Radiator Bypass Valve Set Point Matching for Coolant Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automotive cooling systems, the mismatch between valve and heater set point temperatures during heating situations leads to inefficiencies, as the coolant heater consumes energy to add heat while the radiator dissipates heat, reducing vehicular energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method where the valve set point temperature is adjusted to match the heater set point temperature during heating events, allowing coolant to be shunted through a radiator bypass line to retain heat, and returns to optimal levels when heating is not required, optimizing energy efficiency and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the valve set point temperature is kept at optimal cooling levels during heating situations, then the propulsion system operates efficiently, but the coolant heater must consume additional energy to heat the coolant to meet heater set point requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The valve set point temperature is made dynamic rather than fixed. During heating situations, the valve set point temperature is adjusted upward to match the heater set point temperature, allowing the system to adapt to changing operational requirements and eliminate the energy-wasting temperature differential
Solution Approach 2:
The key parameter being changed is the valve set point temperature. By changing this parameter from a fixed optimal cooling value to a variable value that matches the heater set point during heating situations, the system resolves the contradiction between cooling efficiency and heating requirements
2Temperature
If the valve distributes coolant through the radiator to meet valve set point temperature, then the propulsion system is cooled efficiently, but heat is dissipated that is needed for cabin heating
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different temperature requirements to different parts of the coolant circulation path. By locally adjusting the valve set point temperature to match the heater set point during heating situations, the system ensures that the specific local requirement (cabin heating) is prioritized in the relevant portion of the system
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 approach reduces energy consumption by the coolant heater and enhances overall energy efficiency and performance of the propulsion system by matching valve and heater set point temperatures during heating situations.
Implementation Method 1
A coolant heater is provided in the coolant line for heating the coolant prior to distribution of the coolant into a heater core during a heating event
Implementation Method 2
the valve distributes the coolant through the radiator to draw the heat back out of the coolant
Implementation Method 3
shunt the coolant through the radiator bypass line such that heat is retained in the coolant
Data Source
AI summary
A method of conserving energy during a heating event wherein a coolant is heated in a cooling system is disclosed. The method includes establishing a first set point temperature for a first point in the cooling system and establishing a second set point temperature lower than the first set point temperature for a second point in the cooling system. Normally, the coolant is maintained at the second set point temperature at the second set point in the cooling system. During the heating event, the second set point temperature is raised to substantially match the first set point temperature to reduce necessary heating of the coolant at the first point.