R.

Sauersteina
R. Dabrowskib
M. Beckerc
H.-P. Schmalzld
R. Christmanna

The Dual-Volute-VTG from BorgWarner –

A New Boosting Concept for DI-SI engines (2009)

a BorgWarner Turbo Systems

b Hochschule Mannheim, TurboAcademy

c BorgWarner Inc. Engine Systems Group

d BorgWarner Inc.
Introduction

A concept strategy consisting of exhaust gas turbocharging, direct injection and variable valve
timing gear has become established as a compromise between CO2 savings potential and effort
in the last few years in the case of SI engines.

The increasing demand for optimizing the overall system requires a continual improvement in the
components and how they interact with each other. The required increase in the boost ratio in
the case of downsizing concepts means that this is becoming more and more important.

This results in new requirements in respect of the characteristics and performance capability of
the components:

¾ Coping with combustion

• Reliable ignition at high boost pressures

• High-performance ignition systems for lean mixtures / mixtures diluted by exhaust

gas

• Avoidance of harmful work cycles

• High conversion rates

¾ Flexibility of the charge cycle

• Adaptation of timing optimum for operating point

o Increase in cylinder recharge

o Reduction in cylinder residual gas mass

o Reduction in charge cycle losses

o Reduction in cylinder charge temperature

• Adaptation of the turbocharging process optimum for operating point by variable

pressure build-up behavior

¾ Extending the operating temperatures by high-temperature materials

¾ High / low-pressure EGR to improve emissions and limit the exhaust temperature

BorgWarner, being a systems supplier, pursues a policy of ongoing optimization of the relevant
components exhaust gas turbocharger, variable valve timing gear, EGR modules and ignition
technologies in order to comply with future emission requirements.
1
A new boosting concept for 4-cyclinder DI-SI engines that attempts to unite the advantages of
variable turbine geometry (VTG) with those of consistent separation of exhaust routing is
presented below.

Requirements and degrees of freedom for exhaust gas

turbocharging on an SI engine

Owing to the differing throughput characteristics of turbo-machine and piston machine,

thermodynamic coupling of turbocharger and internal-combustion engine leads to known
problems in respect of the engine-related stationary and transient behavior. When designing
turbocharging systems for SI engines, these problems occur to a greater extent owing to the
higher throughput spread required.

A pressure ratio p3/p4 occurs which can be converted to a certain boost pressure p2 in
accordance with the first turbocharger main equation (equation 1) depending on the exhaust flow
throughput by the engine.

κL
⎡ ⎛ κ A −1 ⎤ κL −1
⎞
p2 ⎢ m & T c p,A ⎜ ⎛ ⎞
p4 κA ⎟ ⎥
πV = = ⎢1 + T ⋅ 3 ⋅ ⋅η ⋅η ⋅η ⋅η ⋅ ⎜1 − ⎜ ⎟ ⎟⎥ (equation 1)
p1 & V T1 c p,L T V mT mV
m
⎢ ⎜ ⎝ p3 ⎠ ⎟⎥
⎣ ⎝ ⎠⎦

Smaller fixed-geometry turbines with wastegate control which allow high turbine pressure ratios
and, consequently, high boost pressures even at low exhaust gas flow rates owing to their
pressure build-up behavior are used today on turbocharged passenger car SI engines to
implement an effective torque build-up and a good dynamic driving behavior. However, such a
design with increasing full-load engine speed and, in particular, in the nominal output range,
leads to an undesirably high pressure level p3 upstream of the turbine despite the control facility
at the exhaust end. The negative flushing gradient (p2S – p3) which occurs in this case results in,
besides the increased charge cycle work pmi, LW, a high residual gas content xRG which
significantly increases the knocking tendency and results in the upward fuel consumption spiral
with retarded ignition point, high exhaust gas temperature T3 and the corresponding need to
enrich the fuel in order to protect the components against heat.

In the reverse, turbines with high absorption capacity permit, admittedly, good effective engine
efficiencies at high full-load speeds but are not able to provide satisfactory starting torques above
all for SI engine applications.

2
The conflicts discussed between attractive low-end torque and good specific fuel consumption at
nominal power cannot be solved with fixed-geometry turbochargers. Despite the more difficult
temperature boundary conditions by comparison with the diesel engine, this fact led to the series
introduction, for the first time, of a variable turbine geometry (VTG) by BorgWarner [1] in the SI
engine passenger car segment as well.

