Self-Controlling Valve for Engine Afterrun Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid-cooled components in internal combustion engines, such as the bearing housing of an exhaust-gas turbocharger, require afterrun cooling when the engine is not in operation, but existing solutions like the thermosiphon effect lead to inefficient coolant delivery and can hinder engine warm-up, especially at low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A self-controlling valve in the connecting line between the coolant pump and the ventilation vessel adjusts the flow cross-section based on coolant pressure, reducing coolant delivery during engine operation and increasing it during shutdown to optimize afterrun cooling using the thermosiphon effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the thermosiphon effect is used for afterrun cooling, then coolant delivery is passive and simple, but coolant delivery is inefficient and can hinder engine warm-up at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the thermosiphon effect for passive coolant circulation during afterrun cooling, eliminating the need for an additional electric pump. The heated coolant naturally rises and circulates through the bearing housing, providing self-service cooling without external energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
A pressure-dependent valve dynamically adjusts the flow cross-section based on coolant pressure. During engine operation with high coolant pressure, the valve restricts flow to a small cross-section. During shutdown with low pressure, the valve opens to a large cross-section to maximize thermosiphon effect efficiency.
2Loss of time
If coolant flow is restricted during engine operation, then engine warm-up is faster, but afterrun cooling efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-dependent valve provides dynamic flow control that adapts to operating conditions. During engine operation, high coolant pressure closes the valve to restrict flow and accelerate warm-up. During shutdown, low pressure opens the valve to maximize flow and enhance afterrun cooling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow cross-section parameter based on pressure conditions. The valve transitions between restricted (small cross-section) and open (large cross-section) states, optimizing coolant flow for different operational phases - warm-up during operation and cooling during shutdown.
3Productivity
If a pressure-dependent valve is added to control coolant flow, then coolant delivery is optimized for both operation and shutdown, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-dependent valve is self-actuating and responds automatically to coolant pressure changes without requiring external control systems, sensors, or additional energy input. The valve mechanism uses the existing pressure differential to control flow, providing optimization with minimal added complexity.
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 ensures efficient afterrun cooling of liquid-cooled components by varying coolant throughput according to engine operation, preventing overheating and supporting faster engine warm-up by adjusting the flow cross-section in response to pressure changes.
Implementation Method 1
a valve which is self-controlling as a function of coolant pressure and which, as a function of the coolant pressure, opens up a more or less large flow cross section of the connecting line
Implementation Method 2
existing solutions like the thermosiphon effect lead to inefficient coolant delivery
Implementation Method 3
The heat is dissipated to the coolant, generally water provided with additives, already in the interior of the cylinder head or block
Implementation Method 4
The heat dissipated to the coolant is discharged from the interior of the cylinder head or block in this way, and is extracted from the coolant again in a heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
An engine comprises a cylinder head connected to a cylinder block; a cooling circuit including a pump, a heat exchanger, and a ventilation vessel; a liquid-cooled component, connected into the cooling circuit by a connecting line and arranged between the pump and the ventilation vessel, which is cooled when the engine is not in operation; and a valve which is self-controlling as a function of coolant pressure arranged in the connecting line between the pump and the ventilation vessel, the valve adjustable between a first working position having a first, relatively small cross section of the connecting line, and a second working position, having a second, relatively large cross section of the connecting line, the valve controlling coolant throughput, wherein when the engine is not in operation and coolant pressure is reduced, the valve is in the second working position to provide an enlarged flow cross section.