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Engineers have long known the advantages of using variable geometry turbochargers (VGTs) on automotive and heavy duty diesel engines. The control of a VGT requires sophisticated control schemes. Mechanical control of a VGT is very cumbersome and does not bring out all the advantages of using a VGT. Electronically controlling a VGT offers a better alternative. This paper explores the need to control a VGT; how to control a VGT; and the benefits of electronically controlling a VGT. A case study of the development of an electronic controller for a Schwitzer VGT is presented along with how an electronically controlled VGT is affecting the performance of a heavy duty diesel truck engine in the field.

Most heavy duty and automotive 6 and 8 cylinder engines have torsional dampers on the crankshaft to control torsional vibrations caused by nonuniform cylinder pressure and the reciprocating parts in the engine. One such type of damper is an elastomeric damper. With automotive companies striving to increase fuel economy, there is a pressure on component manufacturers to reduce the weight of engine parts. This includes the use of lighter materials such as aluminum instead of iron. A damper ‘with aluminum parts was designed for light duty engines. This paper presents the finite element modelling used in the development of this aluminum damper without going Into the actual numerical values used or obtained in the analysis.