Independent Multi-Fan Radiator Cooling for Targeted Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiator cooling systems for work vehicles, particularly those with single mechanically driven fans, face issues such as high power consumption, limited airflow coverage, and inefficient fan speed response, leading to inadequate cooling and frequent maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an adaptive cooling system utilizing multiple electrically driven fans controlled by a fan controller that adjusts fan speeds based on operating conditions, including regeneration energy availability, to provide targeted and efficient cooling while minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single large fan is used to cool the radiator, then the cooling coverage is sufficient, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large fan into multiple smaller fans (typically three fans arranged in a triangular pattern). Each fan covers a specific sector of the radiator, collectively providing full coverage. This segmentation reduces the power consumption of individual fans while maintaining overall cooling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements independent control of each fan's speed and operation based on local cooling requirements. The controller can adjust the operating speed of individual fans or fan groups according to the thermal load distribution across different radiator zones, optimizing power consumption while maintaining adequate cooling coverage.
2Device complexity
If a single fan is used, then the system is simple, but the airflow coverage and concentration efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The radiator cooling area is divided into multiple zones, with each fan responsible for a specific zone. This segmentation allows concentrated airflow delivery to different radiator sections, improving the efficiency of heat rejection from various parts of the radiator core.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control where the speed and operation of each fan can be independently adjusted based on real-time cooling requirements. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize airflow distribution and concentration efficiency without being constrained by fixed mechanical linkages.
3Reliability
If a mechanically driven fan is used, then the system is reliable, but the fan speed response is slow and maintenance frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical belt-driven fan system with electrically driven fans. This substitution eliminates the belt, pulley, and clutch mechanisms, thereby removing the sources of mechanical wear and slow response. The electric fans can be rapidly controlled by the controller to adjust speed and operation in response to changing cooling demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically driven fan system with independent control allows each fan to self-adjust its operation based on signals from the controller. This eliminates the need for mechanical linkages between the engine and fans, reducing maintenance requirements while improving response time to cooling demands.
4Device complexity
If a single fan is positioned at the center, then the configuration is simple, but the airflow distribution is uneven across the radiator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an asymmetric arrangement of multiple fans (typically in a triangular pattern) positioned to cover different sectors of the radiator. This asymmetric configuration ensures more uniform airflow distribution across the entire radiator surface compared to a single centered fan, as each fan targets a specific zone.
Solution Approach 2:
Each fan is positioned and controlled to provide targeted airflow to specific radiator zones. This local quality approach ensures that airflow is distributed more uniformly across the radiator surface, with each fan contributing to the cooling of its designated sector, thereby improving overall airflow distribution uniformity.
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 enhances cooling efficiency by directing airflow to the most critical areas of the radiator, reduces engine parasitic load, and decreases fuel consumption through optimized fan speed management, resulting in improved cooling performance and reduced maintenance requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling system configured to generate an airflow passing through the radiator to aid in cooling down the cooling fluid as it passes through the radiator
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger such as a radiator to cool a cooling fluid that is circulated through an internal combustion engine
Data Source
AI summary
Cooling systems of a work vehicle that provide targeted cooling, regenerative cooling and/or a combination therein. A cooling system includes plural fans configured to provide airflow across a radiator and a fan controller in communication with the plural fans. The fan controller is configured to receive operating condition data associated with at least one of the radiator and an engine. The fan controller is configured to determine a total target heat rejection value based on the operating condition data; determine a plurality of target fan operation values for the plural fans, based on the total target heat rejection value and the operating condition data; and control operation of the plural fans at plural independent fan speeds based on the plural fan operation values.