Arrangement and method for a temperature-controlled exhaust gas recirculation device and motor vehicle

Abstract

The present application relates to arrangements and methods for a tempering exhaust gas recirculation device and a motor vehicle. Methods and systems are provided for a tempering circuit. A system includes, wherein the tempering circuit is fluidly coupled to each of an engine cooling circuit, an EGR cooler, and an EGR valve. The tempering circuit includes a plurality of control valves for selectively regulating tempering medium flow to various portions of the tempering circuit.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to German patent application No. 102018206368.0, filed on April 25, 2018. The entire contents of the above application are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This specification generally relates to the arrangement and method of using a temperature-regulating exhaust gas recirculation device, and to motor vehicles. Background Technology

[0004] Improvements to internal combustion engines have consistently aimed to increase energy efficiency, converting less of the chemical energy contained in the fuel into heat. One drawback of this strategy may include the poor warm-up behavior of internal combustion engines after a cold start.

[0005] Cold internal combustion engines tend to have higher fuel consumption due to increased internal engine friction and suboptimal combustion processes. Additionally, condensation issues can arise when an external low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is used with the internal combustion engine. Undesirable condensation forms as temperatures drop below the dew point, particularly in the low-pressure cooler (low-pressure EGR cooler) used for EGR and in the low-pressure valve (low-pressure EGR valve) that controls the exhaust gas output for recirculation into the engine's intake manifold.

[0006] Here, water contained in the warm or hot and humid recirculated low-pressure exhaust gas condenses upon contact with fresh, cold air, forming what is known as free-flow condensate. Initially, small droplets coalesce into larger droplets. If these larger droplets impact a rapidly rotating impeller, they can cause blade degeneration (e.g., cracking).

[0007] Secondly, so-called wall condensation occurs, where warm or hot recirculated low-pressure exhaust gas encounters a cold wall, thereby cooling the recirculated exhaust gas along with the water it contains. If, for a given proportion of gaseous water, cooling occurs at a temperature below the dew point of that water proportion, condensation may result.

[0008] The condensate produced can enter the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine along with recirculated low-pressure exhaust gas. If the condensate impacts the turbocharger impeller, the droplets can cause corrosion of the compressor blades because their size obstructs the blades when the compressor is rotating. This wear negatively impacts compressor efficiency, fuel consumption, pollutant emissions, and the formation of vibrations (NVH). Furthermore, condensate can cause misfires in gasoline engines.

[0009] Therefore, it may be desirable to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of condensate upstream of the compressor.

[0010] An example method for reducing condensation formation in the LP-EGR passage and / or LP-EGR cooler is illustrated by Herbert et al. in DE 102017202128. In this method, the exhaust heat recovery system includes a first heat exchanger and a refrigerant circuit through which coolant flows. The exhaust heat recovery system can reduce condensation formation in components of the LP-EGR system, such as the LP-EGR cooler. However, the exhaust heat recovery system fails to heat the EGR valve during engine cold starts, and the EGR valve may still receive a considerable amount of condensation formation.

[0011] Another example method is illustrated by Styles et al. in US8,960,166. In this method, coolant in the pre-compressor pipe walls can be used to reduce condensation formation on the pre-compressor pipes. Heated engine coolant can also be used through the EGR valve body. However, this coolant flow requires large-scale manufacturing and is not easily introduced into currently on-road vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The inventors have recognized the aforementioned problems and proposed methods to at least partially solve them. In one example, these problems are solved by a system comprising a temperature-regulating circuit for directing the temperature-regulating medium from a container to the engine cooling circuit, the EGR cooler, and the EGR valve. In this way, the duration of engine cold starts and the likelihood of condensation formation in the EGR cooler and EGR valve can be reduced.

[0013] As an example, the temperature control loop can be equipped with multiple control valves shaped to regulate the flow rate of the temperature control medium to various parts of the loop. By doing so, the flow rate of the temperature control medium to the EGR valve and EGR cooler can be regulated so that one or more other components can be heated while others remain unheated. This can provide faster heating of an EGR assembly, which can further mitigate condensation formation.

[0014] It should be understood that the above overview is provided to introduce some concepts further described in the detailed description in a simplified form. This is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is uniquely defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to embodiments that address any of the shortcomings mentioned above or in any part of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 A first exemplary arrangement of an EGR valve and a cooler arranged in series is shown.

[0016] Figure 2 A first exemplary arrangement in cooling mode is shown.

[0017] Figure 3 A first exemplary arrangement in heating mode is shown.

[0018] Figure 4 A first exemplary arrangement in hot storage mode is shown.

[0019] Figure 5 A first exemplary arrangement in another thermal storage mode is shown.

[0020] Figure 6 Another exemplary arrangement of EGR valves and coolers in parallel is shown.

[0021] Figure 7 A second exemplary arrangement in cooling mode is shown.

[0022] Figure 8 A second exemplary arrangement in heating mode is shown.

[0023] Figure 9 A second exemplary arrangement in hot storage mode is shown.

[0024] Figure 10 A second exemplary arrangement in another thermal storage mode is shown.

[0025] Figure 11 A method for selecting the mode for the temperature control loop based at least on engine temperature is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The following description relates to systems and methods for temperature control circuits used to enhance temperature control of engine cooling circuits, EGR coolers, and EGR valves. Figure 1-10 The diagram shows various configurations for cooling the EGR cooler and accelerating the heating of one or more of the EGR valve, EGR cooler, and engine. Figure 11 A method is shown for selecting one of several modes of arrangement based on at least engine temperature.

[0027] The inventors have recognized the aforementioned problems regarding condensation and have proposed a method that at least partially solves these problems while maintaining improved energy efficiency of the internal combustion engine. One method is to provide additional heat energy during the cold start of the internal combustion engine, thereby heating the low-pressure EGR cooler and / or the low-pressure EGR valve and reducing or even preventing condensation. When the following description refers to, describes, or interprets an exhaust gas recirculation system or related devices (e.g., coolers or EGR valves), unless otherwise stated, this means the low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation system, the low-pressure EGR cooler, the low-pressure EGR valve, etc.

[0028] In one example, the above-mentioned problem can be solved at least in part by an arrangement for a temperature-regulating exhaust gas recirculation device according to the present disclosure, the exhaust gas recirculation device comprising an internal combustion engine having an engine cooling system for temperature regulation of the internal combustion engine, an intake manifold for supplying intake air to the internal combustion engine, an exhaust manifold for discharging exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine, and an exhaust gas recirculation manifold configured to recirculate exhaust gas from an exhaust gas extraction point arranged in the exhaust manifold to an exhaust gas inlet point arranged in the intake manifold.

[0029] The exhaust gas recirculation duct is configured as a low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation duct. Therefore, the exhaust gas extraction point is located in the exhaust duct downstream of the exhaust turbine of the turbocharger associated with the internal combustion engine, and in some cases downstream of the exhaust aftertreatment device, while the exhaust gas inlet point in the intake duct can be located upstream of the compressor of the turbocharger.

[0030] This disclosure is particularly advantageous in the case of low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation systems, because, due to the longer flow path compared to high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation, a particularly long time passes after a cold start of the internal combustion engine before the exhaust gas recirculated by the exhaust gas recirculation device is sufficiently heated, thus potentially leading to more frequent formation of undesirable condensate.

