EGR Throttle Valve Heating Control for Combustion Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
The EGR system's throttle valve can freeze in low temperatures, causing operational issues and power loss due to ice formation, which degrades fuel efficiency and poses a risk of damaging the heater from overcurrent.
Innovation Solution
A throttle valve heating control apparatus with a heat source, such as a PTC heater, installed in the valve housing, controlled by sensors and a controller to selectively apply voltage based on outside air temperature and battery voltage conditions, preventing freezing and overcurrent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heater is installed in the valve housing to prevent freezing, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heater is installed in the valve housing to perform preliminary heating action before the throttle valve freezing occurs. The heating element is positioned to preemptively warm the valve housing and internal components, preventing ice formation that would otherwise hinder throttle valve operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates temperature sensing and voltage monitoring that provide feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller selectively activates the heater only when temperature and voltage conditions are met, creating a closed-loop control system that balances reliability improvement with energy efficiency.
2Reliability
If the heater is operated continuously to prevent freezing, then the reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the heater is activated periodically based on monitored temperature and voltage conditions. The controller selectively applies power to the heater only when the temperature falls below a threshold and voltage conditions are satisfied, creating an intermittent heating pattern that maintains reliability while reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the heater based on environmental conditions. By monitoring temperature and voltage parameters, the controller adjusts the heater's power state (on/off) dynamically, optimizing the balance between preventing freezing and minimizing energy consumption under varying operating conditions.
3Temperature
If the heater is activated when battery voltage is low, then the temperature control is improved, but the heater may be damaged due to overcurrent
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs a preliminary voltage check before activating the heater. By monitoring battery voltage in advance and comparing it against a threshold, the system determines whether conditions are suitable for heater activation, preventing premature or unsafe operation that could cause overcurrent damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors voltage conditions and uses this feedback to control heater activation. The controller only permits heater operation when voltage levels are within the safe operating range, creating a protective feedback mechanism that prevents overcurrent damage while maintaining temperature control capability.
4Reliability
If the engine is idled until warmed to prevent freezing, then the reliability is improved, but the fuel efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of idling the engine to generate heat with an electrical heating system. Instead of running the engine at idle to warm the throttle valve, an electric heater installed in the valve housing performs the heating function directly, eliminating the need for fuel-consuming idle operation while maintaining freezing protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the method of heat generation from mechanical (engine idle operation) to electrical (heater element). By switching the energy source and heating mechanism, the system achieves the same thermal protection function with significantly lower energy loss and improved fuel efficiency.
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
Effectively prevents freezing of the throttle valve and avoids heater damage by controlled heating based on temperature and voltage conditions, ensuring normal engine operation and fuel efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A throttle valve heating control apparatus of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for a combustion engine, the apparatus including a heat source installed in a valve housing and operated upon receiving a voltage from a battery of a vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A throttle valve heating control apparatus of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for a combustion engine includes a heat source installed in a valve housing and operated when receiving a voltage from a battery of a vehicle, a first sensor unit configured to measure a temperature of outside air of the vehicle, a second sensor unit configured to measure the voltage of the battery, and a controller configured to selectively control an operation of the heat source when the temperature of the outside air and the voltage satisfy a predetermined condition in a state in which the vehicle is turned on, and to determine whether an operation of the heat source is maintained through re-comparison of the temperature of the outside air in a state in which the heat source is operated.