Turbocharger with flexible installation

An apparatus comprising:

• a bearing housing mechanically coupled to a compressor housing on a first side, and mechanically coupled to a turbine housing on a second side;
• wherein the compressor housing comprises a compressor outlet and wherein the turbine housing comprises a fluid outlet;
• a first circumferential channel formed between the bearing housing and the compressor housing, and a second circumferential channel formed between the bearing housing and the turbine housing;
• a first flow path fluidly connecting the compressor outlet to the first circumferential channel, a third flow path fluidly connecting the first circumferential channel to the second circumferential channel, and a fifth flow path fluidly connecting the second circumferential channel to the fluid outlet;
• and
• a fluid conduit that fluidly connects the fluid outlet to an actuator.

A system comprising:

• an internal combustion engine receiving an intake stream and providing an exhaust stream;
• a bearing housing mechanically coupled to a compressor housing on a first side, and mechanically coupled to a turbine housing on a second side;
• wherein the compressor housing comprises a compressor outlet and receives the intake stream, and wherein the turbine housing comprises a fluid outlet and receives the exhaust stream;
• a first circumferential channel formed between the bearing housing and the compressor housing, and a second circumferential channel formed between the bearing housing and the turbine housing;
• a first flow passage fluidly connecting the compressor outlet to the first circumferential channel, a fifth flow passage fluidly connecting the first circumferential channel to the second circumferential channel, and a third flow passage fluidly connecting the second circumferential channel to the fluid outlet;
• and
• a fluid conduit fluidly connecting the fluid outlet to an actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to open and relieve a pressure in response to one of a high compressor outlet pressure and a high turbocharger inlet pressure.

A method comprising:

• providing a turbocharger comprising a wheel housing enclosing a bladed wheel, the wheel housing comprising a first flow passage, wherein the first flow passage fluidly connects a first pressure responsive region to a second flow passage, and wherein the second flow passage is engagable over a range of rotation angles of the wheel housing, wherein the wheel housing comprises one of a compressor housing and a turbocharger housing;
• determining at least one specified orientation for the turbocharger;
• and
• orienting the wheel housing based on the at least one specified orientation.

An apparatus comprising:

• a wheel housing enclosing a bladed wheel;
• a first pressure communication means that communicates a pressure between a first region and a second region over a range of rotation angles of the wheel housing;
• and
• wherein at least one of the first and second regions is outside of the wheel housing, and wherein at least a portion of the first pressure communication means is disposed within the wheel housing.