[0031] The arrangement according to this disclosure also includes a container having a heat storage medium. The heat storage medium is a medium capable of storing thermal energy, such as a fluid. Preferably, the heat storage medium has a high heat capacity, allowing as much thermal energy as possible to be stored with a small amount of heat storage medium. Optionally, the heat storage medium may be capable of undergoing chemical reactions and / or physical processes associated with heat absorption and / or heat dissipation. Preferably, such chemical reactions or physical processes may be reversible, allowing for repeated heat absorption or dissipation.

[0032] The thermal storage medium can be arranged in a sealed container, where the container is not limited to a specific form and can include various shapes. The volume of the container can be larger than the volume of the thermal storage medium in order to resist any thermal expansion of the thermal storage medium. This ensures that the thermal storage medium does not escape from the container (e.g., due to leakage).

[0033] Preferably, the container may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity to allow the required heat transfer between the heat storage medium present in the container and the temperature control medium of the temperature control circuit.

[0034] In addition, the arrangement according to this disclosure has a temperature control circuit through which the temperature control medium flows.

[0035] Among other uses, the temperature-regulating medium is also used for indirect heat transfer between the heat storage medium and devices arranged in the temperature-regulating circuit. First, at low temperatures (e.g., before, after, and / or during a cold start of an internal combustion engine), the temperature-regulating medium can absorb heat energy from the heat storage medium (e.g., utilizing the thermal conductivity of the container). Then, the heated temperature-regulating medium can dissipate the heat energy to the exhaust gas recirculation device arranged in the temperature-regulating circuit. Furthermore, the temperature-regulating medium can absorb heat energy from the internal combustion engine and transfer it to the heat storage medium.

[0036] The temperature-regulating medium may, for example, contain water or be composed of water.

[0037] Because a temperature-regulating medium is used, there is no need to transfer the heat storage medium between different chambers. This reduces the risk of undesirable leakage of the heat storage medium. Furthermore, containers with heat storage media can be easily integrated into existing thermal management systems, enabling, for example, aftermarket assembly.

[0038] A temperature-regulating circuit can be formed by a conduit (e.g., pipe or hose) containing a temperature-regulating medium. Because devices (e.g., engine cooling systems, exhaust gas recirculation systems, or containers) are arranged within the temperature-regulating circuit, heat transfer can occur between the respective components and the temperature-regulating medium (e.g., because the conduit is in direct contact with the device or the temperature-regulating medium flows around the device). To enhance heat transfer, the temperature-regulating circuit may include devices for increasing heat transfer (e.g., ribbed or tortuous structures for increasing surface area, thermally conductive materials, etc.). A temperature difference can create flow of the temperature-regulating medium within the temperature-regulating circuit.

[0039] The temperature control circuit has partial loops as described below, and these partial loops can be used according to temperature control requirements. The partial loops partially overlap (i.e., the piping of the temperature control circuit is partially used to form different partial loops). In other words, the described loops are not separate from each other.

[0040] According to this disclosure, the engine cooling system and cooler of an internal combustion engine are arranged in the basic loop of a temperature-regulating circuit. In other words, the temperature-regulating medium in the basic loop flows from the cooler to the engine cooling system and back. For example, if it is necessary to cool exhaust gas for recirculation and thus cool the cooler, the basic loop can be activated individually / only. For this purpose, the temperature-regulating medium in the engine cooling circuit is cooled, and the cooled temperature-regulating medium is supplied to the cooler, where the temperature-regulating medium is able to absorb heat energy from the cooler. In other words, the coolant in the engine cooling system can be a temperature-regulating medium, or the engine cooling system can extend into the basic loop. The term "basic loop" indicates the fact that this is a partial loop of the temperature-regulating circuit that is activated during multiple conditions, said multiple conditions including conditions other than cold start, for conventional cooling (i.e., under normal operating conditions of the internal combustion engine).

[0041] Engine cooling systems can have pumping devices, such as water pumps, which can be used to generate flow in the engine cooling system and therefore also in the basic circuit. With a water pump, a higher pressure can be created in the lines leaving the water pump than in the return lines that deliver the liquid to the water pump.

[0042] The temperature control circuit also includes a heating circuit. A container with a heat storage medium, the engine cooling system, the cooler, and the EGR valve are arranged in the heating circuit. The heating circuit is used to heat the cooler and / or the EGR valve (e.g., during a cold start of an internal combustion engine), where heat energy is transferred from the heat storage medium to the EGR valve and / or the cooler.

[0043] Furthermore, the temperature control circuit includes a storage circuit. The container and engine cooling system are arranged within the storage circuit. To this extent, the engine cooling system is part of both the basic circuit and the heating circuit, as well as the storage circuit. Similarly, the container is part of both the heating circuit and the storage circuit.

[0044] A heat storage circuit is used to transfer heat energy from an internal combustion engine or engine cooling system to a heat storage medium. In other words, using a heat storage circuit, heat energy can be supplied to and stored in the heat storage medium for later use in a heating circuit. This allows for additional cooling of the internal combustion engine.

[0045] The arrangement according to this disclosure also includes a flow control device configured to distribute the temperature-regulating medium flow to the base circuit, heating circuit, and storage circuit. In other words, by correspondingly controlling the flow control device, it is possible to determine whether the temperature-regulating medium flows through the base circuit, heating circuit, and / or storage circuit. The flow control device may, for example, be configured as a three-way valve.

[0046] This disclosure advantageously allows for temperature regulation of the cooler and EGR valve forming the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, particularly after a cold start in an internal combustion engine. This reduces or even prevents condensation formation, allowing little or no condensation to enter the intake manifold from the EGR passage. It reduces or prevents corrosion of the compressor blades impeller caused by condensation, and the resulting adverse effects on compressor efficiency, fuel consumption, pollutant emissions, and vibration development. Furthermore, in the case of a gasoline engine used as an internal combustion engine, misfires due to condensation can be minimized or prevented.

[0047] Furthermore, advantageously, no additional energy supply is required to regulate the temperature of the exhaust gas recirculation unit; that is, temperature regulation has no adverse effect on, for example, fuel consumption. If sufficient thermal energy is available, i.e., after the internal combustion engine reaches its operating temperature, the arrangement according to this disclosure actually allows thermal energy to be stored in a heat storage medium. This stored thermal energy can then be used at a later time to heat the exhaust gas recirculation unit.

[0048] In addition, temperature control circuits and / or containers can also be integrated into further temperature control circuits (e.g., for temperature control exhaust aftertreatment devices).

[0049] The cooler and EGR valve can be arranged in series or in parallel in the heating circuit relative to the flow path of the temperature regulating medium.

[0050] Parallel arrangement allows for independent temperature control of the cooler and EGR valve, as the temperature-regulating medium flow is distributed accordingly. To distribute the temperature-regulating medium flow, flow control devices (such as three-way valves) can be used. Using a three-way servo valve allows for stepless volume distribution of the temperature-regulating medium flow.

[0051] Compared to parallel arrangements, sequential series arrangements allow for simpler technical implementation because there are no corresponding branches and flow control devices for distributing the temperature-regulating medium flow between the cooler and the EGR valve. This reduces packaging constraints and the cost of manufacturing the arrangement.

[0052] According to a further variant, the heat storage medium can be a latent heat heat storage medium. It is also conceivable that a temperature-regulating medium can be used as the heat storage medium. In this case, the container can be configured as an insulated container.

