Engine Cooling Controls With Feedforward Modeling and Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine cooling systems face challenges in adjustability, timeliness, and accuracy of coolant temperature adjustments, leading to increased emissions and reduced thermal and fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system with a thermal management valve, clutched water pump, and electronically controlled cooling fan, managed by an electronic control system, uses feedforward and closed-loop controls to accurately set and maintain target coolant temperatures based on heat production and cooling capacity inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional cooling system controls are used, then the system structure is simple, but the adjustability of coolant temperature is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of coolant temperature by enabling the electronic control system to continuously adjust the thermal management valve position and water pump speed based on real-time temperature feedback and predicted temperature trends, transforming the static cooling system into a dynamically adaptable system that can respond to varying thermal conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs closed-loop feedback control where the actual coolant temperature is continuously measured by temperature sensors and fed back to the electronic control system, which compares the measured temperature with the target temperature and adjusts the thermal management valve and water pump accordingly to eliminate temperature deviations
2Loss of time
If traditional cooling system controls are used, then the system is simple, but the timeliness of temperature adjustment is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedforward control by using the controller to predict future temperature deviations based on current operating conditions and make preliminary adjustments to the thermal management valve and water pump before the actual temperature deviation occurs, thereby reducing the overall response time and improving the timeliness of temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The closed-loop feedback mechanism continuously monitors actual coolant temperature and immediately signals the electronic control system when temperature deviations are detected, enabling rapid corrective action through real-time adjustment of the thermal management valve position and water pump speed
3Measurement precision
If traditional cooling system controls are used, then the system structure is simple, but the accuracy of coolant temperature adjustment is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes precise temperature sensors to continuously measure the actual coolant temperature and feeds this information back to the electronic control system, which calculates the temperature deviation from the target value and makes precise adjustments to the thermal management valve and water pump to minimize the deviation and achieve accurate temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cooling control systems with an electronically controlled system that uses electronic sensors, microprocessors, and electronic actuators to control the thermal management valve and water pump, enabling more precise and programmable temperature control compared to mechanical systems
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 engine thermal efficiency, improves combustion temperatures, reduces power loss, and increases fuel efficiency by efficiently achieving and maintaining desired coolant temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling fan that generates an air flow to cool the coolant flow in response to the third command component
Implementation Method 2
a water pump that generates the flow of coolant in response to the second command component
Implementation Method 3
a thermal management valve that controls the flow of coolant in response to the first command component
Implementation Method 4
a cooling fan associated with a heat exchanger for cooling the coolant flow
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A system includes a cooling system for an internal combustion engine and an electronic control system for controlling the cooling system. The electronic control system is configured to determine a feedforward target temperature for coolant of the cooling system using a model that is based on a simulation of heat production and cooling capacity of the system. The electronic control system is also configured to determine an output command based on the target coolant temperature and an actual coolant temperature to prioritize and drive one or more of a thermal management valve, a water pump, and/or a cooling fan, respectively.