Fluid Circuit Recirculation Layout for Lower Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid systems in vehicles with constant displacement pumps experience significant pressure losses and energy waste due to high fuel consumption, as they do not efficiently manage fluid flow and pressure, especially when the pump capacity exceeds equipment needs.
Innovation Solution
A fluid circuit with a parallel main line and by-pass line, including a heat exchanger, and recirculation lines that allow fluid to be diverted back to the tank based on temperature and pressure parameters, using valves and control devices to synchronize fluid flow and pressure regulation, reducing pressure losses and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a constant displacement pump is used to provide fluid flow, then the pump delivers consistent flow at a given rotation speed, but the fuel consumption increases unnecessarily when the current fluid pressure needs are lower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the excess fluid from the main flow path by introducing a recirculation line that bypasses the heat exchanger. This allows the pump to maintain consistent flow while diverting unnecessary fluid directly back to the tank, avoiding the energy waste of pressurizing fluid that doesn't need cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation line serves multiple functions: it maintains pump flow consistency, reduces pressure losses, and provides a path for excess fluid to return to the tank without passing through the heat exchanger. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction between flow consistency and energy efficiency.
2Temperature
If fluid is recirculated through the heat exchanger to manage temperature, then temperature control is maintained, but pressure losses and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control through valves (31, 32) that can adjust the recirculation flow based on system conditions. This allows the system to adaptively manage temperature control needs while minimizing pressure losses by recirculating fluid through the appropriate line (upstream or downstream of the heat exchanger) depending on the operational requirements.
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 solution significantly reduces pressure losses and energy consumption by diverting excess fluid back to the tank before it enters the heat exchanger, allowing for smaller heat exchangers and improved temperature and pressure management, thus enhancing overall efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the supply line having a portion which is divided into a main line including a heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid circuit (3) comprising: —a supply line (5) for carrying a fluid from a pump (4) connected to a fluid tank (2) to an equipment (8), the supply line having a portion which is divided into a main line (10) including a heat exchanger (13), and a by-pass line (15) for by-passing said heat exchanger; —a first valve (31) for controlling the respective fluid flows in the main line (10) and in the by-pass line (15), and a first control device (33) for controlling the first valve (31) depending on a first parameter (T) of the fluid; —a pressure regulation circuit for carrying fluid from the supply line (5) towards the fluid tank (2), said pressure regulation circuit comprising a pressure regulation valve (23) for controlling the flow of fluid directed back to the fluid tank (2); wherein the pressure regulation circuit comprises: —a first recirculation line (21) branching from the supply line (5) downstream from the by-pass line outlet (17); —a second recirculation line (22) branching from the supply line (5) upstream from the by-pass line inlet (16); —a second valve (32) for controlling the respective fluid flows in the first recirculation line (21) and in the second recirculation line (22), and a second control device (33) for controlling the first valve (31) depending on a second parameter (T) of the fluid.