Engine cooling system

By connecting the transmission and heater core in parallel in the engine cooling system and using an auxiliary water pump to control the water flow, the problem of long transmission heating time when the engine is cold was solved, thus improving energy utilization and engine thermal efficiency.

CN121473960APending Publication Date: 2026-02-06SAIC GM WULING AUTOMOBILE CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511628791.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-11-07
Publication Date
2026-02-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing engine cooling systems in parallel configurations suffer from low energy efficiency and long warm-up times for the transmission, which increases overall vehicle fuel consumption, especially in cold weather.

Method used

A branch circuit connecting the transmission and heater core in series is connected in parallel between the engine water pump inlet and the thermostat outlet of the engine water circulation system. The water flow is controlled by an auxiliary water pump to improve the utilization rate of engine thermal energy and shorten the transmission's cold engine heating time.

Benefits of technology

By using an auxiliary water pump, the flow of hot water from the engine into the transmission is accelerated, the transmission's cold engine heating time is shortened, the heat source utilization rate is improved, the engine water pump power is reduced, energy consumption is reduced, and the engine is ensured to maintain a comfortable temperature under harsh conditions.

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Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides an engine cooling system which comprises an engine water circulation system and a branch, and the branch is formed by connecting a gearbox and a warm air core in series. The branch is connected between a water inlet of an engine water pump in the engine water circulation system and a water outlet of a thermostat in parallel. The energy utilization rate can be increased, and the cold machine heating time of the gearbox can be shortened.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of engine cooling technology, and more particularly to an engine cooling system. Background Technology

[0002] The main function of modern engine cooling systems is: 1. Maintain the engine coolant temperature within a reasonable range to prevent overheating; 2. Used as a heat source to provide heat to the crew cabin in low-temperature environments; 3. To heat or cool other auxiliary components.

[0003] Therefore, the role of current engine cooling systems is no longer simply to maintain engine coolant temperature, but rather a crucial system closely related to energy management and efficient utilization of thermal energy. Currently, most engine cooling systems connect the three functional modules mentioned above in parallel, requiring multiple throttling control devices (such as wax-type mechanical thermostats, electronically heated thermostats, ball valves, etc.) to regulate the direction or magnitude of water flow. Alternatively, a single throttling control device may be used to control the flow of water in the main circulation loop (to the radiator), while other branches lack throttling control devices. While this simplifies the control logic, it introduces drawbacks to the efficient utilization of engine thermal energy. For example... Figure 1 The transmission cooling circuit of a certain car model is connected in parallel to the radiator outlet pipe. Although it meets the cooling requirements of the transmission, it does not make full use of the engine heat source to heat the transmission. This makes the time for the transmission to go from a cold state to its optimal operating state longer, especially in cold seasons, which will increase the fuel consumption of the whole vehicle.

[0004] Therefore, designing a method to improve energy efficiency and shorten the cold start time of the gearbox is one of the urgent problems to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an engine cooling system, which relates to the field of engine cooling technology and can improve energy utilization and shorten the cold engine heating time of the transmission.

[0006] This application provides an engine cooling system, including an engine water circulation system and a branch circuit, wherein the branch circuit is composed of a gearbox and a heater core connected in series; the branch circuit is connected in parallel between the inlet of the engine water pump and the outlet of the thermostat in the engine water circulation system.

[0007] Preferably, it also includes an auxiliary water pump, which is installed on the branch line.

[0008] Preferably, the engine water circulation system includes a thermostat, an engine, and an engine water pump. One inlet of the thermostat is connected to the outlet of the engine, the outlet of the thermostat is connected to the inlet of the engine water pump, and the outlet of the engine water pump is connected to the inlet of the engine.

[0009] Preferably, the inlet of the auxiliary water pump is connected to the outlet of the thermostat, the outlet of the auxiliary water pump is connected to the inlet of the gearbox, the outlet of the gearbox is connected to the inlet of the heater core, and the outlet of the heater core is connected to the inlet of the engine water pump.

[0010] Preferably, the inlet of the auxiliary water pump is connected to the outlet of the thermostat, the outlet of the auxiliary water pump is connected to the inlet of the heater core, the outlet of the heater core is connected to the inlet of the gearbox, and the outlet of the gearbox is connected to the inlet of the engine water pump.

[0011] Preferably, it also includes a radiator, the outlet of which is connected to another inlet of the thermostat, and the inlet of the radiator is connected to the outlet of the engine.

[0012] Preferably, the radiator is connected to an overflow tank.

[0013] Preferably, it also includes an electronic fan, which is disposed on one side of the heat sink.