The blades in the guide frames (Figure 2.1) vary the build-up behavior by changing the angle of
incidence of the absolute flow into the turbine rotor so as to make available an adequate turbine
size in a broadly spread area of the mass flow throughput by the engine. This means that the
VTG acts directly on the actual core problem of coupling piston machine and turbo-machine.
Moreover, it has the energy-related advantage that the complete exhaust gas mass flow is
routed via the turbine rotor. This raises the mass flow ratio in the first turbocharger main equation
(see Figure 2.2) and has a positive impact on the turbine efficiency.

Figure 2.1: Turbocharger with variable turbine geometry [2]

One other focus in optimizing the interplay between SI engine and turbocharger is to minimize
the feedback of the charging device on the engine work process. Central importance is attached
in this case to the configuration and the geometrical design of the combination of exhaust gas
manifold and turbine housing. In order to reduce the impairment of the charge cycle by the
pressure surge of the relevant cylinder neighboring in the ignition sequence shortly after “Outlet
opens”, an ignition sequence manifold and dual-flow turbine housing [3] are used, amongst other
things, on turbocharged 4-cylinder SI engines. The associated decoupling of the exhaust gas
pulses achieves a positive dynamic flushing pressure gradient over the individual cylinder during

3
the valve overlap phase so that, in the case of DI-SI engines, in principle, a “scavenging” charge
cycle is possible.

In addition, in the case of dual-flow housings, the kinetic energy contained in the exhaust gas is
better used to increase the useful enthalpy gradient at the turbine (surge boosting) owing to the
smaller line cross-sections in the case of scroll separation. In order to further-increase the
influence of surge boosting and, thus, the available energy at the turbine, it is possible, with the
aid of the dual-flow housing (see Figure 3.1.1), to move scroll separation and, thus, the pressure
pulsations contained in the exhaust gas as far as directly against the turbine rotor.

4
Figure 2.2: Mechanisms of action in the case of SI engine turbocharging
5
The advantages for the SI engine working process, resulting from variable pressure build-up
behavior and consistent exhaust routing, lead to a logical further development in the form of
uniting the functions of the two design principles (dual-volute VTG).

Moreover a combination of multi-scroll turbine housing, VTG and variable valve timing gear
(VVT) would appear promising for a further increase in the low-end torque. Various investigations
have already indicated that, in some cases, the torque in the lower engine-speed range can be
boosted by up to 40 % [4], [5] by “scavenging” if dual-flow housings are used and simple VVT
systems, e.g. camshaft phase adjusters at the inlet and outlet ends.

Adequately large effective valve opening cross-sections and a positive, dynamic flushing
gradient applied across the cylinders during the valve overlap phase are required for a flushing
charge cycle. The far higher air demand λa which occurs during “scavenging” improves both the
SI engine work process and the operating behavior of the turbocharger (see Figure 2.2) in this
case. On the one hand, through-flushing with fresh air, besides the clear reduction in residual
gas content xRG, contributes towards an increase in recharge mass flow rate mLZ, and, on the
other hand, the turbine mass flow and, thus, ultimately the charge pressure can be increased or
the pressure upstream of the turbine can be reduced for the same turbine performance PT.

6
Design and properties of the dual-volute VTG

Surge charging and multi-scroll turbine housings

Both the turbine efficiency and the turbine output can be influenced greatly by the design of
exhaust gas routing through to the turbine rotor. It is possible to distinguish between build-up
charging and surge charging depending on the design of the exhaust gas manifold and that of
the turbine housing (volumes, diameters and lengths). The latter has become established to an
increasing extent in the case of passenger cars, among them, particularly in the case of SI
engines. The geometrically short link of the turbine to the engine allows a higher charge of kinetic
exhaust energy to be transmitted to the rotor. However, the exhaust gas pulsation occurring over
a work cycle and the resultant unequal application of the pressure on the turbine do have a
disadvantageous effect. This leads to incorrect incident flow to the rotor as the result of the
turbocharger speed which does not follow equally quickly and thus leads to a reduction in turbine
efficiency. Despite impaired turbine efficiency, it is ultimately possible to raise the turbine output
with the risen available exhaust gas energy, allowing advantageous transient behavior (abrupt
load change, acceleration) and high turbine outputs at low speeds (low-end torque).

A more extensive increase in utilization of exhaust gas energy can be achieved by using a multi-
scroll turbine housing instead of a single-scroll turbine housing. On these, the aim is to achieve
separate exhaust gas routing of the individual cylinders so that the pressure waves are routed to
a point directly in front of the turbine rotor wherever possible [6].

