DE112016005876T5 - Cooling device for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a cooling device (1) for an internal combustion engine (2). The internal combustion engine (2) has an exhaust manifold (7). A first refrigeration cycle (10) including an exhaust manifold cooling line (12) is provided for cooling the exhaust manifold (7). A second cooling circuit (11) including an engine cooling duct (17) is provided for cooling the cylinder head and engine (4). A first heat exchange device (16) is provided for discharging heat from the first cooling circuit (10); and a second heat exchange device (20) is provided for discharging heat from the second cooling circuits (11). A third heat exchange device (21) is provided for transferring heat from the first cooling circuit (10) to the second cooling circuit (11). Alternatively, a circuit connection means for selectively connecting the first cooling circuit (10) to the second cooling circuit (11) may be provided. The cooling device (1) can be provided in a vehicle (3).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present disclosure relates to a cooling device. The present disclosure relates particularly, but not exclusively, to a cooling device for an internal combustion engine, a controller, and a vehicle.

STATE OF THE ART

A conventional internal combustion engine is connected to an exhaust system for discharging exhaust gases. An exhaust manifold connects the combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine with the exhaust system. Heat released into the exhaust system is often not useful energy. Due to increased demands to develop more efficient vehicles, automobile manufacturers are looking for ways to use this energy. As a result, the automotive industry has converted to a cylinder head integrated exhaust manifold (IEM). The IEMs can be water cooled and cool the exhaust gases in use. The heat energy absorbed from the exhaust gases can be used to warm up the engine. Cooling the exhaust gases may also protect turbochargers in internal combustion engines where exhaust gas temperatures are so high that they exceed the operating limits of more conventional materials, which may lead to the use of lower cost materials in some applications. The IEMs may eliminate the preconditions for enriching combustion for thermal protection. In certain embodiments, these benefits may result in a 0.5-2% reduction in CO2 emissions via the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Partly due to up to 20% faster engine warming with a water cooled exhaust compared to an air cooled exhaust. Up to 15% reduction in brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) can be achieved at extreme operating points by avoiding over-charging to protect components. IEMs typically lower engine costs by removing components and reducing the surface area in front of the turbocharger / catalyst, thereby helping to improve the onset time of the catalyst (i.e., the time it takes for the catalyst to reach operating temperature).

The increasing market pressure for more powerful and efficient engines is met by the production of higher specific power engines. These engines require high boost pressures to deliver power and torque while at the same time achieving better fuel economy through downsizing. These supercharged engines often emit too much heat into the exhaust system, so it would not be possible to cool the cylinder head or provide sufficient cooling area for the liquid / air heat exchanger. Therefore, highly specific power engines often remove the IEM at the expense of fuel consumption.

Current IEM cooling is often limited by the fluid temperature or the ability of the vehicle to deliver heat to the atmosphere. As a direct consequence, a wall thickness that may be greater than optimal and / or flow paths and / or surface exposure are selected to limit heat dissipation. As the temperature limits of the fluid are increased, this allows for reduced wall thickness, thus greater heat output and lighter IEM due to material reduction.

Against this background, the present invention was conceived. At least in certain embodiments, the present invention overcomes or ameliorates at least some of the problems or limitations associated with prior art arrangements.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention relate to a cooling device comprising first and second cooling circuits, to a vehicle including a cooling device, and to a control device for controlling the operation of a cooling device as claimed in the appended claims.

• einen ersten Kühlkreislauf, umfassend eine Abgaskrümmer-Kühlleitung zum Kühlen des Abgaskrümmers;
• eine erste Wärmetauschvorrichtung zum Abgeben von Wärme aus dem ersten Kühlkreislauf;
• einen zweiten Kühlkreislauf, umfassend eine Motorkühlleitung zum Kühlen des Verbrennungsmotors;
• eine zweite Wärmetauschvorrichtung zum Abgeben von Wärme aus dem zweiten Kühlkreislauf;
• eine dritte Wärmetauschvorrichtung zum Übertragen von Wärme aus dem ersten Kühlkreislauf an den zweiten Kühlkreislauf. Im Einsatz dient die dritte Wärmetauschvorrichtung zum Übertragen von Wärmeenergie aus dem ersten Kühlkreislauf an den zweiten Kühlkreislauf. Zumindest in bestimmten Ausführungsformen ermöglicht das Übertragen von Wärmeenergie aus dem ersten Kühlkreislauf an den zweiten Kühlkreislauf, dass der erste Kühlkreislauf in einem breiteren Bereich von Betriebsbedingungen arbeiten kann.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cooling device for an internal combustion engine having an exhaust manifold, the cooling device comprising:

• a first refrigeration cycle including an exhaust manifold cooling line for cooling the exhaust manifold;
• a first heat exchange device for discharging heat from the first cooling circuit;
• a second refrigeration cycle including an engine cooling line for cooling the internal combustion engine;
• a second heat exchange device for discharging heat from the second cooling circuit;
• a third heat exchange device for transferring heat from the first cooling circuit to the second cooling circuit. In use, the third heat exchange device is for transferring heat energy from the first cooling circuit to the second cooling circuit. At least in certain embodiments allowing the transfer of heat energy from the first refrigeration cycle to the second refrigeration cycle enables the first refrigeration cycle to operate in a wider range of operating conditions.

The engine cooling duct may comprise a water jacket. The water jacket can be installed, for example, in a cylinder head. The engine cooling duct may comprise, for example, a cylinder head cooling duct.

The first and second cooling circuits in the cooling device are split and can provide high and low temperature cooling. The engine cooling duct may transport a liquid low temperature coolant such as a water based coolant at an operating temperature of, for example, about 110 ° C at 1.1 bar. The exhaust manifold cooling line may carry a high temperature liquid coolant having, for example, a higher temperature boiling point, for example at an operating temperature of up to about 160 ° C. The higher operating temperature of the first refrigeration cycle may provide faster heat exchange and / or greater heat flow, thereby enabling a first, smaller capacity heat exchange device. This may provide improved control so that the first cooling circuit can be selectively activated only when needed. The higher temperature fluid may be utilized to heat the second refrigeration cycle, for example at start up or after the first light-off of the catalyst. The output of exhaust heat into the second refrigeration cycle may be selectively controlled, for example, to reduce heat output when operating at higher engine loads.

