Active Grille Shutter Control via Coolant Rate and Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine cooling systems using grille shutters face issues with overheating and overcooling due to inefficient control methods based on static thresholds, leading to degraded aerodynamics and fuel economy.
Innovation Solution
The method involves adjusting active grille shutters based on the rate of change of engine coolant temperature and the difference in aerodynamic drag between two positions, allowing for continuous adjustment to maintain optimal engine temperature and reduce aerodynamic losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If grille shutters are opened to cool the engine, then engine cooling is improved, but aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grille shutters are made dynamically adjustable between open and closed positions based on real-time engine temperature and driving condition sensors, allowing the system to optimize the balance between cooling needs and aerodynamic efficiency rather than being fixed in one position
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the opening parameter of the grille shutters based on engine coolant temperature thresholds and rate of change, adjusting the degree of opening to provide precise control over the balance between cooling airflow and aerodynamic drag reduction
2Loss of energy
If grille shutters are closed to reduce aerodynamic drag, then fuel economy is improved, but engine cooling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The grille shutters transition from a static closed position to a dynamically controlled system that adjusts opening degree based on engine temperature and driving conditions, maintaining fuel economy while preventing overheating
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from engine temperature sensors and cooling rate calculations to continuously adjust shutter position, ensuring the engine remains properly cooled while minimizing aerodynamic drag and maximizing fuel economy
3Speed
If grille shutters are opened rapidly in response to temperature threshold, then cooling response is improved, but temperature oscillation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates the rate of temperature change and predicts future temperature trends before making adjustments, opening shutters in advance when cooling is needed and closing them before temperature drops too low, preventing oscillation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of fully opening or closing shutters based on simple thresholds, the system uses partial opening adjustments proportional to the cooling need and temperature rate of change, providing smoother control that prevents overshooting and oscillation
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 reduces overheating and overcooling, improves engine efficiency, and increases fuel economy by maintaining engine temperatures within desired ranges while minimizing aerodynamic drag.
Implementation Method 1
Such air flow via the grille may add aerodynamic drag when the vehicle is in motion. Accordingly, grilles may include grille shutters to block such air flow, thus reducing aerodynamic drag
Implementation Method 2
Such intake air may then be directed to an engine compartment of the vehicle to assist the vehicle's cooling system in cooling the engine, transmission, and other such components
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for adjusting grille shutters based on engine coolant temperature and a difference in aerodynamic drag between the grille shutter positions. In one example, the grille shutters may be adjusted into a position closer to a first smaller opening when a difference in aerodynamic drag between the first and second positions is large. In other examples, the grille shutters may be adjusted into a position closer to the second larger opening when a difference in aerodynamic drag between the first and second positions is small thus maintaining the engine at lower temperatures.