Separate-scroll turbine housings are frequently technically implemented in the form of twin-scroll
housings on which both scrolls are arranged adjacently and thus supply the exhaust gas over the
entire circumference of the rotor. The principle may involve disadvantages in efficiency since the
rotor incident flow adjacently and intermittently causes differing section pressure conditions. The
resultant disturbance to incident flow or partial application of pressure to the turbine rotor can be
reduced by creating, in the design, a transfer compartment in the nozzle area upstream of the
rotor. The associated mixing of exhaust gas pulsations and mass flow rates may lead to
reductions in efficiency owing to the dissipation losses.

Besides this type of construction, dual-volute housings on which the flow per volute is over part
of the circumference are also used. The volutes are separated from each other by a separating
web which, similar to the separating lug on single-scroll flow housings – projects as far as the
rotor. Figure 3.1.1 schematically shows the design differences between both versions.

7
Figure 3.1.1: Multi-scroll turbine housings [7]

In the case of dual-volute housings, separation between the scrolls leads to different
thermodynamic states in two adjoining blade channels if the rotor moves over one of the
separating lugs. The resultant application of pressure which changes greatly may lead to critical
vibration excitations of the blades, which is why, in the past, twin-flow housings were given
preference over dual-volute housings. A reduction in unequal application of pressure over the
circumference of the rotor can be achieved by positioning guide vanes upstream of the rotor.
This design variant is known primarily from the commercial vehicle sector.

The dual-volute VTG

The advantageous operating behavior of dual-volute or twin-flow turbines at low engine speeds
and the variable pressure build-up behavior of the VTG at moderate to high engine speeds have
each been described several times as a separate measure [1], [3], [4]. One obvious combination
of surge charging, dual-volute or twin-flow turbine and variable guide vanes to utilize the
synergism effects has already been investigated in simulation calculations. The combination of
twin-flow turbine housing and variable guide vanes has proven to be superior in this case [8].
The above-described transitional chamber between the two scrolls as far as the turbine rotor is
increased in size if using variable guide vanes in the case of twin-flow housings. This increases
the capability of pressure equalization or reduction in pulsation between both scrolls. A dual-
volute turbine, for reasons relating to its principle, affords advantages over a twin-flow turbine
owing to the incident flow over the entire width of the rotor. For this reason, it was decided to
develop and analyze a dual-volute VTG in a potential analysis.

The specifications contained the following essential requirements:

• Consistent scroll separation in the exhaust gas manifold and turbine housing

8
 • Implementing scroll separation either on entry into the guide vanes or on exit to the guide
blades
• Compact design of the turbocharging assembly of the turbine and cylinder head through
to the guide vane assembly of the turbine
• Maximum exhaust temperature T3= 980 °C
• Modular design so as to incorporate existing series components

Figure 3.2.1 below shows a view of the twin-volute VTG together with optimized exhaust gas
manifold.

Figure 3.2.1: View of dual-volute VTG with exhaust gas manifold

It can be clearly seen that a joint gas supply flange was selected in order to implement a
compact design. Details of the aerodynamics in the turbine housing can be seen in Figure 3.2.3.
Both flow scrolls route the exhaust gas through a deflection angle of 180° in each case to the

9
guide vanes before it is routed through the guide blades to the turbine rotor. The view clearly
indicates that the guide blades in this position of rotor incident flow impress a high circumferential
component for high turbine outputs.

Figure 3.2.2: Deflection through a dual-volute-turbine housing with VTG guide vanes

The illustration below shows a component listed with integrated bores for accommodating the
measuring systems.

Figure 3.2.3: View through dual-volute turbine housing with VTG guide vanes
10
Test engine and boundary conditions

Test engine

The basic engine selected for the tests was a modified SI engine with direct injection and
camshaft phase adjusters at the inlet and outlet sides Table 1 provides an overview of the most
important engine details.

Table 1: Technical data of the test engine

Engine type - In-line 4-cylinder

Ignition sequence - 1-3-4-2
Combustion method - DI-SI engine
DOHC, camshaft phase adjuster at inlet
Valve timing gear -
and outlet camshaft
Compression ratio - lowered to 9.5
Specific output kW/l @ rpm 85@ 5500
Max. medium pressure pme bar @ rpm 21 @ 1500-4800

Investigated turbocharger and exhaust gas manifold variants

Analysis of various charging systems also includes correspondingly designed exhaust gas
manifolds. A separated-scroll exhaust gas manifold the combines the scrolls of cylinders 1+4 and
2+3 and implements the separation by the turbine housing until directly upstream of the guide
blades was set up in order to represent decoupling of pressure pulsation next in the ignition
sequence in the exhaust gas for the dual-volute VTG. This dual-volute manifold was also used
for the single-flow VTG in order to investigate the influence of a scroll-separated manifold in
conjunction with the exhaust gas build-up behavior in the case of closed guide blades. Moreover,
a single-scroll congestion-type manifold was investigated with the VTG in order to analyze the
lack of decoupling of the exhaust gas pulsations. The dual-volute VTG was designed for the
same turbine throughput characteristic as the single-scroll VTG.