At least in certain embodiments, one or more of the first, second, and third heat exchange devices may be controlled to increase heat output from the internal combustion engine. For example, the third heat exchange device may be bypassed when the engine is operating in a high load condition. The transfer of heat from the first cooling circuit to the second cooling circuit can be reduced in a high load state. The transfer of heat from the exhaust manifold to the engine can be reduced in the high load condition.

The cooling system may include first valve means for connecting the exhaust manifold cooling line to either the first heat exchange device or the third heat exchange device. When connected to the first heat exchange device, the third heat exchange device can be bypassed. Conversely, when connected to the third heat exchange device, the first heat exchange device can be bypassed.

The first valve means may include valves operable to connect the exhaust manifold cooling line to the first heat exchange device; or to connect the exhaust manifold cooling line with the third heat exchange device. The first valve device may comprise a first and a second valve. The first valve may be a first three-way valve for connecting an exhaust manifold cooling passage outlet to either the first heat exchange device or to the engine cooling passage inlet. The second valve may be a second three-way valve for connecting either the first heat exchange device or the third heat exchange device to an inlet of the exhaust manifold cooling line.

The second heat exchange device and the third heat exchange device may be arranged in series.

The cooling device may include a second valve device for selectively connecting the engine cooling pipe to the second heat exchange device. The second valve device may be operable to connect the engine cooling line to the second heat exchange device or to bypass the second heat exchange device. The second heat exchange device may be arranged in series with the third heat exchange device. The third heat exchange device may remain connected to the engine cooling pipe.

The second valve means may include a third three-way valve for connecting an outlet of the engine cooling passage to either the second heat exchange device or to a bypass passage to bypass the second heat exchange device; and a fourth three-way valve for connecting either the second heat exchange device or the bypass passage to an inlet of the engine cooling passage.

In the first cooling circuit, a first cooling liquid may be provided; and in the second cooling circuit, a second cooling liquid may be provided, wherein the first and second cooling liquids may be separated from each other. Thus, the first and second cooling liquids can not mix. The first and second cooling liquids may both be the same or different from each other. The first and second cooling liquids can be designed for different operating temperatures. The first cooling liquid may have a higher operating temperature than the second cooling liquid.

The first refrigeration cycle may be a high temperature refrigeration cycle. The second cooling circuit may be a cooling circuit with a comparatively lower temperature than the first cooling circuit.

The first heat exchange device may include a high-temperature heat exchange device. The first heat exchange device may include a first liquid / air heat exchanger.

The second heat exchange device may include low-temperature heat exchange devices. The second heat exchange device may comprise a second liquid / air heat exchanger.

The cooling device may comprise a thermoelectric generator (TEG) arranged in series or parallel to the first heat exchange device and / or the second heat exchange device.

The first heat exchange device and / or the second heat exchange device may include an occupant heating system. The occupant heating system may include a liquid / air heat exchanger for heating the air in the passenger compartment.

The internal combustion engine may include a cylinder head. The exhaust manifold may be formed integrally with the cylinder head. In alternative embodiments, the exhaust manifold may be a separate component mounted to the cylinder head.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a controller for the cooling device described herein. The controller may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to control the operation of the cooling device in response to the measured temperature of the liquid coolant in the first and second cooling circuits. For example, the controller may receive first and second temperature signals from first and second temperature sensors connected to the first and second cooling circuits. Upper and lower temperature limits of the first refrigeration cycle may be predefined with respect to the first refrigeration cycle. Upper and lower temperature limits of the second refrigeration cycle may be predefined with respect to the second refrigeration cycle.

The at least one processor may be configured to control the cooling device to bypass the first heat exchange device and / or the second heat exchange device when a temperature of the second cooling circuit is below the predefined lower temperature limit of the second cooling cycle. This may correspond to a warm-up operation for the internal combustion engine. When the temperature of the second refrigeration cycle is above the predefined lower temperature of the second refrigeration cycle, the at least one processor may be configured to connect the first heat exchange device to the exhaust manifold cooling line; and / or to connect the second heat exchange device with the engine cooling line. When the temperature of the second refrigeration cycle is below the predefined lower temperature limit of the second refrigeration cycle, the at least one processor may be configured to actuate the first valve device to connect the exhaust manifold cooling line and the engine cooling line to the third heat exchange device. When the temperature of the second refrigeration cycle is above the predefined lower temperature limit of the second refrigeration cycle, the at least one processor may be configured to actuate the second valve device to bypass the third heat exchange device. When the temperature of the first refrigeration cycle is above the predefined upper temperature limit of the second refrigeration cycle, the at least one processor may be configured to actuate the first valve device and / or the second valve device to bypass the third heat exchange device. When the temperature of the second refrigeration cycle is above the predefined upper temperature limit of the second refrigeration cycle, the at least one processor may be configured to actuate the second valve device to bypass the second heat exchange device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cooling apparatus for an internal combustion engine having an exhaust manifold;
a first refrigeration cycle including an exhaust manifold cooling line for cooling the exhaust manifold;
a first heat exchange device for discharging heat from the first cooling circuit;
a second refrigeration cycle including an engine cooling pipe for cooling the engine;
a second heat exchange device for discharging heat from the second cooling circuit; and
a circuit connection means for selectively connecting the first cooling circuit with the second cooling circuit.

• erste Ventileinrichtung zum selektiven Verbinden eines Auslasses der Abgaskrümmer-Kühlleitung mit einem Einlass der Motorkühlleitung; und
• zweite Ventileinrichtung zum selektiven Verbinden eines Auslasses der Motorkühlleitung mit einem Einlass der Abgaskrümmer-Kühlleitung.

The circuit connection means may comprise:

• first valve means for selectively connecting an outlet of the exhaust manifold cooling passage to an inlet of the engine cooling passage; and
• second valve means for selectively connecting an outlet of the engine cooling conduit to an inlet of the exhaust manifold cooling conduit.

