Crankcase Ventilation Heat Pipe for Blow-by Gas Freezing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crankcase ventilation systems are inefficient in preventing freezing of blow-by gases due to slow heat transfer, high costs, and power consumption, and fail to effectively manage wind chill effects, leading to engine lubrication issues and performance interference.
Innovation Solution
A crankcase ventilation system incorporating a heat pipe within the ventilation pipe that utilizes compressed air from a turbo or supercharger to generate heat, with the heat pipe connected between the turbo/supercharger and charge air cooler, and the crankcase ventilation pipe connected to an air inlet upstream of the turbo/supercharger, ensuring efficient heat transfer and minimizing boost pressure leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If engine coolant is used to heat the PCV system, then the system can prevent freezing, but the system is too slow to work during cold start and fails to provide heat quickly enough
Solution Approach 1:
A heat pipe is introduced as an intermediary thermal coupling device between the PCV valve and the engine coolant system. The heat pipe rapidly conducts heat from the coolant to the PCV valve, enabling fast heating response during cold start while maintaining reliable freezing prevention throughout operation.
2Reliability
If engine coolant is used to heat the PCV system, then freezing can be prevented, but the systems remove capacity and related efficiency from the engine cooling system
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function for the PCV system is extracted from the main engine cooling system by introducing a dedicated heat pipe thermal coupling. This allows the PCV system to be heated independently without diverting significant coolant flow or thermal capacity from the engine cooling system, thereby maintaining engine cooling efficiency while preventing PCV freezing.
3Reliability
If engine coolant is used to heat the PCV system, then the system can prevent freezing, but the systems are relatively expensive and complex and add unnecessary weight to the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is extracted from the main cooling system through a dedicated heat pipe coupling, eliminating the need for complex thermal management systems, additional sensors, and control mechanisms. This simplified approach uses only passive thermal conduction through the heat pipe, reducing system complexity and weight while maintaining effective freezing prevention.
4Reliability
If electric heaters are used for heating the PCV system, then freezing can be prevented, but the heaters drain power from the electrical system of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The electric heating system is replaced with a passive thermal conduction system using a heat pipe. Instead of consuming electrical power, the system uses mechanical/thermal energy transfer through the heat pipe to conduct heat from the engine coolant to the PCV valve, eliminating electrical power consumption while maintaining effective freezing prevention.
5Reliability
If electric heaters are used for heating the PCV system, then freezing can be prevented, but the heaters are relatively expensive and labour intensive with respect to manufacture and installation
Solution Approach 1:
The complex electric heating system is replaced with a simple passive thermal conduction system using a heat pipe. This eliminates the need for electrical components, control electronics, and complex assembly procedures, significantly simplifying manufacturing and installation while maintaining reliable freezing prevention.
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
The system effectively prevents freezing of blow-by gases by utilizing heat generated from compressed air, reducing engine power consumption, and maintaining efficient engine performance while minimizing weight and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
At least a part of at least one heat pipe (114) is provided inside said crank case ventilation pipe (104). Said at least one heat pipe (114) is provided for transporting compressed air to an inlet downstream said turbo (110) and/or super charger.
Implementation Method 2
An advantage with the present invention is that heat generated when making compressed air is used for heating the crank case ventilation system.
Data Source
AI summary
A crank case ventilation system for ventilation of blow by gases from an internal combustion engine includes a crank case ventilation pipe connectable with a first end to the internal combustion engine for receiving blow by gases from the internal combustion engine and with a second end to an air inlet pipe provided upstream of a turbo and/or a super charger, where the second end of the crank case ventilation pipe is provided for delivering blow by gases to the air inlet. At least a part of at least one heat pipe is provided inside the crank case ventilation pipe, where the at least one heat pipe is provided for transporting compressed air to an inlet downstream the turbo and/or the super charger.