Variable-Speed Water Pump Control for Torque-Aware Engine Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional variable speed water pumps in internal combustion engines are limited in their control strategies, as they primarily respond to engine oil and coolant temperatures, failing to adapt to other critical parameters such as ambient temperature and driveline torque, which can affect engine temperature management and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A variable-speed water pump system that includes a pump controller capable of adjusting speed based on ambient temperature measurements and driveline torque, using multiple sensor inputs to determine optimal pump speed and ensuring full speed operation when predetermined criteria are not met, thereby enhancing engine temperature control and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional water pumps are sized to constantly provide adequate coolant flow for peak operating conditions, then engine temperature is maintained within acceptable levels, but parasitic losses on the engine increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a variable speed water pump that dynamically adjusts its rotational speed based on real-time engine operating conditions. The pump controller receives inputs from multiple sensors (coolant temperature, ambient temperature, throttle position, engine speed, load) and continuously modulates pump speed to match actual cooling demands, replacing the static full-speed operation with adaptive variable speed control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the water pump by adjusting its speed rather than maintaining constant operation. The pump controller modifies rotational speed as a variable parameter based on calculated cooling requirements, allowing the system to operate efficiently across different load and temperature conditions rather than being locked into a single fixed-speed state.
2Loss of energy
If variable speed water pumps respond only to engine oil temperature or coolant temperature, then pump speed is reduced when cooling demand is low, but the system fails to adapt to other critical parameters such as ambient temperature and driveline torque
Solution Approach 1:
The pump controller is designed to process multiple types of input signals from different sensors (temperature sensors, ambient temperature sensor, throttle position sensor, engine speed sensor, load sensor) and integrate them into a unified control decision. This multi-functional sensing and control capability allows the single pump system to adapt to diverse operating conditions beyond just coolant temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback control mechanism where the pump controller continuously monitors multiple operating parameters through sensors, calculates the actual cooling requirements based on this feedback information, and adjusts pump speed accordingly. The controller receives real-time data about engine conditions and uses this feedback to modulate pump operation dynamically.
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 system effectively manages engine temperature by dynamically adjusting coolant flow in response to ambient conditions and driveline torque, reducing parasitic losses and improving engine performance across varying operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a variable-speed pump configured to pump fluid through the first coolant loop and the auxiliary coolant loop
Implementation Method 2
water (or other coolant) is fed through the engine block and then through a radiator by a water pump to dissipate excess heat
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.