Multi-way Valve Thermal Regulation for Engine Warm-up and Cabin Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling circuits of internal combustion engines face inefficiencies in heat transfer during the temperature rise phase of the heat transfer fluid, leading to increased fuel consumption and reduced engine performance, while also struggling to effectively heat the passenger compartment and demist windshields.
Innovation Solution
A thermal regulation system that controls the flow of a cooling fluid through a multi-way valve in a cooling circuit with branches for the engine radiator, engine oil exchanger, and passenger compartment heater, adjusting based on temperature differences and outside conditions to optimize heat distribution and reduce fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If heat transfer to the cooling fluid is optimized during engine warm-up phase, then fuel consumption is reduced and engine efficiency is improved, but the amount of heat available for transferring to engine oil and passenger compartment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the thermal regulation device with multiple operating modes (first operating mode during warm-up, second operating mode during normal operation). The system transitions between modes based on engine temperature, allowing optimal heat distribution at different operational stages. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by prioritizing fuel efficiency during cold start while enabling heat recovery for oil and cabin heating during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the opening degrees of control valves (first control valve, second control valve, third control valve) based on engine temperature conditions. During warm-up phase, valves are positioned to maximize engine heating; during normal phase, valve positions are adjusted to enable heat transfer to oil and passenger compartment. This parameter adaptation allows the system to resolve the energy allocation contradiction.
2Temperature
If the third branch (heater) is opened to heat the passenger compartment, then passenger comfort is improved, but the temperature rise of the engine is slowed down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic operation of the third branch (heater) based on engine temperature conditions. During the warm-up phase, the heater is closed to prioritize engine heating. Once the engine reaches optimal temperature, the system transitions to the second operating mode where the heater can be activated. This periodic activation pattern resolves the contradiction by sequencing heating operations according to engine thermal state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary heating of the engine before activating the passenger compartment heater. By first bringing the engine to optimal temperature using the first operating mode, the system ensures sufficient heat availability before opening the third branch. This preliminary action sequence resolves the contradiction between engine warm-up speed and cabin heating.
3Device complexity
If a simple on/off control of the heater branch is used, then the control system is simple, but thermal shocks occur when the heater is suddenly activated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic, proportional control of the third branch using a control valve with variable opening degree rather than simple on/off control. The valve opening is adjusted based on the temperature difference between engine outlet and heater inlet, providing gradual heat introduction. This dynamic control approach prevents thermal shocks while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback control by continuously monitoring temperatures at multiple points (engine outlet, heater inlet, passenger compartment) and adjusting the third control valve position accordingly. The control logic compares temperature differences and modulates valve opening to maintain optimal heat transfer rates, preventing thermal shock while keeping the control system manageable through rule-based decision making.
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 system optimizes engine temperature rise, reduces fuel consumption, and efficiently heats the passenger compartment, while minimizing thermal shocks and noise from coolant boiling, thereby enhancing engine performance and passenger comfort.
Implementation Method 1
the heat present in the heat transfer fluid is used to transfer heat to the engine oil via a fluid/oil heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
heat is transferred to the vehicle's passenger compartment via a fan heater to warm the interior
Implementation Method 3
a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle under the action of a circulation pump
Data Source
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AI summary
System for controlling a means for the thermal regulation of a motor vehicle engine cooling circuit and method of controlling said control system. System for controlling a means (8) of thermally regulating a cooling fluid circulating in a cooling circuit (2) of a motor vehicle internal combustion engine (3), the said means of thermally regulating the fluid comprising a fluid inlet (8a) connected to an inlet for cooling fluid leaving the engine (3) and a first, a second and a third fluid outlet (8b, 8c, 8d) which are respectively connected to a first branch (2a) containing a radiator (5) for cooling the engine, a second branch (2b) containing an engine-oil fluid exchanger (7) and a third branch (2c) containing a unit heater (6). The control system comprises a module (13) for determining the mode of operation, summer mode or winter mode, of the thermal regulation means and a module (16) for controlling the opening or closing of the third branch (2c) according to the temperature (T_fm) of the fluid leaving the engine and the temperature (T_fa) of the fluid upstream of the unit heater.