The first valve device may include a first three-way valve for connecting the exhaust manifold cooling passage outlet to either the first heat exchange device or the inlet of the second heat exchange device.

The second valve means may comprise a second three-way valve for connecting the outlet of the engine cooling duct to the second heat exchange device or to the inlet of the exhaust manifold cooling duct.

The first refrigeration cycle may be a high temperature refrigeration cycle. The second cooling circuit may be a low-temperature cooling circuit.

The first heat exchange device may include a high-temperature heat exchange device. The first heat exchange device may include a first liquid / air heat exchanger.

The second heat exchange device may include a low-temperature heat exchange device. The second heat exchange device may comprise a second liquid / air heat exchanger.

The cooling device may comprise a thermoelectric generator (TEG) arranged in series or parallel to the first heat exchange device and / or the second heat exchange device.

The first heat exchange device and / or the second heat exchange device may include an occupant heating system. The occupant heating system may include a liquid / air heat exchanger for heating the air in the passenger compartment.

The internal combustion engine may include a cylinder head. The exhaust manifold may be formed integrally with the cylinder head. In alternative embodiments, the exhaust manifold may be a separate component mounted to the cylinder head.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a controller for the cooling device described herein. The controller may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to control the operation of the cooling device in response to the measured temperature of the liquid coolant in the first and second cooling circuits. For example, the controller may receive first and second temperature signals from first and second temperature sensors connected to the first and second cooling circuits. Upper and lower temperature limits of the first refrigeration cycle may be predefined with respect to the first refrigeration cycle. Upper and lower temperature limits of the second refrigeration cycle may be predefined with respect to the second refrigeration cycle.

The at least one processor may be configured to control the cooling device to connect the first cooling loop to the second cooling loop when a temperature of the second cooling loop is below the predefined lower temperature limit of the second cooling loop. The at least one processor may be configured to control the cooling device to bypass the first heat exchange device and / or the second heat exchange device when the temperature of the second cooling circuit is below the predefined lower temperature limit of the second cooling cycle. The at least one processor may be configured to disconnect the first cooling loop from the second cooling loop when the temperature of the second cooling loop is above the predefined lower temperature limit of the second cooling loop. When the temperature of the first refrigeration cycle is above the predefined upper temperature limit of the second refrigeration cycle, the at least one processor may be configured to disconnect the first refrigeration cycle from the second refrigeration cycle. When the temperature of the second refrigeration cycle is above the predefined upper temperature limit of the second refrigeration cycle, the at least one processor may be configured to actuate the second valve device to connect the second heat exchange device.

The at least one processor may be configured to control the operation of the cooling device in response to the measured temperature of the liquid coolant in the first and second cooling circuits. For example, the controller may receive first and second temperature signals from first and second temperature sensors connected to the first and second cooling circuits.

The term "processor" as used herein should be understood to include both a single processor and a plurality of processors that work together to provide any control function. To configure a processor, a series of instructions may be provided that, when executed, cause the processor to implement the control techniques described herein. The instructions may be correspondingly embedded in the one or more processors. Alternatively, the instructions may be provided as software stored on one or more memory (s) connected to the processor for execution on the processor. The instructions may be provided on a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a cooling device, a controller, and a processor as hereinbefore described.

It is expressly intended, within the scope of the claims, that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives illustrated in the preceding paragraphs and / or in the following specification and drawings, and in particular, their individual features, independently or in any Combination can be claimed. This means that all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any manner and / or in any combination, provided that these features are not incompatible. The Applicant reserves the right to change any original claim or submission of any new claim, including the right to alter any originally filed claim, to depend on and / or integrate any feature of any other claim although it has not been claimed in this way before.

list of figures

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Fahrzeugs, umfassend eine Kühlvorrichtung nach einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer Kühlvorrichtung nach einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung; und
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung einer modifizierten Anordnung der in 2 gezeigten Kühlvorrichtung; und
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung einer alternativen Ausführungsform der in 1 gezeigten Kühlvorrichtung.

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• 1 a schematic representation of a vehicle, comprising a cooling device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 2 a schematic representation of a cooling device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
• 3 a schematic representation of a modified arrangement of in 2 shown cooling device; and
• 4 a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of in 1 shown cooling device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will now be a cooling device 1 an internal combustion engine 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying figures. As in 1 shown are the cooling device 1 and the internal combustion engine 2 for use in a vehicle 3 , like an automobile. The internal combustion engine 2 In the present embodiment, a gasoline engine that uses gasoline as a fuel, but the invention is not limited in this regard and could be implemented in an auto-ignition engine such as a diesel engine. Likewise, the present invention could be implemented in an alternative fuel engine such as ethanol or methanol.

With reference to 1 and 2 includes the internal combustion engine 2 a cylinder head 4 and an exhaust device 5 (in 1 shown). The cylinder head 4 is mounted on a cylinder block (not shown) with a plurality of cylinders in which pistons reciprocate. The cylinder head 4 includes a variety of combustion bowls 6 which close the cylinders to form combustors in which fuel is burned. In the illustrated arrangement, the internal combustion engine 2 four in-line combustion chambers, but it is understood that the present invention to other configurations of the internal combustion engine 2 is applicable. The exhaust device 5 includes an exhaust manifold 7 with a variety of exhaust vents 8th and an exhaust outlet 9 , In alternative embodiments, the exhaust manifold 7 multiple exhaust outlets 9 include. The exhaust air openings 8th are with respective combustion bowls 6 of the internal combustion engine 2 connected. The exhaust outlet 9 is connected to a conventional exhaust device (not shown), for example, comprising one or more catalysts and / or one or more mufflers. The internal combustion engine 2 may include a turbocharger with a turbine (not shown) extending from the exhaust through the exhaust 9 ejected exhaust gases is driven.

