Optimisation of Variable Length Intake

Manifolds for a gasoline turbocharged

downsized engine
J Taylor, N Fraser, D Gurney
MAHLE Powertrain Ltd, UK
R Dingelstadt
MAHLE International GmbH, Germany
J Stehlig, V Bruggesser
MAHLE Filtersysteme GmbH, Germany

ABSTRACT

Gasoline downsizing has become a key contributor to reducing fuel consumption in

the short term with small capacity turbocharged engines replacing larger naturally
aspirated engines. However in order to gain acceptance downsized engines need to
achieve the “big engine” feel, with good low speed torque and transient response.

Variable Length Intake Manifolds are an established method of improving an

engines full load performance on naturally aspirated engines. This paper
investigates this technology applied to a 1.4-litre turbocharged gasoline direct
injection engine. It demonstrates improvements in low speed torque and transient
response and the options available at higher engine speeds.

1 INTRODUCTION

Emissions legislation and fleet CO, targets have led to engine manufacturers
looking at methods of improving fuel economy. Significant reductions in fleet CO.
were initially achieved in Europe with the wide adoption of diesel engines, however
distillation of crude oil results in both diesel and gasoline, so from a Well-to-Wheel
[1] point of view the expansion of the diesel market cannot continue indefinitely.

Downsizing of the spark ignition engine is accepted as a key contributor to reduced

fuel consumption [2]. Turbocharged engines are becoming commonplace in
passenger vehicles, replacing normally aspirated larger capacity engines.
Turbocharged engines have typically suffered from “lag”. This perceived effect is a
combination of the low speed steady state torque and slower rate to reach
maximum torque during a load step. In order to increase customer acceptance of
downsized engine concepts it is vital that the low speed torque and transient
response are optimised.

Variable Length Intake Manifolds (VLIM) have long been an established method of
improving the full load performance of naturally aspirated engines. The manifold
length being “tuned” to provide a high-pressure pulse at intake valve closing to
maximise cylinder filling and deliver improved performance. This same approach
could be applied to turbocharged engines to improve low speed torque and
transient response.

© The author(s) and/or their employer(s), 2011 27