Dynamic Radiator Fan Control Using Traffic Behavior Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle thermal control systems rely on hysteresis timers that can limit power consumption and aerodynamic efficiency due to their reactive nature, failing to adapt effectively to dynamic vehicle conditions such as traffic behavior.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic thermal control system that adjusts radiator and grille hysteresis timers based on expected or actual traffic behavior, using lookup tables to determine optimal fan speed and vane positions to reduce coolant temperature while minimizing energy consumption and aerodynamic drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional hysteresis timers are used for thermal control, then the system is simple to implement, but power consumption increases and aerodynamic efficiency decreases due to reactive control
Solution Approach 1:
The control system receives expected traffic behavior data (such as upcoming stop-and-go conditions) and proactively adjusts the hysteresis timer before the vehicle encounters the traffic condition. This preliminary adjustment allows the thermal management system to prepare in advance, reducing the need for high-power cooling interventions later and thereby lowering overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The hysteresis timer is made dynamically adjustable based on real-time traffic behavior data. Instead of using a fixed threshold, the system continuously adapts the timer value according to predicted traffic conditions, enabling optimal balance between thermal control responsiveness and energy efficiency under varying operating conditions.
2Device complexity
If conventional hysteresis timers are used for thermal control, then the control logic is simple, but aerodynamic drag increases due to reactive fan activation
Solution Approach 1:
The system receives expected traffic behavior data and proactively adjusts the hysteresis timer before the vehicle enters a traffic segment. This allows the fan to be controlled more smoothly and reduces sudden high-speed activations that create aerodynamic drag, thereby lowering the harmful effects generated by the cooling system.
3Reliability
If reactive thermal control is used, then the system responds to current conditions, but it fails to adapt to dynamic traffic behavior changes
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates feedback from traffic behavior data (both expected and actual) to continuously optimize the hysteresis timer. By comparing expected traffic conditions with actual conditions and adjusting the thermal control parameters accordingly, the system maintains reliable cooling performance while adapting to dynamic traffic patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The hysteresis timer is transformed from a static parameter to a dynamic one that adapts in real-time based on traffic behavior. This allows the thermal control system to maintain reliability under varying conditions while gaining the versatility to respond appropriately to different traffic scenarios.
4Use of energy by moving object
If hysteresis timers are adjusted dynamically based on traffic behavior, then power consumption and drag are reduced, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system receives expected traffic behavior data in advance and uses this information to proactively adjust the hysteresis timer. This preliminary adjustment simplifies the control logic by providing forward-looking information, allowing the system to make optimal decisions without requiring complex real-time analysis during critical cooling moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (the adjustable hysteresis timer) that mediates between the simple thermal control logic and the complex traffic behavior data. This intermediary translates complex traffic predictions into simple timer adjustments, maintaining the simplicity of the core control logic while incorporating sophisticated traffic adaptation.
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 system enhances vehicle operational efficiency by pre-conditioning coolant temperatures before entering traffic segments, reducing power consumption and aerodynamic drag compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
The radiator typically includes a fan that blows air past the heated coolant to decrease the temperature of the coolant
Implementation Method 2
the coolant has absorbed heat from the intake air passing through the heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a computer including a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions such that the processor is programmed to: receive at least one of expected upcoming traffic behavior or actual upcoming traffic behavior corresponding to an upcoming segment of a roadway being traversed by a vehicle; adjust a radiator hysteresis timer based on the expected upcoming traffic behavior or the actual upcoming traffic behavior; and transmit a control signal to an actuator to actuate a radiator fan based on the adjusted radiator hysteresis timer.