Owen Lord
Degree: BEng Motorcycle Engineering
Project title: Thermodynamic Analysis of the Modern Positive Displacement Supercharger and Associated Charge-Air-Cooling Systems in Automotive Applications using Computer-Aided Methods
Project Overview
This work provides a brief investigation into forced induction techniques and is made up of two distinct parts: Firstly, the analysis of traditional, Roots-style, positive displacement supercharging in comparison to the currently popular turbo-supercharging method of forced induction. Secondly, the development of a methodology to carry out thermodynamic analysis on heat exchanger systems associated with automotive forced induction is presented. This comparison/analysis was carried out on a family of positive displacement superchargers (Eaton 5th generation “M-series”), and a selection of turbo-superchargers (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, TD series) of comparable performance. The work comprised of analysis/calculation related to the “isentropic compressor efficiency”, air flow performance and thermodynamic characteristics of each method of supercharging using Excel and MATLAB. The analysis of the heat exchanger was carried out through the use of computational fluid dynamics in Solidworks 2019 Flow Simulation Add-In and corroboration with a real-world heat exchanger experiment produced by TecQuipment to develop a method allowing the specification and selection of intercooler dimensions based off a real world intercooler system taken from a TX4 taxi-cab platform. To conduct this investigation the basic principles surrounding compressive work and heat exchange are explored through content-specific literature and in the case of the heat exchanger work guidelines and experimental methodology was utilised from TecQuipments literature surrounding the “TX1007 Heat Exchanger Experiment”. The investigation carried out in this paper highlights key thermodynamic trends seen during supercharger operation showing relationship such as the greater more aggressive curve of compressor efficiency seen in a turbo- supercharger in relation to a positive displacement system. The drastic effect that humidity has on heat transfer mechanisms and the visualisation of the effect of flow separation in heat exchanger designs. Overall, this provides a snapshot of the thermodynamic processes involved in forced induction processes for automotive applications.
Why did you choose this course?
My passion for motorcycles, my prior education and interest in Mechanical Engineering and to further develop my analytical and design skills.
Why did you choose UWTSD?
A one-of-a-kind course at a level that I couldn’t find anywhere else with real-world industry links and a rare truly scientific approach to the subject of Motorcycling.
What are your future plans?
To return to UWTSD to continue my studys to a Masters Degree level.