Engine Cooling System with Dual Pumps and Grille Shutters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine cooling systems face inefficiencies due to high power consumption, particularly from intermittent radiator fan operation, pumping against closed thermostats, and unnecessary coolant flow rates, leading to increased energy losses and reduced fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system with two pumps, one for engine circulation and another for radiator cooling, coordinated with a thermostat and grille shutters, optimizes coolant flow and fan operation to maintain target temperatures while minimizing power usage, by operating the radiator pump only when the thermostat is open and adjusting fan and grille shutter speeds based on temperature differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the radiator fan is operated intermittently to control engine temperature, then the engine cooling function is maintained, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling system into two independent loops: a first loop for engine cooling with its own pump and thermostat, and a second loop for radiator cooling with its own pump and fan. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently based on its specific thermal requirements, eliminating the need for intermittent fan operation and reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heat exchanger as an intermediary component between the two cooling loops. The heat exchanger transfers thermal energy from the engine loop to the radiator loop, enabling efficient heat management without requiring high-power fan operation. This intermediary mechanism allows continuous, stable cooling with reduced energy consumption.
2Productivity
If the coolant pump operates at high speed to increase coolant flow rate, then the engine cooling efficiency improves, but the pumping power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the coolant circulation function into two independent pumps: a first pump for the engine loop and a second pump for the radiator loop. Each pump operates at its own optimal speed based on the specific flow requirements of its loop, rather than one pump operating at high speed to serve both loops. This segmentation enables efficient, variable-speed operation that minimizes total power consumption while maintaining adequate cooling performance.
3Temperature
If the grille shutters are opened to improve radiator cooling efficiency, then the heat transfer performance improves, but the aerodynamic drag on the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the grille shutters based on real-time thermal conditions. The shutter opening degree is adjusted continuously or in steps according to the temperature differential between the engine loop and ambient air, allowing the system to optimize the balance between cooling efficiency and aerodynamic drag. This dynamic adjustment enables maximum cooling performance when needed while minimizing drag during steady-state operation.
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 reduces power consumption and cycling losses, optimizing heat transfer at the cylinder head and radiator, thereby improving engine fuel economy and reducing hot spots, while ensuring efficient engine cooling.
Implementation Method 1
the heated coolant is then circulated through a radiator near the front of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
coolant is circulated through the engine block to remove heat from the hot engine
Implementation Method 3
the heated coolant is then circulated through a heat exchanger to heat a passenger compartment
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for expediting engine cooling while reducing the overall energy consumption of the engine cooling system's components. A first circulation pump is used to pump coolant through an engine block as a function of engine output while a second radiator pump is selectively operated when a thermostat valve is open to pump coolant through a radiator and the engine block to effect the engine coolant temperature. Operation of the second pump is coordinated with the operation of a radiator cooling fan and grille shutters to improve radiator performance.