The exhaust manifold 7 In the present invention, an integrated exhaust manifold (IEM) is integral with the cylinder head 4 is formed, although in a modified arrangement of the cylinder head 4 and the exhaust manifold 7 can be formed separately. The cylinder head 4 and the exhaust manifold 7 are designed as a mounted on the cylinder block combined head component. With regard to the integrated assembly, the term "cylinder head" is used herein to refer to the portion of the head assembly that houses the combustion bowls 6 which close the cylinders in the cylinder block; and the term "exhaust manifold" is used herein to refer to the portion of the head assembly that forms the exhaust manifold. It should be noted that the second cooling circuit 11 may include one or more water jackets that are not shown. The second cooling circuit 11 For example, it may include a cylinder block having a water jacket connected to a cylinder head water jacket.

The cooling device 1 includes a first cooling circuit 10 (shown in full as a single line) and a second cooling circuit 11 (shown in full as a double line). In the present invention, the first and second cooling circuits are 10 . 11 separated from each other. As described herein, liquid coolant passes through the first and second cooling circuits 10 . 11 pumped to heat energy from the internal combustion engine 2 transferred to. The first and second cooling circuits 10 . 11 are isolated from each other so that the liquid coolant in the first and second cooling circuits 10 . 11 not mixed. Therefore, it should be noted that the first and second cooling circuits 10 . 11 can use different liquid coolant, for example, to adjust to different operating temperatures. The configuration of the first and second cooling circuits 10 . 11 will now be described.

The first cooling circuit 10 works as a high-temperature cooling circuit, ready to use the exhaust manifold 7 to cool. The first cooling circuit 10 includes an exhaust manifold cooling line 12 in the form of a first in the exhaust manifold 7 trained passage. The exhaust manifold 7 includes a first coolant inlet 13 and a first coolant outlet 14 connected to the exhaust manifold cooling line 12 are connected. The liquid coolant enters the exhaust manifold cooling line 12 through the first coolant inlet 13 introduced and passes through the first coolant outlet 14 out. A first pump 15 is used to pump the liquid coolant through the first cooling circuit 10 provided. The liquid coolant can through the first cooling circuit 10 be pumped at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure, for example about 1.1 bar. In use, the liquid coolant transfers heat energy from the exhaust manifold 7 and thereby reduces the exhaust gas temperature. A typical operating temperature of the liquid coolant in the exhaust manifold cooling line 12 is up to about 160-180 ° C. The first cooling circuit 10 includes a first heat exchange device 16 for releasing heat from the liquid coolant. In the present embodiment, the first heat exchange device comprises 16 a conventional first liquid / air heat exchanger. The first heat exchange device 16 has an inlet which is an upper tube of the liquid / air heat exchanger and an outlet which is a lower tube on the first liquid / air heat exchanger. In use, the cooled liquid is removed from the bottom of the first liquid / air heat exchanger. The first heat exchange device 16 is referred to herein as a high temperature heat exchange device. A first temperature sensor T1 is provided to determine the temperature of the liquid coolant in the exhaust manifold cooling line 12 to eat. The first temperature sensor T1 outputs a first temperature signal ST1.

The second cooling circuit 11 works as a low-temperature cooling circuit, ready to use the cylinder head 4 and to cool the cylinder block. The second cooling circuit 11 includes an engine cooling pipe 17 in the present embodiment in the form of a first in the cylinder head 4 trained passage is present. The cylinder head 4 includes a second coolant inlet 18 and a second coolant outlet 19 that with the engine cooling pipe 17 connected is. The liquid coolant enters the engine cooling line 17 through the second coolant inlet 18 introduced and passes through the second coolant outlet 19 out. A separate pump (not shown), such as a conventional water pump, is used to pump the liquid coolant through the second cooling circuit 11 provided. The liquid coolant can through the second cooling circuit 11 be pumped at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure, for example about 1.1 bar. In use, the liquid coolant transfers heat energy from the cylinder head 4 , A typical operating temperature of the liquid coolant in the engine cooling pipe 17 is up to about 110 ° C. The second cooling circuit 11 includes a second heat exchange device 20 for releasing heat from the liquid coolant. The second heat exchange device 20 In the present embodiment, a conventional second liquid / air heat exchanger comprises. The second heat exchange device 20 has an inlet which is an upper tube of the second liquid / air heat exchanger; and an outlet that is a lower tube on the second liquid / air heat exchanger. In use, the cooled liquid is removed from the bottom of the second liquid / air heat exchanger. The second heat exchange device 20 is referred to herein as a low temperature heat exchange device. A second temperature sensor T2 is provided to determine the temperature of the liquid coolant in the engine cooling conduit 17 to eat. The second temperature sensor T2 outputs a second temperature signal ST2.

The first cooling circuit 10 includes a third heat exchange device 21 , In the present embodiment, the third heat exchange device 21 a liquid / liquid heat exchanger. The third heat exchange device 21 is suitable for transferring heat energy from the first cooling circuit 10 to the second cooling circuit 11 , In use are the first and second cooling circuit 10 . 11 selectively with the third heat exchange device 21 connected. In the present embodiment, the connections are arranged such that the liquid coolant from the first and second cooling circuits 10 . 11 through the third heat exchange device 21 flows in opposite directions. In alternative embodiments, the liquid coolant in the first and second cooling circuits 10 . 11 through the third heat exchange device 21 in the same direction flow. The liquid coolant in the first cooling circuit 10 is used to the liquid coolant in the second cooling circuit 11 to heat up, for example when starting the internal combustion engine 2 or after a catalyst has reached an operating temperature (ie after a light-off time of the catalyst). A catalyst temperature sensor (not shown) may be provided to measure the temperature of the catalyst.

