JP2023153766A - Heat exchanger with vortex flow baffle - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a cooling system of an internal combustion engine system.SOLUTION: In at least one embodiment, a cooling system of an internal combustion engine system is provided. The cooling system includes an engine cooling circuit for defining a flow path and direction for engine coolant fluid flowing through the internal combustion engine system; and a heat exchanger assembly positioned along the engine cooling circuit and structured to transfer heat from the engine coolant fluid to a working fluid, the heat exchanger assembly including a shell defining an inner cavity, a core disposed within the inner cavity and structured to receive the working fluid, and a main flow path and a bypass flow path of the engine coolant fluid, the core comprising a baffle in the bypass flow path, the baffle including a base portion coupled to an end of the core, and a curved portion extending from the base portion such that the curved portion impedes a bypass flow of engine coolant fluid from continuing along the bypass flow path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure generally relates to cooling systems for internal combustion engine systems.

In internal combustion engine systems, cooling systems that utilize heat exchange assemblies (also referred to as heat exchangers) dissipate heat from the coolant to another fluid that flows through the core of the heat exchange assembly. , lowering the coolant temperature. However, coolant passing through the heat exchange assembly (eg, bypass flow) without contacting the core of the heat exchange assembly does not contribute to heat transfer.

One solution to minimizing or reducing bypass flow is to install baffles, e.g. rubber baffles, in the core of the heat exchange assembly to reduce or block the gap between the core and the walls of the heat exchange assembly. It is to attach. However, mounting the baffle in the core of the heat exchange assembly sufficiently close to the walls of the heat exchange assembly to impede bypass flow requires tight dimensional tolerances and potentially creates manufacturing and assembly difficulties. Other solutions, such as increasing core size, may lead to increased manufacturing costs.

Various embodiments relate to assemblies and methods for managing bypass flow in a cooling system of an internal combustion engine system. In various embodiments, the heat exchange assembly includes a baffle with a curvature to reduce bypass flow. Various embodiments and implementations of such assemblies and methods may be provided to reduce bypass flow around the core of the heat exchange assembly, potentially increasing cooling efficiency.

In at least one embodiment, a cooling system for an internal combustion engine system is provided. The cooling system includes an engine cooling circuit for defining a flow path and direction of engine coolant fluid through the internal combustion engine system and an engine cooling circuit located along the engine cooling circuit for transferring heat from the engine coolant fluid to a working fluid. a shell configured with a heat exchange assembly defining an interior cavity, a core disposed within the interior cavity and configured to receive a working fluid, and a main engine coolant fluid passageway and a bypass. a flow path, the core including a baffle in the bypass flow path, the baffle having a base coupled to an end of the core, and a curved portion configured to direct the bypass flow of engine coolant fluid along the bypass flow path. and a curved portion extending from the base to prevent continued flow.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are intended to be representative and illustrative only and not limiting within the teachings of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present disclosure will begin to be more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, where like numbers refer to like elements throughout this disclosure, unless indicated otherwise.

1 is a block diagram of a cooling system including a heat exchange assembly, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a removed shell and heat exchange assembly that may be used, for example, in the cooling system of FIG. 1, according to an example embodiment; FIG. 3 is a top view of the heat exchange assembly of FIG. 2 with the shell removed; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of detail A of the heat exchange assembly seen in FIG. 3; FIG. Figure 3 is a side view of detail A of the heat exchange assembly; 3 is a view of Detail B of the heat exchange assembly of FIG. 2 illustrating engine coolant fluid flowing through the heat exchange assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchange assembly taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 2. FIG.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

The following is a more detailed description of implementations of methods, equipment, and assemblies for providing cooling systems for internal combustion engine systems, and various concepts associated with implementing those methods, equipment, and assemblies. The cooling system includes a heat exchange assembly configured to transfer heat from the engine coolant fluid to the working fluid. The various concepts described above and discussed in more detail below may be implemented in any number of implementations, as the described concepts are not limited to any particular implementation. Specific implementation and application examples are provided at the outset for illustration.
I. Overview

