Multi-Position Control Valve for EGR Cooler Coolant Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling circuits for recirculated burnt gases in internal combustion engines face issues with sudden temperature changes and fouling due to inadequate control of coolant flow, leading to reduced performance and potential coolant boiling.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a valve regulating coolant flow in the cooling circuit, which involves acquiring coolant temperature, determining a control setpoint based on ambient and coolant temperatures, and adjusting the valve to maintain stable coolant flow, avoiding boiling and fouling by allowing multiple stable positions for precise temperature regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a bistable valve is used to control coolant flow in the EGR cooler, then the cooling circuit can be simplified with fewer control positions, but the temperature regulation precision deteriorates and causes sudden temperature changes leading to fouling
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve is divided into multiple independent control positions (first closed position, second closed position, and at least one intermediate open position). This segmentation allows the valve to provide different flow rates of coolant to the EGR cooler, enabling precise temperature regulation of recirculated gases and avoiding sudden temperature changes that cause fouling.
2Temperature
If the bistable valve is opened for significant cooling, then the cooling performance improves, but soot and hydrocarbon particles deposit rapidly on the EGR cooler causing fouling
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using only full open or full closed positions, the control valve can be positioned at intermediate opening degrees. This partial action allows the coolant flow to be adjusted to an optimal level that provides sufficient cooling without causing excessive temperature drops that lead to condensation of soot and hydrocarbon particles on the EGR cooler surfaces.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the bistable valve is closed to prevent fouling, then fouling is reduced, but coolant circulation is blocked causing boiling and deterioration of the EGR cooler
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve provides multiple discrete control positions that change the coolant flow parameter. By having at least three stable positions (first closed, second closed, and intermediate open), the system can maintain minimum coolant circulation to prevent boiling while still reducing overall flow to minimize temperature drops that cause fouling. This parameter variation allows the system to avoid the extreme of complete valve closure.
4Device complexity
If the valve has only two stable positions (open/closed), then the control system is simpler, but the regulation capability deteriorates and cannot prevent sudden temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve transitions from a static two-position system to a dynamic multi-position system. The valve can now assume at least three different stable positions (fully closed, partially open, fully open), allowing it to adapt to different operating conditions of the engine and provide appropriate coolant flow rates to maintain optimal EGR cooler temperature and prevent fouling.
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 method ensures better regulation of coolant flow, reduces fouling, and maintains optimal temperature control of recirculated gases, enhancing engine performance and extending the lifespan of cooling components.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger, called EGR cooler, which is traversed, on the one hand, by the recirculation gases, and, on the other hand, by a cooling liquid
Implementation Method 2
a coolant flow control valve, which is arranged on one of said circulation ducts
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a valve (35) for controlling the flow rate of coolant circulating in a cooling circuit (30) of a recirculation line (20) of an internal combustion engine (100). According to the invention, the control method includes steps that involve: a) acquiring the temperature of said coolant; b) determining, on the basis of the temperature acquired in step a), an instruction for Controlling said control valve such that it is in a stable position selected from among at least three stable positions; and c) controlling the control valve in accordance with the control instruction determined in step b).