Dual Radiator Cooling System for Combustion Engine and WHR
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for combustion engines and WHR systems face challenges in efficiently cooling the working medium to different temperatures, which affects the thermal efficiency of both systems, as they require specific coolant temperatures and flow rates for optimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system with two radiators and valve devices that allow for the mixing of coolants to achieve three different temperatures, enabling the system to direct suitable coolant temperatures to both the combustion engine and the condenser, while optimizing coolant flow and temperature distribution using adjustable valves and sensor feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single cooling system is used for both combustion engine and WHR condenser, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide different coolant temperatures is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into two separate radiators (first radiator for engine cooling, second radiator for condenser cooling) that operate independently. Each radiator has its own cooling circuits and control mechanisms, allowing them to cool coolant to different temperatures simultaneously. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing temperature adaptability while maintaining reasonable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is designed with multi-functionality where the first and second radiators can serve different purposes (engine cooling and condenser cooling) with different temperature requirements. The system can adapt its cooling output based on the specific needs of each component, achieving versatility in temperature control while using a unified cooling architecture.
2Loss of energy
If coolant is cooled to lower temperature for WHR condenser, then thermal efficiency of WHR system is improved, but combustion engine cooling requirements may not be met
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system uses two separate radiators with independent control, allowing the second radiator to cool coolant to a lower temperature (60-70°C) for the WHR condenser to maximize thermal efficiency, while the first radiator maintains coolant at a higher temperature (90°C) suitable for combustion engine cooling. This segmentation enables both components to receive optimally temperature-controlled coolant simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the cooling system provide different cooling qualities tailored to specific needs. The first radiator provides moderate cooling for the combustion engine, while the second radiator provides intensive cooling for the WHR condenser. This local differentiation of cooling quality ensures each component receives the appropriate temperature without compromising the other's performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate cooling systems are used for engine and condenser, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional segments (radiators for engine and condenser) that can be implemented as modular units. While segmentation provides temperature control adaptability, the modular nature allows for manageable complexity through standardized components and independent control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system achieves multi-functionality by using two radiators that can operate independently or in coordination. This universal design allows the system to handle different temperature requirements for both engine and condenser cooling, providing adaptability while maintaining a unified overall architecture that prevents excessive complexity.
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 allows for efficient cooling of both the combustion engine and the WHR system, achieving desired condensation temperatures and pressures, thereby enhancing the thermal efficiency of the WHR system and reducing fuel consumption.
Implementation Method 1
two radiators which have a possibility to cool the coolant leaving the combustion engine to two different temperatures
Implementation Method 2
By means of the first valve device and the second valve device it is possible to mix the coolants of the three different temperatures
Implementation Method 3
The working medium is cooled in the condenser to a temperature at which it condenses
Implementation Method 4
The working medium is cooled in the condenser to a temperature at which it condenses
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cooling system for cooling of a combustion engine (2) and a WHR-system in a vehicle (1). The cooling system comprises a first radiator (8) configured to cool coolant to a first temperature (T1), a second radiator (10) configured to cool coolant to a second temperature (T2), a radiator bypass line (12) directing coolant past the radiators (8, 10). A first valve device (6) is configured to direct coolant to the radiator bypass line (12) and/or to the radiators (8, 10). A second valve device (26) is configured to receive coolant from the first radiator (8) and direct it to a condenser bypass line (29) and/or to a condenser (20) of the WHR system. A control unit (13) is configured to control the first valve device (6) and the second valve device (26) such that coolants of suitable temperatures are directed to the combustion engine (2) and the condenser (20).