Split Cooling Jacket Strategy for Engine Warm-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
In internal combustion engines with split cooling systems, directing coolant to the cylinder block during cabin heating increases engine warm-up time, emissions, and fuel consumption, as the coolant flow to the cylinder block is not effectively inhibited during the warm-up phase.
Innovation Solution
A cooling strategy that separates coolant flow to the cylinder block and cylinder head, using a control system to inhibit coolant flow to the cylinder block while allowing flow through an outlet-side cylinder head coolant jacket integrated with an exhaust-gas collector, which provides heat to the cabin heating arrangement, thus enabling the cylinder block to reach operating temperature quickly and reducing engine friction and emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If coolant is directed through the cylinder block during cabin heating, then cabin heating is provided, but engine warm-up time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into separate coolant circuits: a first coolant circuit for the cylinder head and a second coolant circuit for the cylinder block. This segmentation allows independent control of coolant flow to each component, enabling cabin heating through the cylinder head circuit while preventing coolant flow to the cylinder block during warm-up phase
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts coolant flow distribution based on operating conditions. During warm-up phase, the control system directs coolant through the cylinder head coolant jacket while inhibiting flow to the cylinder block. After warm-up, the system transitions to allowing coolant flow to both circuits, providing adaptive control to meet different thermal demands
2Loss of time
If coolant flow to the cylinder block is inhibited during warm-up, then engine warm-up time is reduced, but cabin heating capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the cooling circuits into independent first and second coolant circuits serving the cylinder head and cylinder block respectively, the system can inhibit coolant flow to the cylinder block while maintaining coolant circulation through the cylinder head, thereby preserving cabin heating capability during warm-up phase
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary that manages coolant flow distribution between the two circuits. It selectively opens or closes coolant passages to the cylinder block based on warm-up status, while maintaining continuous coolant flow through the cylinder head circuit for cabin heating
3Loss of time
If a split cooling system is used with separate coolant circuits, then the cylinder block can be heated quickly during warm-up, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into separate first and second coolant circuits with independent coolant passages in the cylinder head and cylinder block. This segmentation enables independent control of coolant flow to each component, allowing the cylinder block to be heated quickly during warm-up without requiring complex external heating systems
Solution Approach 2:
The separate coolant circuits serve multiple functions: during warm-up phase, they enable selective heating of the cylinder block while maintaining cylinder head cooling for cabin heating; during normal operation, they provide coordinated cooling for both components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized heating equipment
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 strategy reduces engine warm-up time, emissions, and fuel consumption by inhibiting coolant flow to the cylinder block during warm-up, while providing cabin heating and reducing engine wear, by utilizing a separate exhaust-gas collector cooling circuit that maintains heat for cabin comfort without interrupting the 'no-flow' strategy for the cylinder block coolant jacket.
Implementation Method 1
an outlet-side cylinder head coolant jacket (26) that is integrated with the exhaust-gas collector (11)... flowing coolant from the outlet-side cylinder head coolant jacket (26) to the cabin heating arrangement (23)
Implementation Method 2
a coolant pump (17) that is fluidly coupled to the cylinder block coolant jacket (14) and the outlet-side cylinder head coolant circuit
Data Source
AI summary
An internal combustion engine is provided. The internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block having a cooling jacket and a cylinder head having two cooling jackets. In one example, the internal combustion engine may be operated so as to reduce engine friction and emissions during cold engine starts.