Flow Guide Device for Exhaust Gas Cooler Coolant Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Exhaust gas coolers in internal combustion engines face challenges in efficiently utilizing coolant throughput and preventing coolant boiling due to high exhaust gas temperatures, which can reduce thermodynamic efficiency and shorten service life.

Innovation Solution

A device with a projection-like flow guide integrated into a connecting piece ensures even coolant distribution across the heat exchanger's cross-section, featuring a contour that accelerates coolant flow uniformly, reducing the risk of boiling and optimizing coolant flow rates without additional hoses or pipes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the coolant flow rate is increased to prevent boiling, then the cooling effect is improved, but the flow resistance of the heat exchanger limits the maximum achievable flow rate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoolant temperature controlVSAvoidcoolant flow rate
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The flow guide device creates locally optimized flow conditions by distributing coolant uniformly across the heat exchanger cross-section. The projection-shaped flow guide with its specific contour modifies the flow structure in the inlet region, ensuring each area of the heat exchanger receives appropriate coolant flow without requiring increased overall flow rate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The flow guide device changes the flow parameters (velocity distribution, flow pattern) of the coolant by using a projection-shaped structure with a specific contour. This transforms the inlet flow into a uniformly distributed flow, improving heat exchange efficiency and preventing boiling without increasing the total coolant quantity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the coolant flow is concentrated in certain areas, then the flow rate through those areas is improved, but non-uniform distribution causes localized boiling and reduces overall cooling efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidcoolant flow distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The flow guide device creates locally optimized flow conditions by distributing coolant uniformly across the heat exchanger cross-section. The projection-shaped flow guide with its specific contour modifies the flow structure in the inlet region, ensuring each area of the heat exchanger receives appropriate coolant flow without requiring increased overall flow rate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The flow guide device performs preliminary flow distribution before the coolant enters the heat exchanger. By pre-distributing the coolant uniformly in the inlet region using the projection-shaped flow guide, the system prevents localized overheating and ensures stable cooling throughout the heat exchanger.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution effectively reduces the risk of coolant boiling and enhances coolant distribution, ensuring efficient coolant usage and prolonged service life of the exhaust gas cooler by maintaining a consistent flow rate and minimizing coolant requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a contour of the flow guide rises in a longitudinal direction of the connection nozzle towards the heat exchanger... The acceleration of the flow is approximately constant and occurs over roughly the entire length of the connection nozzle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow acceleration:

Data Source

PatentEP2998684B1Device for feeding a coolant to a heat exchanger, preferably for an exhaust gas cooler of a combustion engine of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.11.06 MAHLE INT GMBH
  • EP2998684B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2998684B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2998684B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for supplying a coolant to a closed fluid circuit, preferably for an exhaust gas cooler of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, comprising a connection nozzle (6), wherein the connection nozzle is designed for insertion into a coolant connection (5), wherein a projection-like flow guide device (8) for the coolant is integrated inside the connection nozzle.