Differential Engine Cooling via Dual Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spark ignited engines face inefficiencies due to a single coolant system that fails to maintain optimal temperature ranges for all engine surfaces, leading to reduced combustion phasing capabilities and lower load and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A dual cooling circuit system where a first circuit cools non-cylinder surfaces to a higher temperature (100-130°C) and a second circuit cools cylinder surfaces to a lower temperature (35-65°C), using separate heat exchangers and radiators to manage the cooling fluid effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single coolant system is used to cool all engine surfaces, then the system structure is simple, but the temperature control precision for different engine surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant system is divided into two separate cooling circuits: a first cooling circuit for non-cylinder surfaces and a second cooling circuit for cylinder/combustion surfaces. This segmentation allows each circuit to independently control temperatures for its designated surfaces, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and temperature control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Different temperature ranges are provided to different engine surfaces based on their specific cooling requirements. Non-cylinder surfaces receive coolant at one temperature range while cylinder/combustion surfaces receive coolant at a different temperature range, optimizing performance for each local area.
2Stability of the object's composition
If all engine surfaces are cooled to a narrow temperature range, then the cooling system is uniform, but combustion phasing capabilities and load capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into two independent circuits that can operate with different temperature parameters. The first circuit maintains a narrow temperature range for non-cylinder surfaces, while the second circuit provides different temperature control for cylinder surfaces, thereby maintaining combustion phasing capabilities and load capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different temperature characteristics are applied to different engine surfaces. Cylinder/combustion surfaces receive cooling optimized for combustion efficiency, while non-cylinder surfaces receive cooling optimized for their specific thermal requirements, preventing degradation of combustion performance.
3Ease of operation
If all engine surfaces are cooled to a narrow temperature range, then the cooling system is simple to control, but engine efficiency and load capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into two independent control loops, one for each cooling circuit. Each loop can be controlled independently based on the specific thermal requirements of the surfaces it serves, allowing the system to maintain high engine efficiency while keeping control logic relatively simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature control parameters are optimized locally for different engine surfaces. Cylinder surfaces receive cooling control optimized for combustion efficiency, while non-cylinder surfaces receive cooling control optimized for their operational requirements, thereby maximizing overall engine efficiency.
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 differential cooling approach enhances engine efficiency and load capability by ensuring optimal temperature management for both non-cylinder and combustion surfaces, improving overall engine performance.
Implementation Method 1
the first cooling circuit includes a first heat exchanger... the first heat exchanger is an oil cooler
Implementation Method 2
the second cooling circuit includes a second heat exchanger... the second heat exchanger is an oil cooler
Implementation Method 3
the first water circuit includes a first radiator configured to lower the temperature of the water in the first water circuit to reject the heat in the first portion of the cooling fluid
Implementation Method 4
the second water circuit includes a second radiator configured to lower the temperature of the water in the second water circuit to reject the heat in the remaining or second portion of the cooling fluid
Implementation Method 5
each of the one or more cylinders includes a piston and a piston nozzle for outletting the second portion of the cooling fluid into the cylinder or cylinder head and/or against the combustion surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and method are disclosed for differentially cooling an internal combustion engine. A cooling system includes a first cooling circuit configured to lower a temperature of a cooling fluid to a first temperature where the first cooling circuit is configured to dispense a first portion of the cooling fluid to cylinder walls and non-cylinder or non-combustion surfaces of the engine. The cooling system also includes a second cooling circuit configured to lower the temperature of a remaining or second portion of the cooling fluid to a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature where the second cooling circuit is configured to dispense the remaining portion of the cooling fluid to cylinder or combustion surfaces within one or more cylinders of the internal combustion engine.