Coolant Flow Control via Stored Energy Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling the flow rate of coolant in combustion engines are costly and unreliable, particularly due to the need for robust temperature sensors and reliance on fuel injection quantity, which is not directly linked to engine temperature, leading to inefficient coolant circulation and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method that estimates the material temperature of the engine's hottest point by calculating the stored energy from the power restored to the coolant, using a correspondence table to determine when to activate the water pump, thereby optimizing coolant circulation based on engine conditions and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If robust temperature sensors are used to detect coolant temperature, then temperature detection reliability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fuel injection quantity as an intermediary parameter to indirectly estimate engine temperature. Instead of directly measuring temperature with expensive robust sensors, the system calculates temperature based on the relationship between fuel injection amount and engine thermal state, thereby avoiding the need for costly temperature sensors while maintaining sufficient detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical temperature sensing system with a computational approach. By substituting direct temperature measurement with calculation based on fuel injection data, the system eliminates the need for robust temperature sensors and reduces overall system cost while maintaining functional equivalence
2Temperature
If coolant circulation is activated early to ensure engine cooling, then engine temperature control is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of engine temperature based on fuel injection quantity before actually activating the coolant circulation system. This allows the system to predict when cooling will be needed and activate the water pump only at the appropriate moment, avoiding premature activation and unnecessary energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of coolant circulation by continuously monitoring fuel injection quantity and calculating real-time engine temperature. The water pump activation is dynamically adjusted based on actual engine conditions rather than following a fixed schedule, optimizing the balance between temperature control and energy consumption
3Use of energy by moving object
If coolant circulation is delayed to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but temperature control reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a feedback control loop where fuel injection quantity is continuously monitored, engine temperature is calculated in real-time, and water pump activation is adjusted based on this feedback. This closed-loop control ensures that coolant circulation is delayed only as long as safely possible while maintaining reliable temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct temperature measurement with calculation based on fuel injection data, allowing for more frequent and granular monitoring of engine thermal state. This computational approach enables more precise timing of coolant activation, improving both energy efficiency and temperature control reliability compared to fixed-threshold sensor-based systems
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 allows for more precise temperature estimation and economical operation of the water pump, delaying coolant circulation until the engine reaches a critical temperature, reducing unnecessary cooling and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A water pump converts velocity energy into pressure energy. Thanks to the evolving section of a volute at the level of a turbine, the speed of the fluid decreases and the pressure increases.
Implementation Method 2
When the winding is energized, the magnetic field thus generated drives the axis E2 in rotation thanks to the magnet E6.
Implementation Method 3
The two generally carbon E4 bearings which are immersed in the coolant and are therefore naturally cooled.
Implementation Method 4
The two generally carbon E4 bearings which are immersed in the coolant and are therefore naturally cooled.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling the flow of a cooling liquid in a combustion engine, including a casing and a water pump. A material temperature estimate, corresponding to the hottest point in the casing, is carried out from a stored power calculation (E) calculated by a restored power integral (Peau(t)) corresponding to power restored to the cooling liquid if the cooling liquid were set in motion.