[0053] Phase change materials (PCMs) are used as latent heat storage media, wherein the latent heat of fusion, heat of dissolution, or heat of absorption of the PCM is greater than the heat that it can store due to its normal specific heat capacity. Therefore, in addition to specific heat capacity, the latent heat of a phase change (e.g., from liquid to solid) can be used to store thermal energy.

[0054] Preferably, a latent heat storage medium can be used, wherein a phase change from liquid to solid and vice versa (i.e., solidification or melting) is utilized. The phase change temperature of the solid-liquid phase change can occur in a temperature range between 50°C and 80°C.

[0055] Suitable latent heat storage media can be, for example, hydrates, mixtures of hydrates, or paraffin. In one example, sodium acetate trihydrate can be used as a latent heat storage medium because it contains the phase transition temperature of 58°C for the solid-liquid phase transition, but can exist in the liquid state as a metastable supercooled melt, metastable even at lower temperatures down to -20°C due to the salt's dissolution in water of crystallization. If crystallization is triggered, the latent heat storage medium is reheated to the solid-liquid phase transition temperature and dissipates heat.

[0056] The heat of fusion associated with the solid-liquid phase transition is approximately 270 kJ / kg, which is higher than that of most other latent heat storage media with solid-liquid phase transition temperatures in the low-temperature range of 40°C to 100°C. In other words, the storable energy per kilogram is particularly high for sodium acetate trihydrate, thus requiring very little latent heat storage medium to store a specific amount of thermal energy, allowing for the selection of relatively small containers for storing sodium acetate trihydrate. In this way, for example, installation space can be saved in vehicles provided with arrangements according to this disclosure.

[0057] Further examples of latent heat storage media are sodium sulfate decahydrate (solid-liquid phase transition temperature 32.5°C), dipotassium hydrogen phosphate hexahydrate (solid-liquid phase transition temperature 14°C), and calcium nitrate tetrahydrate (solid-liquid phase transition temperature 43°C).

[0058] According to various embodiments, the latent heat storage medium can exist in a metastable state below its phase transition temperature (e.g., below the solid-liquid phase transition temperature).

[0059] Therefore, a latent heat storage medium can be used, which can exist in a metastable state as a supercooled melt or supercooled solution. With the release of heat, the phase transition from liquid to solid can be triggered by nucleation in the supercooled melt or solution (e.g., by pulses or inoculation). In this way, the timing of the phase transition and thus the initiation of heat output can be advantageously controlled.

[0060] For example, latent heat storage media can be cooled to ambient temperature without crystallization because latent heat storage media are in a metastable state at ambient temperature.

[0061] Preferably, the metastable state exists at a lower temperature limit as low as 0°C, more preferably at a lower temperature limit of -10°C, particularly preferably at a lower temperature limit of -20°C, or even at a lower temperature limit of -30°C. In this way, heat dissipation is possible until the lower temperature limit is reached.

[0062] According to a further embodiment variation, the pumping device may be arranged in the heating circuit.

[0063] The pumping device can preferably be electrically driven. It allows for the formation of a temperature-regulating medium flow in the heating circuit without a primary downward temperature gradient. For example, the pumping device can allow for the preheating of the exhaust gas recirculation system and the internal combustion engine (by heating the engine cooling system) prior to engine startup.

[0064] According to further embodiment variations, the arrangement may include temperature sensors for determining the temperature of the cooler and / or EGR valve and / or internal combustion engine.

[0065] For example, a temperature sensor can be directly disposed within or on such a device. Alternatively, the temperature sensor can be disposed in a temperature-regulating medium, for example, directly upstream or downstream of the device whose temperature is to be determined. The temperature of the device can be derived from the temperature of the temperature-regulating medium. The temperature of an internal combustion engine can be determined, for example, from the temperature of the temperature-regulating medium in the engine cooling system.

[0066] The temperature can be determined according to the arrangement of this disclosure based on temperature control. If, for example, the temperature of the EGR valve is determined to be too low, i.e., there is a risk of undesirable condensation, the EGR valve can be heated.

[0067] The arrangement according to this disclosure can be controlled by a control unit configured to output control signals to a flow control device based on the temperature of the cooler and / or the EGR valve and / or the internal combustion engine. For example, control can be performed according to the method of this disclosure explained below.

[0068] The control unit (e.g., a flow control device) can receive input data from a temperature sensor based on instructions or code programmed therein and according to one or more routines, process the input data, and send control signals to the actuator in response to the processed input data.

[0069] The control unit can be implemented in hardware and / or software and is physically configured as a single unit or multiple units. In particular, the control unit can be part of or integrated into the engine control system. In a typical embodiment, the engine control system of a motor vehicle serves as the control unit.

[0070] The motor vehicle according to this disclosure includes the arrangement described above. Furthermore, the above explanations of the arrangement according to this disclosure are also used to describe the motor vehicle according to this disclosure. The advantages of the motor vehicle according to this disclosure correspond to the advantages of the arrangement according to this disclosure and its corresponding embodiments and variations.

[0071] Motor vehicles are vehicles powered by engines (such as land-based aircraft, airplanes, or water-based aircraft), especially automobiles.

[0072] A method for an exhaust gas recirculation device for temperature control in an arrangement as described above, according to the present disclosure, includes: forming a temperature-regulating medium flow in a basic circuit when it is desired to cool the cooler, and forming a temperature-regulating medium flow in a heating circuit when it is desired to heat the cooler and / or the EGR valve.

[0073] Once the internal combustion engine reaches its desired operating temperature, it may be desirable to cool the exhaust gas used for recirculation and thus the cooler. In this case, a temperature-regulating medium flow is formed in the basic loop. In one example, the temperature-regulating medium flow is formed only in the basic loop, such that the temperature-regulating medium flows from the cooler to the engine cooling system and back again, without flowing to another loop that can receive the temperature-regulating medium.

[0074] However, if it is desired to heat the cooler and / or the EGR valve (e.g., to prevent condensation of water contained in the exhaust gas used for recirculation after a cold start of an internal combustion engine), the temperature-regulating medium flow forms a heating circuit. In other words, the temperature-regulating medium flows through the engine cooling system, the container with the heat storage medium, and the EGR valve and / or cooler, if they are arranged in series in the heating circuit. If the EGR valve and cooler are arranged in parallel in the heating circuit, it is also possible to heat only the EGR valve or only the cooler by adjusting the position of the respective valves.

[0075] Here, heat from the heat storage medium can be transferred to the temperature regulating medium, to the EGR valve and / or cooler, and from there to the EGR valve or cooler. Furthermore, the engine cooling system can be heated, and thus the internal combustion engine can be heated.

[0076] Preferably, a temperature-regulating medium flow is formed such that the temperature-regulating medium from a container having a heat storage medium (e.g., a preheated temperature-regulating medium) first flows through and heats the EGR valve and / or cooler, and thereafter the temperature-regulating medium flows only through the engine cooling system, thus heating the engine cooling system.

[0077] The effects described for the arrangement can be achieved using the method according to the present disclosure, and therefore the advantages of the method according to the present disclosure correspond to the advantages of the arrangement and its variants according to the present disclosure.

[0078] According to various embodiments, the method may include forming a temperature-regulating medium flow in the storage circuit when the lowest temperature of the internal combustion engine is reached.

