Coolant Temperature Oscillation Prediction Model
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling system monitoring methods fail to accurately predict radiator failure and thermostat degradation due to coolant temperature oscillations, which can lead to radiator failure and engine overheating, as they do not account for the reversed coolant flow and thermal strain caused by thermostat position changes.
Innovation Solution
Estimating coolant temperature at a position between the end of a radiator core and the junction of a radiator lower hose and a heater core output line, using a thermal instability prediction model that incorporates the reversed coolant flow when the thermostat bypasses the radiator, allowing for real-time prediction of radiator failure and thermostat degradation without additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If coolant temperature monitoring is performed using existing methods, then system degradation can be detected, but radiator failure cannot be accurately predicted due to temperature oscillations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal instability prediction model as an intermediary computational tool that processes measured coolant temperatures to predict radiator outlet temperatures. This model acts as a mediator between direct temperature measurements and radiator failure prediction, accounting for thermal oscillations and reversed flow effects that direct measurements cannot capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary thermal instability analysis by continuously monitoring coolant temperature and using the prediction model to forecast radiator outlet conditions before actual failure occurs. This preliminary action enables early detection of thermal strain patterns that precede radiator failure.
2Temperature
If thermostat position changes are made to control coolant flow, then engine temperature control is improved, but coolant temperature oscillations increase causing thermal strain on radiator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the thermal instability prediction model continuously monitors coolant temperature variations caused by thermostat position changes and predicts the resulting radiator outlet temperature oscillations. This feedback loop enables the system to assess thermal strain on the radiator in real-time, allowing for adjusted control strategies that maintain engine temperature while minimizing radiator thermal fatigue.
3Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to monitor radiator outlet temperature, then measurement accuracy improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of physically installing additional temperature sensors at the radiator outlet, the patent creates a virtual copy of the temperature measurement through computational modeling. The thermal instability prediction model generates predicted radiator outlet temperatures based on existing sensor data and thermal principles, effectively copying the measurement function without the physical hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of adding physical temperature sensors with a computational/algorithmic approach. The thermal instability prediction model uses mathematical relationships and existing temperature measurements to substitute for direct physical measurement at the radiator outlet, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
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 enables accurate prediction of radiator failure and thermostat degradation, preventing system failures by simulating coolant temperature oscillations and estimating engine and radiator temperatures, thus improving engine control and maintaining system health.
Implementation Method 1
The low pressure condition may draw hot coolant from the heater core to the radiator outlet via a radiator bleed line. Consequently, coolant temperature at the radiator outlet may be affected by the reversed hot coolant flow drawn from the heater core.
Implementation Method 2
The coolant temperature may be estimated as a mathematical function of a coolant flow rate at the radiator outlet
Implementation Method 3
The direction of the coolant flow at the radiator outlet depends on thermostat position
Implementation Method 4
The thermostat may be at a first position to stop low temperature coolant from the thermostat to the radiator, and at a second position to allow high temperature coolant from the thermostat to the radiator
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for determining coolant system health. In one example, a method may include predicting degradation in the coolant system based on oscillations of an estimated coolant temperature at an outlet of a radiator. The method may further control an engine based on the estimated coolant temperature.