Electrically Driven Cooling System for Vehicle Non-Engine Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanically driven coolant systems struggle to meet the unique cooling needs of non-engine components in vehicles, such as electric generators and power electronics, particularly when the engine is shut down, leading to issues like heat soak, thermal meltdowns, and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
An electrically driven cooling system that includes an electrically driven coolant pump and radiator fan, independent of engine speed, to provide tailored temperature and coolant flow rates for non-engine components, allowing operation even when the engine is shut down and optimizing power consumption based on heat rejection and ambient conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanically driven coolant pump integrated with the engine is used, then the engine cooling function is provided, but the cooling needs of non-engine components cannot be satisfied and no coolant flow is provided when the engine is shut down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling system into separate loops: an engine cooling loop with mechanically driven pump and a non-engine component cooling loop with electrically driven pump. This segmentation allows each loop to be independently controlled and optimized for its specific cooling needs, resolving the contradiction between engine cooling reliability and adaptability to diverse non-engine components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically driven coolant pump serves multiple functions: it provides cooling for various non-engine components (power electronics, motors, batteries) with different cooling requirements, and can operate independently of engine status. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the cooling system adaptable to diverse components while maintaining reliable cooling for each.
2Ease of operation
If coolant flow rate is proportional to engine speed, then the mechanically driven system operates simply, but the cooling requirements of different non-engine components with different temperature thresholds and flow rates cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically driven coolant pump enables dynamic adjustment of coolant flow rate independent of engine speed. The control system can vary the pump speed and flow rate according to the specific thermal requirements of different non-engine components, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and flow rate adaptability through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters (flow rate, temperature) of the coolant independently for different non-engine components. Each component can receive coolant at its optimal flow rate and temperature regardless of engine speed, resolving the contradiction by allowing parameter customization for each component while maintaining simple overall system operation.
3Loss of energy
If the engine is shut down, then fuel consumption is reduced, but non-engine components retain heat and are subject to heat soak and thermal meltdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically driven coolant pump can provide pre-cooling to non-engine components before the engine is shut down, and continue cooling after shutdown. This preliminary and post-shutdown cooling action prevents heat soak and thermal meltdowns while allowing the engine to be shut down for fuel savings, resolving the contradiction between energy loss reduction and harmful thermal effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically driven cooling system for non-engine components operates independently from the engine, allowing it to provide cooling service even when the engine is shut down. This self-service capability ensures non-engine components are protected from heat-related damage without requiring engine operation, resolving the contradiction between fuel consumption and thermal protection.
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
Enhances the efficiency, performance, and durability of non-engine components by providing flexible cooling solutions that reduce thermal risks and improve operating life, while also enabling the use of regenerative braking energy for pre-cooling and reducing fuel economy needs.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically driven coolant pump to circulate coolant through all the non-engine components that require coolant flow
Implementation Method 2
an electrically driven radiator fan that can reject the heat from the coolant to the atmosphere
Implementation Method 3
an electrically driven radiator fan that can reject the heat from the coolant to the atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
Some exemplary embodiments include an electrically driven cooling system for cooling non-engine components of a vehicle. The electrically driven cooling system includes a closed loop coolant flowpath including an electrically driven coolant pump and a radiator connected to the closed loop coolant flowpath, and one or more components connected in parallel and/or in series in the closed loop coolant flow path that receives the coolant. An electrically driven radiator fan is also operable to cool the coolant in the radiator. The electrically driven cooling system is flow isolated from any mechanically driven cooling system that provides coolant to the engine for vehicles that include an engine.