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Engine Specific Info and Questions => IDI Engine => Topic started by: ezekiel on September 04, 2006, 08:01:12 pm

Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: ezekiel on September 04, 2006, 08:01:12 pm
I haven't been thinking much about my motor lately, but I think my Rabbit is dieing, so I need to.  Since I already have a TDI VNT, I'm going to use it on my AAZ.

Is there any reason that I can't use some sort of fuzzy logic controller, like a GReddy Profec and a strong vaccuum pump (possibly a second, dedicated one?) and let it control it like that?  

Or, if that doesn't work, maybe take a microcontroller of some sort to make a solely RPM dependant boost control using an N75 valve?
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: rabbid79 on September 04, 2006, 08:06:47 pm
I am presently working on that very thing (custom controller) for my VNT Rabbit.  IM me, and I'll fill you in on the specifics you'd like.
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: OM617 on February 04, 2007, 06:57:05 am
Just replace the vacuum actuator with a boost actuator from a normal turbo.
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: foxracer1 on February 04, 2007, 08:22:29 am
Quote
Just replace the vacuum actuator with a boost actuator from a normal turbo.


And that works safely? Some guys have brought up the possibility of a failure and the vnt sticking at max boost.
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: Benjamin on February 04, 2007, 08:26:42 am
you can rebuild the stock actuator, there is a hole, in the actuator, if you can make a pin on it, you can use this one. some guys did flipped the internals, some guys use an actuator from a wastegated turbo.
You can also use a external wastegate, but you dont NEED it.

more information can also found in the search

Greetz, Benjamin
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: OM617 on February 04, 2007, 08:37:57 am
My turbo tops out around 13psi with the vanes wide open so no wastegate is needed. The actuator I use is from a Saab 9000 LPT and it maintains a steady 9psi of boost all the time. I'm currently working on a two step boost controller that will allow me to run 15psi at full throttle and 9psi the rest of the time. LINK (http://schumanautomotive.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1503&stc=1&d=1169706810)

Quote
And that works safely? Some guys have brought up the possibility of a failure and the vnt sticking at max boost.


That's part of the risk when building custom setups. I've got the stock Mercedes overboost switch (16psi) wired to a $2 RadioShack 12v buzzer. It's loud enough to hear over the radio and engine in the event boost control fails.
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: Tintin on February 04, 2007, 08:40:42 am
Quote from: "foxracer1"
Quote
Just replace the vacuum actuator with a boost actuator from a normal turbo.


And that works safely? Some guys have brought up the possibility of a failure and the vnt sticking at max boost.


Yes, it is not the best way to control a vnt , with large turbo it is less worse, but with this type of assembly will always have you max boost can imports how you run.

For an electronic control, that will take a sensor for indicated the position of the accelerator,  the position of the RPM,  boost sensor, and etc....

You can also make you a mechanical control, it is easy to make and that do not need precision to control the vanne, easy to adjust and cool to see  :lol:
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: foxracer1 on February 04, 2007, 09:44:32 am
So how much boost can these make max? Does it only make 13-15 max? sounds a little low.
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: Slave2School on February 04, 2007, 09:47:46 am
Quote from: foxracer1
So how much boost can these make max? Does it only make 13-15 max? sounds a little low.


I depends on the model of VNT.  The standard vnt-15 in my tdi was supposed to be OK to ~17.5psi the vnt-17VB version should be able to hold 22-23psi all day long and the "vnt-20" would be going beyond that.
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: foxracer1 on February 04, 2007, 09:53:00 am
Well damn i was hoping to make more than that. But i guess it is much better down low.
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: OM617 on February 04, 2007, 09:59:53 am
I know it's not a VW, but the Dodge sprinter I got my GT2256V from runs stock at 19psi and I currently run 15psi on my 3L MB diesel.
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: Tintin on February 04, 2007, 10:55:15 am
Quote from: "Named Tintin"
............ but with this type of assembly will always have you max boost can imports how you run.


I wants to say the max boost which you will have chosen and adjusted for your engine.
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: OM617 on February 04, 2007, 11:00:35 am
Correct. My turbo always adjusts the vanes to maintain as much boost as possible up to it's maximum setting no matter the engine load or throttle application.
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: Turbinepowered on February 04, 2007, 11:01:47 am
Quote from: "foxracer1"
Well damn i was hoping to make more than that. But i guess it is much better down low.