[0014] This application connects a branch circuit consisting of the transmission and heater core in series in parallel between the inlet of the engine water pump and the outlet of the thermostat in the engine water circulation system. In a cold state, once the power system is started, the engine water temperature will rise faster than the transmission oil temperature. The hot water from the engine flowing into the transmission can heat the transmission, shortening the transmission's cold start heating time. By setting an auxiliary water pump, the flow of hot water from the engine into the transmission can be accelerated, achieving the purpose of rapidly raising the transmission temperature, further shortening the transmission's cold start heating time, and improving the utilization rate of the engine heat source.

[0015] By connecting the branch circuit containing the gearbox and heater core in parallel to the engine water circulation system, the radiator flow rate is increased, thereby improving the heat dissipation power and ensuring that the engine can still operate at the most comfortable temperature under more severe conditions.

[0016] Since the water circuit of the heater core does not require the engine water pump to drive it, the power of the engine water pump can be appropriately reduced. Calculations show that the water pump power can be reduced by up to 20%, thereby reducing the engine's additional consumption and improving the effective thermal efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this specification. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the engine cooling system of a certain vehicle model; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the engine cooling system is provided for Embodiment 1 of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the engine cooling system provided in Embodiment 2 of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the branch and the thermostat housing in Embodiment 1 of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the branch and the thermostat housing in Embodiment 2 of this application; Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1-Gearbox, 2-Heater core, 3-Engine, 4-Water pump, 5-Thermostat, 6-Auxiliary water pump, 7-Radiator, 8-Overflow reservoir, 9-Electric fan, 10-Thermostat housing. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To better understand the technical solutions in this specification, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments in this specification. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this specification without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this specification.

[0021] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this specification. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0022] The technical solutions protected by the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Example 1: Please see Figure 2As shown in the illustration, an engine cooling system provided in this application includes an engine water circulation system, a branch circuit, and an auxiliary water pump 6. The branch circuit consists of a transmission 1 and a heater core 2 connected in series. The branch circuit is connected in parallel between the inlet of the engine water pump 4 and the outlet of the thermostat 5 in the engine water circulation system. When the power system starts, the hot water from the engine can be used to heat the oil in the transmission 1, allowing the transmission 1 to heat up quickly and reducing the cold start time of the transmission 1.

[0024] Specifically, the engine water circulation system includes a thermostat 5, an engine 3, and an engine water pump 4. One inlet of the thermostat 5 is connected to the outlet of the engine 3, the outlet of the thermostat 5 is connected to the inlet of the engine water pump 4, and the outlet of the engine water pump 4 is connected to the inlet of the engine 3. A branch circuit is connected in parallel between the inlet of the engine water pump 4 and the outlet of the thermostat 5. Specifically, the inlet of the auxiliary water pump 6 is connected to the outlet of the thermostat 5, the outlet of the auxiliary water pump 6 is connected to the inlet of the gearbox 1, the outlet of the gearbox 1 is connected to the inlet of the heater core 2, and the outlet of the heater core 2 is connected to the inlet of the engine water pump 4. Thus, when the power system starts, the engine coolant temperature of engine 3 will rise faster than the transmission oil temperature. This means the coolant temperature in the engine's water circulation system is higher than the transmission oil temperature of transmission 1. At this point, simply activating the auxiliary water pump 6 allows hot water from the engine's water circulation system to be introduced into transmission 1 to heat the transmission oil, rapidly raising its temperature and shortening the cold-start time of transmission 1. Instead of using a thermostat 5 to control the flow and direction of water in this branch circuit, an auxiliary water pump 6 controls the flow. The auxiliary water pump 6 is calibrated for various operating conditions to meet the demands of different scenarios, achieving more efficient utilization of engine heat energy.

[0025] The engine cooling system also includes a radiator 7 and an electric fan 9. The outlet of the radiator 7 is connected to another inlet of the thermostat 5, and the inlet of the radiator 7 is connected to the outlet of the engine 3. The radiator 7, thermostat 5, engine water pump 4, and engine 3 constitute a large-circulation cooling system. The radiator 7 is connected to an overflow tank 8. The electric fan 9 is located on one side of the radiator 7.

[0026] When the power system is first started, the radiator 7 is not working, and the inlet of the thermostat 5, which is connected to the outlet of the radiator 7, is closed. At this time, the thermostat 5 is connected to the engine water pump 4 and the engine 3, meaning the engine water circulation system is working. The auxiliary water pump 6 is then activated, and the high-temperature water from the engine water circulation system enters the transmission 1 through the auxiliary water pump 6, raising the oil temperature of the transmission 1 and thus achieving rapid warming of the transmission 1. The water then flows through the heater core 2 to heat it. This setup greatly improves the utilization rate of heat during engine start-up and reduces energy waste.

[0027] When the power system needs cooling, open the inlet port of the thermostat 5 connected to the outlet of the radiator 7, and simultaneously turn on the electric fan 9 to begin heat dissipation. Adjust the opening of the thermostat 5 and the speed of the electric fan 9 as needed.

