Radial Counter-Rotating Fan Cooling for Lower Startup Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal management systems for heat-producing systems, such as vehicle engines, face challenges in efficiently dissipating heat due to increased complexity and size, particularly in large vehicles where multiple fans are needed, leading to inefficiencies and high power consumption when starting multiple fans simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system utilizing a plurality of fans disposed radially adjacent to each other, with each fan operable in opposite rotational directions to minimize air flow interaction and reduce power consumption by allowing sequential startup, controlled by a centralized system to optimize air flow through a heat exchanger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If multiple fans are used to move air through the heat exchanger in large vehicles, then the cooling capacity is improved, but the power consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system divides the air movement function into multiple independent fans arranged radially around the heat exchanger. Each fan handles a specific radial sector, allowing independent control and operation. This segmentation enables the system to use only the necessary number of fans based on cooling demand, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining adequate cooling capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts fan operation by enabling sequential startup of individual fans rather than starting all fans simultaneously. The controller activates fans based on real-time cooling requirements, allowing the system to transition smoothly between different power consumption states while maintaining effective heat dissipation.
2Productivity
If multiple fans are started simultaneously, then the cooling system reaches full capacity faster, but the power consumption and electrical load increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements a sequential startup sequence where fans are activated one after another rather than all at once. This preliminary staged action allows the electrical system to handle the starting load progressively, preventing excessive current demands while still achieving full cooling capacity in a reasonable time frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The fans are activated in periodic intervals rather than simultaneously. The controller manages the startup timing of each fan sequentially, creating a periodic activation pattern that distributes the electrical load over time, reducing peak power consumption during system startup.
3Productivity
If fans are arranged radially adjacent to each other, then the air flow interaction is minimized, but the space requirement and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fans are arranged in a radial configuration around the heat exchanger, utilizing the radial dimension rather than a linear or stacked arrangement. This radial distribution in the radial dimension allows each fan to handle air flow in its own sector with minimal interference from adjacent fans, improving overall air flow efficiency while maintaining a compact footprint.
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 enhances thermal management efficiency by reducing air flow vortices and power consumption, allowing for effective heat dissipation in complex systems while minimizing the energy required to start multiple fans.
Implementation Method 1
A first fan is operable in a first rotational direction to move air through the heat exchanger in a first direction. A second fan is disposed radially adjacent to the first fan, and is operable in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction to move air through the heat exchanger in the first direction.
Implementation Method 2
A heat exchanger in fluid communication with the heat producing system and configured to receive a temperature control fluid therethrough
Implementation Method 3
heat from the coolant is dissipated to the ambient air
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system for a heat producing system includes a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the heat producing system. The heat exchanger is configured to receive a temperature control fluid therethrough. A first fan is operable in a first rotational direction to move air through the heat exchanger in a first direction. A second fan is disposed radially adjacent to the first fan, and is operable in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction to move air through the heat exchanger in the first direction. A control system, including at least one controller, is provided for controlling operation of the fans.