11
Table 2: Overview of the turbocharger variants examined

Turbocharger Turbine Exhaust gas manifold Designation

variant
1 Dual-volute VTG Dual-volute DVTG+DSK
2 Dual-volute VTG Dual-volute, with scroll DVTG+DSK+FV
connection
3 Single-scroll VTG Dual-volute VTG+DSK
4 Single-scroll VTG Congestion-type VTG+SK
manifold, single-scroll

Test boundary conditions, measured data acquisition and analysis

The test engine was equipped with a high-pressure and low-pressure indication system in order
to determine the dynamic pressures in the exhaust and intake system and to monitor the engine
for knocking. The characteristic parameters obtained with the indication system were then edited
by computer using pressure progression analysis in order to determine fundamental assessment
variables of the charge cycle.

Essential results of this calculation shown here are as follows:

• Residual gas content xRG

• Fresh air mass in the cylinder after Inlet Closes mLZ
• Mass flow functions over the inlet and outlet valves
• Dynamic flushing radiant

A universal controller for controlling all relevant actuators was available in order to be able to
implement the degrees of freedom resulting from camshaft phase adjusters and exhaust
turbocharging in the engine. The overall system of engine and turbocharger is operated under
defined adjusting conditions in order to guarantee reproducible results:

• Target intermediate pressure: 21 bar (to be achieved as early as possible)

• Nominal output: 85 kW/l
• Air ratio: λ= 1 (wherever possible)
• Maximum exhaust gas temperature: T3 = 950 °C (enrichment if required)

12
 • Ignition point: efficiency-optimum for maximum intermediate pressure or limited by knock
limit
• Minimum air ratio: λ= 0.75 (output reduction if necessary)
• In the case valve timing variations: control of the air ratio by lambda probe upstream of
catalytic converter

Measured results and analysis

Analysis of the full-load behavior with no variation in engine timing

A first step comprised the investigations with minimum valve overlap in order to preclude the
transverse influence of the flushing charge cycle (“scavenging”) at low engine speeds. The
following Figure 5.1.1 provides an overview of important engine characteristic parameters at full
load.

All charger variants achieve the required rated output, but there are clear differences at low
engine speeds. The dual-volute VTG with and without scroll connection features an intermediate
pressure advantage over the single-scroll VTG constantly. At the very lowest engine speeds in
particular (1000, 1200 rpm), it is possible to boost the intermediate pressure by approx. 0.7 bar
with this variant, and the advantage at 1800 rpm is approx. 2 bar pme. The DVTG+DSK achieves
the target intermediate pressure as early as 1800 rpm whilst the VTG variant with congestion-
type manifold does not reach this value until upwards of 2500 rpm.

The air ratio curve follows the maximum permitted exhaust gas temperature. There are lower
exhaust gas temperatures on the variants with scroll separation than is the case on the variant
with congestion-type manifold. Splitting the exhaust gas heat flow over two scrolls and the
associated, increased wall surface area in the exhaust-gas line means a lower measured
temperature. Owing to this geometry-related advantage, the limit temperature of 950 °C
averaged over both scrolls is only reached at the rated output point without requiring protective
component enrichment with the DVTG+DSK. The other variants achieve the limit temperature
between 4500 and 5500 rpm and thus have a moderate enrichment requirement.

One further influencing parameter on the exhaust-gas temperature shown is the ignition angle
that reflects the position of the knock limit. Timing retard which tends to be required at low engine
speeds results from the load which is higher here with the DVTG+DSK. The further progression
indicates a clear advantage up to approx. 3° crank angle over the single-scroll variant with
congestion-type manifold, and this advantage drops with increasing engine speed.

13
 22
20
18
pme [bar]

16
14 2 bar
12
10 200 1/min

1.05
1.00
Lambda [-]

0.95
0.90 DVTG + DSK
DVTG + DSK + FV
0.85 VTG + DSK
VTG + SK
0.80

25
Zündwinkel [°KW v.OT]

20
15
10
5
0

300
290
be [g/kWh]

280
270
260
250
240
500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 6000 6500
Drehzahl [1/min]

Figure 5.1.1: Characteristic engine parameters of the turbocharger variants investigated at full
load

The curve of specific fuel consumption be indicates the lowest values virtually up to 4000 rpm for
the DVTG+DSK – despite the intermediate pressure which is higher at lower engine speeds. As
of an engine speed of 4000 rpm, the consumption rises on all variants, and, here as well, the
DVTG+DSK achieves minimum values. Besides the low enrichment demand, one supporting
factor in this case is the exhaust gas pressure upstream of the turbine which is reduced
14
particularly at high engine speeds, occurring as the result of the variable pressure build-up
capacity and utilization of the full exhaust gas mass flow [4]. The overall level thus lies beneath
realistic boundary conditions (defined throttling of compressor and back-pressure at the exhaust
gas end) in the target range of modern SI engines.

