EGR Cooler Warm-Up Control via Direct Flow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing EGR cooler systems experience prolonged warm-up times for cooling water, leading to increased condensate water formation and corrosion, which can cause engine failure and hinder fuel economy improvements.
Innovation Solution
A cooling water flow control device that directs a portion of the cooling water discharged from the engine to the EGR cooler outlet via a direct flow path, utilizing a flow control valve and thermal management module to manage temperature and flow, thereby shortening the warm-up time of the cooling water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cooling water circulates in the EGR cooler from engine startup, then the EGR cooler can be used to cool exhaust gas, but the warm-up time of the cooling water is lengthened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by directing cooling water from the engine water jacket to the EGR cooler outlet before the cooling water reaches its normal operating temperature. This preliminary flow of warmer cooling water pre-heats the EGR cooler circuit, reducing the warm-up time while ensuring the EGR cooler operates reliably once the cooling water reaches the required temperature.
2Productivity
If the cooling water temperature is kept low in the EGR cooler, then condensate water is created, but this causes corrosion and engine failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the temperature of cooling water supplied to the EGR cooler. By controlling the flow of warmer cooling water from the engine water jacket to the EGR cooler outlet, the system maintains the cooling water temperature above the dew point, preventing condensate water formation and corrosion while still enabling EGR cooler operation for fuel economy improvement.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the EGR cooler does not operate when cooling water temperature is low, then corrosion is prevented, but fuel economy cannot be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating the EGR cooler circuit with warmer cooling water from the engine water jacket before the cooling water reaches its normal operating temperature. This allows the EGR cooler to operate at lower temperatures without causing corrosion, enabling fuel economy improvement while preventing harmful effects.
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 reduces the warm-up time of the cooling water in the EGR cooler, enabling earlier operation of the EGR cooler and improving engine efficiency and fuel economy by preventing condensate water formation and ensuring proper temperature management.
Implementation Method 1
the EGR cooler is configured so that heat can be exchanged between the cooling water being supplied through a water pump and the exhaust gas being supplied from an exhaust system
Implementation Method 2
an EGR cooler configured to cool the exhaust gas using cooling water
Implementation Method 3
a water pump configured to circulate the cooling water to the EGR cooler and the engine
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling water flow control device of a cooling system for a vehicle can shorten a warm-up time of a cooling water being supplied to an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler. The cooling water flow control device includes: the EGR cooler that cools an exhaust gas supplied to an intake system of an engine using cooling water and includes an EGR cooler outlet through which the cooling water is discharged; a water pump to circulate the cooling water to the EGR cooler and the engine at an engine startup; and a direct flow path connected to a vent hole formed in the engine to guide the cooling water from the vent hole to a downstream side of an EGR cooler outlet.