Engine Coolant Throttle for Dynamic Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine cooling systems face challenges in controlling cooling flow rates and pressures effectively, particularly in components like EGR and interstage coolers, which require varying heat transfer rates, leading to inefficient operation and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
An engine cooling system incorporating an electronic control module, pressure sensor, and multiple temperature sensors to adjust the position of a cooling throttle based on real-time pressure and temperature data, ensuring optimal coolant flow rates and preventing excessive pressure within the cooling system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If higher cooling flow rates are used to maintain appropriate operating temperatures during high heat transfer conditions, then the cooling effectiveness of EGR cooler and interstage cooler is improved, but the pressure within the cooling system increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a variable cooling flow rate strategy where the cooling throttle dynamically adjusts coolant flow based on operating conditions. The system transitions from a fixed high flow rate design to a dynamic control system that increases flow only when necessary (during high heat transfer conditions) and reduces flow during normal operation, thereby maintaining temperature control while preventing excessive pressure buildup in the cooling system.
2Stress or pressure
If a coolant throttle is added to control the flow rate and pressure within the cooling system, then pressure control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors monitor cooling system parameters (temperature, pressure, flow rate) and feed this information to a control module. The control module processes the feedback signals and adjusts the cooling throttle position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic pressure and temperature control without requiring complex manual intervention or overly sophisticated system design.
3Temperature
If a cooling throttle with electronic control is implemented to dynamically adjust coolant flow, then temperature control precision is improved, but the device complexity and control system requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the cooling system to self-regulate by incorporating sensors that automatically detect temperature, pressure, and flow rate conditions. The electronic control module processes these sensor inputs and autonomously adjusts the cooling throttle position without requiring external intervention. This self-service capability allows precise temperature control while keeping the control system relatively simple, as the system manages its own regulation based on real-time feedback from its operating 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 solution dynamically controls coolant flow, maintaining optimal operating temperatures and pressures, thereby enhancing engine performance and preventing damage by adjusting the cooling throttle position in response to predefined thresholds, ensuring efficient heat management across various engine components.
Implementation Method 1
The cooling throttle controls a flow rate of coolant within the cooling system
Implementation Method 2
The pressure sensor generates an output to the electronic control module
Implementation Method 3
The first temperature sensor generates an output to the electronic control module. The second temperature sensor generates an output to the electronic control module
Implementation Method 4
an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler
Implementation Method 5
an interstage cooler located between two compressors of the air intake system
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling cooling flow through a coolant system of an internal combustion engine having an electronic control module, a cooling throttle, an EGR cooler, and an interstage cooler is provided. A pressure within a coolant system is determined. A temperature within the coolant system is determined. A temperature of exhaust gas exiting an EGR cooler is determined. A temperature of intake air exiting an interstage cooler is determined. A position of a cooling throttle within the coolant system is adjusted based upon at least one of the determined pressure within the coolant system, temperature within the coolant system, temperature of exhaust gas exiting the EGR cooler, and temperature of intake air exiting an interstage cooler being above respective predefined thresholds to adjust fluid flow within the coolant system.