Engine Fuel Compensation for Cooling Fan Parasitic Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines face reduced power output due to parasitic loads from hydraulic cooling fans, which affects machine performance, such as motorgrader drawbar performance, as these fans consume a noticeable percentage of engine power.
Innovation Solution
An engine control method that determines a baseline fuel amount based on engine speed, calculates an additional fuel amount to compensate for cooling fan power consumption, and adjusts the fuel delivery to maintain optimal engine performance by providing a compensated fuel amount.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a hydraulic cooling fan is used to provide air flow over the radiator, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but engine power output is reduced due to parasitic load
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the cooling fan by using a variable displacement hydraulic pump that adjusts fan speed based on engine operating conditions. The pump displacement is varied to provide optimal cooling while minimizing parasitic power consumption, rather than operating at constant high speed
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling fan system transitions from a static constant-speed design to a dynamic variable-speed system. The hydraulic pump's displacement is continuously adjusted based on engine load and cooling requirements, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and optimize the balance between cooling effectiveness and power consumption
2Power
If gross engine power is increased to compensate for parasitic cooling fan load, then available power to MPR component is maintained, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring engine operating parameters and cooling fan performance. The variable displacement pump adjusts its output based on real-time conditions, and the engine control system compensates for fan power consumption dynamically, optimizing the balance between maintaining available power and minimizing fuel consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary compensation by pre-calculating and pre-adjusting fuel delivery and pump displacement based on predicted cooling requirements and engine load conditions, rather than reacting after power loss occurs, thereby optimizing fuel usage efficiency
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 solution effectively compensates for the power loss caused by hydraulic cooling fans, enhancing engine performance and maintaining machine efficiency by adjusting fuel delivery in response to cooling fan power levels and altitude variations.
Implementation Method 1
air is forced over the radiator to provide convective cooling
Implementation Method 2
provided to a radiator, cooled
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling the power of an engine is provided. The method includes determining a baseline fuel amount, determining an engine cooling fan operating condition based on an engine operating parameter, determining an engine cooling fan command based on the engine cooling fan operating condition, determining an engine cooling fan power level based on the engine speed and the engine cooling fan command, determining an additional fuel amount based on the engine cooling fan power level, adding the additional fuel amount to the baseline fuel amount to create a compensated fuel amount, and providing the compensated fuel amount to the engine. An engine system, including an engine controller coupled to an engine, a fuel system and a hydraulic pump, is also provided. The engine controller includes a processor adapted to perform a set of instructions that controls the power of the engine.