Helical Engine Vent Line for Cold Start Warm-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine cooling systems face inefficiencies at low coolant temperatures, which can delay engine warm-up and hinder the operation of emission reduction systems like EGR and DPF, as coolant vent lines can bypass the temperature control device, increasing cooling effects and preventing the engine from reaching minimum operating temperature.
Innovation Solution
The engine system incorporates an engine vent line with a helical section, designed to provide a predetermined engine head loss and coolant flow rate, determined using the Darcy-Weisbach equation, to limit coolant flow and facilitate engine warm-up by bypassing the coolant flow circuit, thereby optimizing engine operation at low temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the coolant vent line bypasses the temperature control device to allow degassing, then air venting function is improved, but the engine warm-up speed deteriorates due to increased cooling effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the hydraulic parameters of the vent line by introducing a helical section, which increases flow resistance and reduces coolant flow rate through the vent line. This parameter change allows the vent line to maintain its air venting function while minimizing the cooling effect, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable air venting and maintaining engine operating temperature.
2Productivity
If the coolant flow rate through the vent line is increased to improve degassing efficiency, then air removal speed is improved, but the engine warm-up time increases due to excessive cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the hydraulic diameter and length parameters of the vent line, and introduces a helical section to increase flow resistance. These parameter changes create a balanced flow regime that allows sufficient coolant flow for effective degassing while limiting the cooling effect to maintain acceptable warm-up time.
3Temperature
If the vent line provides sufficient head loss to limit coolant flow, then engine warm-up is improved, but the air venting capability may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a helical section in the vent line, which uses curved geometry to increase flow resistance and create the necessary head loss. The helical configuration provides sufficient resistance to limit coolant flow and improve warm-up, while still allowing air bubbles to rise and be vented effectively, thus resolving the contradiction between temperature control and air venting capability.
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 configuration ensures the engine reaches operating temperature faster and maintains efficient operation under cold conditions, while preventing airlocks and ensuring effective degassing, thus enhancing overall engine performance and emission control.
Implementation Method 1
a helical section in which a portion of the at least one engine vent line is formed into a helix
Implementation Method 2
hydraulic diameter and length selected to provide a predetermined engine head loss
Implementation Method 3
the heat is released from the coolant by means a cooling device, such as a radiator
Implementation Method 4
a flow of coolant is pumped through various engine components, such as the engine block, to capture heat from the components
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an engine system having an engine and a cooling system. An engine vent line is fluidly connected to the engine for venting air from the engine system and bypassing the coolant flow circuit. The engine vent line has a hydraulic diameter and length selected to provide a predetermined engine head loss for the engine and a rate of flow of coolant in the at least one engine vent line at or below a maximum engine vent flow rate target during operation of the engine. The engine vent line comprises a helical section in which a portion is formed into a helix.