[0028] In practical implementation, the inlet and outlet of the branch water flow can also be concentrated on the thermostat housing 10 of the thermostat 5, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the opening degree of the thermostat 5 can be fully controlled to achieve precise water temperature control. Specifically, the opening of the thermostat 5 is achieved by sensing the water temperature, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the high-temperature coolant inlet is directly connected to the temperature sensing element of the thermostat 5 (the valve body within the spring), allowing temperature changes to be directly and quickly transmitted to the valve body. The inlet directly opposite the valve receives the low-temperature coolant from the radiator; when the valve opens, the coolant cools the valve body. The wax capsule within the valve body senses the temperature change and expands or contracts, thus controlling the valve opening and the flow of coolant (cold water from the radiator).

[0029] Example 2: The similarities with Embodiment 1 will not be repeated here; only the differences will be described. The difference lies in the connection position of the heater core 2 and the gearbox 1 on the branch line. Specifically, The inlet of the auxiliary water pump 6 is connected to the outlet of the thermostat 5, the outlet of the auxiliary water pump 6 is connected to the inlet of the heater core 2, the outlet of the heater core 2 is connected to the inlet of the gearbox 1, and the outlet of the gearbox 1 is connected to the inlet of the engine water pump 4.

[0030] In practical implementation, the inlet and outlet of the branch water flow can also be concentrated on the thermostat housing 10 of the thermostat 5, such as... Figure 5 As shown.

[0031] This application connects a branch circuit consisting of the transmission and heater core connected in series in parallel between the inlet of the engine water pump and the outlet of the thermostat in the engine water circulation system. In a cold engine state, once the power system is started, the engine coolant temperature rises faster than the transmission oil temperature. At this time, simply activating the auxiliary water pump allows hot water from the engine to be introduced into the transmission to heat the transmission oil, achieving the goal of rapidly increasing the transmission oil temperature and improving the utilization rate of the engine heat source.

[0032] By connecting the branch circuit containing the gearbox and heater core in parallel to the engine water circulation system, the diversion effect of the conventional cooling system is reduced. While maintaining the maximum flow rate of the gearbox and the heating demand of the heater core, the water flow rate through the radiator is increased by at least 10%, and the radiator flow rate accounts for more than 70%, with a maximum of 82%.

[0033] Since the heater core's water circuit does not require engine water pump drive, the engine water pump's power can be appropriately reduced, by up to 20%, thereby reducing additional engine consumption and improving effective thermal efficiency. Increased radiator flow ensures the engine can maintain a coolant temperature below 105°C even under harsher operating conditions, preventing overheating. Maintaining the same heat output from the heater core ensures defrosting and defogging functions meet regulatory requirements. The auxiliary water pump can adjust the flow rate in its branch circuit based on the transmission oil temperature sensor and air conditioning needs, achieving optimal energy utilization.

[0034] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this specification and is not intended to limit this specification. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this specification should be included within the scope of protection of this specification.

Claims

1. An engine cooling system, characterized in that, It includes an engine water circulation system and a branch circuit, which is composed of a gearbox (1) and a heater core (2) connected in series; the branch circuit is connected in parallel between the inlet of the engine water pump (4) and the outlet of the thermostat (5) in the engine water circulation system.

2. The engine cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an auxiliary water pump (6), which is installed on the branch.

3. The engine cooling system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The engine water circulation system includes a thermostat (5), an engine (3) and an engine water pump (4). The inlet of the thermostat (5) is connected to the outlet of the engine (3), the outlet of the thermostat (5) is connected to the inlet of the engine water pump (4), and the outlet of the engine water pump (4) is connected to the inlet of the engine (3).

4. The engine cooling system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inlet of the auxiliary water pump (6) is connected to the outlet of the thermostat (5), the outlet of the auxiliary water pump (6) is connected to the inlet of the gearbox (1), the outlet of the gearbox (1) is connected to the inlet of the heater core (2), and the outlet of the heater core (2) is connected to the inlet of the engine water pump (4).

5. The engine cooling system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inlet of the auxiliary water pump (6) is connected to the outlet of the thermostat (5), the outlet of the auxiliary water pump (6) is connected to the inlet of the heater core (2), the outlet of the heater core (2) is connected to the inlet of the gearbox (1), and the outlet of the gearbox (1) is connected to the inlet of the engine water pump (4).

6. The engine cooling system according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a radiator (7), the outlet of which is connected to another inlet of the thermostat (5), and the inlet of the radiator (7) is connected to the outlet of the engine (3).

7. The engine cooling system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The radiator (7) is connected to an overflow pot (8).

8. The engine cooling system according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes an electronic fan (9), which is disposed on one side of the radiator (7).