Engine Vent Line Helical Geometry for Faster Coolant Warm-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
In engine systems, low coolant temperatures can prevent the engine from reaching its minimum operating temperature, delaying warm-up and affecting emission reduction systems like EGR and DPF, due to the cooling vent line bypassing the temperature control device and increasing cooling effect.
Innovation Solution
An engine vent line with a specific hydraulic diameter and length is designed to provide a predetermined engine head loss, limiting coolant flow rate and incorporating a helical section to optimize venting, using the Darcy-Weisbach equation to determine the optimal dimensions for efficient engine warm-up and degassing without hindering coolant circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the coolant vent line bypasses the temperature control device to allow degassing and prevent airlocks, then air venting function is improved, but the engine warm-up time increases due to excessive cooling effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the hydraulic parameters (diameter and length) of the vent line to control coolant flow rate. By selecting specific dimensions, the system achieves a balance between allowing sufficient air venting and limiting excessive coolant bypass that would cause over-cooling during warm-up phase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic principles to design the vent line with specific diameter and length to create appropriate flow resistance. This hydraulic design allows the vent line to fulfill its air venting function while naturally limiting coolant flow through pressure drop and flow rate control without additional active control mechanisms
2Productivity
If the coolant flow rate through the vent line is high, then air venting efficiency is improved, but the cooling effect increases causing the engine to reach operating temperature slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the vent line's hydraulic diameter and length to achieve the desired balance between air venting efficiency and coolant flow rate control, ensuring the engine reaches operating temperature within the required time frame
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 configuration allows the engine to reach operating temperature faster under cold conditions and light loads, while preventing airlocks, thereby enhancing engine efficiency and emission control system effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
said at least one engine vent line having a hydraulic diameter and length selected to provide a predetermined engine head loss for the engine and a rate of flow of coolant in the at least one engine vent line at or below a maximum engine vent flow rate target
Implementation Method 2
The coolant is warmed by heat from the engine, and the heat is released from the coolant by means a cooling device, such as a radiator, through which the coolant passes
Implementation Method 3
The cooling system may include a temperature control device, usually a control valve, thermostatic, electronic or the like, for regulating coolant flow between the engine and cooling device based on one or more engine parameters, such as engine speed, engine temperature, coolant temperature etc.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an engine system having an engine and a cooling system. An engine vent line is fluidly connected to the engine for venting air from the engine system and bypassing the coolant flow circuit. The engine vent line has a hydraulic diameter and length selected to provide a predetermined engine head loss for the engine and a rate of flow of coolant in the at least one engine vent line at or below a maximum engine vent flow rate target during operation of the engine. The engine vent line comprises a helical section in which a portion is formed into a helix.