The influences from the charge cycle are discussed in the following Section.

Analysis of the charge cycle at full load without valve overlap

A more detailed analysis was conducted in order to clarify the influence of the various
turbocharger variants on the charge cycle. This involved editing and representing the data
obtained with the high-pressure and low-pressure indication systems using a charge cycle
analysis program.

The following Figure 5.2.1 explains the charge cycle-end operating behavior of the variants. The
curve of the average flushing gradient dp_Cyl (pressure gradient across cylinder: p2S – p3) has
slightly negative values up to 2000 rpm, whereby, here as well, the advantages of the
DVTG+DSK can be seen. Despite the maximum intermediate pressure of this variant, it is
obviously possible to reduce the exhaust gas pressure upstream of the turbine and nevertheless
provide a high turbine output, indicating successful use of the increased kinetic exhaust gas
energy in the case of consistent scroll separation through to the guide vanes of the VTG. As of
an engine speed of 2000 rpm, the DVTG+DSK has an increased negative flushing gradient
which lies above that of the other variants. 1-D simulation calculations indicated this behavior,
which was able to be confirmed by this measurement [8]. Logical improvement of this behavior
was able to be achieved by scroll connection, with the aid of which the flushing gradient up to the
rated output point improves by approx. 250 mbar. The variants of the single-scroll VTG also
show an improvement but it is significantly less than that of the variant with scroll connection.

We see a similar picture if we observe the indicated charge cycle work pmi,LW. At moderate to
high engine speeds, it can be clearly seen that scroll connection achieves an improvement of up
to 0.6. The VTG variants with dual-volute or congestion-type manifold show virtually identical
values, which indicates a subordinate influence of the exhaust gas manifold of the flushing
gradient or on the charge cycle.

This behavior becomes transparent if we consider the residual gas content which has the lowest
values in the case of the dual-volute VTG with and without scroll connection and which thus lies
clearly below the residual gas level of the single-scroll VTG variants. It was initially assumed that

15
the residual gas content of the DVTG+DSK at low engine speeds has a similar curve as with
investigations with a twin-flow housing [4], but at a somewhat higher level.
dp_Zyl_gemittelt [mbar]

300

100

-100

-300
DVTG + DSK
-500
DVTG + DSK + FV
VTG + DSK
0.5 VTG + SK
0.0
pmi_LW [bar]

-0.5
-1.0
-1.5
-2.0

12
Restgasgehalt [%]

10
8
6
4
2
0
1000
900
mLZ [mg]

800
700
600
500
400
500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 6000 6500
Drehzahl [1/min]

Figure 5.2.1: Charge cycle analysis of the investigated turbocharger variants

A closer consideration of the geometrical conditions in this operating range indicates that
operation with closed guide blades provides maximum intermediate pressure in each case.
However, at the same time, the low flow cross-section between the closed guide blades and the
associated increased distance between guide blade outlet and turbine rotor causes crosstalk

16
between the individual scrolls in some cases. The level of implementation of scroll separation of
turbine housing and exhaust gas manifold is reflected in the residual gas curves of all variants
and thus follows the theoretical assumptions.

With increasing engine speeds, it is possible to lower the residual gas level at an early point and
significantly down to approx. 2 % with scroll separation. The variant with scroll connection
achieves a similar level, but approx. 500 rpm later. The strikingly low level at moderate to high
engine speeds can also be explained by the geometrical conditions within the guide blades: the
guide blades open increasingly as the engine speed increases, thus causing a reduction in the
distance between the tips of the guide blades and the turbine rotor and thus causing more
favorable conditions for scroll separation. The advantage of the scroll-separated turbine is
reduced at high engine speeds but still exists. From this, we can derive that operation with scroll
separation is practical at low engine speeds and that operation with scroll connection is practical
at moderate to high engine speeds. The variants without scroll separation have the highest
residual gas contents with almost 9 % and achieve 5 % at minimum.