Do dual VNT 15s. Biturbo 1.6 TD!  :twisted:
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: burn_your_money on February 04, 2007, 06:21:20 pm
Quote from: "OM617"
I'm currently working on a two step boost controller that will allow me to run 15psi at full throttle and 9psi the rest of the time. LINK (http://schumanautomotive.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1503&stc=1&d=1169706810)


I sure hope they activate me soon so I can see what you are talking about...
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: foxracer1 on February 04, 2007, 08:42:25 pm
Found this haven't studied it yet but it is what they used for the Chrysler cars with the Vnt plus a way to raise boost. http://www.thedodgegarage.com/turbo_vnt_bleed.html
Title: vnt controller
Post by: jimfoo on February 04, 2007, 10:14:11 pm
Well, it apparently has a turbo that can be controlled by both vacuum and boost. Not sure if that could be adapted to VWs or not, but it uses the vacuum from the intake, which definately couldn't be done on a Diesel. Looks like it uses boost in general to control boost, and vacuum from letting off the pedal to close the vanes and counteract the boost.
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: foxracer1 on February 05, 2007, 04:48:31 am
More on the mechanical control. http://www.thedodgegarage.com/turbo_vnt.html
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: xud9te on February 06, 2007, 10:08:25 am
Hi,

I had a similar method on my VNT setup, using a twin port actuator. But I used vacuum from the brake servo controlled by a ball valve connected to throttle arm (see pic1).  Idea was to set throttle and ball valve relationship to allow vacuum to open vnt vanes when throttle is less than 1/4(ish).  In reality this produced moments of no boost, then a spike as the throttle was floored and the vanes moved from full open to full closed (i.e. no middle ground untill boost builds (no error feedback)).  It wasnt as mooth as I had liked!!

Lowering the point to about 1/8th throttle meant that the vaccum side was only used at idle and lift off during gear changes and braking, useless on the road for economy, but still a good thing for carbon build -up.  The happy medium seemed to be to set the vanes-closed maximum travel setting on the turbo itself to a boost level that was acceptable for 70mph cruising.  Once I had done this I realised that the vaccum system was doing amost nothing. I have removed the system and now use a ball spring valve in series with a normal bleed valve (pic2).  This gives control over max boost, and also boost curve.  Setting the ballspring valve to open at 12psi seems to be good when running 23psi max.  Prob with my current system is that some of the VNT function of being able to summon almost full boost very low down by closing the vanes completely is lost.  It still goes well though, and must still spool quicker than similar sized non-VNT?

That is not to say that the system below (in pic1) will not work with some more tweaking.  

In retrospect, I think the ball valve i used was too large and may also have leaked some vacuum at all times.  It was a hydraulic valve, not pneumatic.  To improve this design a simple on/off switch on the throttle arm (some VE pumps have one already to switch off glowplugs (try peugeot 405)), feeding a relay which sends 12v to open a Petrol Turbo car boost solenoid which allows vacuum to pass to the -ve post on the two port actuator would allow the vanes to be opened at a preset point.

PIC 1
(http://i7.tinypic.com/2ywilb5.jpg)

PIC 2
(http://i19.tinypic.com/4c1rerb.jpg)

Cheers!

(sorry for long post...)
 :D [/img]
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: xud9te on February 06, 2007, 10:31:00 am
Actually, there is a post on the TDi section just now which shows the switch I mean that is on top of the pump that could be used to control vacuum to the actuator.

http://www.vwdiesel.net/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=4447

pic:

http://www.home.earthlink.net/~rps1976/Images/Diesel/Smog/Smog105410470.jpg

Just like his diagram, but feed the vaccum to the -ve port on twinport actuator instaed of the BOV.  Switch is slightly adjustable for position, but holes can be ovalled to allow more movement, this gives you a method to open vanes fuly below a certain point, which is certainly easier to set-up than my ball valve one.

Basically it is the egr valve system, but take the end onto the -ve port instead of egr valve.

(Dont need the boost side of his setup).

EDIT:  Just reaslised that I forgot to mention that I had both systems running on my car at one time (e.g pic1 and pic2).  I think combining pic2 and using the instant switch method described here may give good control once the cruising boost has been set using bleed valves, and that we are out of the vanes completely open part of throttle travel when cruising (i.e. no vaccum applied).

Whaddaya reckon?

Cheers :D
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: xud9te on February 06, 2007, 11:52:51 am
Well, i dont think Tintins idea is very simple, but is certainly effective!!  It is a very ingenious solution.  I am not sure how much MORE simpler or effective it is than the methods I have tried.  There are reasons that Tintins setup will not work on all applications.

Firstly, it may be too difficult for some to route the cables to the turbo location.  Tintins location is VERY handy for this setup.  Also I am sure things like the amount of travel that was needed on the actuator arm vs length of travel of throttle cable max/min and also dynamically how to know if the actuator was actually resting on the pin or not (i.e. doing anything)  took alot of trial and error.  

Also the two springs (one on actuator side, other on throttle side) need to be matched so that overall, the actuator does not have to try any harder then normal to push open the vanes.  

