Vehicle Engine Cooling Control for Variable Coolant Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cooling systems operate at constant maximum output, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and reduced fuel efficiency, as they fail to adapt to varying engine and environmental conditions, potentially damaging the engine by maintaining it at suboptimal temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A method that monitors engine and auxiliary component parameters to selectively control coolant flow rates and routes within the cooling system, using adjustable pumps and valves to activate specific cooling modes based on actual and desired temperatures, thereby optimizing coolant flow and energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pump is constantly operated at maximum output, then the engine cooling capacity is sufficient to prevent damage at high temperatures, but the energy consumption increases and fuel efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates dynamically with variable speed rather than constant maximum output. The control system adjusts the pump speed based on real-time engine temperature, ambient conditions, and engine load, allowing the pump to deliver appropriate cooling capacity while minimizing energy consumption during low-demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (pump speed, coolant flow rate) based on varying conditions. By monitoring engine temperature, ambient temperature, and engine load, the control system adjusts these parameters to maintain adequate cooling while reducing pump energy consumption when maximum cooling is not required.
2Temperature
If the pump is constantly operated at maximum output, then the engine temperature is controlled, but the fuel efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts coolant flow rate and pump speed based on engine temperature, ambient conditions, and engine load. This parameter adjustment maintains adequate engine temperature control while minimizing the energy loss associated with pump operation, thereby improving overall fuel efficiency.
3Reliability
If the pump is constantly operated at maximum output, then the engine is cooled adequately, but the wear on engine components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates with variable speed controlled by a control system that monitors engine temperature, ambient conditions, and engine load. This dynamic operation provides adequate cooling when needed to protect engine components from overheating damage, while reducing unnecessary pump operation that would otherwise increase wear on pump components and engine parts.
4Reliability
If the cooling system operates at constant maximum output, then the engine can be cooled under high load conditions, but the system cannot adapt to varying driving scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system operates dynamically with variable pump speed and adjustable coolant flow rate. The control system continuously monitors engine temperature, ambient conditions, and engine load to adapt the cooling output to varying driving scenarios, providing maximum cooling capacity when needed while reducing cooling output during low-demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control by monitoring engine temperature, ambient temperature, and engine load conditions. Based on this feedback, the control system adjusts pump speed and coolant flow rate to provide appropriate cooling for current driving conditions, enabling the system to adapt to varying scenarios while maintaining reliable cooling capacity under high load.
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 ensures the engine operates within an optimal temperature range, minimizing energy consumption, reducing wear, and enhancing fuel efficiency by dynamically adjusting cooling according to real-time conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the coolant continuously cools the engine
Implementation Method 2
A radiator is typically used to cool the coolant
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of controlling the temperature of an engine of a vehicle, such as an internal combustion engine and/or the temperature of one or more auxiliary components of the vehicle, such as a cabin heater for the vehicle. The method comprises monitoring one or more parameters of the engine including the temperature of the engine. Optionally data relating to the temperature of the engine is fedback to a control unit. The method additionally comprises monitoring one or more requirements of the one or more auxiliary components of the vehicle and/or monitoring one or more parameters of the one or more auxiliary components of the vehicle. In dependence upon said monitoring, the method also comprises selecting a cooling mode for a cooling system disposed about said engine and said one or more auxiliary components.