[0079] Using these variations of the embodiments, excess heat energy from the internal combustion engine can be supplied to and stored in a heat storage medium, as the heat energy is transferred from the internal combustion engine to the temperature regulating medium, then to the container, and finally to the heat storage medium via the engine cooling system. In this way, during a subsequent cold start, the heat energy can be output again from the heat storage medium and used to heat the exhaust gas recirculation device.

[0080] According to various embodiments and variations, when it is desired to heat the cooler and / or the EGR valve, the temperature-regulating medium flow can be distributed to the cooler and the EGR valve. For this purpose, the EGR valve and the cooler can be arranged in parallel with each other in the heating circuit. Therefore, advantageously, demand-driven temperature regulation of the EGR valve and the cooler can be performed.

[0081] According to another embodiment variation, the temperature-regulating medium flow (particularly the temperature-regulating medium flow in the heating circuit) can be formed by a pumping device. This can even allow the exhaust gas recirculation device to be heated before the internal combustion engine is started, thereby preventing or at least reducing condensation from the moment the engine starts.

[0082] Figure 1-10 Example configurations with relative positioning of various components are shown. If shown in direct contact or direct connection with each other, these components may be referred to as being in direct contact or direct connection, respectively, in at least one example. Similarly, in at least one example, components shown as continuous or adjacent to each other may be referred to as being continuous or adjacent to each other, respectively. As an example, components that can be placed in coplanar contact with each other may be referred to as being in coplanar contact. As another example, in at least one example, components positioned separately from each other with only space between them and no other components may be referred to in this way. As another example, components shown as being above / below each other, on opposite sides of each other, or to the left / right of each other may be referred to in this way relative to each other. Furthermore, as shown, in at least one example, the topmost component or the topmost point of the component may be referred to as the “top” of the component, and the bottommost component or the bottommost point of the component may be referred to as the “bottom” of the component. As used herein, top / bottom, upper / lower, above / below may be relative to the vertical axis of the drawing and used to describe the positioning of the components in the drawing relative to each other. Thus, in one example, an component shown above other components is vertically positioned above the other components. As yet another example, the shapes of the elements depicted in the figure can be described as having those shapes (e.g., such as circles, straight lines, planes, curves, circles, chamfers, angles, etc.). Furthermore, in at least one example, elements shown intersecting each other can be described as intersecting elements or intersecting each other. Additionally, in one example, elements shown inside or outside another element can be so referred to. It should be understood that one or more components described as “substantially similar and / or identical” differ from each other according to manufacturing tolerances (e.g., within 1-5% deviation).

[0083] In the diagram, double lines depict the gas flow through all devices, such as intake, exhaust, and recirculation exhaust streams. Fluids, such as temperature-regulating media, are shown with single lines flowing through the devices. Dashed lines represent inactive portions of the temperature-regulating circuit.

[0084] Turn now Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a first exemplary arrangement 1 for a temperature-controlled exhaust gas recirculation device 2. Arrangement 1 has an internal combustion engine 3, which is supplied with intake air through an intake duct 4. Exhaust gas produced by the internal combustion engine 3 during combustion is discharged through an exhaust duct 5 connected to the internal combustion engine 3. Optionally, an exhaust aftertreatment device 19 (which may include one or more of a catalytic converter and a particulate filter) may be arranged in the exhaust duct. A turbocharger is also associated with the internal combustion engine 3 and has a compressor 21 arranged in the intake duct 4 and an exhaust turbine 20 arranged in the exhaust duct 5, which are connected together via a turbocharger shaft 22.

[0085] An internal combustion engine is a machine that converts the chemical energy contained in fuel into mechanical work. An internal combustion engine can be self-ignited or externally ignited. For example, the fuel can be gasoline or diesel. Optionally, an exhaust aftertreatment device, such as a catalytic converter, can be arranged in the exhaust manifold. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the internal combustion engine can be arranged in a hybrid vehicle. In this way, the mechanical work provided by the engine can be combined with converted electrical energy from an electric motor to propel the vehicle. In other words, chemical energy and electrical energy can be converted into mechanical energy to propel vehicles such as hybrid vehicles.

[0086] In this document, the term "intake" refers to a component containing fresh air, such as externally supplied air, and in some cases includes recirculated exhaust gas, which is supplied to an internal combustion engine to perform the combustion process.

[0087] According to the invention, a cooler is arranged in the exhaust gas recirculation passage for cooling the recirculated exhaust gas. This arrangement also includes a valve for controlling the components that form the mixture of intake fresh air and recirculated exhaust gas. This valve is also referred to as an EGR valve (EGR: Exhaust Gas Recirculation). The EGR valve can be arranged downstream of the cooler on the gas side, for example at the point where the recirculated exhaust gas is introduced into the fresh air. Alternatively, the EGR valve can be arranged upstream of the cooler, for example at the exhaust gas extraction point. An EGR valve arranged upstream of the cooler (i.e., on the hot side of the cooler) also benefits from temperature regulation, at least under certain conditions after a cold start of the internal combustion engine. The cooler and the EGR valve are exhaust gas recirculation devices that are temperature-regulated, i.e., cooled or heated as needed, within the context of this disclosure.

[0088] Arrangement 1 also includes a low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation passage 6, which is configured to guide exhaust gas from an exhaust gas extraction point 7 arranged in the exhaust gas passage 5 to an exhaust gas inlet point 8 arranged in the intake gas passage 4. The exhaust gas extraction point 7 is arranged downstream of the exhaust gas turbine 20 and downstream of any exhaust gas aftertreatment device 19 that may be present, while the exhaust gas inlet point 8 is arranged upstream of the compressor 21.

[0089] In this document, upstream and downstream can refer to the relative positioning of components with respect to a fixed location or airflow direction. For example, a first component upstream of a second component in an exhaust duct may include a location where the first component receives exhaust gas before the second component.

[0090] The low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation duct 6 includes a cooler 9 for cooling the exhaust gas to be recirculated. Furthermore, an EGR valve 10 is arranged at the exhaust gas inlet 8, through which the proportion of exhaust gas to be recirculated can be set, thereby ensuring that the intake air includes the desired components of both fresh air and recirculated exhaust gas. In this manner, the EGR valve 10 is arranged downstream of the cooler 9. Thus, the cooler 9 receives exhaust gas before the EGR valve 10. It should be understood that a bypass passage can bypass the cooler 9, allowing exhaust gas to flow directly to the EGR valve 10 without passing through the cooler 9.

[0091] In addition, arrangement 1 includes a container 11 having a thermal storage medium 12, wherein the thermal storage medium 12 is a latent heat storage medium.

[0092] Furthermore, arrangement 1 includes a temperature control circuit 13 through which the temperature control medium flows. The temperature control circuit 13 includes a base circuit 14, a heating circuit 15, and a storage circuit 16. To distribute the temperature control medium flow to the base circuit 14, heating circuit 15, and storage circuit 16, flow control devices 17a and 17b, configured as three-way valves, are provided. By adjusting the three-way valves accordingly, it is possible to determine whether the temperature control medium flows through the base circuit 14, the heating circuit 15, or the storage circuit 16. It is also possible to determine whether the temperature control medium flows through the base return circuit 14 and the storage circuit 16. The distribution of the temperature control medium flow to the base circuit 14, the heating circuit 15, and the storage circuit 16 is defined by the flow control devices 17a and 17b.

