Variable Coolant Pump Control for Engine Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engine cooling systems face inefficiencies due to ON/OFF switching of the coolant pump, leading to suboptimal engine temperature and excessive fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that calculate and deliver a variable coolant flow rate based on engine load and speed, using a rotary valve with adaptive aperture control, and proportional-integrative (PI) control to optimize engine temperature management, minimizing fuel consumption and improving temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the coolant pump operates with ON/OFF switching, then the system structure remains simple, but the engine temperature cannot be maintained optimally and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static ON/OFF pump control to a dynamic variable speed pump control. The pump speed is continuously adjusted based on real-time engine temperature, load, and speed parameters to deliver the precise coolant flow rate needed, maintaining optimal engine temperature while minimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the cooling system by calculating and adjusting the pump flow rate based on multiple parameters including engine temperature, engine load, and engine speed. This multi-parameter approach allows precise control of coolant flow to match actual cooling demands, improving temperature control and reducing fuel consumption.
2Productivity
If a fixed flow pump is used, then the device complexity is low, but the system cannot respond quickly to transient engine operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by using a variable speed pump controlled by an electronic control unit that continuously monitors engine parameters. This allows the cooling system to dynamically adjust coolant flow in real-time, quickly responding to transient engine conditions while maintaining manageable system complexity through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical thermostat-based control with an electronic control system that calculates the required flow rate based on engine parameters. This substitution enables faster and more precise response to changing engine conditions while keeping the overall system complexity acceptable through modern electronic control architecture.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the pump delivers constant flow, then the control system is simple, but excessive fuel consumption occurs during transient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control approach from constant flow to variable flow by calculating the optimal pump flow rate based on engine temperature, load, and speed. This parameter-based control automatically adjusts coolant delivery to match actual cooling needs, reducing fuel consumption during transient conditions while implementing appropriate levels of automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring engine temperature and other parameters, comparing them with target values, and adjusting the pump flow rate accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system optimizes fuel consumption by delivering coolant only when and where needed, while maintaining manageable automation through electronic control.
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
The solution enables precise temperature control, reducing fuel consumption by quickly reacting to transient engine conditions and adapting to varying engine and environmental thermal changes, thereby optimizing engine performance.
Implementation Method 1
a pump configured to deliver a variable flow of coolant through the cooling circuit
Implementation Method 2
the cooling system is generally provided for cooling down the internal combustion engine, as well as other engine fluids
Implementation Method 3
a rotary valve configured to direct a coolant flow through a radiator in the cooling circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The engine is equipped with an engine head, and the cooling circuit includes a pump configured to deliver a variable flow of coolant through the cooling circuit. A coolant flow rate to be delivered by the pump is calculated as a function of an engine load, an engine speed and a desired engine head temperature, and the pump is operated to deliver the calculated coolant flow rate.