Dual Electric Pump Cooling System for Engine Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling systems for internal combustion engines face challenges in controlling flow rate and reducing parasitic losses, particularly in hybrid electric vehicles, where mechanical pumps are inefficient and require significant packaging space.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual electric pump cooling system with a control unit that governs the pumps based on engine operation, flow demand, pressure demand, speed, and coolant temperature, allowing for flexible configuration in parallel or series arrangements to optimize coolant distribution and reduce parasitic losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical pumps are used to circulate coolant, then the cooling system can be driven by engine rotational force, but it is difficult to adjust or control the pump flow rate without adjusting the engine speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump system driven by the engine crankshaft with an electric pump system. This substitution allows the pump to be controlled independently of engine speed through electrical means, enabling precise flow rate adjustment without requiring engine speed changes. The electric pump can be governed by a control unit that responds to coolant temperature and flow demands separately from engine operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements variable speed control for the electric pump, allowing the pump to dynamically adjust its rotational speed and flow rate based on real-time cooling demands. This dynamic capability enables the pump to operate at optimal speeds under different conditions, providing precise flow rate control independent of engine speed while maintaining effective cooling.
2Loss of energy
If mechanical pumps are used to cool the engine, then the system can be simple in structure, but there can be substantial parasitic losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanically driven pump with an electric pump, eliminating the parasitic losses associated with mechanical drive systems (belt, chain, or gear drives). The electric pump draws power directly from the vehicle's electrical system, avoiding the energy losses that occur in mechanical transmission. This substitution reduces overall energy consumption while providing more efficient pump operation.
3Loss of energy
If electric water pumps are used to reduce parasitic losses, then fuel economy can be improved, but flow requirements of larger engines and limited passage ways make the use of electric pumps prohibitively expensive, large and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling system into multiple zones with separate electric pumps for different cylinder banks or engine sections. Each pump is sized appropriately for its specific cooling demand, allowing the use of smaller, more efficient electric pumps rather than one large pump. This segmentation reduces the size, weight, and cost of individual pumps while maintaining adequate cooling capacity for the entire engine.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements localized cooling control by providing separate pumps for different engine sections or cylinder banks. Each pump can be independently controlled based on the specific thermal demands of its associated engine section, allowing for optimized pump sizing and operation. This local quality approach ensures adequate cooling flow where needed while minimizing pump size and energy consumption in other areas.
4Reliability
If larger pumps are used to meet higher flow and pressure demands of larger engines, then cooling performance can be maintained, but packaging space requirements significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling system into multiple smaller pump units, each handling a portion of the total cooling demand. This segmentation allows the use of compact pumps that fit within available packaging space while collectively providing the required flow and pressure for the entire engine. Each pump is sized for its specific zone, reducing the volume required compared to a single large pump.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes multiple pumping zones and pathways to distribute cooling flow, effectively using spatial distribution to reduce the size of individual pump components. By creating parallel cooling circuits with separate pumps, the system achieves the required total flow capacity while each individual pump remains compact enough for efficient packaging within the vehicle's engine bay.
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 solution provides greater control over thermal conditions, reduces parasitic losses, and minimizes packaging space requirements, enhancing fuel economy and efficiency in hybrid electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a first pump to supply coolant to a cylinder block of an engine, a second pump to supply coolant to the engine
Implementation Method 2
Automobile engines can generate a significant amount of heat during operation... circulate water or other coolants throughout the engine
Implementation Method 3
At least one fluid return channel is configured to recirculate coolant to the pumps
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary cooling system includes, among other things, a first pump to supply coolant to a cylinder head or cylinder block of an engine, a second pump to supply coolant to a cylinder block or cylinder head of the engine. A control unit governs the first pump and second pump. Fluid return channels recirculate coolant to the pumps. The first and second pumps are arranged to backflow coolant through the engine.