Intake Air Temperature Control Using Segmented Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The technical challenge is to control the temperature of intake air in internal combustion engines to prevent freezing of water vapor from recirculated exhaust gas, especially when the EGR valve is partially open and the ambient air is cold.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves an internal combustion engine system with an intake system that includes a first intake pipe for ambient air and a second intake pipe for warmed air from the engine. Valves control the flow of these air streams, and a control module adjusts the flow rates based on engine operation data to maintain desired temperatures and prevent freezing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If EGR valve is opened to recirculate exhaust gas, then fuel consumption is improved and emissions are reduced, but water vapor in the exhaust gas condenses and freezes at the intake system when ambient air is cold
Solution Approach 1:
The intake system is divided into multiple intake pipes: a first intake pipe that draws cold ambient air and a second intake pipe that draws warmed air from the underhood zone. This segmentation allows selective mixing of air streams to control intake temperature and prevent freezing while maintaining EGR operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the intake air by drawing warmed air from the underhood zone through the second intake pipe. This temperature parameter change prevents water vapor condensation and freezing in the EGR system while maintaining emissions control benefits.
2Temperature
If cold ambient air is drawn into the intake system, then cooling effect is achieved, but intake air temperature drops below freezing causing ice formation
Solution Approach 1:
The intake system is segmented into multiple air sources: cold ambient air through the first intake pipe and warmed underhood air through the second intake pipe. This segmentation enables controlled mixing to maintain intake temperature above freezing while still providing cooling when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The warmed air from the underhood zone acts as an intermediary substance that mixes with cold ambient air to raise the overall intake temperature above freezing point, preventing ice formation while maintaining acceptable cooling effects for engine operation.
3Reliability
If multiple intake pipes and valves are added to control air temperature, then freezing is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second intake pipe serving warmed air from the underhood zone performs multiple functions: it provides warmed air to prevent freezing, and can be integrated with existing underhood air circulation systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated heating components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the engine's own underhood zone, which naturally contains warmed air from engine operation, as the heat source for preventing intake freezing. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external heating systems or additional energy input.
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 effectively maintains the intake air temperature above freezing, preventing ice formation and ensuring smooth engine operation even under cold conditions, while also improving fuel economy and emissions control.
Implementation Method 1
a second intake pipe having an outlet in communication with the intake system and having an inlet located within the underhood zone to receive air warmed by the internal combustion engine
Implementation Method 2
a control module configured to selectively open and close the first valve and the second valve to obtain a desired first rate of flow of the ambient air and a desired second rate of flow of the air warmed by the internal combustion engine
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for operating internal combustion engines and methods for controlling intake air temperature in engines of vehicles are provided. An engine includes an intake system configured to deliver intake air to the internal combustion engine; an exhaust system configured to discharge exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine; and an exhaust gas recirculation (“EGR”) system configured to selectively deliver a portion of the exhaust gas to the intake system. The internal combustion engine is located in an underhood zone; the intake system includes a first intake pipe having an outlet in communication with the intake system and having an inlet located outside of the underhood zone to receive ambient air; and the intake system includes a second intake pipe having an outlet in communication with the intake system and having an inlet located within the underhood zone to receive air warmed by the internal combustion engine.