Engine Cooling Device Dynamic Pump Control Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coolant flow interference between two passages in internal combustion engine cooling devices leads to increased pressure loss, obstructing coolant flow and deteriorating cooling performance.
Innovation Solution
A cooling device with an electronic control unit that adjusts the flow rate of coolant by controlling the pumps in each passage, increasing the flow rate in the first passage when the coolant temperature is high and stopping the second pump, and increasing the flow rate in both passages during transient operations from low to high load, thereby improving cooling performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If two coolant passages are connected to the internal combustion engine with separate pumps, then cooling capacity is increased, but coolant flow interference occurs leading to increased pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of pump operations based on real-time coolant temperature monitoring. The ECU adjusts pump operation modes (first pump only, second pump only, or both pumps) according to temperature thresholds and engine operating conditions, making the cooling system adaptive rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by dynamically optimizing flow distribution to maintain cooling capacity while minimizing pressure loss under different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (pump rotation speeds, on/off states) based on coolant temperature and engine load conditions. By monitoring temperature parameters and adjusting pump operations accordingly, the system optimizes coolant flow rates to prevent interference while maintaining adequate cooling, thus reducing pressure loss without sacrificing cooling capacity.
2Temperature
If the flow rate of coolant is increased to improve cooling performance, then cooling performance improves, but pressure loss increases obstructing coolant flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling system into two separate coolant passages with independent pump control. By segmenting the flow paths and controlling each pump independently based on temperature conditions, the system can increase coolant flow rate for improved cooling performance in one passage without causing interference and pressure loss in the other passage.
3Reliability
If pumps operate continuously to maintain coolant circulation, then cooling reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or conditional pump operation rather than continuous operation. The ECU monitors coolant temperature and engine operating conditions to determine when pumps should operate, allowing them to run intermittently based on actual cooling needs. This maintains cooling reliability when required while reducing energy consumption during periods when full cooling capacity is not needed.
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 enhances coolant flow into the internal combustion engine, improving cooling performance by reducing pressure loss and ensuring effective heat exchange, thus preventing overheating and maintaining efficient engine operation.
Implementation Method 1
The heat exchanger is provided on the first passage and is configured such that heat exchange is performed with respect to the coolant
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling device for an internal combustion engine is provided. The cooling device includes a first passage connected to the internal combustion engine and circulating a coolant, a second passage connected to the internal combustion engine and circulating the coolant, a heat exchanger provided on the first passage and configured such that heat exchange is performed with respect to the coolant, a first pump provided on the first passage, a second pump provided on the second passage and an electronic control unit controlling the first pump and the second pump. The electronic control unit, when a temperature of the coolant is no lower than a predetermined temperature, drives the first pump such that a flow rate of the coolant in the first passage increases as compared to when the temperature of the coolant is lower than the predetermined temperature, and performs first control of stopping the second pump.