Smart Cooling Pump On/Off Diagnosis via Thermal Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing the on/off status of a smart cooling pump in internal combustion engines are unreliable due to the failure to accurately account for thermal inertia and load, relying on local temperature measurements that do not accurately represent the engine's thermal behavior.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the measurement and modeling of time-varying engine parameters, including coolant and inner liner layer temperatures, to calculate the average temperature of the inner liner layer using enthalpy and heat exchange equations, allowing for a reliable on/off diagnosis by comparing the modeled average temperature with measured values against a threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple temperature sensors are placed on each layer of the engine to measure local temperature, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the measurement precision for average temperature and thermal behavior evaluation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical temperature sensing at multiple locations with a mathematical modeling approach that uses enthalpy balance equations and heat exchange models to calculate average temperatures from limited sensor data, thereby achieving precise average temperature estimation without requiring extensive sensor placement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mathematical models (enthalpy balance equations, heat exchange equations) as intermediaries between temperature sensors and the evaluation of thermal behavior. These models process the limited temperature measurements to derive accurate average temperatures and thermal inertia characteristics, bridging the gap between sparse measurements and comprehensive thermal analysis
2Device complexity
If local temperature measurements are used to evaluate thermal behavior, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of on/off diagnosis deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex multi-sensor temperature measurement systems with a simplified approach using mathematical modeling. By substituting direct extensive measurement with computational models that process limited sensor data, the system achieves reliable on/off diagnosis while maintaining low device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the mathematical model continuously compares calculated average temperatures with actual measurements to evaluate thermal inertia and determine pump on/off status. This feedback loop ensures reliable diagnosis by constantly validating thermal behavior against the modeled expectations
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 provides a simple and reliable method for diagnosing the smart cooling pump's status, considering thermal inertia and load, enabling accurate control and preventing engine damage while optimizing consumption and emissions.
Implementation Method 1
modelling the current value of the average temperature of the inner liner layer by solving for each of the engine layers an enthalpy balance equation, a heat exchange equation
Implementation Method 2
modelling the current value of the average temperature of the inner liner layer by solving for each of the engine layers an enthalpy balance equation, a heat exchange equation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing on/off diagnosis of a smart cooling pump for an internal combustion engine comprising a cylinder having an inner liner layer, an external engine block layer, and a coolant layer placed between the inner liner layer and the external engine block layer, wherein the smart cooling pump pumps a coolant fluid inside the coolant layer is provided.