I wondered what happens when this system gets exposed to water and corrosion?  As the system relies on its mechanical properties of the materials used for calibration then surely this would change the charcteristics?  Do you not look at it and think "this is the kind of thing that gets sticky?"!! when it gets  a bit rusty and the cables get sticky it may need attention.  The longer the cables and the more joints there are, the more a system becomes prone to this effect.

With the bleed valve and switch system, adjustments could be easily made just by turning the knobs.  There is no complicated trial and error set-up procedure other than connecting everything up, setting to min and then going up from there until you are happy.  

So Simpler, i disagree.  More effective, i think as long as you get linear boost without spikes and have good cruising boost plus ability to make boost as quickly as possible then it cannot be more effective.

Do you agree?
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: xud9te on February 06, 2007, 01:14:10 pm
That would be the best option!  I would say a PIC or similar that has an onboard PWM module could be used to control the standard N75 valve.  Still need a map sensor and TPS module though.  They can be cheap out of the scrappies.  It also needs to be 'mapped' for each turbo though and even if you could buy a 'kit' the results would vary.  Plus there is no market for it!

I just think that it would be easier and alot less work to use the throttle switch and valves.  Time will tell. I reckon you could set up the switch/valves idea in an afternoon, plus all the parts are cheap.

Have you fabricated a version of tintins idea?  What are you currently using?
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: Tintin on February 06, 2007, 04:38:43 pm
No problem for the rust, my vnt control set-up is very cheap, and it have plays there everywhere, that takes much rust before sticky,  and the cable, it's a F150 throtle cable,  in a ford truck, never see a sticky throttle cable.

For the travel length, i made a slotted hole to adjust the good travel.

I absolutely nothing feels on the accelerator,  people drives my car, and they all are surprised not to feel the effects of the actuator on the accelerator, and the accelerator is quite tender, it is the spring in my linkage which does all this work,  and for the actuator, it is very powerful a actuator, it do not have any difficulty has to carry out its work.

I acknowledge that it is not carried of all to build this system, welding, grinding, etc.......

It have several way there to make a mechanical control, it do not need precision there.

I had already to look at to install a control by vacuum with these part, but that empties the reserve of vacuum.
(http://img318.imageshack.us/img318/1232/im0010131yo.th.jpg) (http://img318.imageshack.us/my.php?image=im0010131yo.jpg) (http://img318.imageshack.us/img318/4931/im0010158fn.th.jpg) (http://img318.imageshack.us/my.php?image=im0010158fn.jpg)
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: 745 turbogreasel on February 06, 2007, 08:46:01 pm
That looks like the transmission modulator control used by non electronic Ford and GM diesels.
Might not flow enough?
Wire a TH400 kickdown switch (mounts under the pedal) to open a larger bleed port at WOT, and off ya go.

Something in the backof my head keeps telling me to use engine oil pressure for RPM input, like the Nissan Vtec...That way boost will go down as your engine degrades.
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: xud9te on February 07, 2007, 10:31:09 am
Tintin,

I agree that whenever you use the vaccum from the brakes, you will lose some pressure as the line needs a hole in it to stabilise the pressure (vent) once the vacuum side is closed, but then again, is this not how the tdi's work?

I have a question, with your mechanical system, when driving the car, is the actuator always engaged with the control lever?  It seems that when you push the throttle it departs company from the actuator and will not meet again until boost builds?  How does this affect part throttle and on/off situations?  I would guess that it will stabilise very quickly like in your video, but is there creep in the boost or spikes if you hit the throttle and then come of again?

Also may I ask, how do you set the maximum boost level?  Is it just with the travel of the actuator?  And how did you find the correct springs?  Are they both the same rate?

Je suis desole pour trop de question.

Cheers
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: Tintin on February 07, 2007, 04:26:19 pm
I already explained in other post, it is hard to explain it in my language, even more in English  :lol:

Pas de problème pour trop de questions.  :wink:

I will still explain, and i joined pic later if you wants, and with photoshop, I would make a better explanation.

Forget the actuator for the moment, when at idle, the turbo vanne are has off (No boost position), ¼ accélérator= ¼ torbo vanne close, ½ accelerator= ½ close, etc...........   full throtle = full close = max boost around 40-45psi and more with no actuator,  now, a actuator is added to control the pressure while pushing in opposite direction the last part of my linkage to open the vanne in order to slow down the turbine,  the spring in my linkage compresses and it's very soft,  just enough hard to close the vannes, and a actuator with 20-25psi of pressure, they is 20 times more powerful than my small spring, thus, the actuator do not have any problem to carry out its work in opposite direction.

To adjust the maximum boost level, I screw or unscrew the stem of the actuator.

