Electric Fan Arrangement for Vehicle Cooling Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle AC systems require additional space for an electrically driven fan when the engine is not running, complicating the system and risking airflow obstruction due to ice formation in charge air coolers at low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
An additional electrically driven fan is positioned within the existing fan shroud, closer to the radiator, using an annular element to create a concentrated air channel for efficient airflow through the radiator and further coolers without additional space, and can reverse direction to melt ice in charge air coolers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an additional electrically driven fan is added to cool the vehicle when the engine is not running, then the AC system can operate independently, but the system complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the additional electrically driven fan with the existing radiator fan assembly, mounting it on the same drive shaft. This allows the AC system to operate independently when the engine is not running while avoiding the complexity of completely separate fan systems. The merged design enables both engine-driven and electrically-driven cooling operations through a unified component structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional electrically driven fan is designed to serve multiple functions: it can operate independently to drive airflow through the condenser when the engine is off, and it can work in conjunction with the radiator fan when the engine is running. This multi-functionality allows the AC system to adapt to different operating conditions without requiring entirely separate systems for each mode.
2Area of stationary object
If an additional condenser and electrically driven fan are positioned close to the ordinary condenser, then space is saved, but airflow obstruction and ice formation risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the additional electrically driven fan in the vertical dimension above the ordinary condenser, rather than placing it horizontally adjacent to the condenser. This vertical arrangement allows the fan to draw air from above and direct it through the condenser without creating horizontal airflow obstruction. The dimensional change enables compact space utilization while maintaining adequate airflow paths and reducing ice formation risk in the charge air cooler.
3Volume of stationary object
If the additional fan is positioned away from the further cooler, then space constraints are satisfied, but airflow efficiency through the cooler decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a duct as an intermediary component that connects the additional electrically driven fan to the further cooler (condenser). The duct acts as a mediator, transporting airflow from the fan's remote position to the cooler's inlet. This allows the fan to be positioned in available space away from the cooler while maintaining efficient airflow through the cooler, as the duct ensures direct and effective air delivery to the cooling surfaces.
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 configuration allows for efficient cooling without extra space, maintaining airflow and preventing ice formation in charge air coolers, while being energy-efficient and adaptable for various operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an additional electrically driven fan adapted to provide an air flow through the radiator and the at least one other cooler
Implementation Method 2
The circulating refrigerant cools the air in the cab space when it vaporizes in an evaporator and gives off heat to surrounding air when it condenses in a condenser
Implementation Method 3
The circulating refrigerant cools the air in the cab space when it vaporizes in an evaporator and gives off heat to surrounding air when it condenses in a condenser
Implementation Method 4
the charged air is cooled in a charged air cooler before it is enters the combustion engine. When ambient air has a low temperature, the charged air can be cooled to a temperature below the dew point temperature of the air. In this case, liquid water is formed in the charge air cooler
Implementation Method 5
An additional electrically driven fan is positioned within the existing fan shroud, closer to the radiator, using an annular element to create a concentrated air channel for efficient airflow through the radiator and further coolers
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fan arrangement for a cooling module in a vehicle. The vehicle (6) comprises a radiator fan (10) providing an air flow through a flow passage (5) and the cooling module in an intended flow direction. The cooling module comprises a radiator (3) and at least one further cooler (1, 2) arranged in an upstream position of the radiator (3) with respect to said intended flow direction through the flow passage (5). The fan arrangement comprises at least one additional electrically driven fan (4). The additional electrically driven fan (4) is arranged in the flow passage (5) in a position downstream of the radiator (3) and upstream of the radiator fan (10) with respect to said intended flow direction through the flow passage (5). The electrically driven fan (4) is configured to provide an air flow through a restricted portion (18) of the flow passage (5) and the cooling module during certain occasions when the operating conditions the radiator fan is not in operation.