 2016-12-15 2016-12-15 An electric supercharger having a radial flow compressor Assembly Withdrawn GB2557909A (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1621323.3A GB2557909A (en) 2016-12-15 2016-12-15 An electric supercharger having a radial flow compressor Assembly

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060204362A1 (en) * 2005-03-08 2006-09-14 Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft Turbine housing of an exhaust gas turbocharger with adjustable turbine geometry
US20140208741A1 (en) * 2013-01-31 2014-07-31 Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc. Turbocharger with axial turbine stage
US20160265549A1 (en) * 2015-03-09 2016-09-15 Caterpillar Inc. Compressor assembly having dynamic diffuser ring retention

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060204362A1 (en) * 2005-03-08 2006-09-14 Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft Turbine housing of an exhaust gas turbocharger with adjustable turbine geometry
US20140208741A1 (en) * 2013-01-31 2014-07-31 Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc. Turbocharger with axial turbine stage
US20160265549A1 (en) * 2015-03-09 2016-09-15 Caterpillar Inc. Compressor assembly having dynamic diffuser ring retention

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