[0093] The control system 114 is shown receiving information from multiple sensors 116 (various examples of which are described herein) and sending control signals to multiple actuators 81 (various examples of which are described herein). As an example, the sensors 116 may include temperature sensors arranged at various locations such as the exhaust manifold 5, the EGR manifold 6, the engine cooling jacket, etc. Other sensors, such as additional pressure sensors, temperature sensors, air / fuel ratio sensors, and component sensors, may be coupled to various locations in arrangement 1. As another example, the actuators may be flow control devices 17a, 17b. Here, flow control devices 17a, 17b may be referred to as first control valve 17a and second control valve 17b.

[0094] Controller 112 can be configured as a conventional microcomputer, including a microprocessor unit, input / output ports, read-only memory, random access memory, keep-alive memory, controller area network (CAN) bus, etc. Controller 112 can be configured as a powertrain control module (PCM). The controller can switch between sleep and wake-up modes to achieve additional energy efficiency. The controller can receive input data from various sensors, process the input data, and trigger actuators in response to the processed input data based on instructions or code programmed therein corresponding to one or more routines.

[0095] The engine cooling system 23 and cooler 9 are arranged in the basic circuit 14. The container 11 with its heat storage medium 12, cooler 9, EGR valve 10, and engine cooling system 23 are arranged in the heating circuit 15. The container 11 and engine cooling system 23 are arranged in the storage circuit 16. Clearly, the local circuits at least partially overlap, such as... Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 Each clearly demonstrates that one of the local loops is valid. In other words, Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The temperature control circuit 13 is shown in different operating modes, which are distinguished by the different positions of the first and second control valves 17a and 17b, so that the temperature control medium flowing to the basic circuit 14, the heating circuit 15 and the storage circuit 16 is adjusted.

[0096] exist Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the EGR valve 10 and the cooler 9 are arranged in series in the heating circuit 15. Therefore, if the temperature regulating medium flows through the EGR valve 10, the temperature regulating medium also flows through the cooler 9.

[0097] In addition, an electric pump, serving as a pumping device 18, is provided in the heating circuit 15. Even before the internal combustion engine 3 is started, the pumping device 18 allows a temperature-regulating medium flow to be formed in the heating circuit 15, thus pre-regulating the temperature cooler 9 and the EGR valve 10.

[0098] The engine cooling system 23 has a water pump 24, through which flow is generated in the engine cooling system 23 and therefore also in the basic circuit 14, the heating circuit 15, and / or the storage circuit 16. The line exiting the engine cooling system 23 is connected to the outlet of the water pump 24, such that there is always a higher pressure there than in the return line leading to the engine cooling system 23.

[0099] The engine cooling system 23 also includes a temperature sensor 125, which can provide feedback to the controller 112. Feedback from the temperature sensor 125 can be used to estimate the temperature of other components of the arrangement 1, including the cooler 9, the EGR valve 10, and the heat storage medium. The first control valve 17a and the second control valve 17b can adjust their positions in response to signals received from the controller 112 based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 125.

[0100] Optionally, arrangement 1 may include a temperature sensor for determining the temperature of cooler 9 and / or EGR valve 10 and / or internal combustion engine 3, and a control unit configured to output control signals to flow control devices 17a, 17b based on the temperature of cooler 9 and / or EGR valve 10 and / or internal combustion engine 3.

[0101] Turn now Figure 2 It shows that it is in cooling mode. Figure 1 Arrangement 1, wherein the cooling mode occurs during operation of the internal combustion engine 3 when the desired engine operating temperature is reached and EGR cooling is desired. Thus, the previously described components can be similarly numbered in this figure and subsequent figures. For this purpose, only the basic circuit 14 is activated. In other words, a temperature-regulating medium flow is formed in the basic circuit, and heat is exchanged only between the engine cooling system 23 and the cooler 9. The temperature-regulating medium flows from the engine cooling system 23 through the flow control device 17b to the cooler 9, and from there returns to the engine cooling system 23.

[0102] In other words, the cooling mode can include the temperature regulating medium flowing only from the engine cooling system 23 to the cooler 9 and vice versa. Thus, the second control valve 17b can be adjusted to allow the temperature regulating medium to flow from the engine cooling system 23 to the cooler 9 while preventing it from flowing from the engine cooling system 23 to the heating circuit 13. Furthermore, the first control valve 17a is adjusted to prevent the temperature regulating medium from flowing from the container 11 to the EGR valve 10. In the cooling mode, the EGR can flow to the intake manifold 4, where it can mix with the exhaust gas.

[0103] Turn now Figure 3 It shows the heating mode used for heating EGR valve 10 and cooler 9. Figure 1 Arrangement 1. For example, this heating mode can be selected immediately before or after a cold start of the internal combustion engine 3 to heat the exhaust gas recirculation device 2 and reduce or prevent the formation of condensate. In the heating mode, it is desirable to heat the cooler 9 and the EGR valve 10, forming a temperature-regulating medium flow in the heating circuit 15. The temperature-regulating medium flows from the container 11 to the EGR valve via the first flow control device 17a, from there to the cooler 9 via the pumping device 18 and the second flow control device 17b, and from the cooler 9 back to the container 11 via the engine cooling system 23.

[0104] Here, heat energy is transferred from the heat storage medium 12 to the temperature regulating medium, causing the temperature regulating medium to heat up. The preheated temperature regulating medium flows through the EGR valve 10, the cooler 9, and the engine cooling system 23 before returning to the container 11, where the temperature regulating medium can absorb heat energy again from the heat storage medium 12.

[0105] As described above, the heat storage medium 12 can be a phase change material (PCM) configured to receive or radiate heat. In the example of the heating mode, the PCM can be cured, allowing heat to radiate from the PCM to the temperature-regulating medium. As described above, the temperature-regulating medium can be water, a coolant, or the like. When the temperature-regulating medium flows to the container 11 via a thermally conductive material, the PCM and the temperature-regulating medium can be separated from each other. That is, the PCM and the temperature-regulating medium can be thermally connected to each other without direct contact. In this way, the PCM (heat storage medium 12) will not escape from the container 11, while the temperature-regulating medium can flow in and out of the container 11.

[0106] When the internal combustion engine 3 reaches its minimum temperature (e.g., its operating temperature), a temperature-regulating medium flow can be formed in the storage circuit 16, such as... Figure 4 As shown. The temperature-regulating medium flows from the engine cooling system 23 to the container 11 and then back to the engine cooling system via the first flow control device 17a. Here, heat energy is transferred from the heated engine cooling system 23 to the temperature-regulating medium. The heated temperature-regulating medium flows to the container 11 and can further transfer heat energy to the heat storage medium 12. In other words, the heat storage medium 12 can be replenished so that the heat energy can be used again to heat the exhaust gas recirculation device 2 for subsequent cold starts.

[0107] exist Figure 3During the heating mode, the first control valve 17a is positioned to allow the temperature-regulating medium to flow from container 11 to EGR valve 10 via heating circuit 15. The temperature-regulating medium flows through pump 18, where it is further directed to cooler 9. From cooler 9, the temperature-regulating medium can be redirected back to container 11, where it can be heated by heat storage medium 12. Thus, during the heating mode, the temperature-regulating medium in engine cooling system 23 is directed only to container 11. Furthermore, during the heating mode, the temperature-regulating medium first flows to EGR valve 10, where EGR valve 10 is heated, and then flows to cooler 9 after passing through pump 18 and the second control valve 17b, where cooler 9 is heated.

