Vehicle Power Management Cooling Fan Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles with hybrid systems, there is a need to manage electrical power effectively to compensate for fluctuations in load, such as when driving up hills, to ensure sufficient energy is provided to the electric drive motor while conserving energy when loads are low.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that detects engine speed and temperature to control cooling fans, disabling or slowing them when the engine speed is below a set point for a minimum duration and the temperature is below a target temperature, thereby conserving electrical energy by reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the cooling fan operates continuously to maintain component temperature, then the component temperature is maintained, but electrical energy is consumed unnecessarily during low-load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fan operates dynamically based on real-time temperature monitoring and engine load conditions. The controller adjusts fan operation (on/off or speed modulation) according to whether the vehicle is climbing hills or traveling on level terrain, optimizing the balance between temperature maintenance and energy conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring component temperature and engine load conditions. The controller receives temperature signals and adjusts cooling fan operation accordingly, ensuring temperature is maintained only when necessary while conserving energy during low-load conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the cooling fan is disabled to conserve electrical energy, then electrical energy is conserved, but the component temperature may rise above target levels
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system transitions from static continuous operation to dynamic conditional operation. The fan is disabled or slowed only when temperature conditions and engine load permit, maintaining energy conservation while preventing temperature excursions through real-time monitoring and responsive reactivation when needed.
3Power
If electrical power is redirected to the electric motor during peak loads, then the motor performance is improved, but the cooling fan operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically prioritizes power distribution based on vehicle operating conditions. During hill climbing or high-load scenarios, the cooling fan operation is reduced or disabled to maximize available electrical power for the drive motor, while still maintaining acceptable temperature levels through intelligent control strategies.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for managing the electrical power associated with a vehicle detects whether an engine speed is below a speed set point for a minimum duration. A thermal sensor is arranged to detect whether a first temperature associated with a first cooling fan, a first coolant, or a first vehicle component is below a first target temperature. A fan controller or a power management controller is configured to disable or slow the first cooling fan to conserve a first level of electrical energy if the first temperature is below a target temperature and if the engine speed is below the speed set point for a minimum duration.