Solely considering the averaged flushing gradient proves to be too imprecise [4] in order to state
whether the preconditions for residual gas scavenging exist or not. Slightly negative values occur
up to 2000 rpm, which apparently precludes the option of residual gas scavenging. However, a
detailed consideration of the pressure curves in the intake manifold extracted from low-pressure
indication and of the pressure curves upstream of the turbine allow differentiated statements,
thus emphasizing the relevance of a consideration of the charge cycle at various times.

An integral assessment of the charge cycle can be made on the basis of the calculated fresh air
mass in the cylinder mLZ .

The dual-volute VTG with scroll separation achieves the highest cylinder fresh air mass, as is
expected. Together with the lowest residual gas content, this thus provides ideal preconditions
for lower susceptibility to knocking and, consequently, good engine efficiency.

Figure 5.2.2 which follows shows a detailed comparison of the static and dynamic flushing
gradient at various times. In this case, the charge cycle of all variants was analyzed at 1600 rpm
and at full load. It can be clearly seen how, on the one hand, scroll separation leads to masking
of the cylinder next in the ignition sequence and, on the other hand, we can see the pressure
boosting in the ejection stroke. The lower part-diagram shows the dynamic flushing gradient at
various times and the valve lifting curves. The flushing gradient averaged from the dynamic
pressure cures is also shown.

17
 DVTG + DSK
3.0 DVTG + DSK + FV
Abgasdruck p3 [bar]

Zyl.4 VTG + DSK Zyl.1

2.6 VTG + SK
2.2
Zyl.2
1.8

1.4

1.0
AÖ Zyl.4 EÖ Zyl.4 AS Zyl.4 ES Zyl.4
0.8 2.0

0.4 1.6

Ventilhub [mm]
p2S - p3 [bar]

0.0 1.2

-0.4 0.8

-0.8 0.4

-1.2 0.0
90 180 270 360 450 540 630

Kurbelwinkel [°]

Figure 5.2.2: Charge cycle at 1600 rpm on the investigated turbocharger variants with minimum
valve overlap

In the area of valve overlap (grayed area), it can be seen that only the variant DVGT+DSK has,
in some cases, positive values of dynamic flushing gradient whilst all other variants have virtually
completely negative values. It is clearly indicated that slightly negative values in the static
flushing gradient can certainly still have a positive effect in a dynamic consideration resolved
over the crankshaft, shown here in the significant reduction in residual gas (see Figure 5.2.1).

A similar comparison at 5500 rpm and full load is shown in Figure 5.2.3. Here, the masking of the
cylinder next in the ignition sequence and the pressure boost in the ejection stroke can be seen
even more clearly on the DVTG+DSK. The variant with scroll connection also differs from the
other variants – other than at 1600 rpm. The averaged exhaust gas pressure upstream of the
turbine which is also drawn in clearly shows the highest mean value on the dual-volute VTG
without scroll connection and the lowest mean value on the dual-volute VTG with scroll
connection. The variants with single-scroll turbine housing lie in-between. The dynamic flushing
gradient at various times in the area of valve overlap is reflected by the residual gas curve (see
Figure 5.2.1): both areas of the dual-volute VTG have the lowest negative values, and the
variants with single-scroll turbine housing lie clearly above this.

18
 DVTG + DSK
DVTG + DSK + FV
4.0 Zyl.4 VTG + DSK Zyl.1
Abgasdruck p3 [bar]

3.6 VTG + SK

3.2 Zyl.2
2.8
2.4
2.0
1.6
AÖ Zyl.4 EÖ Zyl.4 AS Zyl.4 ES Zyl.4
0.5 2.0

0.0 1.6

Ventilhub [mm]
p2S - p3 [bar]

-0.5 1.2

-1.0 0.8

-1.5 0.4

-2.0 0.0
90 180 270 360 450 540 630

Kurbelwinkel [°]

Figure 5.2.3: Charge cycle at 5500 rpm of the turbocharger variants investigated with minimum
valve overlap

The effect of using the various turbine variants in the compressor characteristic map is shown in
Figure 5.2.4. It is clearly indicated that, when the maximum charge pressure is reached
(compressor pressure ratio Pi_Vt at approx. 2.0), both variants of the dual-volute VTG require
lower compressor pressure ratios owing to the lower residual gas content and that the operating
curve is shifted towards better compressor efficiencies. In the range of moderate to maximum
engine speeds, the pressure ratio for overcoming the flow losses increases again for all variants,
whereby the dual-volute VTG with scroll connection features the lowest charge pressure
demand. This also offers here the option of relocating the operating points to better compressor
efficiencies. Moreover, the compressor performance and, thus, also the turbine output can be
reduced.

