Variable Displacement Coolant Pump Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal management systems for vehicle propulsion systems overflow coolant, leading to suboptimal thermal conditions and a high risk of coolant boiling, which limits engine performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system with a coolant pump and controller that adjusts coolant flow based on pressure signals from a coolant pressure sensor, allowing for optimized thermal conditions and minimizing coolant boiling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional thermal management systems provide excessive coolant flow to prevent boiling, then coolant boiling risk is minimized, but optimal thermal conditions for engine performance cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable displacement coolant pump that dynamically adjusts coolant flow rate based on real-time engine operating conditions. The controller receives inputs from multiple sensors (coolant temperature, engine temperature, vehicle speed, accelerator position) and varies the pump displacement to provide optimal coolant flow, preventing both boiling and excessive cooling that would limit engine performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a closed-loop feedback control mechanism where sensors continuously monitor coolant temperature, engine temperature, and other operating parameters. The controller processes this feedback information and adjusts the variable displacement pump accordingly, creating a dynamic balance between preventing coolant boiling and maintaining optimal thermal conditions for engine performance.
2Device complexity
If a fixed coolant flow system is used to simplify control, then system complexity is reduced, but inability to adapt to varying operating conditions results in suboptimal thermal management
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a simple fixed flow system, the patent implements a variable displacement pump controlled by a controller that receives inputs from multiple sensors monitoring engine operating conditions. This dynamic control system adapts coolant flow to varying conditions while maintaining reasonable complexity through integrated control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses onboard sensors and the existing engine control unit to automatically adjust coolant flow based on real-time operating conditions. The controller self-regulates the variable displacement pump without requiring external intervention, adapting the thermal management system to current engine demands.
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 enhances CO2 benefits, fuel economy, performance, and emissions reduction while improving engine durability and reliability by optimizing coolant flow and avoiding excessive boiling.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the engine coolant outlet and that generates a pressure signal indicative of a pressure in the engine coolant outlet
Implementation Method 2
a coolant pump having an outlet in communication with the engine coolant inlet
Implementation Method 3
The controller is programmed to control a flow of coolant through the engine from the coolant pump based upon the pressure signal
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle propulsion system includes an engine having a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet, a coolant pump having an outlet in communication with the engine coolant inlet, a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the engine coolant outlet and that generates a pressure signal indicative of a pressure in the engine coolant outlet, and a controller in communication with the pressure sensor and the coolant pump. The controller is programmed to control a flow of coolant through the engine from the coolant pump based upon the pressure signal.