The first cooling circuit 10 is a high-temperature refrigeration cycle. The first cooling circuit 10 includes a first valve means for connecting the exhaust manifold cooling line 12 either with the first heat exchange device 16 or with the third heat exchange device 21 , In particular, the first valve device comprises a first three-way valve 23 and a second three-way valve 24 , The first three-way valve 23 is arranged to control the flow of liquid coolant coming from the exhaust manifold cooling line 12 exits from the first coolant outlet 14. The first three-way valve 23 is selectively arranged to the exhaust manifold cooling line 12 with the first heat exchange device 16 or with the third heat exchange device 21 via the line shown as a single dashed line. The second three-way valve 24 is arranged to reverse the flow of the liquid coolant into the exhaust manifold cooling line 12 to control. The second three-way valve 24 is selectively arranged to either the first heat exchange device 16 or the third heat exchange device 21 with the exhaust manifold cooling line 12 connect to. It should be noted that the first and second three-way valve 23 . 24 operated together to the circulation of the liquid coolant within the first cooling circuit 10 maintain. In a first operating configuration, the first and second three-way valves 23 . 24 be actuated to the first heat exchange device 16 with the exhaust manifold cooling line 12 to connect while the third heat exchange device 21 is bypassed. In a second operating configuration, the first and second three-way valves 23 . 24 be actuated to the third heat exchange device 21 with the exhaust manifold cooling line 12 to connect while the first heat exchange device 16 is bypassed.

The second cooling circuit 11 is a low-temperature cooling circuit. The second cooling circuit 11 comprises a second valve means for selectively connecting the engine cooling duct 17 with the second heat exchange device 20 , In particular, the second valve device comprises a third three-way valve 26 and a fourth three-way valve 27 , A first bypass line 28 , shown as dashed double lines, is parallel to the second heat exchange device 20 arranged. The third and fourth three-way valve 26 . 27 are selectively actuated to the first bypass line 28 to connect or disconnect. The second heat exchange device 20 can thereby with the engine cooling line 17 connected or disconnected from it. The third three-way valve 26 is arranged to control the flow of liquid coolant coming from the engine cooling duct 17 exit. The third three-way valve 26 is selectively arranged to the engine cooling line 17 with the second heat exchange device 20 or the bypass line 28 connect to. The fourth three-way valve 27 is arranged to control the flow of liquid coolant from the first bypass line 28 to the third heat exchange device 21 to control. It should be noted that the second and third three-way valve 26 . 27 operated together to the circulation of the liquid coolant within the second cooling circuit 11 maintain. The third and fourth three-way valve 26 . 27 are optional and may be omitted in certain embodiments. In a first operating configuration, the third and fourth three-way valves 26 . 27 operated to the second heat exchange device 20 with the engine cooling line 17 connect to. In a second operating configuration, the third and fourth three-way valves 26 . 27 operated to the second heat exchange device 20 with the engine cooling line 17 connect to. In the present embodiment, the third heat exchange device 21 with the engine cooling line 17 connected in both the first and second operating configurations. As in 1 shown is the third heat exchange device 21 the second heat exchange device 20 downstream.

By providing the separate first and second cooling circuits 10 . 11 can the cylinder head 4 and the exhaust manifold 7 work at different temperatures. The second cooling circuit 11 for the cylinder head 4 could use a liquid coolant with a low operating temperature, for example up to about 110 ° C; and the first cooling circuit 10 for the exhaust manifold 7 could use a liquid coolant with a high operating temperature, for example up to about 160-180 ° C. The liquid coolant in the second cooling circuit 11 could be a water-based coolant; and the liquid coolant in the first cooling circuit 10 could be a liquid for higher temperatures up to the boiling point. When operating at elevated temperatures a faster heat exchange and / or a larger heat flow can be achieved, thereby reducing the size of the first heat exchange device 16 For example, the use of a smaller separate liquid / air heat exchanger is made possible. This may provide improved control such that, for example, the first refrigeration cycle 10 can only be activated if necessary. By controlling the operation of the third heat exchange device 21 may be the excessive transfer of heat from the first cooling circuit 10 to the second cooling circuit 11 , for example in high-load situations, be avoided. At least in certain embodiments, this may allow an increase in heat removal (possibly up to 20%) due to increased temperature limits. Alternatively, this could allow for a reduction in the size of the required cooling surface (possibly up to 20%).

A control unit 29 (in 1 ) is provided for controlling the operation of the cooling device 1. In the present embodiment, the electronic processor controls 30 the operation of the pump 15 and the first, second, third and fourth three-way valves 23 . 24 . 26 . 27 , The control unit 29 includes an electronic processor 30 and a system memory 31 , The electronic processor 30 executes instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. When executed, the instructions cause the electronic processor 30 to implement the process (s) described herein. The electronic processor 30 receives the first and second temperature signals ST1, ST2 from the first and second temperature sensors T1, T2. The first temperature signal ST1 provides an indication of a first temperature in the first cooling circuit 10 ; and the second temperature signal ST2 provides an indication of a second temperature in the second cooling circuit 11 ,

A lower temperature limit of the first cooling circuit and an upper temperature limit of the first cooling circuit are for the first cooling circuit 10 Are defined. The lower temperature limit of the first cooling circuit corresponds to a lower operating temperature for the exhaust manifold 7 ; and the upper temperature limit of the first refrigeration cycle corresponds to an upper operating temperature for the exhaust manifold 7 , A lower temperature limit of the second refrigeration cycle and an upper temperature limit of the second refrigeration cycle are defined for the second refrigeration cycle 11. The lower temperature limit of the second cooling circuit corresponds to a lower operating temperature for the cylinder head 4 and the upper temperature limit of the second refrigeration cycle corresponds to an upper operating temperature for the cylinder head 4 , In the present invention, the lower temperature limit of the second refrigeration cycle is defined as 80 ° C, and the upper temperature limit of the second refrigeration cycle is defined as 90 ° C (at a pressure of 1.1 bar). The temperature limits are in one in the system memory 31 saved lookup table and stored the electronic processor 30 can access it. If the first temperature of the coolant in the first cooling circuit 10 the upper temperature limit of the second cooling circuit 11 is the electronic processor 30 configured, the third heat exchanger 21 to get around to the first and second cooling circuit 10 . 11 to separate.