19
 3,4

3,2 uredV = 520 m/s

3,0
490
0.7 0.72
2,8
0.73
460
0.68
2,6 0.65
0.74

2,4
Pi_Vt [-]

420
0.75
2,2
0.6
0.68

2,0 370
0.6
ηisV = 0.76
1,8 0.55

310
1,6 0.6

1,4
230 0.5
0.55

1,2
150

1,0
0,00 0,02 0,04 0,06 0,08 0,10 0,12 0,14 0,16 0,18 0,20
3
V1t_red [m /s]

Figure 5.2.4: Full-load operating curves of the turbocharger variants investigated in the
compressor characteristic map

Analysis of full-load behavior with valve overlap

The next step was to conduct investigations with minimum and maximum valve overlap in order
to analyze the influence of the flushing charge cycle (“Scavenging”) at low engine speeds. Figure
5.3.1 below provides an overview of essential engine characteristic parameters of the variants
dual-volute VTG with scroll connection by comparison with the single-scroll VTG with congestion-
type manifold. With maximum valve overlap, the last variant is not able to boost the torque at
lowest engine speeds and even a reduction of approx. 2 bar pme is recorded. This impairment by
comparison with the minimum valve overlap drops still further with increasing engine speed, and
a clear increase to virtually the target intermediate pressure can be seen only as of 1600 rpm.
The torque with valve overlap can be boosted slightly even at 1000 rpm with the dual-volute VTG
and scroll separation. The increase grows with increasing engine speed, until, ultimately, the
target intermediate pressure is reached or clearly overshot at 1600 rpm. The curves of the air

20
demand show the impressive increase to optimum values at the relevant engine speeds on the
basis of the variant dual-volute VTG with scroll separation and valve overlap.

The curve of the residual gas content is similar. Whilst the residual gas content is only able to be
effectively reduced as of 1600 rpm with the single-scroll VTG and valve overlap, this is possible
at all engine speeds with the dual-volute VTG. The reductions achieved indicate operation
virtually free of residual gas. This shows the effect of scroll separation through to the guide
blades in the turbine most impressively. There is an increase in turbine output owing to the use
of the kinetic energy of the exhaust gas up to approx. 1400 rpm at low engine speeds.

22

18
pme [bar]

14 DVTG + DSK, min. VÜ

DVTG + DSK, max. VÜ
10 VTG + SK, min. VÜ
VTG + SK, max. VÜ

6
Luftaufwand λ a [-]

1.1

0.9

0.7

0.5
Restgasgehalt xRG [%]

0
800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200
Drehzahl [1/min]

Figure 5.3.1: Engine characteristic parameters of the turbocharger variants investigated at full
load with minimum and maximum valve overlap at low engine speeds

21
A consideration of the pressure curves or mass flow values of the dual-volute VTG at 1600 rpm
at various times in Figure 5.3.2 clearly indicates the interrelationships. The dynamic flushing
gradient (upper part-diagram) clearly shows the effect of a valve overlap (VÜ). The dynamic
flushing gradient is negative in the majority during the area with minimum valve overlap
(highlighted in dark gray), this resulting in a residual gas content of 5.2 % (Figure 5.3.1). By
contrast, with maximum valve overlap (highlighted in light gray), a positive flushing gradient can
be seen primarily in the area of large, open valve cross-sections, this resulting in a residual gas
content of approx. 0.5 % (Figure 5.3.1).

AÖ Zyl.4 EÖ Zyl.4 AS Zyl.4 ES Zyl.4

1.0 2.4
0.5 2.0

Ventilhub [mm]
p2S - p3 [bar]

0.0 1.6
-0.5 1.2
-1.0 0.8
-1.5 0.4
-2.0 0.0

Ventilhub AV, min. VÜ dp_dyn DVTG, min. VÜ Massenstrom EV, min. VÜ

Ventilhub E, min. VÜ dp_dyn DVTG, max. VÜ Massenstrom AV, min. VÜ
Ventilhub AV, max. VÜ Breite min. VÜ Massenstrom EV, max. VÜ
Ventilhub EV, max. VÜ Breite max. VÜ Massenstrom AV, max. VÜ

AÖ Zyl.4 EÖ Zyl.4 AS Zyl.4 ES Zyl.4

0.10 10
Massenstrom [kg/s]

0.08 8

Ventilhub [mm]
0.06 6
0.04 4
0.02 2
0.00 0
-0.02
90 180 270 360 450 540 630
Kurbelwinkel [°]

Figure 5.3.2: Charge cycle at 1600 rpm of the dual-volute VTG with minimum and maximum
valve overlap

The lower part-diagram shows the mass flow values across the inlet and outlet valves owing to
the pressure differences. With minimum valve overlap, no rectified mass flow values can be seen
during the valve overlap phase and this results in no or only slight residual gas scavenging. By
contrast, with maximum valve overlap, there is a simultaneous, rectified rise in outlet and inlet
mass flow, indicated by a flushing charge cycle and the associated residual gas flushing. The
outlet mass flow follows the dynamic flushing gradient which becomes more negative towards
the end of the overlap phase, consequently indicating a low flow-back from the exhaust gas

22
manifold to the cylinder. A shorter control width of the outlet camshaft would be advantageous in
order to avoid flow-back and thus further-optimize the flushing charge cycle.

