Vehicle Grille Shutter Control for Heat Exchanger Optimization

Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for improving heat exchanger efficiency in vehicles with multiple heat exchangers in the engine room, such as those using the Rankine cycle, are insufficient as they only open and close the grille shutter to enhance individual heat exchanger efficiency, failing to optimize the distribution of travel wind effectively across all heat exchangers.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle configuration that includes multiple heat exchangers, a shutter member, and a control device to adjust the opening degree of the grille opening based on feed forward and feedback system parameters, guiding travel wind to specific heat exchangers to optimize cooling and exhaust heat recovery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the grille shutter is opened to improve heat exchanger efficiency, then cooling performance is improved, but exhaust heat recovery efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling performanceVSAvoidexhaust heat recovery efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The grille shutter is divided into multiple independent sections (first shutter section and second shutter section) that can be controlled separately. This allows selective opening/closing of different grille regions to independently serve different heat exchangers located at different positions, resolving the conflict between cooling and heat recovery requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the grille shutter have different opening/closing states optimized for their specific functions. The first shutter section controls airflow to the first heat exchanger (cooling), while the second shutter section controls airflow to the second heat exchanger (heat recovery), allowing each region to have locally optimized quality for its purpose

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of energy

If the grille shutter is closed to improve exhaust heat recovery, then heat recovery efficiency is improved, but cooling performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexhaust heat recovery efficiencyVSAvoidcooling performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The grille shutter is divided into multiple independent sections (first shutter section and second shutter section) that can be controlled separately. This allows selective opening/closing of different grille regions to independently serve different heat exchangers located at different positions, resolving the conflict between cooling and heat recovery requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the grille shutter have different opening/closing states optimized for their specific functions. The first shutter section controls airflow to the first heat exchanger (cooling), while the second shutter section controls airflow to the second heat exchanger (heat recovery), allowing each region to have locally optimized quality for its purpose

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If a single grille shutter controls airflow to multiple heat exchangers, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different heat exchanger loads deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshutter control system complexityVSAvoidadaptability to heat exchanger load

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The grille shutter is segmented into multiple independently controllable sections, each capable of responding to the specific load conditions of different heat exchangers. This maintains system adaptability while keeping control logic relatively simple through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-section shutter system serves multiple functions: it can independently regulate airflow to different heat exchangers based on their respective load conditions, providing universal adaptability across various operating scenarios without requiring entirely separate control systems for each heat exchanger

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration allows for improved distribution of travel wind to multiple heat exchangers, enhancing the efficiency of both cooling and exhaust heat recovery, preventing overheating and optimizing condensing capacity.

Implementation Method 1

radiators in which an engine coolant exchanges heat with an outside air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Convection

Implementation Method 2

radiators in which an engine coolant exchanges heat with an outside air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

mounting of the Rankine cycle on the vehicle has been studied

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRankine cycle: Rankine Cycle

Implementation Method 4

condensers used in air conditioners

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat recovery: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS11434809B2Vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.09.06 SUBARU CORP

AI summary

A vehicle includes first and second heat exchangers, a shutter member, first and second detectors, and a control device. The first and second heat exchangers are disposed in an engine room. The first heat exchanger is used for cooling of an engine. The second heat exchanger is used for recovery of exhaust heat of the engine. The shutter member opens and closes a grille opening in a front portion of the engine room. The first detector detects a feed forward system parameter indicating a sign of a load increase the first exchanger or the second heat exchanger. The second detector detects a feedback system parameter indicating that a load in the first exchanger or the second heat exchangers has increased. The control device controls opening and closing of the shutter member and adjusts an opening degree of the shutter member based on the feed forward and feedback system parameters.