Engine Performance Curves for Heat Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines face challenges in managing heat rejection due to the addition of emissions control devices, which can insulate the engine and hinder heat dissipation, especially when stringent emissions requirements necessitate increased heat rejection, overwhelming the cooling system.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a computerized controller to select between different performance curves based on the engaged drive ratio of the transmission, adjusting torque output to manage heat production, with a first performance curve increasing torque in low drive ratios and a second curve reducing torque in high drive ratios, thereby optimizing heat management and accommodating emissions control devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If emissions control devices are added to reduce nitrogen oxides, then emissions are reduced, but heat rejection is negatively affected and the cooling system becomes overwhelmed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the engine performance curves adjustable and selectable based on operating conditions. The controller dynamically switches between multiple performance curves (first, second, third curves) depending on whether the vehicle is in low drive ratio or high drive ratio, allowing the system to adapt torque and power characteristics to manage heat generation while maintaining emissions control effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes engine operating parameters by selecting different performance curves that define different relationships between engine speed and torque/power output. By modifying these performance parameters based on drive ratio and cooling system capacity, the system optimizes the balance between emissions reduction and heat management
2Device complexity
If the cooling system is minimized for aesthetic and aerodynamic reasons, then vehicle design is improved, but the cooling system cannot handle increased heat load from emissions controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming multiple performance curves into the controller that account for different heat generation scenarios. The system proactively selects the appropriate performance curve based on drive ratio before the cooling system becomes overwhelmed, preventing heat buildup rather than reacting to it after the fact
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts engine performance characteristics by switching between pre-defined performance curves, allowing a minimized cooling system to handle variable heat loads through intelligent engine management rather than through increased cooling capacity
3Power
If torque output is increased in low drive ratio for performance, then vehicle acceleration is improved, but heat generation increases and overwhelms the cooling system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing different performance curves for different drive ratios. In low drive ratio, the first performance curve provides high torque for acceleration. In high drive ratio, the second or third performance curves reduce torque output to limit heat generation, allowing the system to be performance-oriented when needed and heat-managed when in high gear
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for managing the heat produced by operation of an internal combustion system utilizes an electronic controller to control operation the engine that is coupled to a transmission. The transmission can include a high drive ratio and a low drive ratio. Stored in the controller are a plurality of different performance curves. When the transmission is in the low drive ratio, the controller selects a performance curve that comparatively increases the amount of torque and/or power the engine produces. When the transmission is in the high drive ratio, the controller selects a performance curve that comparatively reduces torque and/or power produced by the engine. Because the engine generates less heat when it produces less torque, the engine can accommodate additional emissions control devices and/or techniques that may otherwise adversely affect heat rejection.