Engine Fluid Temperature Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines face inefficiencies and component degradation due to suboptimal fluid temperatures, leading to increased emissions, fuel consumption, and reduced engine life, as fluids like diesel exhaust fluid and oil perform best within specific temperature ranges.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control system that includes a coolant storage vessel with a heater and a control system to regulate the temperature of engine fluids, using a second radiator in series with the standard radiator, a variable speed pump, and thermistors to monitor and adjust fluid temperatures, ensuring optimal operating ranges for engine oils and diesel exhaust fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If engine fluids are operated outside optimal temperature ranges, then engine operation can continue without additional components, but emissions increase, fuel consumption increases, and engine life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of engine fluids before the engine reaches optimal operating temperature. The heater warms the fluid in advance during cold operation, and the reservoir stores the pre-heated fluid for later use when needed, avoiding the need for complex real-time temperature control during critical startup phases
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature control system serves multiple functions: it heats fluids during cold operation, stores pre-heated fluid in the reservoir, and maintains optimal temperatures during various engine operating conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each temperature control task
2Temperature
If heaters are used to warm engine fluids, then optimal temperature range is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses temperature sensors to continuously monitor fluid temperature and provides feedback to the controller. The controller activates the heater only when the fluid temperature falls below the optimal range, and deactivates it when the threshold is reached, preventing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining optimal temperature
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous heating, the system uses periodic heating cycles controlled by temperature thresholds. The heater operates intermittently based on real-time temperature measurements, converting continuous energy consumption into periodic, demand-based heating actions
3Temperature
If pumps are used to circulate coolant for cooling, then fluid temperature is controlled, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a variable speed pump that can adjust its rotation speed dynamically based on engine operating conditions and temperature requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the pump to provide optimal cooling flow rates while reducing mechanical complexity compared to fixed-speed multi-pump configurations
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 system efficiently warms and cools engine fluids to maintain them within optimal temperature ranges, reducing emissions, improving fuel efficiency, and extending the life of engine components by preventing oxidation and nitration of oil.
Implementation Method 1
a heater in thermal communication with the coolant storage vessel
Implementation Method 2
supplying engine coolant to a position within thermal communication of the engine fluid
Implementation Method 3
thermistors to monitor and adjust fluid temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
An engine temperature control system is provided for heating and/or cooling engine fluids to resist deviation of the temperature of these fluids from a temperature range wherein optimal fluid performance is achieved. Some examples of the temperature control system provide for preheating fluids such as coolant, lubricant, or diesel exhaust fluid prior to starting the engine. Other examples of the temperature control system provide for improved cooling of lubricants utilized for high heat generating components such as turbochargers, continuing cooling of these fluids after the engine is stopped.