Rotary Coolant Valve for Split Engine Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing split cooling systems for internal combustion engines face challenges in achieving maximum cooling and heating capabilities simultaneously, leading to reduced efficiency and increased costs due to the separation of coolant circuits and the need for larger or more efficient coolers.
Innovation Solution
A control means with a rotary body that directs coolant flow between the cylinder head and engine block, allowing for the combination of coolant flows to optimize both engine cooling and vehicle heating, while maintaining a compact structure and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the coolant circuits are separated for engine block and cylinder head, then the engine can be heated more quickly during cold-start, but the cooling and heating capabilities are reduced and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant circuit is segmented into two separate circuits: a first coolant circuit for the engine block and a second coolant circuit for the cylinder head. This segmentation allows independent control of coolant flow to each component, enabling the engine block to be heated quickly during cold-start while the cylinder head maintains its cooling function, thus resolving the contradiction between heating speed and system complexity.
2Reliability
If the coolant circuits are separated, then the engine cooling efficiency is improved, but the vehicle heating capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit provides multi-functionality by being able to direct coolant flow from either the first coolant circuit (engine block) or the second coolant circuit (cylinder head) to the heating arrangement. This universal control capability ensures that the system can maintain reliable engine cooling while also providing sufficient heat for vehicle heating, resolving the contradiction between cooling efficiency and heating capability.
3Reliability
If larger or more efficient coolers are used to maintain cooling capability with separated circuits, then cooling performance is maintained, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control through the control unit that can adjust coolant flow distribution between the two separate circuits based on operating conditions. This dynamic adaptability allows the use of smaller, more cost-effective coolers while maintaining adequate cooling capability, as the system can optimize coolant flow to meet demand without requiring oversized cooling components, thus resolving the contradiction between cooling reliability and manufacturing cost.
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 solution enables improved heating of the internal combustion engine and maximized cooling and heating of the vehicle interior, enhancing overall system efficiency and reducing costs by allowing the coolant flows to be bundled and directed effectively between the cooler and heating arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
a cooler arrangement (9), integrated into the main circuit, which is designed to transmit heat from the coolant to the surrounding air
Implementation Method 2
a heating arrangement (10), integrated into the secondary circuit, which is designed to transmit heat from the coolant to air flowing past or through the heating arrangement, in order to heat the interior of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for a split cooling system for an engine. In one example, a system may include a valve with a plurality of positions for diverting coolant or mixing coolant based on engine conditions.