The effects of operation of the dual-volute VTG with valve overlap in the compressor
characteristic map are shown in Figure 5.3.3 which follows.

2,4

420

2,2

0.65
0.6

2,0
370
1800 1/min 2000 1/min
0.68

1,8
Pi_Vt [-]

0.55

310
1,6 1600 1/min

1,4
230 0.5
1400 1/min

1,2 DVTG + DSK, min. Ventilüberschneidung

DVTG + DSK, max. Ventilüberschneidung
150
1200 1/min
1000 1/min

1,0
0,00 0,01 0,02 0,03 0,04 0,05 0,06 0,07 0,08
3
V1t_red [m /s]

Figure 5.3.3: Full-load operating curves of the dual-volute VTG with minimum and maximum
valve overlap in the compressor characteristic map at 1000-2000 rpm

Here, it can be seen how the operating points in the compressor characteristic map shift towards
higher flow rates owing to the valve overlap. The shifts also include intermediate pressure
increases in the lower engine-speed range up to and including 1600 rpm. As of 1800 rpm, the
compressor pressure ratio can be lowered and the throughput can be increased at the same
intermediate pressures. This is a known phenomenon of the flushing charge cycle. The operating
points continue to shift towards better compressor efficiencies, leading to a lower required
23
turbine output. This causes a reduction in the pressure build-up demand and the exhaust gas
pressure upstream of the turbine. This indicates the advantage of variable turbine geometry by
comparison with fixed-geometry turbochargers since they allow a lower exhaust-gas pressure
upstream of the turbine instead of blow-off control by adaptation of the guide blades.

Summary and outlook

Within the framework of BorgWarner’s activities to improve the engine operating behavior of
turbocharged DI-SI engines, this article analyzes a combination of variable turbine geometry and
dual-volute turbine housing. The engine investigations were conducted in cooperation with the
TurboAcademy at Mannheim University.

By comparison with a single-scroll VTG with congestion-type and ignition-sequence exhaust gas
manifold, the dual-volute VTG clearly shows the potential to improve the overall engine and
turbocharging system.

The results substantiate various mechanisms and their advantageous effects:

• A clear increase in torque virtually only using the kinetic energy is possible in the case
of scroll-separated turbine housings and exhaust gas manifolds up to 1400 rpm (with
the same series size and same variability of the valve timing gear).
• A clear potential for residual gas reduction can be seen in the entire engine-speed
range, in particular at low and moderate engine speeds.
• The dual-volute VTG is the logical step to “residual gas avoidance” instead of having
to flush out this residual gas.
• The clear reduction in exhaust gas back-pressure at moderate engine speeds leads
to a significant reduction in charge cycle losses.
• Integration of scroll connection allows the exhaust gas back-pressure to be clearly
reduced at moderate to high engine speeds.
• Expansion or compliance with the λ = 1 operating range is possible owing to scroll
separation.

Possible steps for future further developments can be derived from these results:

• Analysis of the potential for reducing the valve timing gear variabilities

24
 • Potential for reducing the turbine size in the case of dual-volute VTGs for an
improvement in low-end torque with simultaneous use of scroll connection in the rated
output range (surge-congestion switchover)
• Potential to improve the low-end torque in the case of integration of new
developments in the area of the guide blades and the turbine (rotor geometries,
aerodynamic housings)
• Potential for utilization of scroll connection for further degrees of freedom in the
overall characteristic map area

The variability of the turbocharger in conjunction with variable valve timing will be an important
part of future developments in the case of modern, turbocharged DI-SI engines. BorgWarner, as
the technology leader for the use of VTG turbochargers on SI engines, in addition to continuing
developments, can make its contribution in this case with its know-how for fast phase adjusters
with CTA (Cam Torque Actuated) technology.

Based on the findings obtained, BorgWarner will continue to work in-depth on this technology in
order to be able to offer solutions for future, high-performance, low-emission and, above all, low-
consumption SI engines.

25
Amerika Europa Asien

BorgWarner Turbo Systems BorgWarner Turbo Systems GmbH BorgWarner Turbo & Emissions Systems
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