A method and system for controlling engine oil capacity and temperature

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of engine control technology and provides a method and system for controlling engine oil capacity and temperature. When automatically replenishing and extracting engine oil, this invention adjusts the temperature of the oil to be replenished based on the temperature of the oil in the engine oil pan. By taking the temperature of the newly replenished oil into account, the temperature of the newly added oil in the engine oil pan is the same as or has a small temperature difference with the original oil in the oil pan. This avoids the problem of sudden temperature changes in the engine oil pan caused by the newly added oil, ensuring normal engine operation. Simultaneously, the flow rate of replenishing or extracting oil is adjusted according to the oil level in the engine oil pan, avoiding the problem of slow or untimely oil replenishment, and also avoiding the problem of untimely oil extraction when the oil level in the engine oil pan is high, reducing the impact on normal engine operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of engine control technology, and in particular relates to a method and system for controlling engine oil capacity and temperature. Background Technology

[0002] Engine operation inevitably involves oil consumption. Excessive oil consumption can lead to insufficient oil in the engine, which can damage the engine if running it with insufficient oil. Conversely, excessive oil, or diesel fuel and antifreeze entering the oil pan due to malfunctions, can cause the oil level to rise, resulting in increased crankcase pressure, insufficient power, and even serious engine failures such as cylinder scoring and bearing damage. Therefore, it is necessary to check the engine oil level, control the oil level according to the actual engine operating conditions, and monitor the oil quality.

[0003] The inventors discovered that current automatic oil replenishment control methods based on level detection do not consider the temperature of the newly added oil during the automatic replenishment process from the reservoir to the engine oil pan. This results in a significant temperature difference between the newly added oil and the existing oil in the oil pan, causing a sudden temperature change. Such sudden temperature changes, leading to excessively high or low oil temperatures, can affect normal engine operation. Furthermore, the constant flow rate used in automatic oil replenishment can result in slow and untimely oil replenishment, and delayed oil extraction when the oil level is high. These delays in oil level control severely impact normal engine operation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes a method and system for controlling engine oil capacity and temperature. This system controls the temperature and flow rate of the oil to be replenished, resolving issues such as sudden temperature changes in the engine oil pan and delays in oil replenishment and extraction, thus ensuring the engine's operational stability.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for controlling engine oil capacity and temperature, comprising:

[0007] To obtain the temperature and level of the engine oil in the oil pan;

[0008] The system automatically replenishes or extracts engine oil based on a comparison between the engine oil level in the oil pan and a preset calibration value. Before automatically replenishing the oil, the temperature of the oil to be replenished is adjusted according to the temperature of the oil in the engine oil pan. During automatic replenishment or extraction, the flow rate of the replenished or extracted oil is adjusted according to the engine oil level in the oil pan.

[0009] Furthermore, the oil to be replenished is tested, and an early warning is issued when it is determined that the quality of the oil to be replenished has deteriorated or that the oil is contaminated, thereby reducing the engine speed and torque.

[0010] Furthermore, the preset calibration value is a preset range value; when the oil level in the engine oil pan is less than the minimum value of the preset range, the oil is automatically replenished; when the oil level in the engine oil pan is greater than the maximum value of the preset range, the oil is automatically extracted; when the oil level in the engine oil pan is within the preset range, neither automatic replenishment nor automatic extraction of oil is performed.

[0011] Furthermore, the temperature change pattern of the engine oil in the oil pan within a preset time period before the current moment is determined. When the oil level in the engine oil pan is in a downward trend and the rate of temperature change within the preset time period is greater than the preset value, the temperature of the oil to be replenished is adjusted in advance.

[0012] Furthermore, the oil level at multiple locations within the engine oil pan is obtained, and the average of the oil levels at these multiple locations is taken as the oil level within the engine oil pan.

[0013] Furthermore, the sidewall temperature of the engine oil pan is detected to determine the boundary line where the temperature difference is greatest; it is then determined whether the boundary line coincides with the final oil level in the engine oil pan. If so, the oil level in the engine oil pan is determined as the final oil level; otherwise, the oil level and temperature are detected again for re-determination.

[0014] Furthermore, before automatic oil replenishment, the temperature of the oil to be replenished is adjusted to be equal to the temperature of the oil in the engine oil pan; during automatic oil replenishment, if the oil level in the engine oil pan is lower than a first preset value, the oil replenishment flow rate is increased; during automatic oil extraction, if the oil level in the engine oil pan is higher than a second preset value, the oil extraction flow rate is increased; the first preset value is less than the second preset value.

[0015] Secondly, the present invention also provides a control system for engine oil capacity and temperature, comprising:

[0016] The data acquisition module is configured to acquire the temperature and level of the engine oil in the oil pan.

[0017] The control module is configured to automatically replenish or extract engine oil based on a comparison between the engine oil level in the engine oil pan and a preset calibration value. Before automatically replenishing the engine oil, the temperature of the engine oil to be replenished is adjusted according to the temperature of the engine oil in the engine oil pan. When automatically replenishing or extracting the engine oil, the flow rate of the replenished or extracted engine oil is adjusted according to the engine oil level in the engine oil pan.

[0018] Thirdly, the present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the engine oil capacity and temperature control method described in the first aspect.

[0019] Fourthly, the present invention also provides an electronic device, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor, when executing the program, implements the steps of the engine oil capacity and temperature control method described in the first aspect.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0021] 1. When automatically replenishing and extracting engine oil, this invention adjusts the temperature of the oil to be replenished based on the temperature of the oil in the engine oil pan. By taking into account the temperature of the newly replenished oil, the temperature of the newly replenished oil in the engine oil pan is the same as or has a small temperature difference with the original oil in the engine oil pan. This avoids the problem of sudden temperature changes in the engine oil pan caused by the newly replenished oil, ensuring normal engine operation. At the same time, the flow rate of replenishing or extracting oil is adjusted according to the oil level in the engine oil pan, avoiding the problem of slow or untimely oil replenishment, and also avoiding the problem of untimely oil extraction when the oil level in the engine oil pan is high, reducing the impact on normal engine operation.

[0022] 2. This invention achieves closed-loop control of engine oil capacity and temperature, monitors oil quality in real time, has strong versatility, and can reduce or even eliminate the engine's own oil cooling system, thereby reducing the safety hazards of engine damage and improving engine reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this embodiment, are used to provide a further understanding of this embodiment. The illustrative embodiments and their descriptions are used to explain this embodiment and do not constitute an improper limitation of this embodiment.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is the oil level control logic of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is the oil temperature control logic of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0028] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation of this application. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0029] Lubrication system: Lubricates the surface of moving parts to reduce frictional resistance; cleans friction surfaces to remove grinding debris and foreign matter; removes heat generated by friction pairs in the lubrication system, playing a cooling role, and at the same time allows an oil film to form between moving parts to improve sealing.

[0030] Example 1:

[0031] To address the issue that current automatic oil replenishment control methods do not consider the temperature of the newly replenished oil or employ a constant flow rate supply, this embodiment provides a method for controlling engine oil capacity and temperature, including:

[0032] To obtain the temperature and level of the engine oil in the oil pan;

[0033] The system automatically replenishes or extracts engine oil based on a comparison between the engine oil level in the oil pan and a preset calibration value. Before automatically replenishing the oil, the temperature of the oil to be replenished is adjusted according to the temperature of the oil in the engine oil pan. During automatic replenishment or extraction, the flow rate of the replenished or extracted oil is adjusted according to the engine oil level in the oil pan.

[0034] Optionally, the temperature and level information of the engine oil in the engine oil pan can be obtained by means of a level sensor and a temperature sensor installed in the engine oil pan; an oil reservoir can be provided, and a bidirectional metering pump can be installed on the pipeline between the oil reservoir and the engine oil pan to realize the replenishment and extraction of engine oil; a flow meter can be installed on the pipeline between the oil reservoir and the engine oil pan to assist in the detection and adjustment of the flow rate during oil replenishment or oil extraction; the temperature of the engine oil to be replenished can be adjusted by means of a heater or heat exchanger installed on the oil reservoir.

[0035] Optionally, before automatic oil replenishment, the temperature of the oil to be replenished is adjusted to be equal to the temperature of the oil in the engine oil pan; during automatic oil replenishment, if the oil level in the engine oil pan is lower than a first preset value, the oil replenishment flow rate is increased; during automatic oil extraction, if the oil level in the engine oil pan is higher than a second preset value, the oil extraction flow rate is increased; the first preset value is less than the second preset value.

[0036] Specifically, during automatic oil replenishment and extraction, the system adjusts the temperature of the oil to be replenished based on the temperature of the oil in the engine oil pan. By taking the temperature of the newly added oil into account, the system ensures that the temperature of the newly added oil is the same as or only slightly different from the temperature of the existing oil in the engine oil pan. This avoids sudden temperature changes in the engine oil pan caused by the newly added oil, ensuring normal engine operation. Simultaneously, the system adjusts the flow rate of oil replenishment or extraction based on the oil level in the engine oil pan. This prevents the oil replenishment from being too slow or untimely, and also avoids the problem of untimely oil extraction when the oil level in the engine oil pan is high, reducing the impact on normal engine operation.

[0037] When there is too much engine oil or diesel fuel and antifreeze enter the oil pan due to a malfunction, causing the oil level to rise, in addition to the increase in engine oil level, diesel fuel and antifreeze will also contaminate the engine oil. Therefore, the type of engine oil to be added should be tested. If it is determined that the quality of the engine oil to be added has deteriorated or that the engine oil is contaminated, an early warning should be issued to reduce the engine speed and torque, thus avoiding the impact of deteriorated engine oil quality or contamination on engine operation.

[0038] The preset calibration value is a preset range value; when the oil level in the engine oil pan is less than the minimum value of the preset range, the oil is automatically replenished; when the oil level in the engine oil pan is greater than the maximum value of the preset range, the oil is automatically extracted; when the oil level in the engine oil pan is within the preset range, neither automatic replenishment nor automatic extraction of oil is performed. When replenishing engine oil, if the oil level in the engine oil pan is below a preset range, and automatic oil replenishment is required, but the temperature of the oil to be replenished is not equal to or significantly different from the temperature of the oil in the engine oil pan, the oil needs to be heated or cooled. This temperature adjustment process increases the overall oil replenishment time, affecting efficiency and potentially causing engine power loss, oil burning, cylinder scoring, poor lubrication of bearings and journals, increased wear, and even bearing failure or seizure. To address this issue of excessively long oil replenishment times, this embodiment determines the temperature change pattern of the engine oil in the oil pan over a preset time period prior to the current moment. When the oil level in the engine oil pan is decreasing and the rate of temperature change over the preset time period is greater than a preset value, the temperature of the oil to be replenished is adjusted in advance. This ensures that when oil replenishment is needed, the temperature of the oil to be replenished is equal to or only slightly different from the temperature of the oil in the engine oil pan, eliminating the need for repeated temperature adjustment, reducing overall control time, and ensuring safe engine operation.

[0039] When checking the engine oil level, the oil level at multiple locations in the engine oil pan can be obtained through an electronic dipstick. The average of the oil levels at these multiple locations is taken as the oil level in the engine oil pan, which improves the accuracy of the oil level detection.

[0040] In actual engine operation, especially in large engines or diesel engines where vibration is significant, the fluid level constantly changes due to vibration. This leads to inaccurate fluid level detection due to vibration. To address this issue, besides averaging the oil levels at multiple locations, this embodiment also measures the temperature of the oil pan's sidewall to determine the boundary line with the largest temperature difference. If this boundary line coincides with the final oil level in the oil pan, the determined oil level is confirmed; otherwise, the level and temperature are re-measured. At the oil-air boundary line on the oil pan's sidewall, the oil temperature is generally higher, resulting in a noticeable temperature change. Using this temperature-determined boundary line to judge and correct the oil level solves the problem of inaccurate fluid level detection caused by engine vibration and improves the accuracy of oil level detection.

[0041] To further explain the methods for controlling engine oil capacity and temperature, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, an engine oil capacity and temperature control system is also provided. Optionally, based on the acquired engine operating conditions, electronic dipstick level, and real-time data of the lubrication system, the calibration amount of the engine ECU data is determined through a temperature model and a calibrated oil level MAP, and the upper and lower limits of the safe oil level and oil temperature under the current engine operating conditions are determined.

[0042] When the engine experiences oil leakage, consumption, or abnormally high oil level due to some malfunction, the ECU, based on logical judgment, controls the bidirectional fixed displacement pump through MAP and PID control, automatically replenishing and extracting engine oil, thereby achieving closed-loop control of the engine oil level under different operating conditions.

[0043] A flow meter is installed in the oil supply line to feed back the oil filling and extraction flow rate to the engine ECU, enabling monitoring and recording of system status and flow. The oil reservoir is equipped with level and temperature sensors, as well as an oil quality sensor. It reads the engine's main oil passage oil pressure and temperature, and the oil reservoir temperature and level. The engine performs logical calculations based on the temperature model and calibrated oil temperature setpoints for different operating conditions. An external heat exchanger and electric heating system are connected to the oil reservoir, controlled by a temperature control device. A one-way metering pump is installed between the heat exchanger and the oil reservoir.

[0044] When the engine starts, if the actual oil temperature is lower than the calibrated target temperature, the ECU activates the one-way fixed displacement pump. Through PID control and the control MAP, the temperature control device provides electric heating to accelerate oil preheating. Conversely, if the actual oil temperature is higher than the calibrated target temperature, the ECU activates the one-way fixed displacement pump. Through PID control and the control MAP, it adjusts the proportional three-way valve of the heat exchanger to control the water flow rate into the heat exchanger, thereby cooling the oil. The temperature control device controls the one-way fixed displacement pump, the electric heating system, and the proportional three-way valve for the heat exchanger's inlet and outlet water to achieve target temperature control.

[0045] The oil quality sensor in the reservoir feeds back the oil quality status to the engine ECU, enabling real-time monitoring of the oil quality. When the engine malfunctions and the oil quality deteriorates or becomes contaminated, the ECU will use the oil quality sensor to determine the oil quality status, issue a warning, limit engine speed and torque, or even shut down the engine.

[0046] The ECU feeds back the system's operating status, the temperature control device's operating status, the engine oil level, and alarms to the instrument panel for visualization.

[0047] This system acquires real-time engine operating data to determine the upper and lower limits of engine oil level and temperature under current operating conditions. Through ECU data calibration, it automatically replenishes and extracts engine oil, implementing automatic oil control. This achieves closed-loop control of engine oil level and temperature. The system's versatility in precise oil capacity and temperature control allows for real-time monitoring of engine oil quality, reducing potential engine damage hazards and potentially reducing or eliminating the need for a dedicated engine oil cooling system.

[0048] Currently, routine maintenance involves manually adding new engine oil through the corresponding filler neck on the main unit and checking the oil level using the dipstick. This existing oil-adding process has several drawbacks: some oil may drip into the engine during the change, causing contamination and requiring subsequent cleaning; the oil level needs to be checked multiple times using the dipstick, and manual operation is prone to errors and timeliness issues; it results in additional labor time for maintenance and oil changes; and under high and low temperature conditions, the engine itself is responsible for heating and cooling the oil. The engine oil capacity and temperature control method provided in this embodiment improves the versatility of oil level detection technology and automatic oil replenishment technology, achieving closed-loop control of engine oil capacity and temperature, and reducing potential safety hazards that could damage the engine.

[0049] Example 2:

[0050] This embodiment provides a control system for engine oil capacity and temperature, including:

[0051] The data acquisition module is configured to acquire the temperature and level of the engine oil in the oil pan.

[0052] The control module is configured to automatically replenish or extract engine oil based on a comparison between the engine oil level in the engine oil pan and a preset calibration value. Before automatically replenishing the engine oil, the temperature of the engine oil to be replenished is adjusted according to the temperature of the engine oil in the engine oil pan. When automatically replenishing or extracting the engine oil, the flow rate of the replenished or extracted engine oil is adjusted according to the engine oil level in the engine oil pan.

[0053] The operating method of the system is the same as that of the engine oil capacity and temperature control method in Example 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0054] Example 3:

[0055] This embodiment provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the engine oil capacity and temperature control method described in Embodiment 1.

[0056] Example 4:

[0057] This embodiment provides an electronic device, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the program, it implements the steps of the engine oil capacity and temperature control method described in Embodiment 1.

[0058] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this practice and is not intended to limit the scope of this practice. Various modifications and variations can be made to this practice by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this practice should be included within the protection scope of this practice.

Claims

1. A method for controlling engine oil capacity and temperature, characterized in that, include: To obtain the temperature and level of the engine oil in the oil pan; The system automatically replenishes or extracts engine oil based on a comparison between the engine oil level in the oil pan and a preset calibration value. Before automatically replenishing the oil, the temperature of the oil to be replenished is adjusted according to the temperature of the oil in the engine oil pan. During automatic replenishment or extraction, the flow rate of the replenished or extracted oil is adjusted according to the engine oil level in the oil pan. The sidewall temperature of the engine oil pan is detected to determine the boundary line where the temperature difference is greatest. It is then determined whether this boundary line coincides with the final oil level in the engine oil pan. If so, the final oil level is determined; otherwise, the level and temperature are re-detected for reassessment. Before automatic oil replenishment, the temperature of the oil to be replenished is adjusted to be equal to the temperature of the oil in the engine oil pan. During automatic oil replenishment, if the oil level in the engine oil pan is lower than a first preset value, the oil replenishment flow rate is increased. During automatic oil extraction, if the oil level in the engine oil pan is higher than a second preset value, the oil extraction flow rate is increased. The first preset value is less than the second preset value.

2. The method for controlling engine oil capacity and temperature as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The system tests the oil to be added and issues a warning when it determines that the oil quality has deteriorated or is contaminated, thereby reducing engine speed and torque.

3. The method for controlling engine oil capacity and temperature as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The preset calibration value is a preset range value; when the oil level in the engine oil pan is less than the minimum value of the preset range, the oil is automatically replenished; when the oil level in the engine oil pan is greater than the maximum value of the preset range, the oil is automatically extracted; when the oil level in the engine oil pan is within the preset range, neither automatic replenishment nor automatic extraction of oil is performed.

4. The method for controlling engine oil capacity and temperature as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Determine the temperature change pattern of the engine oil in the oil pan within a preset time period before the current moment. When the engine oil level in the oil pan is trending downward and the rate of temperature change within the preset time period is greater than a preset value, adjust the temperature of the oil to be added in advance.

5. The method for controlling engine oil capacity and temperature as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The oil level at multiple locations within the engine oil pan is obtained, and the average of these multiple oil levels is taken as the oil level in the engine oil pan.

6. A control system for engine oil capacity and temperature, characterized in that, include: The data acquisition module is configured to acquire the temperature and level of the engine oil in the oil pan. The control module is configured to automatically replenish or extract engine oil based on a comparison between the engine oil level in the oil pan and a preset calibration value. Before automatically replenishing the engine oil, the temperature of the engine oil to be replenished is adjusted according to the temperature of the engine oil in the oil pan. During automatic replenishment or extraction, the flow rate of the replenished or extracted engine oil is adjusted according to the engine oil level in the oil pan. The sidewall temperature of the engine oil pan is detected to determine the boundary line where the temperature difference is greatest. It is then determined whether this boundary line coincides with the final oil level in the engine oil pan. If so, the final oil level is determined; otherwise, the level and temperature are re-detected for reassessment. Before automatic oil replenishment, the temperature of the oil to be replenished is adjusted to be equal to the temperature of the oil in the engine oil pan. During automatic oil replenishment, if the oil level in the engine oil pan is lower than a first preset value, the oil replenishment flow rate is increased. During automatic oil extraction, if the oil level in the engine oil pan is higher than a second preset value, the oil extraction flow rate is increased. The first preset value is less than the second preset value.

7. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the program is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the engine oil capacity and temperature control method as described in any one of claims 1-5.

8. An electronic device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that, When the processor executes the program, it implements the steps of the engine oil capacity and temperature control method as described in any one of claims 1-5.

Images