Engine Preheating via External Oil Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines struggle to start immediately under full load at low temperatures due to insufficient preheating, leading to reduced performance and increased fuel consumption from pressure losses caused by electrical resistance heating elements.
Innovation Solution
A system where preheated lubricating oil, pumped through the engine's cooling jacket using external energy, ensures adequate engine preheating, including a temperature-controlled heating element and pressure management to prevent damage, and an optional microwave generator for heating the cooling water without pressure loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If electrical resistance heating elements are used to preheat cooling water, then the engine can be preheated before starting, but the heating elements generate undesirable pressure drop in the water flow, leading to increased fuel consumption and reduced cooling water flow
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element preheats the cooling water in the expansion tank before the engine starts, so that when the engine begins operation, the cooling system is already at an optimal temperature, reducing the need for continuous heating and minimizing pressure drop-related energy losses
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is operated periodically or intermittently rather than continuously - it heats the cooling water when the engine is off or during specific phases, then is switched off when the engine is running or when the water reaches a certain temperature, thereby reducing overall energy consumption and pressure drop effects
2Temperature
If electrical resistance heating elements are constantly in the water flow to preheat cooling water, then the engine can be preheated before starting, but the constant presence of heating elements creates pressure loss that requires increased water pump performance
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element performs its function of heating cooling water in advance (when the engine is off or during specific phases), so that when the engine starts, the cooling system is already warmed up. This eliminates the need for the heating element to remain constantly in the water flow during operation, thereby removing the source of pressure loss
3Temperature
If only the oil sump contents are heated during cold start, then some preheating occurs, but the engine block cannot be sufficiently preheated for immediate full load operation
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling water in the expansion tank serves as an intermediary heat transfer medium. The heating element heats this cooling water, which then circulates through the engine block and cooling channels, transferring thermal energy to the engine structure. This indirect heating method ensures uniform and sufficient preheating of the entire engine block, not just the oil sump
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
Enables immediate and safe engine start under full load at low temperatures, reducing fuel consumption and maintaining reliable engine operation by ensuring proper lubrication and temperature control without pressure loss.
Implementation Method 1
heated by external energy, e.g. B. electricity, by means of a heating element 5
Implementation Method 2
preheated lubricating oil, pumped through the engine's cooling jacket
Implementation Method 3
With a microwave generator 5 (magnetron, 1.5 - 4.5 GHz), the water can be heated without contact
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an internal combustion machine, in particular for a quick start with a full load, comprising at least one heating device (5) for the engine oil and/or the engine coolant and at least one circulation pump (1) which operates independently from the combustion operation of the internal combustion engine, for circulating the engine oil and/or the engine coolant.