[0108] exist Figure 4 During the storage mode shown, the second control valve 17b is fully closed, thereby preventing the thermoregulating medium from flowing from the heating circuit 15 to the cooler 9 and from the engine cooling system 23 to the cooler 9. The first control valve 17a is positioned to prevent the thermoregulating medium from flowing from the container 11 to the EGR valve 10. Thus, the thermoregulating medium flows from the container 11 through the first control valve 17a to the engine cooling system 23, where it is heated and returns to the container 11. In this way, the thermoregulating medium can replenish (e.g., heat) the thermal storage medium 12. If the thermal storage medium is a PCM, it can be liquefied (e.g., melted), thereby configuring the thermal storage medium 12 to heat the thermoregulating medium during future cold starts.

[0109] like Figure 5 As shown, a temperature-regulating medium flow can also be formed in the basic circuit 14 together with the storage circuit 16, because after the minimum temperature is reached, not only can the thermal storage medium 12 be replenished, but it can also be cooled by EGR through the cooler 9.

[0110] so, Figure 5 A combined mode including a storage mode and a cooling mode is shown. The valve position of the first control valve 17a in the combined mode can be similar to that in the storage mode. However, the position of the second control valve in the combined mode differs from that in the storage mode. In the combined mode, the second control valve 17b is positioned to allow the temperature-regulating medium to flow between the engine cooling circuit 23 and the cooler 9, similar to... Figure 2 The cooling mode is shown in the diagram. In this way, the combined mode prevents the temperature regulating medium from flowing to the heating circuit 15, and the temperature regulating medium will not flow to the EGR valve 10.

[0111] However, it is also possible to operate memory loop 16 alone (see Figure 4For example, if exhaust gas recirculation is not performed and therefore cooling of cooler 9 is not desired, valve 17b can, for example, interrupt the coolant flow in the basic circuit. Furthermore, the heat storage medium can be replenished, for example after the internal combustion engine 3 is shut off and exhaust gas is no longer generated, while the temperature regulating medium remains sufficiently warm. For this purpose, an additional pump (not shown) can be integrated into the storage circuit.

[0112] Turn now Figure 6 This illustrates a second exemplary arrangement 600 for the arrangement 1 of the temperature-controlled exhaust gas recirculation device 2. (Compared to...) Figure 1 Unlike arrangement 1, in the second exemplary arrangement 600, the EGR valve 10 and the cooler 9 are arranged in parallel with each other in the heating circuit 15. For other aspects, refer to the statements relating to arrangement 1 above.

[0113] The parallel arrangement of EGR valve 10 and cooler 9 allows selective flow through only EGR valve 10, only cooler 9, or both EGR valve 10 and cooler 9. Thus, if it is desired to heat cooler 9 and / or EGR valve 10, the temperature-regulating medium flow can be distributed to cooler 9 and EGR valve 10 via flow control devices 17b and 17c. In other words, cooler 9 and EGR valve 10 can be heated independently of each other. Flow control device 17c can be referred to herein as third control valve 17c.

[0114] Turn now Figure 7 The diagram illustrates a second exemplary arrangement 600 in cooling mode. Here, only the basic circuit 14 is active. The temperature-regulating medium flows from the engine cooling system 23 to the cooler 9 via the second control valve 17b, and from there returns to the engine cooling system 23 via the third control valve 17c. Therefore, except that the third control valve is actuated to allow the temperature-regulating medium to flow from the cooler 9 to the engine cooling system 23, the cooling mode of the second arrangement 600 is essentially similar to... Figure 2 The cooling mode is shown in the diagram. Thus, Figure 7 The embodiment can prevent the temperature regulating medium from flowing to the EGR valve 10 and the container 11.

[0115] Turn now Figure 8 This illustrates a second exemplary arrangement 600 in heating mode. In heating mode, the EGR valve 10 and / or cooler 9 can be heated by the flow of a temperature-regulating medium in the heating circuit 15. The temperature-regulating medium flows from container 11 via a first control valve 17a to pumping device 18, and then (depending on the settings of flow control devices 17b and 17c) to EGR valve 10 and / or flow control device 17b and cooler 9, and then returns to container 11 via flow control device 17c and engine cooling system 23.

[0116] Here, heat energy is transferred from the heat storage medium 12 to the temperature regulating medium, causing the temperature regulating medium to heat up. Then, according to the distribution of the temperature regulating medium flow, the heated temperature regulating medium flows through the EGR valve 10 and / or the cooler 9 before returning to the container 11 and being able to absorb heat energy from the heat storage medium 12 again, and then flows through the internal combustion engine 3.

[0117] exist Figure 8 In some examples of the heating modes shown, the flow of the temperature-regulating medium to either the EGR valve 10 or the cooler 9 can be prevented. For example, a first control valve 17a can be positioned to allow the temperature-regulating medium to flow to the EGR valve 10. A second control valve 17b can be positioned to prevent the temperature-regulating medium from flowing from the pump 18 to the cooler 9. The temperature-regulating medium in the heating circuit 15 downstream of the EGR valve 10 can be prevented from flowing to the cooler 9, while being allowed to flow to the engine cooling circuit 23 via a third control valve 17c. Additionally or alternatively, in another example of the heating mode, the flow of the temperature-regulating medium to the EGR valve can be prevented by the position of the first control valve 17a, while the temperature-regulating medium can flow through the first control valve 17a to the engine cooling circuit and to the cooler 9 via the second control valve 17b.

[0118] In one example of the heating mode, if engine heating is prioritized, the flow of the temperature regulating medium to the EGR valve 10 is blocked. In another example, if engine heating is less desirable, the temperature regulating medium can be directed to flow through the EGR valve 10 and the cooler 9 before flowing into the engine cooling circuit 23. If EGR is not desired and the engine is undergoing a cold start, engine heating may be more desirable. If EGR is desired and / or if condensation may form and / or if the engine temperature is equal to the desired operating temperature, engine heating may be less desirable.

[0119] When the internal combustion engine 3 reaches its minimum temperature, the heat storage medium 12 can then be replenished, as per reference. Figure 4 As stated and as Figure 9 The second exemplary arrangement 600 is shown.

[0120] Turn now Figure 9 This illustrates a second exemplary arrangement 600 in a thermal storage mode. When the internal combustion engine 3 reaches its minimum temperature, a temperature-regulating medium flow is formed in the storage circuit 16. In other words, the temperature-regulating medium flows through the engine cooling system 23 and the container 11.

[0121] In storage mode, each of the second control valve 17b and the third control valve 17c is completely closed, thereby preventing the temperature regulating medium from flowing to the cooler 9. The first control valve 17a is positioned to allow the temperature regulating medium to flow from the container 11 to the engine cooling circuit 23 without flowing to the pump 18 or the EGR valve 10.

[0122] Turn now Figure 10 It shows including Figure 9 storage mode and Figure 7 The combination mode of the cooling mode. Corresponding to Figure 5 In the second exemplary arrangement 600, the basic circuit 14 and the storage circuit 16 can be configured to... Figure 10 A temperature-regulating medium flow is formed in the medium, so that the heat storage medium 12 is first replenished and then the cooler 9 is cooled.

