Diesel engines are used in a range of applications, from passenger vehicles to large scale transportation and shipping. The addition of a turbocharger dramatically increases engine performance and efficiency. Even these devices, however, have their drawbacks. The introduction of a turbine in the exhaust stream creates a restriction that impedes the engine's power. This limits the real-world efficiency and performance. These engines typically have an efficiency of ~40%. This project designed a system that recaptures heat wasted in the exhaust and uses it as the heat source for a Rankine cycle that powers the turbocharger. This system aims to improve overall engine efficiency, by reducing the flow restriction in the exhaust stream and the amount of energy wasted as heat through the exhaust.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Bylund, John
• Freed, Benjamin R
• Kaparos, Yiannis

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042618-154057

Advisor

• Bergstrom, Torbjorn Stansen

Year

• 2018

Date created

• 2018-04-26

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright