Systems and methods for controlling a variable speed water pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional variable speed water pumps in internal combustion engines are primarily controlled based on engine oil temperature and coolant temperature, failing to adapt to other critical parameters such as driveline torque, which can lead to inefficient coolant flow management.
Innovation Solution
A variable-speed water pump system that includes a pump controller capable of adjusting pump speed based on multiple sensor inputs, such as driveline torque, ambient temperature, and coolant temperature, to optimize coolant flow across various vehicle components, including the engine, radiator, and auxiliary loops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional water pumps are sized to constantly provide adequate coolant flow for peak operating conditions, then engine temperature control is reliable, but parasitic losses increase when peak cooling is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The water pump is designed with variable speed capability, transitioning from a fixed-speed motor to a variable-speed motor controlled by a pump controller. The controller adjusts pump speed dynamically based on real-time coolant temperature measurements, enabling the pump to operate at optimal speeds matching actual cooling demands rather than running at constant peak capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the water pump by adjusting its rotational speed based on coolant temperature conditions. When coolant temperature is below threshold, the pump operates at reduced speed or stops; when temperature exceeds threshold, the pump increases speed to provide adequate cooling, thus adapting pump performance parameters to match thermal load requirements
2Loss of energy
If variable speed water pumps are used to reduce parasitic losses, then fuel efficiency improves, but the system fails to respond to other critical parameters such as driveline torque
Solution Approach 1:
The pump controller is designed to process multiple types of sensor inputs beyond just coolant temperature, including driveline torque measurements. This multi-functional control capability allows the pump system to respond to diverse operational conditions and make comprehensive cooling decisions based on overall vehicle state rather than单一 parameter
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback control mechanism where the pump controller continuously receives sensor data about coolant temperature and driveline torque, processes this information, and adjusts pump speed accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to adapt to changing operational conditions in real-time, improving both energy efficiency and responsiveness to actual cooling demands
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing an improved strategy for controlling a variable speed water pump in a vehicle. In some embodiments, more than one water pump speed function is calculated based on values obtained from vehicle sensors, and a controller chooses among the water pump speed function results to set a water pump speed. In some embodiments, the water pump speed is increased when driveline torque is greater than a threshold amount for an amount of time that varies based on the driveline torque. In some embodiments, ambient temperature is considered while determining whether the water pump should provide full coolant flow to an auxiliary coolant loop of a trailer.