Charge Air Cooler Heating Means for Condensate Solidification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The formation of condensates in the charge air cooler of internal combustion engines, particularly during cold temperatures, can lead to solidification and blockages, preventing engine startup and potentially causing damage due to corrosive acids formed from the condensation of exhaust gases and ambient air.
Innovation Solution
A charge air cooling device with heating means, such as electrical resistors, is integrated at the recovery means to selectively control the heating of condensates, preventing solidification by liquefying or evaporating them, especially when outside temperatures are below 0°C, and a bypass duct with regulation means to divert airflow around the cooler during low temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the charge air cooler is arranged vertically to allow condensate flow towards recovery means, then condensate collection is improved, but condensates may solidify at temperatures below 0°C causing blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing heating means that change the temperature parameter of the condensates in the recovery means. This prevents the condensates from solidifying at temperatures below 0°C by maintaining them in a liquid state, thus resolving the contradiction between effective condensate collection and prevention of solidification blockages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of cold temperatures that cause solidification into a benefit by using the heating means to actively manage the thermal state of condensates. The heating system transforms the potential harm of freezing into a controlled thermal management solution that ensures reliable condensate evacuation even in cold operating conditions
2Reliability
If heating means are added to prevent condensate solidification, then reliability in cold conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating means are integrated into the existing recovery means structure, allowing the system to self-regulate condensate temperature without requiring external complex control systems. The heating elements are directly incorporated into the recovery means, enabling the system to serve itself by preventing solidification through internal heating capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the heating function with the existing recovery means structure, combining two functions (condensate collection and temperature maintenance) into a single integrated component. This reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate heating systems and control mechanisms
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
The heating system effectively prevents condensate solidification, ensuring smooth engine operation and preventing damage by maintaining condensates in a liquid or vapor state, thus ensuring engine functionality and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
said heating means include at least one electrical resistance
Implementation Method 2
said supercharging air cooler being arranged substantially vertically so as to allow condensate to flow towards recovery means intended to collect said condensate
Implementation Method 3
when, said the outside temperature being less than or equal to 0°C, the condensates collected by the recovery means are likely to solidify
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (15) for cooling charge air of an engine (10), comprising a charge air cooler (40) in order to cool, upstream from an air-intake portion (14) of the engine (10), air (38) from a supercharger (28) rotatably connected to a turbine (26) which is rotated by the exhaust gases of the engine, said charge air cooler (40) being arranged substantially vertical so as to allow condensates (50) to flow towards recovery means (48) intended for collecting said condensates (50). Said device (15) comprises heating means (52) for heating said condensates (50) collected by the recovery means (48) when the outside temperature is no higher than 0 °C. Said heating means are selectively controlled as a function of an inside temperature measured by means for measuring the temperature in said condensate-recovery means.