During a boot process is the electronic processor 30 configured to the first and second three-way valve 23 . 24 to press to the first heat exchanger 16 in the first cooling circuit 10 to get around; and around the third and fourth three-way valves 26 . 27 to operate to the second heat exchanger 20 in the second cooling circuit 11 to get around. This control function can help to warm up the cylinder head 4 to accelerate. The pump 15 may initially be disabled until the first temperature exceeds the lower temperature limit of the first refrigeration cycle. When the internal combustion engine 2 has been operated for a while and is restarted while it is still cooling, due to the different thermal characteristics of the cylinder head 4 and the exhaust manifold 7, the first temperature may be lower than the second temperature. If the first temperature is initially lower than the second temperature, the electronic processor operates 30 the first and second three-way valve 23 . 24 to the first heat exchanger 16 connect to the third heat exchanger 21 to get around.

The electronic processor 30 is configured to the pump 15 to activate when the first temperature exceeds the lower temperature limit of the first cooling circuit. When the electronic processor 30 determines that the second temperature is greater than the lower temperature limit of the second cooling circuit is the electronic processor 30 configured to operate the first and second three-way valve 23, 24 to the first heat exchanger 16 to connect and thereby the third heat exchanger 21 to get around. The third and fourth three-way valve 26 . 27 are held so that the second heat exchanger 20 is bypassed to warming the cylinder head 4 to promote. When the second temperature exceeds the upper temperature limit of the second refrigeration cycle, the electronic processor is 30 configured to the third and fourth three-way valve 26 . 27 to operate to the second heat exchanger 20 with the second cooling circuit 11 connect to. The electronic processor 30 can continue the third and fourth three-way valve 26 , 27 to maintain the coolant in the second cooling circuit at a desired operating temperature.

The operation of the cooling device 1 will now be referring to 1 and 2 described. When the internal combustion engine 2 is in operation, the cylinder head 4 heated by combustion of fuel in the combustion chambers. The gases pass through the exhaust manifold 7 discharged, typically when poppet valves (not shown) are operated to open the combustion chambers. The exhaust gases enter the exhaust manifold 7 through the exhaust air openings 8th in and through the exhaust outlet 9 out. The exhaust gases then flow in a conventional manner through the downstream exhaust device.

During a first start cycle, the cooling device becomes 1 controlled to accelerate the heating of the internal combustion engine. During a cold start of the internal combustion engine 2 the temperature of the coolant is in the second cooling circuit 11 below the lower temperature limit of the second cooling circuit. When the second temperature is below the lower temperature limit of the second refrigeration cycle, the electronic processor operates 30 the third and fourth three-way valve 26 , 27, to the second heat exchanger 20 to get around. The liquid coolant in the second cooling circuit 11 is about the internal combustion engine 2 circulated, especially by the engine cooling line 17 located at the second coolant inlet 18 enters and at the second coolant outlet 19 exit. The cylinder head 4 is heated by the combustion of the fuel in the combustion chambers. The liquid coolant in the engine cooling pipe 17 is at least partially due to its proximity to the combustion bowls 6 and the exhaust vents 8th heated.

The first and second three-way valve 23 . 24 are configured to the first heat exchange device 16 to get around. The liquid coolant in the exhaust manifold cooling line 12 is due to the gases passing through the exhaust manifold 7 flow, warmed up. The coolant in the first cooling circuit 10 typically has a higher temperature than the coolant in the second cooling circuit 11 , The first pump 15 can be activated if the first temperature is above the lower temperature limit of the first cooling circuit. The first three-way valve 23 is operated so that the liquid coolant with a relatively high temperature in the first cooling circuit 10 from the exhaust manifold cooling line 12 to the third heat exchange device 21 flows. The heat energy is from the first cooling circuit 10 to the second cooling circuit 11 transmits and promotes the heating of the cylinder head 4 , It should be noted that the liquid coolant in the first and second cooling circuits 10 . 11 not mixed in this embodiment. This retains the benefits of conventional low temperatures, such as allowing micro-combustion to dissipate additional heat energy from critical areas. The second three-way valve 24 is configured to allow the liquid coolant from the third heat exchange device 21 still within the first cooling circuit 10 can circulate.

By controlling the operation of the first and second cooling circuits 10 . 11 can the cylinder head 4 reach a target operating temperature more quickly, typically in the range of 90-110 ° C (at a pressure of 1.1 bar). If the second cooling circuit 11 reached the upper limit of the temperature of the second cooling circuit, the third and fourth three-way valve 26 . 27 be actuated so that the liquid coolant in the second cooling circuit 11 through the second heat exchange device 20 can flow. The second heat exchange device 20 can then operate in a conventional manner to release heat energy to the environment, typically to the atmosphere. By controlling the third and fourth three-way valves 26 . 27 can the cylinder head 4 be maintained at the desired operating temperature.

In a low load condition of the internal combustion engine 2 can be determined that it is not necessary to heat from the first cooling circuit 10 to the second cooling circuit 11 to transfer or heat from the first cooling circuit 10 to the atmosphere. In this situation, the first pump 15 may not be required and may be disabled. Conversely, in a high load state of the internal combustion engine 2 it is found that it is necessary to release as much engine heat as possible to the atmosphere. In this situation, the first pump would be 15 be turned on and the first and second three-way valve 23 , 24 may be configured to the third heat exchange device 21 to bypass and around the liquid coolant in the first cooling circuit 10 to the first heat exchange device 16 to pump.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the cooling device 1 can be made according to the previous embodiment. In one arrangement, a thermoelectric generator (TEG) device may be incorporated into the cooling device 1 are installed. Due to the higher operating temperature of the first cooling circuit 10 this is a convenient place to position a TEG device. This could be after the in 2 be shown embodiment, wherein the TEG device parallel to or in series with the first heat exchange device 16 located. One or more valves may be provided to control the flow of liquid coolant through the TEG device. Alternatively, the TEG device could be used to the first heat exchange device 16 to replace. The TEG device can also without the second heat exchange device 20 be used.

In a further modification, the cooling device comprises 1 a separate fast heating circuit for the passenger compartment. In one arrangement, a heating circuit for the occupants is in the cooling device 1 built-in. Due to the higher operating temperature of the first cooling circuit 10 this is a suitable place to position the heating circuit for the occupants. This could be after the in 2 illustrated arrangement, wherein the heating device for the occupants parallel to or in series with the first heat exchange device 16 located. One or more valves may be provided to control the flow of the liquid Control coolant through the heating device for the occupants. The heating device for the occupants can also without the second heat exchange device 20 be used. The first cooling circuit 10 can be used to shorten the time until the heating device for the occupants reaches a predetermined temperature.

