Engine Cooling System Single Sensor Temperature Calculation

The patent uses a single temperature sensor to measure coolant temperature at one position, then creates virtual copies of temperature measurements at other positions through mathematical calculation based on heat balance equations. This allows the system to infer temperatures at multiple locations (engine inlet, engine outlet, radiator inlet, radiator outlet) using only one physical sensor, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.

The patent introduces calculated temperature values as intermediary representations of actual physical temperatures. Instead of directly measuring temperatures at multiple positions with multiple sensors, the system uses calculated temperature values derived from heat balance equations as intermediaries to control the cooling system. These calculated temperatures serve as substitutes for direct measurements at positions where physical sensors would be required.

The patent implements dynamic control of the coolant control valve by continuously adjusting the valve opening degree based on real-time temperature measurements and calculated temperatures. The control unit dynamically modifies the valve position in response to changing engine operating conditions, allowing the system to adapt to varying thermal loads. This dynamic adjustment enables faster response times while maintaining mechanical reliability through controlled movement within safe operational limits.

The patent employs feedback control where the actual coolant temperature measured by the sensor is continuously compared with target temperature values, and the valve opening degree is adjusted accordingly. The control unit uses feedback from temperature sensors and calculated temperatures to modulate the valve position, creating a closed-loop control system. This feedback mechanism enables rapid response to temperature deviations while ensuring the valve operates within reliable mechanical parameters through continuous monitoring and adjustment.

The patent creates virtual copies of temperature measurements through calculation rather than using multiple physical sensors. By using a single sensor measurement combined with heat balance equations, the system generates calculated temperature values that represent conditions at multiple positions. This approach maintains the precision needed for efficient engine control while avoiding the complexity of deploying and maintaining a network of multiple sensors throughout the cooling system.

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of using multiple physical temperature sensors with a computational approach. Instead of mechanically installing sensors at multiple locations, the system uses mathematical models and calculations to determine temperatures at different positions. This substitution of mechanical sensing with computational modeling reduces device complexity while maintaining the accuracy required for optimizing fuel consumption and engine performance.