[0123] Turn now Figure 11 This illustrates a method 1100 for selecting a mode for guiding the flow of the temperature-regulating medium. Instructions for executing method 1100 can be generated by a controller based on instructions stored in the controller's memory and in conjunction with those from sensors in the engine system (such as those referenced above). Figure 1 The controller uses signals received by the sensor described below to perform actions. According to the method described below, the controller can employ the engine actuator of the engine system to regulate engine operation.

[0124] Method 1100 begins at 1102, which includes determining current operating parameters. Current operating parameters may include, but are not limited to, one or more of throttle position, manifold vacuum, engine temperature, engine speed, vehicle speed, EGR flow rate, and air / fuel ratio.

[0125] Method 1100 proceeds to 1104, which includes determining whether a cold start is occurring. This can be done via a temperature sensor (such as...) Figure 1-10 Feedback from the temperature sensor 125 determines a cold start. A cold start may occur if the engine temperature is below the ambient temperature and / or the desired engine temperature (e.g., 90°C). If a cold start is occurring, method 1100 proceeds to 1106, which includes entering a heating mode. During the heating mode, a temperature regulating medium may be directed from a container including a heat storage medium to one or more of the EGR valve, EGR cooler, and engine. The heat storage medium may be in thermal communication with the temperature regulating medium during a cold start and heat the temperature regulating medium to accelerate the heating of the engine and / or the EGR valve and / or the EGR cooler.

[0126] Method 1100 proceeds to 1108, which includes determining whether EGR is desired. If EGR is desired, the heating mode may include heating the EGR valve and EGR cooler before the engine. In this way, the first control valve can be positioned to allow the temperature regulating medium to flow to the EGR valve, wherein the temperature regulating medium then flows to the EGR cooler and to the engine, and then returns to the container and is reheated by the heat storage medium.

[0127] If EGR is not desired, method 1100 can proceed to 1112 after 1108, where method 1100 includes prioritizing engine heating at 1112. Prioritizing engine heating can be achieved by adjusting a first control valve to prevent the temperature regulating medium from flowing to the EGR valve. Further adjustments to the second and third control valves allow the temperature regulating medium to flow between the engine cooling system and the EGR cooler before returning to the container and being reheated by the heat storage medium.

[0128] In some examples, additionally or alternatively, if the engine is close to its desired operating temperature and the risk of condensation formation in the EGR valve and EGR cooler is relatively high, engine heating may not be prioritized. In this case, heating of the EGR valve and EGR cooler can be prioritized.

[0129] Returning to 1104, if no cold start occurred, method 1100 proceeds to 1114 to determine whether EGR cooler cooling is expected. In one example, if LP-EGR flows into the intake manifold, EGR cooler cooling is expected. As another example, if the engine temperature is above the expected operating temperature, EGR cooler cooling can be expected, where the expected operating temperature is a range and the engine temperature is equal to or greater than the upper end of that range.

[0130] If EGR cooling is not desired, which might occur when EGR is not desired or the engine temperature is at the lower end of the range, then method 1100 proceeds to 1116, which includes entering a storage mode. In this mode, the second and third control valves are adjusted to the fully closed position, and the first control valve is adjusted to allow the temperature-regulating medium to flow between the container and the engine cooling circuit without flowing to the EGR valve and EGR cooler. In this manner, the temperature-regulating medium can heat the heat storage medium in the container, thereby recharging the heat storage medium.

[0131] If EGR cooler cooling is desired, method 1100 proceeds to 1118, which includes whether further cooling is desired. If further cooling is not desired, method 1100 proceeds to 1120, which includes entering a combined mode. The combined mode includes a combination of a cooling mode and a storage mode. In this way, the first, second, and third control valves can be positioned to allow the temperature-regulating medium to flow from the container to the engine cooling circuit and from the engine cooling circuit to the EGR cooler, without allowing the temperature-regulating medium to flow to the EGR valve.

[0132] If greater cooling (e.g., maximum cooling capacity) is desired, method 1100 proceeds to 1122 to enter cooling mode. In this mode, the second and third control valves are positioned to allow the temperature-regulating medium to flow between the engine cooling circuit and the EGR cooler, and the first control valve is positioned to prevent the temperature-regulating medium from flowing from the container to the EGR valve and / or the engine cooling circuit. This prevents the temperature-regulating medium in the container from leaving, thereby preventing other portions of the temperature-regulating medium from entering the container.

[0133] In this way, the circuit can be configured to selectively heat and / or cool the EGR valve, EGR cooler, and engine. The circuit may include multiple valves to regulate the flow of temperature-regulating media from a container with a heat storage medium or from the engine to various parts of the circuit. The technical effect of heating the EGR valve and EGR cooler during cold starts is to mitigate and / or prevent condensation formation therein, which can enhance engine operating parameters and alleviate compressor blade degradation.

[0134] In one embodiment, an arrangement for a temperature-regulating exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) device includes: an internal combustion engine having an engine cooling system for a temperature-regulating internal combustion engine; an intake manifold for supplying intake air to the internal combustion engine; an exhaust manifold for discharging exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine; a low-pressure EGR manifold configured to recirculate exhaust gas from an exhaust gas extraction point arranged in the exhaust manifold to an exhaust gas inlet point arranged in the intake manifold; a cooler arranged in the low-pressure EGR manifold as an EGR device; a valve (hereinafter referred to as an EGR valve) for controlling the components forming a mixture of fresh air from the intake and recirculated exhaust gas as an EGR device; a container having a heat storage medium; a temperature-regulating circuit through which the temperature-regulating medium flows, the temperature-regulating circuit including a basic circuit through which a cooler and an engine cooling system are arranged, a heating circuit through which the temperature-regulating medium flows and in which a cooler, an EGR valve, an engine cooling system, and a container are arranged, and a storage circuit through which the temperature-regulating medium flows and in which a container and an engine cooling system are arranged; and a flow control device configured to distribute the temperature-regulating medium flow to the basic circuit, the heating circuit, and the storage circuit.

[0135] A first example of this arrangement also includes a cooling unit and an EGR valve arranged in series or in parallel with each other in a heating circuit.

[0136] A second example of this arrangement also includes a thermal storage medium that is a latent heat storage medium.

[0137] Optionally, a third example of the arrangement described in any of the examples above is included, further comprising the latent heat storage medium existing in a metastable state below its phase transition temperature.

[0138] Optionally, a fourth example of the arrangement described in any of the examples above is included, further comprising a pumping device (18) arranged in the heating circuit (15).

[0139] Optionally including a fifth example of the arrangement described in any of the examples above, it also includes a temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the cooler and / or EGR valve and / or internal combustion engine.

[0140] A sixth example, optionally including any of the above examples of the arrangement, further includes: the control unit being configured to output a control signal to the flow control device based on the temperature of the cooler and / or the temperature of the EGR valve and / or the temperature of the internal combustion engine.

[0141] An embodiment of a method for temperature control of an exhaust gas recirculation device arranged in any of the above examples includes: forming a temperature-regulating medium flow in a basic circuit when it is desired to cool the cooler, and forming a temperature-regulating medium flow in a heating circuit when it is desired to heat the cooler and / or the EGR valve.

[0142] A first example of the method also includes forming a temperature-regulating medium flow in the storage circuit when the lowest temperature of the internal combustion engine is reached.

