Electric Water Pump Flow Control for Engine Cooling Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cooling apparatuses for internal combustion engines with electric water pumps and fans often lead to unnecessary increases in electric power consumption, affecting fuel efficiency due to inefficient control of these components, particularly when engine speed is low and coolant temperature varies.
Innovation Solution
A cooling apparatus and method that includes an electric water pump, a radiator, an electric fan, and a control device to adjust the discharge flow rate of the pump and operation of the fan based on engine heat generation, coolant temperature, vehicle speed, and fan operation parameters, ensuring efficient cooling performance without wasting electric power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the electric water pump and electric fan are operated to maintain cooling performance, then the cooling performance is improved, but the electric power consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the water pump flow rate variable rather than fixed. The flow rate is dynamically adjusted based on the relationship between coolant temperature and ambient temperature, allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions and avoid unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining adequate cooling performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of water pump flow rate based on temperature differences. By calculating the difference between coolant temperature and ambient temperature, the system adjusts the pump flow rate accordingly, optimizing energy usage while ensuring sufficient cooling when needed.
2Temperature
If the water pump flow rate is increased to compensate for low engine speed, then the cooling performance is improved, but the electric power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the water pump flow rate parameter dynamically based on the temperature difference between coolant and ambient air. This allows the system to increase flow rate only when necessary for effective cooling, rather than maintaining high flow rate continuously, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from temperature sensors to continuously monitor coolant temperature and adjust the water pump flow rate accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the pump operates at optimal flow rates based on actual cooling needs, avoiding excessive energy consumption.
3Temperature
If the electric fan is operated at high speed to radiate heat efficiently, then the cooling performance is improved, but the electric power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics to the fan operation by adjusting the water pump flow rate dynamically based on temperature conditions. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the fan operates efficiently without excessive power consumption, as the system adapts to varying thermal loads and environmental conditions.
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 approach enhances cooling performance, reduces electric power consumption, and minimizes the operation time of the electric fan, thereby improving fuel efficiency and reducing the load on the alternator.
Implementation Method 1
a radiator that radiates heat of the coolant
Implementation Method 2
a radiator that radiates heat of the coolant
Implementation Method 3
an electric fan that cools the radiator
Implementation Method 4
an electric water pump that circulates a coolant in a cooling pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling apparatus includes an electric water pump that circulates a coolant, a radiator that radiates heat of the coolant, an electric fan that cools the radiator, a control device, and first flow rate correction means. The control device controls the discharge flow rate of the electric water pump based on a target flow rate set based on an amount of heat generated in an engine, and controls operation of the electric fan based on a coolant temperature. When the coolant temperature is equal to or higher than a fan operation temperature at which the operation of the electric fan is started, the first flow rate correction means increases the discharge flow rate of the electric water pump in accordance with an increase in the coolant temperature.