Engine Coolant Circuit Segmentation for EGR Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing internal combustion engine coolant systems face challenges in reducing warm-up phases and fuel consumption due to the need to unblock coolant flow for EGR cooler operation, leading to increased production costs and weight from additional lines and higher main coolant pump resistance.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating the coolant circuit in two modes, where the EGR cooler is connected to the block cooling circuit via a bypass line, allowing coolant flow reversal during a no flow status, utilizing an auxiliary pump to maintain cooling of recirculated exhaust gases without additional lines, and using an electric main coolant pump independent of the engine crankshaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the coolant flow in the block cooling circuit is blocked to maintain no flow status, then fuel consumption is reduced and engine warm-up is accelerated, but the recirculated exhaust gases cannot be cooled
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into two independent circuits: the block cooling circuit that can be blocked for fuel savings and the EGR cooling circuit that operates independently to cool recirculated exhaust gases. This segmentation allows each circuit to operate according to its specific requirements without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
An auxiliary coolant pump is introduced as an intermediary device in the EGR cooling circuit to provide coolant circulation independently of the main block cooling circuit. This mediator enables EGR cooler operation even when the block cooling circuit is in no flow status.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an auxiliary coolant pump and additional connecting lines are added to enable EGR cooler operation during no flow status, then EGR cooling capability is improved, but production costs and vehicle weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into two independent circuits: the block cooling circuit that can be blocked for fuel savings and the EGR cooling circuit that operates independently to cool recirculated exhaust gases. This segmentation allows each circuit to operate according to its specific requirements without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
An auxiliary coolant pump is introduced as an intermediary device in the EGR cooling circuit to provide coolant circulation independently of the main block cooling circuit. This mediator enables EGR cooler operation even when the block cooling circuit is in no flow status.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional connecting lines are added from the main coolant pump to the EGR cooler, then EGR cooling capability is improved, but the main coolant pump resistance increases and power requirements rise
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into two independent circuits: the block cooling circuit that can be blocked for fuel savings and the EGR cooling circuit that operates independently to cool recirculated exhaust gases. This segmentation allows each circuit to operate according to its specific requirements without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
An auxiliary coolant pump is introduced as an intermediary device in the EGR cooling circuit to provide coolant circulation independently of the main block cooling circuit. This mediator enables EGR cooler operation even when the block cooling circuit is in no flow status.
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 approach reduces production costs and weight by eliminating extra lines, lowers main coolant pump power requirements, and allows independent cooling of recirculated exhaust gases, maintaining fuel savings and reducing engine warm-up time.
Implementation Method 1
the EGR cooler is connected to a heat exchanger circuit, and wherein recirculated exhaust gases can be cooled
Implementation Method 2
the flow through a bypass line during a second operational mode is reversed during the no flow status of the block cooling circuit, and wherein the flow in the second operating mode is brought about by an auxiliary coolant pump
Implementation Method 3
using an electric main coolant pump independent of the engine crankshaft
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a liquid coolant circuit of an internal combustion engine is described in which the coolant circuit contains an integrated EGR cooler such that the cooling system has a single circuit with two operational modes. The method includes a controller that can switch between operational modes to enable delivery of coolant to the EGR cooler when the flow of coolant through the block cooling circuit is blocked. In the second operational mode, the method also includes using an auxiliary pump to pass coolant to the EGR cooler while bypassing the main coolant pump, which can occur by adjusting the flow of coolant through the circuit so the flow through a bypass line is reversed relative to the inherent forward direction of flow in the bypass line during the first operational mode.