MET Hybrid Turbocharger
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Marine Machinery & Engine Co. Ltd. developed the MET Hybrid Turbocharger for marine applications. It is designed to save up to 30 percent of electrical power compared to conventional auxiliary blowers. As a result, it helps reduce the environmental impact of a ship.
Compared to a conventional turbocharger, a hybrid one does not require any significant modifications to the engine. It uses waste heat energy from the exhaust gas to power a high-speed permanent magnet motor generator housed within the turbocharger. This generator produces up to five percent of the main engine output and can be installed in the engine without any significant modifications.
The MET Hybrid Turbocharger also has a variable turbine inlet, which can operate in a motoring mode. This feature enables it to optimize plant efficiency, even when the steaming process is slow. Another benefit of this type of turbocharger is that it consumes very little power.
A hybrid turbocharger is the first marine hybrid turbocharger. It was developed by MHI two years ago and tested on an NYK-owned bulk carrier, the MV Shin Koho. The ship features a 20,090kW MAN 7S65ME-C two-stroke diesel engine and has a top speed of 15.4 knots. It was also the first marine hybrid turbocharger installed on a boat.
The MET83-MAG hybrid turbocharger meets all onboard electrical power requirements while saving auxiliary diesel generators and reducing CO2 emissions. The MET83-MAG hybrid turbocharge is built with a temporary magnet-type high-speed synchronous generator. The generator and the turbocharger are directly connected through a flexible coupling.
MET Hybrid Turbocharger is a generator-integrated hybrid turbocharger developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Marine Machinery & Engine. It uses the engine’s exhaust gas to power the turbocharger and to generate electricity. It can provide up to 5% of a ship’s output, thus significantly reducing fuel consumption.
The hybrid turbocharger has an increased efficiency of 2.3% compared to a standard turbocharger. Its efficiency is increased at low engine power levels and 75% load. Its high electric power generation ability is further enhanced by the high efficiency of the turbocharger’s components.
The MET Hybrid Turbocharger is compatible with different marine engines. It can be used with the MAN 51/60 DF 12V four-stroke dual-fuel marine engine. Another benefit of this technology is its ease of installation. It can be retrofitted to an existing turbocharger without any significant modifications.
The MET Hybrid Turbocharger simulates various conditions in the engine. The turbocharger has variable intake valve timing and a Miller cycle mode. These variables determine the intake valve setting, which can be adjusted according to load and fuel type.
MET e-Turbo
Unlike traditional turbochargers, e-Turbo hybrids do not use an auxiliary device. Instead, the turbocharger’s electric motor controls the shaft speed and the turbine’s energy output. The electric motor helps to reduce turbo lag and recover energy from the exhaust gas, which allows the vehicle to make more power and improve fuel economy. The electric motor also allows reverse flow, recharging its battery.
A hybrid electric turbocharger system is still some time away, but it will likely trickle down to the automotive industry and the performance aftermarket. When it arrives, this technology will improve the performance of high-performance road cars. This system can optimize turbocharger turbine speeds and run higher boost levels without increasing shaft bearings or turbo lag.
A standard diesel engine configuration discharges exhaust gas to a turbocharger, which turns the turbine at high speed to boost the engine’s power output. However, a hybrid turbocharger harnesses a portion of the exhaust gases to turn a turbine, generating up to 750kW of electrical power.
A hybrid turbocharger is not required to change the engine mount, which is a significant advantage. Its installation is simple, requires minimal modification, and requires no special modifications. The MET e-Turbo turbocharger is an excellent choice for those looking to save money on fuel and emissions while driving.
A hybrid turbocharger can satisfy all onboard electrical power requirements while reducing emissions. The electric-powered compressor also improves transient response. In addition, the generator also suppresses black smoke emissions. Shortly, Mitsubishi plans to release a full range of six hybrid turbochargers for various vehicles.
Another option is to place an electric generator between the compressor and turbine to block heat transfer. The electrical turbine can increase the internal combustion engine’s efficiency. This type of hybrid turbocharger is a good solution for city cars and has a wide range of potential.
The electric turbocharger offers many benefits, including lower turbo lag and increased power and torque at low rpm. Furthermore, it allows for a larger turbocharger design. Its electric motor also keeps the engine cooler longer, drastically improving engine responsiveness.
This type of electric turbocharger has also been tested on the F1 race series’ 1.6L V-6 “motor-generator unit.” Its electrical motor spins the compressor shaft at low RPM and pressure, providing an instant boost to the engine. Another benefit of the e-turbo is that it reduces emissions, which are a significant factor in artificial climate change. By controlling EGR and exhaust temperatures, e-Turbo hybrid turbos can significantly reduce emissions.
MET MET e-Turbo
The MET e-Turbo series hybrid turbocharger is MHI’s first production-scale hybrid turbocharger for marine use. The hybrid turbocharger uses a permanent magnet-type high-speed synchronous generator. The generator and the turbocharger are connected via a flexible coupling to reduce waste heat and provide additional power to the engine.
The e-Turbo offers significant packaging benefits over conventional turbochargers. In addition to providing more power, the E-Turbo also recovers excess energy. It functions as a net electric energy provider and can be integrated into an overall vehicle energy management system.
The new MET turbocharger features a revised gas inlet casing and redesigned turbine blades. These changes make the turbocharger more efficient and reduce turbine blade vibration. The new gas inlet casing allows easier inspection of the turbine nozzle ring. The MET e-Turbo hybrid turbocharger’s turbine blades have the same number of edges and height as the MET MB turbocharger. Still, the new blade profile improves turbine efficiency and durability.
The new e-Turbo hybrid turbo-compressor has a regulated shaft speed, allowing it to provide more boost without requiring additional fuel. It also improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions. This technology can also support on-demand exhaust gas recirculation. It is expected to enter production in September 2023.
This system requires no major engine modifications. The hybrid turbocharger-generator system is fully integrated into the central unit of the turbocharger silencer. The problem is that the silencer lacks enough rigidity to accommodate the generator’s weight. However, MHI engineers have overcome this problem by incorporating a two-part cast steel shell attached to the compressor scroll. The hybrid turbocharger-generator unit is the same volume as a conventional turbocharger.
The electric turbo technology will initially be available in premium performance vehicles. However, it will eventually trickle down to everyday drivers as well. This technology will increase costs but will produce measurable performance gains. The cost has yet to be discovered, but it is likely comparable to a performance engine version. Performance always costs more, so expect it to increase the price of performance-level vehicles.
A decent turbo upgrade can cost four figures. Adding extra cooling systems and pipework can be expensive. In addition, a hybrid turbo uses the car’s existing pipework and can be installed inexpensively. It also requires no engine bay modification.
The market for automotive turbochargers in Germany shows considerable growth potential. The stringent pollution control regulations and increasing demand for hybrid vehicles drive market growth. Additionally, manufacturers in Germany have become more focused on customer collaboration. They are focusing on ensuring customer satisfaction through product development.
