Variable-Speed Water Pump Control Using Torque and Ambient Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional variable speed water pumps in internal combustion engines are limited in their control strategies, primarily relying on engine oil and coolant temperatures, failing to adapt effectively to varying operating conditions such as driveline torque and ambient temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A variable-speed water pump system that includes a pump controller capable of adjusting speed based on multiple sensor inputs, such as driveline torque and ambient temperature, to optimize coolant flow across various vehicle components, including the engine, gearbox, and auxiliary systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a traditional water pump is sized to constantly provide adequate coolant flow for peak operating conditions, then engine temperature control is maintained, but parasitic losses on the engine increase when less than peak coolant flow is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable speed water pump that dynamically adjusts its rotational speed based on real-time monitoring of engine operating conditions including coolant temperature, engine load, and ambient temperature. The pump controller modulates pump speed to provide optimal coolant flow for current operating conditions rather than maintaining constant peak flow, thereby reducing parasitic losses while ensuring adequate cooling when needed.
2Productivity
If variable speed water pumps are used to reduce parasitic losses, then fuel efficiency improves, but the system fails to adapt effectively to varying operating conditions such as driveline torque and ambient temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a comprehensive feedback control system where the pump controller continuously receives input signals from multiple sensors monitoring engine coolant temperature, ambient temperature, engine load, and driveline torque. Based on this feedback, the controller calculates the optimal pump speed using control algorithms that consider thermal requirements and parasitic loss reduction goals, thereby adapting to varying operating conditions while improving fuel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operational parameters of the water pump by adjusting its rotational speed based on detected operating conditions. The controller modifies pump speed parameters in response to changes in coolant temperature, ambient temperature, engine load, and driveline torque, enabling the system to optimize the balance between cooling performance and parasitic loss reduction across diverse operating scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and control functions are added to improve adaptability to varying operating conditions, then system responsiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensing and control functions into a single pump controller unit that handles temperature monitoring, load detection, and speed regulation. The controller is designed to process multiple input parameters (coolant temperature, ambient temperature, engine load, driveline torque) and execute multiple control strategies through unified control algorithms, thereby achieving comprehensive adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing an improved strategy for controlling a variable speed water pump in a vehicle. In some embodiments, more than one water pump speed function is calculated based on values obtained from vehicle sensors, and a controller chooses among the water pump speed function results to set a water pump speed. In some embodiments, the water pump speed is increased when driveline torque is greater than a threshold amount for an amount of time that varies based on the driveline torque. In some embodiments, ambient temperature is considered while determining whether the water pump should provide full coolant flow to an auxiliary coolant loop of a trailer.