Engine Thermal Management for Progressive Shutdown Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine systems in working machines face reduced lifespan due to high temperatures during shutdown, as immediate engine cutoff leads to inefficient cooling, and operators may override delayed shutdowns, increasing fuel consumption and reducing component longevity.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system that progressively reduces engine speed before shutdown, monitored by a controller, to enhance cooling efficiency and minimize fuel usage, while preventing operator override.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the engine is cut-off immediately during shutdown, then the shutdown time is reduced, but the temperature of engine components remains high and may increase, reducing component lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling action by delaying engine shutdown for a predetermined period after the shutdown command is received. This allows the engine components to cool down before the engine is actually shut off, preventing temperature-related damage while minimizing the impact on shutdown time.
2Reliability
If the engine is idled after shutdown command to cool components, then component temperature is reduced, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling by maintaining engine operation for a short predetermined period after shutdown command, then shuts off the engine. This approach cools components effectively while limiting fuel consumption by not extending idle operation indefinitely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the timing parameter of engine shutdown by introducing a predetermined delay period. This parameter adjustment allows the engine to continue running long enough to cool components but not so long as to waste excessive fuel.
3Reliability
If delayed engine shutdown is implemented, then component cooling is improved, but operators may override the shutdown function, reducing system effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically implements preliminary cooling action by delaying shutdown for a predetermined period without requiring operator intervention or explanation. This automated approach prevents operator override while still achieving effective component cooling.
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
The system effectively cools engine components to optimal temperatures, reducing fuel consumption and extending component lifespan by using progressive speed reduction strategies.
Implementation Method 1
components of the working machine powered by the engine, for example a fan of a cooling system, may operate more effectively when the engine speed is progressively reduced, thereby increasing the rate of engine cooling
Implementation Method 2
the fuel exits the injection system at a greater pressure at higher engine speeds compared to engine idling. This means the energy absorbed from the surrounding components during expansion of the fuel when it exits the injection system is greater, and the rate of engine cooling is increased
Data Source
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Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
A thermal management system for controlling cooling of an engine system during shutdown, the engine system comprising an engine configured to provide power to a working machine, wherein the thermal management system comprises: a controller; the controller being configured to receive a signal indicative of an engine shutdown command; the controller being further configured to derive, infer or receive a temperature parameter of the engine system and to determine whether the temperature parameter of the engine system is above a first predetermined threshold; and wherein the controller is configured to signal the progressive reduction of a speed of the engine prior to issuing a signal to shutdown the engine in the event that the first predetermined threshold is exceeded when the engine shutdown command is received, thereby cooling the engine system prior to engine shutdown.