Cooling System Inlet Temperature Control via Valve Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for engines, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,904,875, are complex and costly due to multiple temperature sensors and require complex calculations for controlling coolant flow, with insufficient control over inlet temperatures affecting engine operation, especially in systems with dual coolant circuits.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system with a valve and sensor configuration that regulates coolant flow based solely on the inlet temperature of the heat source, using a movable valve and temperature sensor to direct coolant flow through or around a heat exchanger, simplifying control and reducing hardware complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors and complex calculations are used to control coolant flow, then temperature control capability is improved, but device complexity and hardware cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary temperature sensors from the system. Instead of using multiple sensors to measure both inlet and outlet temperatures, the invention only uses a single temperature sensor at the coolant inlet, combined with a flow rate sensor, to achieve adequate temperature control without the complexity of multiple sensors and calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system that uses real-time measurements from a single temperature sensor at the inlet and a flow rate sensor to dynamically adjust the coolant flow rate. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain temperature control capability while reducing hardware complexity by eliminating the need for multiple sensors and complex calculation algorithms.
2Temperature
If coolant flow is controlled based on outlet temperature, then outlet temperature stability is improved, but inlet temperature control effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional control approach by placing the temperature sensor at the coolant inlet rather than the outlet. This inversion allows the system to measure and control the inlet temperature directly, which has the greatest effect on engine operation. The control system adjusts coolant flow based on inlet temperature measurements, ensuring optimal temperature control at the critical point where coolant enters the engine.
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 configuration provides precise and efficient temperature control for engines by measuring coolant inlet temperature and adjusting coolant flow accordingly, reducing hardware costs and complexity while improving control accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger to cool the coolant
Implementation Method 2
a coolant pump located between the heat exchanger and the heat source to direct coolant from the heat exchanger to the heat source
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system is disclosed. The cooling system may have a heat source, a heat exchanger, and a coolant pump located between the heat exchanger and the heat source to direct coolant from the heat exchanger to the heat source. The cooling system may also have a valve located between the heat source and the heat exchanger. The valve may be movable to vary a rate of coolant flow through the heat exchanger and around the heat exchanger to the coolant pump. The cooling system may further have a sensor located at an inlet of the heat source to generate a signal indicative of coolant temperature at the inlet, and a controller in communication with the valve and the sensor. The controller may be configured to move the valve based on the temperature of the coolant at only the inlet of the heat source.