Active Condenser Side Seals for Vehicle Cooling Airflow Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling systems for internal combustion engines face inefficiencies in managing airflow and heat transfer, particularly during varying conditions such as idling, low speeds in hot weather, and high powertrain demands, where maximum cooling is required but side seals must be either deleted or maintained for optimal performance.
Innovation Solution
An active seal arrangement is introduced, which is selectively movable between closed and open positions, controlled by sensors monitoring ambient temperature, vehicle speed, and other parameters to optimize airflow through the condenser and radiator, allowing for increased airflow during high powertrain demands while restricting airflow during high condenser loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If side seals are deleted to allow condenser bypass airflow for improved engine cooling, then powertrain cooling efficiency is improved, but condenser heat transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing movable side seals that can transition between open and closed positions based on real-time operating conditions. The side seals are actuated by a control system that monitors parameters such as vehicle speed, engine load, and ambient temperature, allowing the sealing configuration to dynamically adapt between prioritizing engine cooling (open position) and condenser heat transfer (closed position), thereby resolving the contradiction between these two thermal management objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the sealing parameter (side seal position) in response to changing operating conditions. The control system adjusts the seal position parameter based on inputs from sensors monitoring vehicle speed, engine coolant temperature, condenser refrigerant temperature, and ambient conditions, enabling optimal thermal management performance across different operating regimes.
2Temperature
If side seals are kept closed to maximize condenser heat transfer, then HVAC efficiency is improved, but engine cooling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The movable side seal mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the sealing state based on real-time operational demands. During HVAC-intensive operations at low vehicle speeds, the control system maintains seals in the closed position to maximize condenser heat transfer. When engine cooling demand increases (detected through sensors monitoring coolant temperature, engine load, and vehicle speed), the system transitions seals to the open position, thereby dynamically resolving the contradiction between HVAC and powertrain cooling requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring operating parameters including vehicle speed, engine coolant temperature, condenser refrigerant temperature, and ambient conditions. This feedback information is used to automatically adjust the side seal position, ensuring optimal thermal management performance. The feedback mechanism allows the system to respond to changing conditions and switch between prioritizing condenser heat transfer and engine cooling as needed.
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
This solution enhances engine cooling efficiency by dynamically adjusting airflow, ensuring maximum cooling during demanding conditions while maintaining effective heat transfer and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The movable seal is in a closed position that restricts airflow between the condenser and the radiator
Implementation Method 2
The liquid-to-air heat exchanger or radiator for cooling
Implementation Method 3
axial flow fans to draw cooling air from outside of the vehicle through the liquid-to-air heat exchanger or radiator
Data Source
AI summary
An active seal arrangement operably connected to a radiator and condenser of a vehicle. The arrangement includes at least one movable seal. The seal is selectively movable between a closed, air-restricting position and an open, air-passing position. The seal is pivotably connected to either the radiator or the condenser. Alternatively, the movable seal is slidably attached to a side wall fitted between the radiator and the condenser. A position controller operably connected to at least one sensor regulates the position of the seal. The seal is moved to its closed, air-restricting position during times of high condenser load such as when idling or when the vehicle is operated at very low vehicle speeds during hot weather. The seal is moved to its open, air-passing position during high powertrain cooling demand such as in hot weather, when ascending a grade, or when towing a large trailer or payload.