Coolant Circuit Valve for Single-Pump Engine Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coolant circuits for internal combustion engines, comprising separate high-temperature and low-temperature circuits, face challenges related to cost, weight, and complexity, particularly due to the need for two separate pumps which increase system complexity and packaging size.
Innovation Solution
A control valve is introduced that controls the flow between the high-temperature and low-temperature coolant circuits, utilizing a single pump by adjusting based on charge pressure, coolant pressure, and temperature, eliminating the need for a separate pump for the low-temperature circuit and integrating the low-temperature radiator into the high-temperature radiator for a compact arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If separate high-temperature and low-temperature coolant circuits are used, then cooling performance is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the high-temperature and low-temperature coolant circuits into a single integrated system. The charge air cooler serves dual purposes: cooling charge air while also functioning as a heat exchanger for the coolant circuit. This eliminates the need for separate pumps and control systems for each temperature circuit, reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to provide both high-temperature engine cooling and low-temperature charge air cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant circuit is designed to perform multiple functions through a single system. The same coolant pump and coolant circuit serve both the engine cooling (high temperature) and charge air cooling (low temperature) functions. The control valve and charge air cooler enable the system to adapt and perform different cooling tasks based on operating conditions, achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated systems.
2Temperature
If separate high-temperature and low-temperature coolant circuits are used, then cooling performance is improved, but weight and stowage space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separate coolant circuits into one unified system, eliminating duplicate components such as two separate pumps, two sets of hoses, and two independent control systems. The charge air cooler is integrated into the coolant circuit as a heat exchanger, allowing the same coolant to serve both engine and charge air cooling functions. This consolidation significantly reduces the overall weight and packaging space required for the cooling system.
3Device complexity
If a single pump is used for both circuits, then system complexity is reduced, but control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control valve as an intermediary device in the single coolant circuit. This control valve precisely regulates the flow of coolant to the charge air cooler based on operating conditions such as engine load, temperature, and pressure. By using this intermediary flow control mechanism, the system maintains high control precision for coolant distribution while still benefiting from the simplicity of having only one pump, thereby resolving the contradiction between system complexity and control precision.
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 reduces system complexity, packaging size, and manufacturing costs while providing flexible and adaptive cooling control dependent on engine load and coolant temperature, enhancing cooling efficiency without the need for an additional pump for the low-temperature circuit.
Implementation Method 1
a thermostat (77) with a connection in terms of flow to the flow channel (74) for the first fluid medium. The thermostat (77) is arranged between the closure (75) and the outlet (73)
Implementation Method 2
the closure (75) is designed to be moved in the flow channel (74) for the first fluid medium by the pressure of the second fluid medium
Implementation Method 3
The control valve comprises a first spring, which is arranged between the closure and the thermostat
Implementation Method 4
a second spring, which is arranged between the thermostat and the outlet and which holds the first spring in a stop position
Implementation Method 5
A control valve is introduced that controls the flow between the high-temperature and low-temperature coolant circuits, utilizing a single pump by adjusting based on charge pressure, coolant pressure, and temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for a coolant circuit. In one example, the coolant circuit comprises high and low-temperature radiators, where only one pump is configured to conduct coolant through the entire coolant circuit.