Active Air Flap Control for Hybrid Vehicle Cooling and Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid vehicles face inefficiencies in fuel consumption due to insufficient management of internal heat loads, which affect aerodynamic performance and stability.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid vehicle equipped with multiple active air flaps controlled by a controller that adjusts their opening and closing based on various temperature and pressure sensors to optimize airflow according to external and internal conditions, including coolant, inverter, oil, and refrigerant temperatures, as well as vehicle speed and operation mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a large amount of ambient air is introduced to cool heat exchangers, then cooling performance is improved, but air resistance increases and fuel efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the air flap movable and adjustable based on operating conditions. The air flap can dynamically change its opening angle or position to optimize the balance between cooling performance and air resistance, rather than being fixed in a single position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of air flow rate by adjusting the air flap position. By varying the degree of flap opening, the system can control the amount of ambient air introduced to the engine compartment, thereby optimizing cooling performance while minimizing air resistance and fuel consumption.
2Loss of energy
If the air flap is closed during high-speed driving, then air resistance is reduced and fuel efficiency is improved, but cooling performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air flap is designed to be dynamically adjustable based on vehicle speed and cooling requirements. During high-speed driving, the flap can be partially or fully closed to reduce air resistance, while during low-speed or high-heat-load conditions, it opens to ensure adequate cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the air flow parameter by adjusting flap position according to operating conditions. The control system monitors vehicle speed, engine temperature, and other parameters to determine the optimal flap opening degree, balancing fuel efficiency and cooling performance.
3Temperature
If conventional active air flap control is used, then basic cooling function is maintained, but fuel efficiency cannot be optimized according to internal heat load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring internal heat load parameters such as engine temperature, coolant temperature, and heat exchanger temperatures. The air flap position is adjusted based on this feedback information, allowing the system to optimize fuel efficiency while maintaining adequate cooling performance according to actual thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The air flap system is designed to serve multiple functions: basic cooling, fuel efficiency optimization, and adaptation to varying heat load conditions. By integrating control based on multiple temperature sensors and operating parameters, the single air flap mechanism achieves multi-functional performance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Improves fuel efficiency and aerodynamic performance by dynamically managing airflow to counteract heat loads, enhancing vehicle stability and reducing air resistance.
Implementation Method 1
when a vehicle is running at a high speed, a large amount of ambient air is introduced, increasing air resistance
Implementation Method 2
various heat exchangers such as a radiator, an intercooler, an evaporator, and a condenser are provided as well as parts for driving a hybrid vehicle such as an engine
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid vehicle includes active air flaps provided on a front-end module and a controller that controls the active air flaps based on a coolant temperature according to an outdoor air temperature, an inverter temperature of a drive motor according to an outdoor air temperature, an inverter temperature of an starter-generator according to an outdoor air temperature, a temperature of a low DC converter according to an outdoor air temperature, a transmission oil temperature according to an outdoor air temperature, or an engine oil temperature according to an outdoor air temperature, controls the active air flaps based on a refrigerant pressure according to an outdoor air temperature, controls the active air flaps based on an operation mode of a cooling fan, or controls the active air flaps based on an intake temperature according to an outdoor air temperature for each of driving modes of the vehicle.