Heat transfer studies in turbo-compressors

Heat transfer in turbochargers have received more attention in recent years due to engine downsizing and stricter emissions standards. Actual compressor and turbine outlet temperatures, as compared to those calculated assuming adiabatic flow, can differ up to 30 degrees Celsius. This difference will continue to increase with decreasing turbocharger size. This Final Year Project is part of a greater research thrust in determining the effects of preliminary design parameters inputs on the heat transfer of a turbocharger.Initially, a 1D lumped capacitance heat transfer model of a turbocharger with known geometry was built and verified. Following that, additional programs were written to build the geometries of the compressor and turbine from minimal design inputs, predict their off-design performance, and simulate a whole turbocharger with heat transfer consideration. All of the above work were built from the ground up on Matlab and Simulink. The eventual model had to link all of the programs together. It was able to give a converged solution, with satisfactory geometry generation. After comparing the results with experimental data, and a through investigation thereafter, 2 aspects of the model for improvement was identified.Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace Engineering