Internal Combustion Engine Cooling Valve for Thermal Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing internal combustion engine (ICE) cooling systems are inefficient in maintaining the combustion chamber temperature within an ideal operational range during periods of inactivity, leading to increased fuel consumption and emissions when the engine is restarted.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a first valve in the cooling circuit that controls coolant flow based on the engine's operational state, keeping the valve partly closed during inoperative states to maintain a higher combustion chamber temperature, thereby reducing coolant flow and extending the time the chamber remains near the ideal operational temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the coolant flow is not suppressed during inoperative state, then the combustion chamber cools down completely, but the temperature takes too long to reach ideal operational range upon restart
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by maintaining higher combustion chamber temperature during inoperative periods through controlled coolant flow suppression. The valve is positioned to restrict coolant flow before the engine is restarted, ensuring the combustion chamber retains heat and is already warm when operation resumes, thus reducing the time needed to reach ideal operational temperature range.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a thermostat is used to control coolant flow, then the system is simple and reliable, but it cannot adapt to modern vehicle operating scenarios requiring reduced fuel consumption and emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static temperature-based control to dynamic operational-state-based control. The valve is now controlled based on the engine's operational state (operating vs. inoperative) rather than solely on temperature thresholds, allowing the system to adapt to modern vehicle scenarios such as start-stop operation, hybrid modes, and extended idle periods, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions while maintaining reliability.
3Loss of energy
If coolant flow is suppressed during inoperative state, then fuel consumption and emissions are reduced, but the combustion chamber temperature may become too high
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by using a valve positioned to partially restrict rather than completely block coolant flow during inoperative states. This partial suppression is sufficient to maintain adequate combustion chamber temperature and reduce energy loss, while preventing excessive temperature buildup that could cause damage or require complex active cooling interventions.
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 energy consumption and minimizes emissions by maintaining a higher combustion chamber temperature during inactivity, allowing the engine to reach operational temperature more quickly and reducing the need for pre-heating measures.
Implementation Method 1
a coolant-based cooling circuit, in which a pump circulates coolant through tubes in a radiator. Air cools the tubes and hence the coolant, and the coolant is then pumped through various components of the ICE, including the combustion chamber of the ICE, thereby cooling the ICE
Implementation Method 2
Air cools the tubes and hence the coolant
Implementation Method 3
a temperature controlled valve, such as a thermostat, arranged with the cooling circuit
Implementation Method 4
a pump circulates coolant through tubes in a radiator
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for operating an internal combustion engine (ICE), typically together with a vehicle. A corresponding ICE and a related computer program product are also provided.