Dual-Pump Coolant Flow Switching for Variable Vehicle Cooling Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cooling systems face inefficiencies in meeting varying cooling demands due to the need for pumps to operate at different speeds, leading to high component costs and energy inefficiencies, particularly in extreme driving or environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A dual-pump system that switches between normal and high demand modes, using a first pump for normal conditions and a second pump for increased flowrate in extreme conditions, allowing seamless adjustment of coolant flowrate through a thermal management system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single pump operates at variable speeds to meet different cooling demands, then the system can adapt to varying flowrate needs, but energy efficiency deteriorates and component costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into two separate pumps instead of using one variable-speed pump. The first pump handles normal demand cooling at constant speed, while the second pump provides additional flowrate when needed. This segmentation allows each pump to operate at optimal constant speeds, eliminating the energy inefficiencies of variable-speed operation while maintaining adaptability to different cooling demands.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single pump operates at variable speeds to meet different cooling demands, then the system can adapt to varying flowrate needs, but component costs worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using one complex variable-speed pump with associated control systems, the system segments the pumping function into two simpler constant-speed pumps. This segmentation reduces component costs by eliminating the need for expensive variable-speed motors, control electronics, and maintenance infrastructure, while still achieving flowrate adaptability through selective pump operation.
3Productivity
If a pump runs at high speed to meet peak cooling demands, then sufficient coolant flowrate is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of running one pump at excessive high speeds to meet peak demands, the system uses partial action by activating the second pump only when additional cooling capacity is needed. The first pump continues operating at its optimal constant speed, and the second pump provides the necessary additional flowrate. This partial activation approach meets peak cooling demands without the excessive energy consumption of high-speed operation.
4Use of energy by moving object
If a pump runs at low speed to conserve energy during mild cooling demands, then energy consumption decreases, but cooling performance becomes ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the cooling capacity into two levels handled by separate pumps. The first pump is sized and optimized for normal demand cooling, delivering reliable performance at constant speed. When mild cooling demands occur, the system simply operates the first pump at lower capacity rather than low speed, maintaining optimal operating conditions. The second pump remains standby or provides supplemental capacity, ensuring cooling performance reliability across all demand levels without compromising pump operating effectiveness.
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 dual-pump system efficiently manages coolant flowrate across different driving and environmental conditions, optimizing energy use and reducing component costs by dynamically adapting to cooling demands.
Implementation Method 1
pumping the coolant from the second pump through the cooling loop between the heat dissipating device and the heat generating component
Data Source
AI summary
A process and apparatus for cooling a heat generating component of a vehicle comprises a first pump switchable between a normal demand mode and a high demand mode. Coolant is pumped from the first pump through a cooling loop between a heat dissipating device and the heat generating component at a normal demand flowrate in the normal demand mode. Switching the first pump to the high demand mode diverts the coolant to a second pump. The second pump pumping the coolant through the cooling loop at a high demand flowrate.