Engine Cooling Apparatus Integrating Charge Air and Coolant Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine conditioning apparatuses are inefficient in reducing components and enhancing flexibility and performance, and lack effective control methods to maximize these improvements.
Innovation Solution
A conditioning apparatus with a heat exchanger and charge air cooler system that includes separate paths for coolant and air, utilizing flow regulating devices and a control unit to manage temperature levels and flow rates, allowing for flexible operation and optimized cooling based on engine conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional conditioning apparatus with separate cooling circuits for engine coolant and charge air is used, then reliable cooling is achieved, but device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the engine coolant cooling circuit and charge air cooling circuit into a single integrated conditioning apparatus. The heat exchanger serves dual purposes: cooling engine coolant through a first circuit and cooling charge air through a second circuit using the same device. This merging reduces component count and system complexity while maintaining reliable cooling functionality for both systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The conditioning apparatus is designed as a multi-functional system where a single heat exchanger unit performs multiple cooling functions. The device can selectively direct coolant flow to different circuits based on operating conditions, enabling one piece of equipment to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated cooling systems for engine coolant and charge air.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed cooling capacity is provided, then simple control is achieved, but adaptability to different operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control capabilities through variable speed pumps and controllable flow regulation devices in each cooling circuit. These dynamic elements allow the system to adapt coolant flow rates and cooling capacity according to real-time operating conditions such as engine load, ambient temperature, and cooling demands, providing flexibility without requiring a completely complex control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability by changing operational parameters such as coolant flow rate, pump speed, and valve positions based on detected operating conditions. The control unit adjusts these parameters dynamically to optimize cooling performance across different scenarios, from cold start to high-load operation, maintaining versatility while keeping control logic manageable.
3Reliability
If maximum cooling capacity is maintained continuously, then cooling performance is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing maximum cooling capacity only when actually needed rather than continuously. The control unit monitors operating conditions and activates full cooling capacity selectively during high-load operations or hot ambient conditions. During normal or low-load operation, the system reduces cooling intensity, thereby maintaining reliable cooling performance when required while significantly reducing unnecessary energy consumption during periods of lower demand.
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 enables efficient cooling of both the engine and charge air, minimizes energy losses, and allows for rapid warm-up of the engine and after-treatment system, while maintaining high cooling capacity when needed, thus improving engine performance and reducing fuel consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger configured for cooling a coolant to a plurality of temperature levels
Implementation Method 2
a charge air cooler configured for cooling the charge air of the engine by means of the coolant
Implementation Method 3
the conditioning device CD comprises a condenser configured for condensing a refrigerant by means of heat exchange with ambient air
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 (II) for receiving the medium and a second and a third opening (O1, 02) 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 (Tl) to control a first flow (Al) of the medium from the second opening (O1) toward the engine (ICE), a return line (RL) connected to the first opening (II) 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 (02) to the return line (RL) and having a second adjusting assembly (T2; T4) to control a second flow (Bl; Bl, C2) of the medium from the third opening (02) toward the charge air cooler (CAC).