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Ahead of Garrett Motion's presentation on SC-VNT for achieving high efficiency for gasoline engines, read on to hear what Nathaniel identifies some of the biggest challenges and opportunities for those working in the field of turbocharger engineering.
Please can you provide a brief overview of your role within Garrett Motion.
Nathaniel Bontemps (NB): As Light Vehicle Concept Shop Manager I lead a team of system engineers who study what’s possible to achieve when you combine new boosting systems with new engine combustion concepts.
What are the most exciting developments in your field at the moment, either within your organisation, in the industry in general or both?
NB: Finding the most appropriate boosting systems for future gasoline hybrids is our number one priority. MHEV, HEV and PHEV have different requirements. It’s critical to understand boosting system fits which architecture best. Which still needs to be waste-gated, which are the perfect fit for mono or even SC-VNT and where will electric boosting offer the best value.
With the phasing out of ICE vehicles, where do you see the future direction of turbochargers and boosting solutions going?
NB: Well firstly even in the most aggressive predictions, more than 70% of the fleet will still include an Internal Combustion Engine in 2030. The reality will likely be higher than this, so our task is to develop turbo systems for all the classes of Hybrid are being deployed.
With the growth of hybrids and fuels cells, what opportunities are there for the turbocharger market?
NB: Hybridizing a vehicle allows us to operate the engines in different load and speed ranges than in conventional powertrains. They give us the chance to match the turbo type and aero characteristics to new full and part load targets. This can have a huge impact on the efficiency of the engine of the overall powertrain. Some may even be suited to electric boosting and this can change the performance and efficiency targets all over again.
As for Fuel Cell EV’s, well they need electric boosting, most often with a single or two stage compressor but there is enough waste heat available to drive a turbine too if the target is the highest efficiency system possible.
Kindly give us an idea of what attendees can expect from your presentation “SC-VNT a route toward high efficiency for gasoline engines” at this year’s conference.
NB: This presentation will focus on how far you can extend the performance and efficiency of Miller cycle engines. We’ll show that we pushing compression ratios up to 13,5:1 and applying an SC-VNT turbo and inter-stage cooler, you can approach 43% BTE at a power density of over 110kW/l.
Which topics or speakers on the agenda are you looking forward to hearing at this year’s conference?
NB: I’ll be taking a deep interest in the aerodynamic papers. Progress in this area allows us to improve efficiency and push all the boundaries further.
Why is it so important for professionals to continue to attend this conference?
NB: It’s a great melting pot where we can share our work and be inspired by that of others. We get to meet people and exchange thoughts and ideas. It’s through collaboration that we learn and progress.
How can we find out more information about Garrett Motion and your current and upcoming projects?
NB: Firstly, you can meet our Team at the virtual booth during the Conference and afterwards you can visit our website to view videos and download white papers and abstracts that we’ve published. Following that feel free to contact anyone of us and we’ll be delighted to direct you to the appropriate individual or group within Garrett to answer your questions.
The 14th International Conference on Turbochargers and Turbocharging takes place online on 11-12 May 2021.
The Institution’s world-leading Conference returns live and online in 2021 and will address current and novel turbocharging system choices and components with a renewed emphasis to address the challenges posed by emission regulations and market trends.
For more information, full programme and to book your place to get involved, please visit the event website.