[0143] A second example of the method, which may optionally include the first example, further includes distributing a temperature-regulating medium flow to the cooler and / or the EGR valve when it is desired to heat the cooler and / or the EGR valve.

[0144] A third example of the method, which may optionally include any of the examples above, further includes forming a temperature-regulating medium flow via a pumping device.

[0145] An alternative embodiment is in which the arrangement is included in a hybrid vehicle.

[0146] Although this disclosure has been described and illustrated in detail with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments, this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed examples, and those skilled in the art can derive other variations without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0147] Note that the example control and estimation programs included herein are compatible with various engine and / or vehicle system configurations. The control methods and programs disclosed herein can be stored as executable instructions in non-transitory memory and can be executed by a control system including a controller in conjunction with various sensor actuators and other engine hardware. The specific routines described herein can represent one or more of any number of processing strategies, such as event-driven, interrupt-driven, multitasking, multithreading, etc. Thus, the various actions, operations, and / or functions shown can be executed in the order shown, in parallel, or omitted in some cases. Similarly, the processing order is not necessarily necessary to achieve the features and advantages of the exemplary embodiments described herein, but is provided for ease of illustration and description. One or more of the shown actions, operations, and / or functions can be repeatedly executed according to the specific strategy used. Furthermore, the described actions, operations, and / or functions can be graphically represented as code to be programmed into a non-transitory memory of a computer-readable storage medium in an engine control system, wherein the described actions are performed by executing instructions in a system comprising various engine hardware components combined with electronic controllers.

[0148] It should be understood that the configurations and procedures disclosed herein are exemplary in nature, and these specific embodiments should not be considered limiting, as many variations are possible. For example, the above-described techniques can be applied to V-6, I-4, I-6, V-12, opposed 4-cylinder, and other engine types. The subject matter of this disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various systems and configurations disclosed herein, as well as other features, functions, and / or characteristics.

[0149] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the term “about” is interpreted as ±5% of the range.

[0150] The appended claims specifically point to certain combinations and sub-combinations that are considered novel and non-obvious. These claims may refer to an “a” element or a “first” element or its equivalent. These claims should be understood to include combinations of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and / or characteristics may be claimed by amending these claims or by presenting new claims in this or related applications. These claims, whether broader, narrower, identical, or different in scope than the original claims, are also considered to be included within the subject matter of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A system for temperature control, comprising: A temperature control circuit for directing a temperature-regulating medium from a container to an engine cooling circuit, an EGR cooler, and an EGR valve, wherein the temperature control circuit includes a basic circuit, a heating circuit, and a storage circuit, the temperature control circuit being configured to selectively operate in at least one of a cooling mode, a heating mode, and a storage mode, wherein in the cooling mode only the basic circuit is activated, in the heating mode the temperature-regulating medium flows along the heating circuit to heat the EGR cooler and the EGR valve, and in the storage mode the temperature-regulating medium stores engine waste heat in a heat storage medium within the container along the storage circuit.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the basic circuit is fluidly connected to the engine cooling circuit and the EGR cooler, wherein the heating circuit is fluidly connected to the EGR valve and the EGR cooler, and wherein the storage circuit is fluidly connected to the engine cooling circuit and the container.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the temperature control circuit includes a first control valve, a second control valve, and a third control valve for diverting the temperature control medium to each of the container, the engine cooling circuit, the EGR cooler, and the EGR valve.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the temperature regulating medium is heated by the heat storage medium during a cold start of the engine, and wherein the temperature regulating medium heats the heat storage medium outside of the cold start.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the EGR valve and the EGR cooler are arranged in series along the temperature control loop.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the EGR valve and the EGR cooler are arranged in parallel along the temperature control loop.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein during a first state of the heating mode, the temperature regulating medium flows to each of the EGR valve and the EGR cooler; during a second state of the heating mode, the temperature regulating medium flows only to the EGR valve and not to the EGR cooler; and during a third state of the heating mode, the temperature regulating medium flows only to the EGR cooler and not to the EGR valve.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the heating mode is selected during a cold start of the engine.

9. A vehicle system comprising: An engine, including an engine cooling circuit; An exhaust passage, which is shaped to receive exhaust gas from the engine, wherein an exhaust gas recirculation passage—i.e., an EGR passage—branchs from the exhaust passage and directs the exhaust gas to an intake passage, which is shaped to allow gas to flow into the engine, wherein the EGR passage includes a cooler and an EGR valve; A container that contains a heat storage medium; A temperature control circuit, fluidly connected to each of the container, the engine cooling circuit, the cooler, and the EGR valve, wherein the temperature control circuit is divided into a base circuit, a heating circuit, and a storage circuit; and A controller having computer-readable instructions stored in its non-transitory memory, which, when executed, enable the controller to: During heating mode, the temperature regulating medium is allowed to flow along the heating circuit to each of the container, the engine cooling circuit, the cooler, and the EGR valve; During the cooling mode, the temperature regulating medium flows only along the basic circuit to the engine cooling circuit and the cooler; During storage mode, the temperature-regulating medium flows along the storage circuit only to the container and the engine cooling circuit; and During the combined mode, the temperature regulating medium flows only to the container, the engine cooling circuit, and the cooler.

10. The vehicle system of claim 9, wherein the heating mode includes flowing the temperature regulating medium through each of the basic circuit, the heating circuit, and the storage circuit.

11. The vehicle system according to claim 9, wherein, The combined mode includes allowing the temperature-regulating medium to flow through the storage circuit and the basic circuit.

12. The vehicle system of claim 9, wherein the basic circuit is fluidly connected to the engine cooling circuit and the cooler, wherein the heating circuit is fluidly connected to the EGR valve and the cooler, and wherein the storage circuit is fluidly connected to the engine cooling circuit and the container.

13. The vehicle system according to claim 9, further comprising: A first control valve for regulating the flow rate of the temperature-regulating medium from the container to the EGR valve and the engine cooling circuit, a second control valve for regulating the flow rate of the temperature-regulating medium from the engine cooling circuit to the cooler, and a third control valve for regulating the flow rate of the temperature-regulating medium from the container to the cooler.

14. A method for temperature control, comprising: It provides a temperature control circuit, which includes a basic circuit, a heating circuit, and a storage circuit; During engine cold start, the temperature regulating medium flows from the container along the heating circuit to the EGR valve and EGR cooler during heating mode and returns to the container via the engine cooling circuit; In addition to the engine cold start, the temperature regulating medium is allowed to flow along the storage circuit from the engine cooling circuit to the container containing the heat storage medium during the storage mode; and When EGR is desired, except during engine cold starts, the temperature regulating medium flows only along the basic circuit between the engine cooling circuit and the EGR cooler during cooling mode.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, In cases where EGR is desired or the engine temperature is above one or more of the lower limit temperatures within a certain range, the temperature regulating medium is directed to the EGR valve during the heating mode, wherein if EGR is not desired and the engine temperature is below the lower limit temperatures within the range, the temperature regulating medium does not flow to the EGR valve during the heating mode.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein, The heating mode also includes allowing the temperature regulating medium to flow only to the EGR valve and not to the EGR cooler, to flow only to the EGR cooler and not to the EGR valve, and to flow to both the EGR valve and the EGR cooler.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising a combination mode, which includes each of the cooling mode and the storage mode.

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