Dual Cooling Circuit for WHR Condenser Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Waste Heat Recovery Systems (WHR) face challenges in maintaining high thermal efficiency due to varying cooling effects in condensers caused by fluctuating heat input from exhaust gases, making it difficult to continuously provide suitable cooling and achieve optimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A dual cooling circuit system with temperature-adjustable coolants, controlled by a sensor and control unit, adjusts the cooling effect in the condenser to maintain optimal condensation pressure and temperature, ensuring continuous high thermal efficiency across different operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single cooling circuit with fixed coolant temperature is used, then the system structure is simple, but the thermal efficiency of the WHR-system cannot be maintained at high levels under varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into two separate cooling circuits: a first cooling circuit with a first coolant and a second cooling circuit with a second coolant. This segmentation allows each circuit to operate at different temperatures and flow rates, enabling the system to adapt to varying heat load conditions while maintaining high thermal efficiency in the WHR-system condenser.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different cooling circuits based on operating conditions. The control unit activates either the first cooling circuit, the second cooling circuit, or both simultaneously, adjusting the cooling effect to match the heat input from exhaust gases. This dynamic adaptation maintains optimal thermal efficiency across different operating scenarios.
2Reliability
If the cooling effect in the condenser is adjusted to match varying heat input, then thermal efficiency is maintained, but the system requires complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distinct control paths for the first and second cooling circuits. The control unit independently manages each circuit by activating specific cooling elements (first cooling element, second cooling element) based on sensor feedback, simplifying the control logic while maintaining effective thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives continuous feedback from sensors monitoring the cooling effect in the condenser and adjusts the operation of the cooling circuits accordingly. When the cooling effect deviates from the optimal range, the control unit activates the appropriate cooling elements to bring the temperature back within the desired range, maintaining high thermal efficiency.
3Reliability
If coolant temperature is quickly adjusted to maintain optimal condensation pressure, then thermal efficiency is maintained, but the system requires additional cooling components
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system uses separate cooling circuits with independent cooling elements (first cooling element, second cooling element) that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows for quick adjustment of coolant temperature by engaging the appropriate cooling circuit without requiring complex modulation of a single system, maintaining optimal condensation pressure through straightforward on/off control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the coolant by switching between different cooling circuits with different temperature characteristics. The control unit selects which cooling circuit to activate based on the current condensation pressure and required cooling effect, enabling quick parameter adjustment to maintain optimal operating conditions.
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 allows for quick and effective adjustment of coolant temperature and flow to maintain a condensation pressure within a predetermined range, enhancing the WHR system's thermal efficiency and preventing subcooling or negative pressures, thereby optimizing energy recovery from exhaust gases.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger receiving the coolant directed to the condenser and a control valve configured to direct an adjustable part of the coolant in the other cooling circuit to the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
The working medium is cooled down in the condenser to a temperature at which it condenses
Implementation Method 3
The circuit comprises one or several evaporators where the working medium is heated and evaporated by one or several heat sources
Implementation Method 4
the working medium is heated and evaporated by one or several heat sources, for example, the exhaust gases from a combustion engine
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling arrangement for a WHR-system in a vehicle, includes a first cooling circuit including a first radiator in which a circulating coolant is cooled, and a second cooling circuit including a second radiator in which a coolant is cooled to a lower temperature than the coolant in the first radiator. A condenser inlet line directs coolant from one of the cooling circuits to a condenser to provide cooling for a working medium flowing therethrough. A cooling adjusting device adjusts the temperature of the coolant in the inlet line to the condenser by the coolant in the other cooling circuit based on information received about the coolant such that the coolant in the condenser inlet line provides the estimated suitable cooling of the working medium in the condenser.