Auxiliary Coolant Pump Bypass for Vehicle Thermal Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle thermal systems face inefficiencies in fuel consumption and electrical power usage, particularly when cabin heating is required during automatic stop/start modes, as they either continue to run the engine for heating or require continuous pump operation to prevent circuit restrictions.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary coolant pump with a bypass passage is introduced, allowing coolant flow to continue through the thermal system when the main coolant pump is off, and deactivating during main pump operation to reduce power consumption, featuring a valve to control flow direction and a controller for selective operation based on engine and heating demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the auxiliary coolant pump is continuously operated to maintain coolant flow during engine off, then coolant circulation is ensured, but electrical power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary coolant pump transitions from static continuous operation to dynamic selective operation. The pump is equipped with a controller that dynamically adjusts its operation state based on real-time detection of engine status and heating demands, enabling it to operate only when necessary (engine off with heating demand) and remain inactive otherwise, thus reducing electrical power consumption while ensuring coolant circulation reliability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the main coolant pump's operational status and heating system demands to automatically control the auxiliary pump's operation. The controller monitors system conditions and autonomously activates or deactivates the auxiliary pump without external intervention, making the system self-regulating and energy-efficient
2Use of energy by moving object
If the auxiliary coolant pump is turned off during main pump operation, then electrical power consumption is reduced, but coolant flow restriction occurs in the thermal system
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass passage acts as an intermediary flow path that activates when the auxiliary pump is off during main pump operation. This bypass channel provides an alternative route for coolant flow, preventing flow restriction and maintaining system productivity when the auxiliary pump is deactivated to save energy
3Ease of operation
If the engine continues to run to provide cabin heating during stop/start mode, then heating demand is met, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary coolant pump is pre-configured with a bypass passage and control system that enables it to take over coolant circulation duty when the engine is off. This preliminary setup allows the system to maintain cabin heating capability during stop/start mode without requiring the engine to remain running, thereby reducing fuel consumption while meeting heating demands
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 enables efficient cabin heating during engine stop/start modes while reducing fuel consumption and electrical power usage by maintaining coolant flow only when needed, and preventing flow restrictions during main pump operation.
Implementation Method 1
The auxiliary coolant pump includes an impeller configured to circulate coolant through the coolant circuit
Implementation Method 2
a valve disposed within the bypass passage to facilitate preventing fluid flow from the coolant outlet to the coolant inlet, and allowing fluid flow from the coolant inlet to the coolant outlet; wherein the valve includes a check ball and valve seat
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the coolant circuit... wherein the heat exchanger is a cabin heat exchanger configured to provide heating to a cabin of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary coolant pump for circulating a coolant in a vehicle thermal system having a main coolant pump includes a housing, an impeller, a motor selectively driving the impeller, a coolant inlet configured to receive the coolant, a coolant outlet fluidly coupled to the coolant inlet, and a bypass passage fluidly coupled between the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet. When the main coolant pump is on, the auxiliary coolant pump is selectively turned off such that coolant flows through the bypass passage to reduce or eliminate restriction of the coolant flow rate in the thermal system. When the main coolant pump is off, the auxiliary coolant pump is selectively turned on such that coolant continues to flow through at least a portion of the thermal system.