Engine Conditioning Circuit With Dual-Temperature Charge Air Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine conditioning apparatuses are inefficient in terms of component reduction and flexibility, and lack effective control methods to maximize performance.
Innovation Solution
A conditioning apparatus with a heat exchanger having two outlets for cooling a medium to different temperature levels, allowing flexible cooling of both engine components and charge air, and a control method using flow regulating devices and a control unit to optimize temperature control based on engine operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional conditioning apparatus with separate conditioning circuits for engine coolant and charge air is used, then reliable cooling is achieved, but the number of components increases and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the engine coolant conditioning circuit and charge air conditioning circuit into a single integrated heat exchanger unit. The heat exchanger has a first cooling circuit for engine coolant and a second cooling circuit for charge air, merging previously separate systems into one compact device that provides reliable cooling for both functions while reducing overall component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated heat exchanger serves multiple functions simultaneously: it cools engine coolant through the first cooling circuit, cools charge air through the second cooling circuit, and can selectively direct cooled fluid to different destinations based on operating conditions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated cooling systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional conditioning apparatuses are used, then basic cooling functions are provided, but flexibility in temperature control and use adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates flow regulating devices that can dynamically adjust the flow distribution between different cooling circuits based on real-time operating conditions. The system can selectively direct cooled fluid from either the first or second cooling circuit to the engine or charge air system, providing adaptive temperature control that responds to varying thermal demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives temperature signals from sensors monitoring the thermal state of the engine and charge air system, and automatically adjusts the flow regulating devices to maintain optimal temperatures. This closed-loop feedback control enables flexible adaptation to changing operating conditions without requiring manual intervention.
3Reliability
If multiple separate conditioning circuits are used, then comprehensive cooling coverage is achieved, but the system becomes less cost-effective
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the engine coolant and charge air conditioning circuits into a single heat exchanger assembly with shared structural components, the patent reduces manufacturing complexity and material requirements compared to building separate independent cooling systems, while maintaining comprehensive cooling coverage for both functions.
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
The solution provides high flexibility in temperature control, maximizes cooling capacity, and reduces the number of components, enabling efficient engine cooling and increased braking power while being cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger (R) having a first cooling circuit for cooling a medium to different temperature levels and an engine coolant jacket (WJ) defining a heat exchange zone between the medium and the engine (ICE)
Implementation Method 2
a first conditioning circuit to circulate coolant (e.g. water) from the engine coolant jacket to a radiator, where the coolant transfers the heat taken from the engine to ambient air
Implementation Method 3
a charge air cooler (CAC) configured for cooling the charge air of engine ICE by means of the medium
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A conditioning apparatus (CA; CAE) for an engine (ICE) includes a conditioning device (CD) with a first opening (I1) for receiving the medium and a second and a third opening (O1, O2) for releasing a medium to a first and a second temperature level, a delivery line (DL) connected to the second opening (O1) to bring the medium to the engine (ICE) and comprising an adjusting assembly (T1) to control a first flow (A1) of the medium from the second opening (O1) toward the engine (ICE), a return line (RL) connected to the first opening (I1) to supply the conditioning device (CD) with the medium heated by the engine (ICE), a charge air cooler (CAC) for cooling an intake air flow of the engine (ICE) by means of the medium, and an additional line (AL) passing through the charge air cooler (CAC) to conduct the medium from the third opening (O2) to the return line (RL) and having a second adjusting assembly (T2; T4) to control a second flow (B1; B1, C2) of the medium from the third opening (O2) toward the charge air cooler (CAC).