Cargo Heating Coolant Loop With Variable Pump Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cargo transport heating systems face challenges in maintaining optimal temperatures for both ambient air and engine due to dependency on engine operating speed, which affects heat transfer efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cargo transport heating system that utilizes a variable speed electric coolant pump, engine coolant heater, and flow control valve, controlled by temperature sensors, to regulate coolant flow and heat distribution between the engine and cargo compartment, ensuring optimal temperature balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical pump coupled to the engine is used to circulate coolant, then the coolant flow is created, but the pump speed and flow volume become dependent on engine operating speed, making it difficult to maintain optimal temperatures for both ambient air and engine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the engine-speed-dependent mechanical pump with an electric coolant pump that can independently adjust its speed and coolant flow volume. This dynamic control system allows the pump to operate at variable speeds regardless of engine operating conditions, enabling independent optimization of engine temperature and cargo air temperature. The electric pump's ability to dynamically adjust flow rates resolves the contradiction between maintaining stable temperature control and adapting to different operating conditions.
2Productivity
If coolant flow is increased to improve heat transfer to cargo compartment, then heating efficiency improves, but engine temperature control may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control system with temperature sensors that continuously monitor both engine coolant temperature and cargo compartment air temperature. The controller receives these temperature signals and dynamically adjusts the electric coolant pump's speed and the flow control valve's opening to balance heat distribution. This feedback mechanism allows the system to increase coolant flow to the cargo compartment when heating is needed while maintaining appropriate engine temperature, resolving the contradiction between heating efficiency and engine temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of coolant flow by using an electric pump with variable speed capability and a flow control valve with adjustable opening. These parameter changes allow dynamic adjustment of coolant flow rates to different destinations (engine vs. cargo compartment heat exchanger), enabling the system to optimize heating efficiency for the cargo compartment while maintaining proper engine operating temperature, thus resolving the temperature control contradiction.
3Loss of energy
If traditional heating systems are used, then engine heat is utilized, but additional heating sources are required when engine is switched off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the coolant circulation system self-sufficient by using an electric coolant pump that can operate independently of the engine. When the engine is running, it provides heat as before. When the engine is switched off, the electric pump can continue to circulate coolant through the heat exchanger, allowing the system to utilize stored engine heat or alternative heat sources without requiring additional heating systems. This self-service capability resolves the contradiction between energy utilization efficiency and operational flexibility.
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 system efficiently maintains optimal temperatures in the cargo compartment and engine by dynamically adjusting coolant flow and heat distribution, improving temperature balance and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the heat may be transferred from the engine and to a remote heat exchanger by a flowing engine coolant
Implementation Method 2
The flow of the coolant is created by a mechanical pump coupled to the engine
Implementation Method 3
a cargo temperature sensor disposed in the cargo containment for measuring cargo air temperature, wherein the cargo temperature sensor is configured to output a cargo temperature signal to the controller; and an engine temperature sensor configured to measure engine temperature
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A cargo transport heating system is utilized for a truck that includes a cargo containment and a combustion engine having a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet. The cargo transport heating system includes a heat exchanger, a coolant pump, and a combustion engine coolant having a low toxicity. The heat exchanger is disposed in the cargo containment, and is in fluid communication with the first coolant inlet. The coolant pump is in fluid communication with the coolant outlet and the heat exchanger, and pumps the combustion engine coolant through the first coolant inlet, the coolant outlet, and the heat exchanger.