The cooling device 1 was described as one in the cylinder head 4 built-in exhaust manifold 7 having. In a modified arrangement, the cylinder head 4 and the exhaust manifold 7 be formed separately, as in 3 shown. The functional design of the cooling device 1 remains substantially unchanged from the previous embodiment. The cylinder head 4 and the exhaust manifold 7 are through an exhaust flange connection 32 separated, which may include a flange seal, to ensure a good seal for the exhaust gases. This change can further increase the design flexibility with respect to operating temperature limits of the coolant by using different materials for the cylinder head 4 and the exhaust manifold 7 can be used.

The cooling device 1 allows the formation of efficient cooling paths for the exhaust manifold cooling line 12 and / or the engine cooling line 17 , The wall thickness and / or materials of the cooling device 1 can be different depending, for example, on the exhaust manifold 7 in the cylinder head 4 installed or is a separate component. Furthermore, advantages for the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine 2 by a reduction of the required surface area for the first and second heat exchange devices 16 . 20 at the front of the vehicle 3 and be achieved by reducing the mass of the cooling circuits due to greater heat flow capacity.

The cost of the cooler 1 can be compensated in some cases by the removal of heat shields, electrical cabin heaters and a separate exhaust manifold.

A cooler 1 according to a further embodiment of the present invention is in 4 shown. This embodiment of the cooling device 1 is a development of in 2 The embodiment shown and the description focuses on the main differences. Like reference numerals are used herein for like components.

The third heat exchange device 21 is at the cooler 1 omitted according to the present embodiment. The cooling device 1 includes circulatory connection means 33 for selectively connecting the first and second cooling circuits 10 . 11 , The circulatory compound 33 In the present embodiment, a second bypass line comprises 34 , a fifth three-way valve 35, a sixth three-way valve 36 and a third bypass line 37 ,

The fifth three-way valve 35 is located between the second heat exchange device 20 and the engine cooling pipe 17 , The second bypass line 34 connects the first three-way valve 23 and the fifth three-way valve 35 , The fifth three-way valve 35 is operable in conjunction with the first three-way valve 23 to the first coolant outlet 14 with the second coolant inlet 18 connect to. By controlling the first and fifth three-way valves 23 . 35 may be the second bypass line 34 between the first and second cooling circuits 10 . 11 be connected to the first heat exchange device 16 to get around.

The sixth three-way valve 36 is located between the second coolant outlet 19 and the third three-way valve 26 , The third bypass line 37 connects the sixth three-way valve 36 and the second three-way valve 24 , The sixth three-way valve 36 is in common with the second three-way valve 24 operable to the second coolant outlet 19 with the first coolant inlet 13 (about the first pump 15 ) connect to. By controlling the second and sixth three-way valves 24 , 36 may be the third bypass line 37 between the first and second cooling circuits 10, 11 are connected to the second heat exchange device 20 to get around.

The circulatory compound 33 is operable to selectively connect or disconnect the first and second cooling circuits 10 . 11 , The same liquid coolant is used in both the first and second cooling circuits 10 . 11 used, however, has a high boiling temperature to accommodate the higher temperatures in the first cooling circuit 10 adjust. The first and second cooling circuits 10 . 11 can be separated, so that the second cooling circuit 11 at a low temperature, for example 110 ° C, while the first cooling circuit is working 10 at a high temperature, for example 160 ° C, can work. The cooling device 1 includes first and second temperature sensors T1, T2 for measuring the temperature of the liquid coolant in the first and second cooling circuits 10, 11.

It should be noted that the third and fourth three-way valve 26 . 27 can be selectively actuated to the second heat exchange device 20 with the second cooling circuit 11 connect to. Around the first and second cooling circuit 10 . 11 to connect, become the fifth and sixth three-way valve 35 . 36 operated to the first and second heat exchange device 16 . 20 to get around. The liquid coolant typically has different temperatures in the first and second cooling circuits 10 . 11 but may mix under certain controlled circumstances. As the first and second heat exchange device 16 . 20 bypassed, this configuration finds particular application during a warm-up process for the internal combustion engine 2 ,

The control unit 29 is for controlling the operation of the cooling device 1 provided. The control unit 29 is configured to control the operation of the circuit connection means 33 in response to the first and second temperature signals ST1, ST2 received from the first and second temperature sensors T1, T2. The first temperature signal ST1 provides an indication of a first temperature in the first cooling circuit 10 ; and the second temperature signal ST2 provides an indication of a second temperature in the second cooling circuit 11 ,

In this embodiment, the electronic processor is 30 configured to the cooling device 1 to control the first cooling circuit 10 with the second cooling circuit 11 to connect to the warming of the cylinder head 4 to accelerate. The electronic processor 30 controls that the first temperature is higher than the second temperature. When the second temperature is below the lower temperature limit of the second refrigeration cycle, the electronic processor is 30 configured to the first and second cooling circuit 10 . 11 connect to. The electronic processor 30 operates the first and fifth three-way valves 23, 35, around the first coolant outlet 14 with the second coolant inlet 18 to connect (whereby the first heat exchange device 16 bypassed); and operates the second and sixth three-way valves 24 . 36 to the second coolant outlet 19 with the first coolant inlet 13 to connect (whereby the second heat exchange device 20 is bypassed).

It should be noted that various changes and modifications are made to the cooling device described herein 1 can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The control of the first and second cooling circuits 10 . 11 has been described herein with reference to temperature upper and lower limits of the first refrigeration cycle and upper and lower temperature limits of the second refrigeration cycle. It is understood that additional temperature limits for the first cooling circuit and / or the second cooling circuit can be defined.

