Fuel Temperature Control Device with Peltier and Engine Cooling Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature control devices for fuel supply systems in motor vehicles are inadequate in efficiently cooling and heating fuel to a predetermined target temperature, particularly when rapid switching between cooling and heating is required, and they fail to manage temperature fluctuations effectively.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control device with a first temperature control section thermally coupled to a Peltier device and a second section coupled to the engine's cooling circuit, along with a switchable control valve, allows for quick switching between cooling and heating operations by routing fuel through either the Peltier device or the engine's cooling circuit, and includes a control system to adjust the Peltier device's intensity based on temperature deviations and engine operating states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a Peltier device is used for temperature control, then both cooling and heating operations can be performed, but it takes a long time for the cooling side to heat up sufficiently after polarity reversal
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control device is divided into two independent temperature control sections: a first section with a Peltier device for rapid cooling, and a second section with a heating element for rapid heating. This segmentation allows each section to specialize in one function, eliminating the time delay associated with polarity reversal in a single Peltier device.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system selectively activates either the first temperature control section or the second temperature control section based on the current temperature deviation from the setpoint. This multi-functional approach allows the system to perform both cooling and heating operations using different dedicated components, achieving rapid response in both directions.
2Temperature
If fuel temperature is increased by environmental heat and internal friction, then fuel warms up during transport, but components expand and may fail functionally
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the fuel temperature and compares it with the predetermined setpoint temperature. Based on this feedback, the control system activates either the cooling or heating section to maintain the fuel temperature within the optimal range, preventing both overheating and excessive cooling that could cause component expansion or contraction issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively counteracts temperature deviations before they cause harmful effects. When fuel temperature rises above the setpoint, the cooling section is activated to prevent thermal expansion of components. When temperature drops below the setpoint, the heating section is activated to prevent excessive contraction, thereby maintaining component reliability.
3Temperature
If a heat exchanger is used to heat fuel with waste heat, then fuel temperature can be adjusted, but there is no active cooling capability when fuel becomes too warm
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control device is divided into two independent temperature control sections: a first section with a Peltier device for rapid cooling, and a second section with a heating element for rapid heating. This segmentation allows each section to specialize in one function, eliminating the time delay associated with polarity reversal in a single Peltier device.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system selectively activates either the first temperature control section or the second temperature control section based on the current temperature deviation from the setpoint. This multi-functional approach allows the system to perform both cooling and heating operations using different dedicated components, achieving rapid response in both directions.
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 enables efficient and precise temperature adjustment of fuel to a setpoint, preventing functional deterioration or failure of components due to excessive temperature, by allowing rapid and effective cooling and heating, thus maintaining optimal fuel temperature across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature control section between the fuel inlet and fuel outlet, which is thermally coupled to a Peltier device
Implementation Method 2
a second temperature control section between the fuel inlet and fuel outlet, which is thermally coupled to a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The invention relates to a temperature control device for a fuel supply system of a motor vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, and to a motor vehicle with such a temperature control device. The temperature control device (1) comprises a fuel inlet (2), a fuel outlet (3) and a first temperature control section (5) between the fuel inlet (2) and the fuel outlet (3), which is thermally coupled to a Peltier device (7).The temperature control device (1) further comprises a second temperature control section (9) between fuel inlet (2) and fuel outlet (3), which is thermally coupled to a cooling circuit (11) of an internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle, and a switchable control valve (12) which is connected on the input side to the fuel inlet (2) and connects the fuel inlet (2) in a first switching position to the first temperature control section (5) and in a second switching position to the second temperature control section (9).