Vehicle Cooling Circuit Flow Rate Limiter for Energy Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cooling circuits for vehicles face inefficiency due to mechanical pumps delivering fluid flow rates proportional to engine speed, leading to excessive energy loss in cooling devices like the EGR valve at high engine speeds, which is complex and costly to address with controlled valves.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flow rate limiter with a mobile valve that adjusts fluid passage sections based on inlet flow rates, biased by a compression spring, to autonomously regulate fluid flow rates in response to engine speed, reducing flow rates when exceeding a predetermined threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a mechanical pump delivers fluid flow rate proportional to engine speed, then the engine block cooling requirement is met, but excessive energy loss occurs in other cooling devices at high engine speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling circuit is divided into multiple independent branches, each with its own flow rate limiter. This segmentation allows each branch to independently regulate its fluid flow rate according to the specific cooling requirements of that branch, rather than forcing all branches to receive the same high flow rate that satisfies the engine block's cooling needs.
Solution Approach 2:
Each branch is equipped with a flow rate limiter tailored to its specific cooling requirements. The flow rate limiters have different predetermined thresholds matched to the specific cooling needs of each device (e.g., EGR valve vs. other components), allowing local optimization of fluid flow rates rather than a uniform approach.
2Loss of energy
If controlled valves are used to adapt fluid feed flow rates to device requirements, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow rate limiters are designed to operate autonomously based on the fluid flow rate conditions in each branch. Each limiter automatically adjusts its own valve position in response to the inlet flow rate, eliminating the need for external control systems, sensors, or actuators. The limiters self-regulate to match the cooling requirements of each device without adding system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronically controlled valves with simple mechanical flow rate limiters that use spring-loaded mechanisms and pressure-responsive valves. This substitution eliminates the need for electronic control systems, sensors, and power consumption associated with traditional controlled valves, while achieving the same flow rate adaptation function.
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 allows for efficient and cost-effective adjustment of fluid flow rates in vehicle cooling circuits, optimizing energy use and reducing fuel consumption by matching fluid delivery to specific device requirements without the need for complex control systems.
Implementation Method 1
the flow rate limiter includes a compression spring that biases the valve into its first position
Implementation Method 2
the flow rate limiter includes a compression spring that biases the valve into its first position
Implementation Method 3
a cooling circuit for a vehicle... for circulation of a cooling fluid... to cool it
Implementation Method 4
pump for circulating a cooling fluid... in the circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling circuit for a vehicle includes at least one pump (10) and a plurality of branches (12, 14) for circulation of a cooling fluid. At least one branch (12) includes a flow rate limiter (24) with a valve (28), the flow rate limiter including a body (26) in which is mounted a valve (28) mobile between a first position in which it delimits a first fluid passage section (S2) at the outlet of the limiter and a second position in which it delimits a second fluid passage section (S3) in the limiter, the second section being smaller than the first section. The valve is biased into its first position and configured to be moved from the first position to the second position when the fluid flow rate at the inlet of the limiter exceeds a predetermined threshold.