Parallel Heat Accumulator Lubrication System for Rapid Engine Oil Warming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubrication systems for internal combustion engines require additional coolant circuits and high structural complexity to rapidly warm up engine oil, leading to increased fuel consumption and reduced efficiency during cold starts.
Innovation Solution
A lubrication system with a heat accumulator connected in parallel to a radiator, allowing the lubricant circuit to switch between the two for direct heating, eliminating the need for a separate coolant circuit and simplifying the system for efficient fuel-saving during cold starts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a chemical heat accumulator is used to warm up engine oil, then the heating performance is improved, but the time required to transfer thermal energy increases and additional coolant circuit is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat accumulator with the existing lubricant circuit, eliminating the need for a separate coolant circuit. The heat accumulator is integrated directly into the lubricant flow path, allowing thermal energy transfer to occur within the lubrication system itself rather than requiring an additional circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat accumulator stores thermal energy in advance during engine operation, so that when rapid heating is needed (such as during cold start), the pre-stored energy can be immediately transferred to the lubricant without delay.
2Temperature
If a coolant circuit through the engine is added to transfer heat accumulator energy, then the heating efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function with the existing lubricant circuit by integrating the heat accumulator directly into the lubricant flow path. This eliminates the need for a separate coolant circuit while maintaining effective heat transfer to the engine oil.
3Temperature
If an oil heat accumulator with high insulation is used to store high temperature oil, then the temperature maintenance is improved, but the structural outlay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the heat accumulator directly into the lubricant circuit, combining the storage and heating functions within the existing lubrication system infrastructure. This reduces structural outlay compared to separate, highly insulated storage systems.
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 configuration enables rapid lubricant heating, reducing engine friction and fuel consumption, while being structurally simple and efficient, allowing for retrofitting in existing engines.
Implementation Method 1
a heat accumulator arranged upstream of the engine for warming up the lubricant
Implementation Method 2
the heating up takes place directly in the lubricant circuit
Implementation Method 3
a radiator for cooling the lubricant
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments for a lubrication system for an internal combustion engine are provided. In one example, a lubrication system for an internal combustion engine comprises a lubricant circuit, a radiator for cooling the lubricant, a heat accumulator arranged upstream of the engine for warming up the lubricant, the heat accumulator connected in parallel to the radiator, and a valve for switching over the lubricant circuit between the radiator and the heat accumulator. In this way, the oil may be rapidly heated during cold engine start conditions.