Radiator Fan Control Device for Altitude Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling fans in motor vehicles struggle to maintain adequate cooling performance under varying environmental conditions such as altitude and temperature changes, leading to potential engine overheating and the need for emergency operations or oversized fan modules.
Innovation Solution
A control device for the cooling fan is divided into an external and internal control system, allowing for flexible speed and air volume regulation by generating a controlled variable and limiting motor current to ensure consistent performance across different conditions without emergency operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cooling fan is oversized to provide enough air at high altitude, then the cooling performance is improved, but the weight and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a control device that dynamically adjusts the motor current based on operating conditions. The control device limits the motor current to a maximum value that prevents emergency operation while adapting to varying environmental conditions such as altitude and temperature, eliminating the need for an oversized fan design.
2Reliability
If the cooling fan is oversized to provide enough air at high altitude, then the cooling performance is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the electrical parameters (motor current, controlled variable) through the control device rather than changing the physical dimensions of the fan. The control device adjusts the motor current within a limited range to ensure adequate cooling performance across different altitudes and temperatures, avoiding the need to manufacture larger, more expensive fan modules.
3Reliability
If the cooling fan operates at maximum speed to provide sufficient air at high altitude, then the cooling performance is improved, but the temperature control precision deteriorates due to emergency operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a control device that continuously monitors the controlled variable (such as motor speed or air flow) and adjusts the motor current accordingly. The control device limits the motor current to prevent emergency operation, maintaining stable and precise temperature control through closed-loop feedback rather than operating at maximum speed.
4Device complexity
If a conventional fan control system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the control system into an external control device that generates a controlled variable and an internal control device that limits the motor current. This segmented architecture allows the system to adapt to different environmental conditions through software or control logic while keeping the hardware structure relatively simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a control device for a radiator fan, in particular for a radiator fan of a motor vehicle, having an external control device which is designed to generate a controlled variable for an electric motor of the radiator fan according to a first predefined setpoint value, and having an internal control device which is designed to control the motor current of the electric motor of the radiator fan according to a predefined first motor current maximum value if the controlled variable which is generated by the external control device assumes such a value that the motor current exceeds the predefined first motor current maximum value. The present invention also relates to a radiator fan arrangement and to a method for controlling a radiator fan.