| Researchers at the University
of Sheffield, in partnership with Visteon and Switched Reluctance Drives
of the UK, have designed a new way to develop more electrical power.
The solution is described as a turbo-generator integrated gas energy recovery
system (Tigers). It comprises a turbine-driven switched reluctance generator
and an energy storage/power buffer.
The designers say Tigers offers fuel consumption gains of to 10 per cent.
The turbine typically recovers seven of the 37 per cent of energy wasted
as heat in the exhaust gas. The system also provides better electrical
power availability compared with a conventional system.
Tigers is suitable for all engine types. A prototype designed for a 2.0-litre
naturally aspirated gasoline engine has been built and is currently on
test. Similar in size to a 2kW alternator, the turbine spins at 80,000rpm
and develops either 4.2kW at 12V or 5.4kW at 340V.
Generating power this way enables downsizing or removal of the belt-driven
alternator, reducing parasitic losses from the engine.
An advanced control strategy from Visteon ensures minimal impact on engine
performance under any electrical load and enables EGR management and regenerative
engine braking.
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