The pleasure with this type of system, I make adjustement at some place in my linkage, I can thus have max boost at disired level of accelerator, that is to say, ¼, ½, ¾ or full throtle, too, I can place or I desire that the vannes starts to close, that is to say ¼, ½ etc..... and when a ¼ mile run or track session, I disconnect the cable and I put the vanne in full boost all the time, and the actuator does his work.

There is one can of spikes only when i floor quickly, because the turbo VNT reacted more quickly than the actuator,  if not, it do not have there.

All this applies is for a VNT20 with my experiment, I at all do not know the réaction with a VNT15 or a VNT17, probably similar, but more quickly.

And that to say whistle of this turbo..!!!  :D
Title: vnt controller
Post by: jimfoo on February 08, 2007, 05:26:45 am
Did fspGTD ever have any problems with controlling his with just the modded actuator being fed boost?
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: lord_verminaard on February 08, 2007, 05:45:17 am
I believe Jake also had to use an external wastegate as the boost was a bit "hyperactive".  I have not heard from him in a long time so I do not know how the system is doing.

Brendan
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: xud9te on February 08, 2007, 07:25:21 am
Tintin

merci pour le response. Et le question finale, what is the min opening pressure of your actautor?  And what pressure is it at fully open?  Can you tell me what application the actuator is from (what car)?

Cheers
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: Tintin on February 08, 2007, 07:43:06 am
It's a garrett T2 actuator from AAZ engine 1993 in CDN.

It's a ''pushing'' actuator,  min opération is around 4-5psi, an the max operation  (full travel) is around 22-23psi.

Exist Garrett K03 actuator ''pulling'' actuator, min operation, around 2-3psi and max operation (full travel) around 15-16 psi, this type of actuator is less adapted, l would be necessary to harden the spring inside, and  to control the vanne in the opposite direction of my system.

I envisage to find a pushing actuator with a max operation of 30psi, for a better control with pressure of more than 25 psi.
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: xud9te on February 08, 2007, 12:52:57 pm
Have you used a bleed valve on the actuator to test?  This gives the effect of a stronger spring, but also shortens the full travel in some cases (raising max boost).
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: Tintin on February 08, 2007, 03:09:54 pm
yes, but that creates boost spike.
Title: vacuum for control
Post by: jimfoo on February 08, 2007, 03:34:40 pm
I know some of you wish you had an engine speed dependant vacuum source. How about a vacuum source based on boost? I was thinking that a tube stuck in the airstream at the intake of the turbo would create a vacuum that varied with the ammount of air being sucked in, and boost being produced. This could be used for whatever control purposes one wished, and could also be used to protect against loosing a hose post turbo. I have no idea how much vacuum could be produced as my engine is currently in many, many pieces, but I bet it would be a fair ammount. Just something to think about....
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: xud9te on February 08, 2007, 04:01:40 pm
Tintin, not a ball-spring valve, but a simple screw bleed valve?  Did you find a spike with this one??
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: Tintin on February 08, 2007, 04:05:16 pm
No, I have a filter minder between my turbo and my airbox and when I put 30psi of boost in my turbo,  the minder indicate aprox. ½-¾ psi of vacuum,  at 15-20 psi,  0 indication.
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: Tintin on February 08, 2007, 04:09:31 pm
Quote from: "xud9te"
Tintin, not a ball-spring valve, but a simple screw bleed valve?  Did you find a spike with this one??


Yes, it's a bleed valve, So that a bleed valve run correctly, a restriction should be made, and that causes spikes, dont forget, a vnt reacted very quickly.
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: jimfoo on February 08, 2007, 04:19:06 pm
Quote from: Named Tintin
No, I have a filter minder between my turbo and my airbox and when I put 30psi of boost in my turbo,  the minder indicate aprox. ½-¾ psi of vacuum,  at 15-20 psi,  0 indication.


I don't mean just a hole to the intake, but a tube that will have a venturi
effect, kind of like how a carb sucks gas out of the fuel bowl.

____________|   |_________
........................|   |_              
........................|___           to turbo ->

________________________
Ignore the dots. I had to put them there to make everything line up.
Something like this.  I had a Jeep truck that used a similar effect from the
air going to the EGR to create vacuum for the heater controls, so I know
it can work.
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: xud9te on February 09, 2007, 02:31:50 am
Yes, but I have a bleed valve on my VNT and there is only 2psi spike at 25psi, less than it shows on your video no?
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: xud9te on February 09, 2007, 01:19:55 pm
A boost spike is just an overshoot of the desired boost point (where it settles)
Title: aftermarket controller to control a VNT?
Post by: Tintin on February 09, 2007, 02:55:46 pm
If it is of my video that you speak about the spikes, it is normal, I do not have a bleed valve and I do not have a ball valve, I tested a bleed valve only one time during 15 minute and I removed it  :wink: