A fuel-saving method for heavy-duty trucks based on thermal management

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fuel-saving method for heavy-duty trucks based on thermal management. When the engine water inlet temperature is respectively less than 82 degrees, 82 to 88 degrees, greater than 88 degrees and less than 97 degrees, and greater than or equal to 97 degrees, the grille motor is controlled to close, open, and fully open the active air intake grille, and the first thermostat and the second thermostat are adjusted accordingly. This technical solution adopts a dual thermostat, and the thermostat opening temperatures are different, so the temperature control is more precise, so that the engine working water temperature is higher and the fuel-saving effect is better; a three-speed active air intake grille is adopted, and the opening is controlled by the water temperature, which is simple to control. At the same time, combined with the thermostat, the grille can be closed at startup to speed up the water temperature to a suitable working temperature, reduce fuel consumption, and ensure that the thermal balance of the entire vehicle meets the standard; and the thermal management strategy of the active air intake grille and the dual thermostat is combined to increase the engine working water temperature and achieve fuel saving for the entire vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of heavy truck energy saving, and in particular relates to a heavy truck fuel saving method based on thermal management. Background Art

[0002] For heavy trucks, the average engine operating water temperature is around 80°C. Raising the water temperature can reduce engine friction power consumption, thereby reducing vehicle fuel consumption. Raising the cooling water temperature from 82°C to 90°C can improve fuel consumption by 0.4%. Figure 1 shown.

[0003] The active closed grille controls air intake volume by opening or closing the grille's louvers according to engine water temperature information via a motor. After the vehicle starts, this allows the engine to quickly heat up to the proper operating temperature, improving powertrain lubrication and reducing fuel consumption. When the grille is closed, it reduces airflow into the engine compartment, lowering internal circulation resistance during driving and improving overall vehicle fuel economy.

[0004] The thermostat automatically adjusts the amount of water entering the radiator based on the coolant temperature, altering the water circulation range to regulate the cooling system's heat dissipation and ensure the engine operates within the appropriate temperature range. It's typically a wax-type thermostat. When the coolant temperature falls below a specified value, the delicate paraffin wax in the thermostat's temperature sensor solidifies. The spring in the thermostat valve closes the passage between the engine and radiator, allowing the coolant to return to the engine via the water pump, completing a minor internal circulation. When the coolant temperature reaches the specified value, the paraffin wax begins to melt and gradually becomes liquid, increasing in volume and compressing the rubber hose, causing it to contract. This contraction exerts an upward force on the push rod, which in turn pushes downward on the valve, opening it. The coolant then flows through the radiator and thermostat valve, and then back to the engine via the water pump, completing the major internal circulation.

[0005] The existing technology uses an active air intake grille or a thermostat to adjust the engine water temperature, but the effect is not obvious enough and the fuel saving effect is poor. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a fuel-saving method for heavy trucks based on thermal management to solve the problem that the active air intake grille or thermostat is used to adjust the engine water temperature in the above-mentioned background technology, but the effect is not obvious enough and the fuel-saving effect is poor.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this application is implemented through the following technical solutions:

[0008] A method for saving fuel in a heavy-duty truck based on thermal management comprises the following steps:

[0009] S1. When the engine water inlet temperature is ≤82°C, the grille motor is controlled to start, the active air intake grille is closed, and the first and second thermostats are closed at the same time;

[0010] S2. When the engine water inlet temperature is between 82°C and 88°C, the grille motor is controlled to start, opening the active air intake grille to a half-open state. At the same time, the first thermostat begins to open, while the second thermostat remains closed.

[0011] S3. When the engine water inlet temperature is ≥88°C and ≤97°C, the grille motor is controlled to start, and the active air intake grille is fully opened. At the same time, the first thermostat is at the first set opening, and the second thermostat begins to open.

[0012] S4. When the engine water inlet temperature is ≥97°C, the grille motor is controlled to start and the active air intake grille is opened to the full open state. At the same time, the first thermostat is fully opened and the second thermostat is fully opened.

[0013] Furthermore, in step S2, the active air intake grille is opened to a semi-open state so that the grille forms an angle of 45° with the vertical plane.

[0014] Furthermore, the active air intake grille in step S3 or step S4 is opened to the fully open state so that the grille forms an angle of 90° with the vertical plane.

[0015] Furthermore, in step S1, the external airflow does not pass through the engine, and at the same time, the engine coolant does not pass through the radiator, and a small circulation is performed inside the engine.

[0016] Furthermore, in step S2, part of the engine coolant passes through the radiator, starting a large circulation, and part of the coolant undergoes a small circulation inside the engine. The radiator begins to dissipate heat from the coolant and increases the airflow into the radiator, thereby increasing the heat dissipation capacity of the radiator.

[0017] Furthermore, in step S3, a large portion of the engine coolant passes through the radiator, starting a large circulation.

[0018] Furthermore, in step S4, the engine coolant passes through the radiator, starting a large circulation, and the radiator dissipates heat from the coolant.

[0019] Furthermore, an active air intake grille is installed in front of the radiator and is connected to a three-speed motor, which is electrically connected to a temperature sensor signal.

[0020] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0021] 1. This technical solution adopts dual thermostats, and the thermostat opening temperatures are different, which makes the temperature control more precise, making the engine working water temperature higher and the fuel saving effect better.

[0022] 2. A three-speed active air intake grille is used, and the opening is controlled by the water temperature. The control is simple. At the same time, combined with the thermostat, the grille can be closed at startup to speed up the water temperature to the appropriate operating temperature, reduce fuel consumption, and ensure that the thermal balance of the entire vehicle meets the standards.

[0023] 3. The thermal management strategy based on the active air intake grille and dual thermostats can increase the engine operating water temperature and achieve fuel saving for the entire vehicle.

[0024] 4. Relatively simple control strategy, small changes to the vehicle and small cost increase. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 It is a modern fuel consumption and water temperature gauge.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the active air intake grille of the present invention in a closed state.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the active air intake grille of the present invention in a half-open state.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the active air intake grille of the present invention in a fully open state.

[0029] Description of reference numerals:

[0030] 1. Active air intake grille frame; 2. Active air intake grille; 3. Mounting holes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The technical solution of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are merely exemplary and can only be used to explain and illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, and cannot be interpreted as limiting the technical solution of the present invention.

[0032] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the active air intake grille frame 1 of the present application is installed in front of the radiator through 6 groups of mounting holes 3. The active air intake grille 2 is connected to a 3-speed motor, and the 3-speed motor is controlled by a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor of the present application is placed at the water inlet of the engine. At the same time, the engine adopts a dual thermostat, wherein the first thermostat is set to an opening temperature of 82°C and a fully open temperature of 97°C; the second thermostat is set to an opening temperature of 88°C and a fully open temperature of 97°C.

[0033] The present application provides a method for saving fuel in a heavy-duty truck based on thermal management, comprising the following steps:

[0034] S1. When the engine water inlet temperature is ≤82°C, the control grille motor starts, closes the active air intake grille, and simultaneously closes the first and second thermostats. The active air intake grille is closed to prevent external airflow from passing through the engine, ensuring a rapid increase in engine water temperature. Both thermostats are closed to prevent engine coolant from passing through the radiator, allowing for a small circulation inside the engine, ensuring a rapid increase in engine water temperature.

[0035] S2: When the engine water inlet temperature is between 82°C and 88°C, the grille motor is activated, opening the active air intake grille to a semi-open position. Simultaneously, the first thermostat begins to open, while the second thermostat remains closed. Some engine coolant flows through the radiator, initiating a large circulation, while some coolant circulates within the engine, allowing the radiator to dissipate heat. The active air intake grille is also semi-open, increasing airflow into the radiator and boosting its cooling capacity.

[0036] S3: When the engine water inlet temperature is ≥88°C and ≤97°C, the grille motor is activated, fully opening the active air intake grille. Simultaneously, the first thermostat is at its first set opening, and the second thermostat begins to open. A large portion of the engine coolant flows through the radiator, initiating a full circulation cycle, and the radiator begins to dissipate heat. The active air intake grille is fully opened, ensuring a rapid rise in engine water temperature and increasing airflow into the radiator, thereby enhancing the radiator's cooling capacity.

[0037] S4. When the engine water inlet temperature reaches 97°C or higher, the grille motor is activated, fully opening the active air intake grille. Simultaneously, both the first and second thermostats are fully opened. The engine coolant flows through the radiator, creating a large circulation system that dissipates heat. The fully open grille ensures a rapid rise in engine water temperature, increasing airflow into the radiator and ensuring the cooling system maintains thermal balance.

[0038] This technical solution uses a reasonable thermal management strategy to more accurately control the engine water temperature to achieve optimal fuel consumption. In addition, the relatively simple control strategy results in minimal changes to the entire vehicle and minimal cost increase.

[0039] The above is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The basic principles and advantages of the present invention are shown and described above. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The above embodiments and descriptions only illustrate the principles of the present invention. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the present invention may have various changes and improvements, and these changes and improvements fall within the scope of the present invention to be protected. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A fuel saving method for heavy trucks based on thermal management, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1. When the engine water inlet temperature is ≤82°C, the grille motor is controlled to start, the active air intake grille is closed, and the first and second thermostats are closed at the same time; S2. When the engine water inlet temperature is between 82°C and 88°C, the grille motor is controlled to start, opening the active air intake grille to a half-open state. At the same time, the first thermostat begins to open, while the second thermostat remains closed. S3. When the engine water inlet temperature is ≥88°C and <97°C, the grille motor is controlled to start, and the active air intake grille is fully opened. At the same time, the first thermostat is at the first set opening, and the second thermostat begins to open. S4. When the engine water inlet temperature is ≥97°C, the grille motor is controlled to start, and the active air intake grille is fully opened. At the same time, the first thermostat is fully opened, and the second thermostat is fully opened. In step S1, the external airflow does not pass through the engine, and the engine coolant does not pass through the radiator, but performs a small circulation inside the engine; In step S2, part of the engine coolant passes through the radiator, starting a large circulation, and part of the coolant performs a small circulation inside the engine. The radiator begins to dissipate heat from the coolant and increases the airflow into the radiator, thereby increasing the radiator's heat dissipation capacity. In step S3, most of the engine coolant passes through the radiator, starting a large circulation; In step S4, the engine coolant passes through the radiator, starting a large circulation, and the radiator dissipates heat from the coolant.

2. The fuel saving method for heavy trucks based on thermal management according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S2, the active air intake grille is opened to a semi-open state, where the grille forms an angle of 45 degrees with the vertical plane.

3. The method for saving fuel on heavy trucks based on thermal management according to claim 1, characterized in that: The active air intake grille in step S3 or step S4 is opened to the fully open state so that the grille forms an angle of 90 degrees with the vertical plane.

4. The method for saving fuel on heavy trucks based on thermal management according to claim 1, characterized in that: The active air intake grille is installed in front of the radiator and is connected to a three-speed motor, which is connected to the temperature sensor electrical signal.

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