Series Coolant Circuit for Combustion Engine Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional split coolant circuits for combustion engines are bulky and costly due to the use of multiple pumps and return passageways, leading to inefficient coolant flow distribution and increased engine size, which results in high fuel consumption, emissions, and reduced engine service life.
Innovation Solution
A split coolant circuit design where a single pump delivers coolant to the cylinder head coolant jacket without a direct connection to the engine block, with coolant flowing in the same direction through both jackets, allowing for adjustable coolant distribution based on engine temperature, and incorporating a block line and shut-off valve to optimize cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pumps and return passageways are used in a split coolant circuit, then the cylinder head and engine block can be cooled independently, but the engine bulkiness increases and compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pump functions into a single pump that serves both the cylinder head coolant jacket and the engine block coolant jacket. The pump is positioned to deliver coolant to the cylinder head first, then to the engine block, eliminating the need for separate pumps while maintaining independent cooling control through strategic circuit design
2Temperature
If coolant is delivered directly to both cylinder head and engine block coolant jackets, then cooling coverage is maximized, but coolant flow distribution becomes inefficient and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary cooling action by directing coolant to the cylinder head coolant jacket first before delivering it to the engine block coolant jacket. This sequential approach ensures that the most critical cooling needs are met first, optimizing thermal management efficiency and reducing energy consumption
3Ease of operation
If a conventional split coolant circuit with multiple pumps is used, then cooling control is achieved, but the size and cost of the engine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single pump perform multiple functions by designing it to deliver coolant to both the cylinder head coolant jacket and the engine block coolant jacket in sequence. This multi-functional approach maintains effective cooling control while reducing the number of components, thereby decreasing engine size and 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 design reduces engine bulkiness, lowers fuel consumption, decreases emissions, and extends engine service life by ensuring the cylinder head is cooled first, followed by the engine block, thereby reducing friction and thermal losses.
Implementation Method 1
a pump delivering coolant to an inlet of the cylinder head coolant jacket
Implementation Method 2
a radiator
Implementation Method 3
a heater, a heater line which leads to a cabin heater
Data Source
AI summary
A method to operate a split coolant circuit of a combustion engine wherein a cylinder head coolant jacket and an engine block coolant jacket are provided in series with a pump delivering coolant to an inlet of the cylinder head coolant jacket without being directly connected to an inlet of the engine block coolant jacket. This allows for 100% of the pump flow rate to be delivered to the cylinder head coolant jacket before division of coolant flow occurs for various engine operating conditions.