Hybrid Engine Lubrication Pump and Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines in hybrid vehicle systems experience increased wear due to frequent start/stop cycles, leading to lubrication system drainage and potential contamination of the exhaust aftertreatment system when the engine is turned off, which affects efficiency and service life.
Innovation Solution
An engine system with a lubrication system powered by an auxiliary power source, including an electrically powered first lubrication pump that maintains lubricant supply when the engine is off, and valves to selectively shut off lubricant supply to auxiliary components, preventing leakage into the exhaust aftertreatment system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the internal combustion engine is turned off during hybrid operation or automatic start/stop cycles, then energy consumption is reduced and efficiency is improved, but the lubrication system experiences drainage leading to increased wear of engine components
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically driven lubrication pump is activated before the engine starts to pre-pressurize the lubrication system, ensuring that lubricant is already distributed to critical components when the engine begins operation. This preliminary action prevents wear during the critical startup phase when the engine transitions from off to running state
Solution Approach 2:
The lubrication system maintains continuous lubricant circulation even when the engine is turned off by using the electrically driven pump to keep pressure in the lubrication lines. This continuity prevents the drainage effect and ensures that the lubrication film remains intact on bearing surfaces throughout engine stop periods
2Reliability
If the lubrication system continues to supply lubricant to auxiliary components when the engine is off, then component wear is reduced, but lubricant leaks into the exhaust aftertreatment system causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is divided into separate zones: one supplying the engine and another supplying auxiliary components. Independent control valves regulate lubricant flow to each zone, allowing the system to selectively maintain lubrication to the engine while shutting off supply to auxiliary components when the engine is off, preventing lubricant leakage into the exhaust system
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors engine operating state and automatically adjusts lubrication supply accordingly. When the engine is detected to be off, the system feedback-controls the valves to prevent lubricant flow to auxiliary components that could leak into the exhaust aftertreatment system, while maintaining flow to the engine itself
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 extends the service life of internal combustion engine components, reduces environmental impact, and protects the exhaust aftertreatment system by maintaining hydraulic integrity and preventing lubricant leakage during engine start/stop cycles.
Implementation Method 1
maintaining a certain level of pressure in the lubrication system during ICE OFF state
Implementation Method 2
An ICE is usually provided with a lubrication system for lubricating and/or cooling certain components of the ICE
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an engine system (1) for a vehicle (100), comprising, an internal combustion engine (10), a lubrication system (20) arranged to lubricate the internal combustion engine (10) and a first lubrication pump (21) arranged to supply lubricant to the lubrication system (20). The first lubrication pump (21) is configured to be powered by an auxiliary power source (40), wherein the lubrication system (20) is further arranged to supply lubricant to at least one auxiliary component (30, 31) of the engine system (1) which requires to be lubricated when in use, and wherein the lubrication system (20) comprises at least one valve (23, 25) for selectively shutting off lubricant supply to the at least one auxiliary component (30, 31). The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle (100), to a method for controlling lubricant supply to an auxiliary component (30, 31) and to a control unit (70).