Dual Pump Engine Cooling System with Selector Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current engine cooling systems rely on mechanical water pumps that maintain constant coolant flow rates regardless of thermal requirements, leading to inefficiencies in cooling performance and fuel economy, as they do not adjust flow rates proportionally with engine load conditions.
Innovation Solution
An engine cooling system that incorporates both an electric water pump and a mechanical water pump, controlled by a selector valve and an engine control module (ECM) using input sensors to adjust pump operation based on energy demand, switching between pumps to optimize coolant flow rates and reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical water pump with fixed transmission ratio is used, then the engine is protected under high load conditions, but fuel economy deteriorates when less cooling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the fixed transmission ratio mechanical pump with a variable speed electric pump that can dynamically adjust coolant flow rates based on real-time thermal requirements. The ECM continuously monitors engine operating conditions and modulates pump speed accordingly, enabling the system to provide high cooling capacity when needed while reducing flow rates during low thermal demand periods, thus improving fuel economy without compromising engine protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the rotational speed of the electric water pump motor based on engine load conditions. The ECM adjusts the electrical power supplied to the pump motor, changing the flow rate parameter from a fixed mechanical value to a variable electrical control parameter. This allows the system to optimize coolant flow rates across different operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining adequate cooling and reducing parasitic energy consumption.
2Reliability
If a mechanical water pump with fixed transmission ratio is used, then the engine is protected under high load conditions, but cooling efficiency deteriorates when less cooling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static mechanical pump operation to dynamic electric pump control, where the pump speed continuously adapts to match actual thermal requirements. This dynamic adjustment optimizes cooling efficiency by providing maximum coolant flow during high load conditions and reduced flow during low demand periods, eliminating the inefficiency of constant high-capacity pumping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing only the necessary cooling capacity required at each operating condition rather than continuously delivering maximum cooling capability. The ECM modulates the electric pump to deliver partial coolant flow when thermal demands are low, avoiding excessive cooling action that wastes energy and reduces overall system efficiency while still maintaining adequate engine protection.
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 system dynamically adjusts coolant flow rates to match thermal demands, improving cooling efficiency and fuel economy by selectively engaging the electric or mechanical water pump based on energy demand, thereby optimizing engine temperature control and reducing parasitic load on the engine.
Implementation Method 1
an electric water pump configured to circulate the coolant through the circuit
Implementation Method 2
a mechanical water pump configured to circulate the coolant through the circuit
Implementation Method 3
an engine cooling circuit for circulating a coolant to transfer heat from the engine to the airflow
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an engine cooling system for controlling the temperature of an engine of a motor vehicle. The system includes an engine cooling circuit for circulating a coolant to transfer heat from the engine to an airflow. An electric water pump is configured to circulate the coolant through the circuit at a maximum electric pump flow rate, and a mechanical water pump is configured to circulate the coolant through the circuit at a maximum mechanical pump flow rate that is higher than the maximum electric pump flow rate. The circuit further includes a selector valve configured to fluidly connect one of the electric water pump and the mechanical water pump to the engine. An engine control module generates a valve signal for actuating the selector valve to fluidly connect one of the electric water pump and the mechanical water pump to the engine.