Claims (32)

Cooling device for an internal combustion engine with an exhaust manifold, the cooling device comprising: a first refrigeration cycle including an exhaust manifold cooling line for cooling the exhaust manifold; a first heat exchange device for discharging heat from the first cooling circuit; a second refrigeration cycle including an engine cooling line for cooling the internal combustion engine; a second heat exchange device for discharging heat from the second cooling circuit; and a third heat exchange device for transferring heat from the first cooling circuit to the second cooling circuit. Cooling device after Claim 1 comprising a first valve means for connecting the exhaust manifold cooling line with either the first heat exchange device or the third heat exchange device. Cooling device after Claim 2 wherein the first valve means comprises first and second valves operable to connect the exhaust manifold cooling line to the first heat exchange device; or to connect the exhaust manifold cooling line with the third heat exchange device. Cooling device after Claim 3 wherein the first valve is a first three-way valve for connecting an exhaust manifold cooling passage outlet to either the first heat exchange device or the third heat exchange device; and the second valve is a second three-way valve for connecting either the first heat exchange device or the third heat exchange device to an inlet of the exhaust manifold cooling line. Cooling device according to one of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the second heat exchange device and the third heat exchange device are arranged in series. Cooling device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a second valve means for selectively connecting the engine cooling pipe to the second heat exchange device. Cooling device after Claim 6 wherein the second valve means comprises a third three-way valve for connecting an outlet of the engine cooling passage to either the second heat exchange device or to a bypass passage to bypass the second heat exchange device; and a fourth three-way valve for connecting either of second heat exchange device or the bypass line with an inlet of the engine cooling line. Cooling device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first cooling liquid is provided in the first cooling circuit; and a second cooling liquid is provided in the second cooling circuit, wherein the first and second cooling liquids are separated from each other. Cooling device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first cooling circuit is a high-temperature cooling circuit and the second cooling circuit is a low-temperature cooling circuit. Cooling device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first heat exchange device comprises a high-temperature heat exchange device; and the second heat exchange device comprises a low-temperature heat exchange device. Cooling device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a arranged in series or parallel to the first heat exchange device and / or the second heat exchange device thermoelectric generator (TEG). Cooling device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first heat exchange device and / or the second heat exchange device comprises a heating system for the occupants. Cooling device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the exhaust manifold is formed integrally with a cylinder head; or the exhaust manifold is a separate component mounted on a cylinder head. The controller of the cooling device of claim 1, wherein the controller includes at least one processor as hereinbefore defined configured to control the cooling device to bypass the first heat exchange device and / or the second heat exchange device when a temperature of the second cooling circuit is below the predefined lower temperature limit of the second cooling circuit. Control unit after Claim 14 if directly or indirectly from Claim 2 dependent, wherein, when the temperature of the second cooling circuit is below the predefined lower temperature limit of the second cooling circuit, the at least one processor is configured to actuate the first valve means to connect the exhaust manifold cooling line to the third heat exchange device. Control unit after Claim 14 or Claim 15 if directly or indirectly from Claim 2 wherein, when the temperature of the second refrigeration cycle is above the predefined lower temperature limit of the second refrigeration cycle, the at least one processor is configured to actuate the first valve device to connect the exhaust manifold cooling line to the third heat exchange device and around the third heat exchange device bypass. Cooling device for an internal combustion engine with an exhaust manifold; a first refrigeration cycle including an exhaust manifold cooling line for cooling the exhaust manifold; a first heat exchange device for discharging heat from the first cooling circuit; a second refrigeration circuit operatively separated from the first refrigeration cycle, comprising an engine cooling line for cooling the internal combustion engine; a second heat exchange device for discharging heat from the second cooling circuit; and a circuit connection means (33) for selectively connecting the first cooling circuit with the second cooling circuit. Cooling device after Claim 17 wherein the circuit connection means comprises: first valve means for selectively connecting an outlet of the exhaust manifold cooling line to an inlet of the engine cooling duct; and second valve means for selectively connecting an outlet of the engine cooling conduit to an inlet of the exhaust manifold cooling conduit. Cooling device after Claim 18 wherein the first valve means comprises a first three-way valve for connecting the outlet of the exhaust manifold cooling line to either the first heat exchange device or to the inlet of the second heat exchange device. Cooling device after Claim 18 or Claim 19 wherein the second valve means comprises a second three-way valve for connecting the outlet of the exhaust manifold cooling line to either the second heat exchange device or to the inlet of the exhaust manifold cooling line. Cooling device according to one of Claims 17 to 20 wherein the first cooling circuit is a high-temperature cooling circuit and the second cooling circuit is a low-temperature cooling circuit. Cooling device according to one of Claims 17 to 21 wherein the first heat exchange device comprises a high temperature heat exchange device; and the second heat exchange device comprises a low-temperature heat exchange device. Cooling device according to one of Claims 17 to 22 comprising one in series or parallel to the one first heat exchange device and / or the second heat exchange device arranged thermoelectric generator (TEG). Cooling device according to one of Claims 17 to 23 wherein the first heat exchange device and / or the second heat exchange device comprises a heating system for the occupants. Cooling device according to one of Claims 17 to 24 wherein the exhaust manifold is formed integrally with a cylinder head; or the exhaust manifold is a separate component mounted on a cylinder head. Control unit for the cooling device according to one of Claims 17 to 25 wherein the controller includes at least one processor configured to control the cooling device to connect the first cooling loop to the second cooling loop when a temperature of the second cooling loop is below the predefined lower temperature limit of the second cooling loop. Control unit after Claim 26 wherein the at least one processor is configured to control the cooling device to bypass the first heat exchange device and / or the second heat exchange device when the temperature of the second cooling circuit is below the predefined lower temperature limit of the second cooling cycle. Control unit after Claim 26 or Claim 27 wherein the at least one processor is configured to disconnect the first refrigeration cycle from the second refrigeration cycle when the temperature of the second refrigeration cycle is above the predefined lower temperature limit of the second refrigeration cycle. A vehicle comprising a cooling device according to any one of Claims 1 to 13 or after one of Claims 17 to 25 , Cooling device, substantially as described herein, with reference to the accompanying figures. Control device for a cooling device, substantially as described herein, with reference to the accompanying figures. A vehicle substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying figures.

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