Engine Thermal Management for Progressive Shutdown Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine systems in working machines face reduced lifespan due to high temperatures during shutdown, as immediate engine cutoff leads to inefficient cooling, which can be overridden by operators, increasing fuel consumption and reducing component longevity.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system that progressively reduces engine speed based on temperature and speed thresholds to cool the engine components effectively before shutdown, incorporating a controller to manage the engine speed reduction and shutdown timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the engine is cut-off immediately during shutdown, then the shutdown time is reduced, but the temperature of engine components remains high and may increase, reducing component lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling action by delaying engine shutdown for a predetermined period after the shutdown command is received. This allows the engine components to cool down before the actual shutdown occurs, preventing high temperature damage while maintaining relatively quick overall shutdown time.
2Reliability
If the engine is run at idle speed to cool components, then component lifespan is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of running the engine at full idle speed for extended periods, the system applies partial cooling action by shutting down the engine after a predetermined short delay. This provides sufficient cooling for component protection while minimizing fuel consumption associated with prolonged idle operation.
3Temperature
If delayed engine shutdown is implemented, then component cooling is improved, but operator compliance decreases due to lack of appreciation of benefits
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to the operator by displaying a message indicating that the engine will shutdown automatically after a predetermined period. This transparency explains the delayed shutdown behavior, helping operators understand and accept the cooling process rather than perceiving it as a system error or malfunction.
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 enhances cooling efficiency, reduces fuel consumption, and increases the lifespan of engine components by ensuring they reach safe temperatures before shutdown, while providing operator assurance and preventing override attempts.
Implementation Method 1
The engine system therefore includes a temperature regulation system... allow the engine components to cool to a lower temperature
Implementation Method 2
cooling of at least one component of the engine system... components of the engine system have optimum temperature ranges
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal management system for controlling cooling of an engine system during shutdown, the engine system includes an engine configured to provide power to a working machine, wherein the thermal management system includes a controller which is configured to receive a signal indicative of an engine shutdown command. The controller is further configured to derive, infer or receive a temperature parameter of the engine system and to determine whether the temperature parameter of the engine system is above a first predetermined threshold; and wherein the controller is configured to signal the progressive reduction of a speed of the engine prior to issuing a signal to shutdown the engine in the event that the first predetermined threshold is exceeded when the engine shutdown command is received, thereby cooling the engine system prior to engine shutdown.