Cooling Circuit Volume Flow Control Using Single 3D Characteristic Map

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooling circuit control methods require separate characteristic maps for each cooling circuit configuration, making it cumbersome to adapt to changes and difficult to achieve precise volume flow regulation within narrow limits.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses a single three-dimensional characteristic map correlating differential pressure, temperature, and volume flow to control a pump in a cooling circuit, allowing for precise regulation of coolant flow based on component requirements, without the need for separate maps for each configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate characteristic maps are provided for each cooling circuit configuration, then precise volume flow regulation is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need to manage and adapt multiple maps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume flow regulation precisionVSAvoidmap management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate characteristic maps (for different cooling circuit configurations) into a single three-dimensional characteristic map. This unified map uses four variables (pump speed, coolant temperature, differential pressure, and volume flow) to cover all possible cooling circuit configurations, eliminating the need to manage multiple separate maps while maintaining precise volume flow regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single three-dimensional characteristic map serves as a universal solution that handles all cooling circuit configurations (different versions, additions, or modifications) without requiring configuration-specific maps. The map is designed to be universally applicable across various cooling circuit setups, reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If separate characteristic maps are created for each cooling circuit version, then accurate cooling control is achieved, but ease of operation and adaptability worsen due to the need to adapt maps for each change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling control accuracyVSAvoidadaptability to circuit changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functionality of multiple configuration-specific characteristic maps into one comprehensive three-dimensional map that automatically adapts to different cooling circuit configurations through the use of differential pressure and temperature as dynamic variables, eliminating manual map adaptation requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The characteristic map is designed to dynamically adapt to different cooling circuit configurations by using real-time differential pressure and temperature measurements. The system automatically adjusts the control parameters based on the actual operating conditions and circuit configuration, providing ease of operation without sacrificing cooling control accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a single three-dimensional characteristic map is used for all cooling circuit configurations, then ease of operation and adaptability improve, but measurement precision may deteriorate without configuration-specific optimization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of map managementVSAvoidvolume flow measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from multiple two-dimensional characteristic maps (each for a specific configuration) to a single three-dimensional characteristic map that incorporates an additional dimension (differential pressure or temperature). This extra dimension enables the unified map to accurately represent different cooling circuit configurations while maintaining measurement precision through the use of real-time sensor data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from differential pressure sensors and temperature sensors to dynamically adjust the volume flow control based on actual operating conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures that the single three-dimensional characteristic map maintains measurement precision by continuously adapting to the actual cooling circuit configuration and thermal load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Measurement precision

If volume flow is regulated within narrow limits using traditional methods, then cooling precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple control parameters and maps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume flow control precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple control parameters and separate characteristic maps into a unified control approach using a single three-dimensional characteristic map. The controller integrates pump speed, coolant temperature, and differential pressure into one coherent control system, simplifying the control architecture while maintaining precise volume flow regulation within narrow limits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables precise and adaptable control of volume flow in cooling circuits, ensuring neither minimum nor maximum flow is exceeded, while allowing for efficient cooling capacity adjustment based on component needs, reducing the complexity of map management and enhancing operational flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

at least one first pump (3) for delivering a coolant (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic flow:

Implementation Method 2

measuring a differential pressure (6) of the coolant (4) applied to the component (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDifferential pressure measurement:

Implementation Method 3

controlling the first pump (3) by the control unit (7) using the volume flow (1) determined via the measured differential pressure (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFeedback control: Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3763556B1Method for controlling a flow rate
Publication Date: 2023.04.19 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3763556B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

Method for controlling a volume flow (1) in a cooling circuit (2), wherein the cooling circuit (2) comprises at least a first pump (3) for conveying a coolant (4) and at least one component (5) supplied by the coolant (4), wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: a) operating the first pump (3) and conveying the coolant (4) through the cooling circuit (2); b) measuring a differential pressure (6) of the coolant (4) applied to the component (5); c) determining a volume flow (1) corresponding to the measured differential pressure (6) using a characteristic map (8) stored in a control unit (7); and d) controlling the first pump (3) by the control unit (7) using the volume flow (1) determined via the measured differential pressure (6).