Heat Exchanger Performance Detection in Transmission Cooling Circuits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to effectively detect loss of performance in mechanical component cooling circuits, particularly in automatic transmissions, leading to overheating and potential damage due to inefficient cooling and heat dissipation.

Innovation Solution

A method that compares the calorific power dissipated by the first fluid in the heat exchanger with a reference power determined by the mass flow rates of both fluids, using a mapped network of dissipation power curves, to evaluate exchanger performance in real-time and alert for potential failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If thermal protection methods using temperature sensors are used, then overheating protection is achieved, but real-time detection of exchanger performance loss is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverheating protectionVSAvoidexchanger performance detection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring temperature differences across the heat exchanger and comparing actual calorific power dissipation with reference values from predefined maps. This feedback loop enables real-time detection of performance degradation and triggers appropriate responses, resolving the contradiction between basic protection and precise performance monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces simple temperature threshold-based mechanical protection systems with a computational approach using microprocessors to calculate calorific power dissipation, compare it with reference maps, and detect performance loss. This substitution enables precise real-time monitoring while maintaining overheating protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If simple temperature monitoring is used, then system complexity is low, but real-time evaluation of exchanger performance is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring system complexityVSAvoidexchanger performance evaluation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing reference calorific power values in maps during the design phase, covering various operating conditions. During operation, the system only needs to measure temperatures and flow rates, then compare actual performance against these pre-established references, achieving complex performance evaluation without real-time computational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary layer of reference maps that mediate between simple temperature measurements and complex performance evaluation. These maps serve as a lookup table containing pre-computed reference values, allowing the system to achieve precise performance monitoring through simple comparison operations rather than complex real-time calculations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables real-time evaluation of heat exchanger performance, anticipating and preventing overheating, thereby avoiding gearbox or hydraulic machine destruction by informing drivers or maintenance networks of performance losses and allowing for timely interventions.

Implementation Method 1

a heat exchanger (1) comprising a first functional fluid circuit (20) passing through a mechanical power transmission component (3) driven by an engine (2) and a second cooling fluid circuit (40) receiving the calorific power dissipated by the first fluid through the exchanger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

The slip within the hydro-kinetic torque converters dissipates a very high calorific energy. The actuation of hydraulic receivers (clutches or brakes) at high pressure levels requires sustained hydraulic power.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3143359B1Method of detecting a performance degradation of a cooler
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 RENAULT SA
  • EP3143359B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3143359B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3143359B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Method for detecting a loss in performance of a heat exchanger (1) of a cooling circuit for mechanical parts, comprising a first, functional-fluid circuit that passes through a power transmission mechanical part (3) driven by a motor (2), and a second, cooling-fluid circuit that receives the calorific power dissipated through the exchanger by the first fluid, characterized in that the calorific power (P) dissipated in the exchanger by the first fluid in the direction of the second fluid is compared with a reference power (Pr) determined as a function of the mass flow of the first and the second fluid through the exchanger.