Various implementations described herein relate to cooling systems for internal combustion engine systems. The cooling system includes an engine cooling circuit that includes engine coolant fluid. The cooling system also includes a heat exchange assembly along the engine cooling circuit. The heat exchange assembly is configured to transfer heat from the engine coolant fluid to the working fluid. The heat exchange assembly includes a shell defining an internal cavity, a core disposed within the internal cavity and configured to receive a working fluid, and fluidly coupled with the internal cavity to supply engine coolant fluid to the internal cavity. a configured inlet port, an outlet port in fluid communication with the interior cavity, and a baffle including a base coupled to an end of the core and a curved portion extending from the base.
II. Cooling system

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram illustrating an engine system 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The engine system 100 includes a cooling system 101 having an engine cooling circuit 102 and a heat exchange assembly 118 . The engine system 100 may also include an engine 104 having an engine block 106 and an engine overhead 108, a turbocharger 110, a coolant reservoir 112, a pump 114, a valve 116, a heat exchange assembly 118, and a coolant filter 144. As discussed further below, the engine cooling circuit 102 defines the flow path and direction of engine coolant fluid through the internal combustion engine system. In some embodiments, the flow path includes a channel (eg, a flow path inlet, a flow path outlet, a conduit, etc.) in fluid communication with a component of engine system 100. In some embodiments, the engine coolant fluid may include a glycol-based coolant, water, or other coolant fluid. In other embodiments, the engine coolant fluid is thermal oil or other type of heat transfer fluid. It should be noted that the terms "upstream" and "downstream" when referring to engine system 100 refer to the direction of engine coolant fluid flowing through engine cooling circuit 102.

Referring to FIG. 1, engine system 100 includes an engine 104. The engine 104 may be any type of internal combustion engine. Accordingly, the engine 104 may be a gasoline, natural gas, or diesel engine, a hybrid engine (eg, a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor), and/or other suitable engine. The engine 104 includes an engine block 106. The engine block 106 may at least partially define one or more engine cylinders. The one or more cylinders are configured to allow movement of one or more pistons within the cylinder of the internal combustion engine. The engine 104 also includes an engine overhead 108. The engine overhead 108 is located above the engine block 106 and may include, for example, intake valves, exhaust valves, or one or more camshafts.

Engine system 100 of FIG. 1 includes a turbocharger 110 downstream of engine block 106. Engine system 100 of FIG. The turbocharger 110 receives exhaust gases produced by combustion of the engine block 106. In some embodiments, the turbocharger 110 includes a bypass that can selectively divert at least a portion of the exhaust gases from the turbocharger 110 to reduce engine torque and boost pressure under certain operating conditions. including. The turbocharger 110 may be located on an engine cooling circuit 102 and configured to receive engine coolant fluid from the engine. The engine coolant fluid may be utilized by the turbocharger to lubricate internal components (eg, bearings, spindles, etc.).

Engine system 100 of FIG. 1 includes a coolant reservoir 112 (eg, a pan, oil pan, etc.) located in engine cooling circuit 102 downstream of engine overhead 108 and a turbocharger 110. Engine system 100 of FIG. The coolant reservoir 112 is fluidly coupled to the turbocharger 110 and the engine overhead 108 through the engine cooling circuit and is configured to receive and store engine coolant fluid from the engine cooling circuit.

Engine coolant fluid received and stored in coolant reservoir 112 may later be recirculated within the cooling system. For example, engine system 100 includes a coolant pump 114. In some embodiments, the coolant pump 114 is located downstream of the coolant reservoir 112. The coolant pump 114 is configured to circulate engine coolant fluid through the engine cooling circuit 102 .

The engine system 100 of FIG. 1 also includes a valve 116 (eg, a regulator valve, etc.) located in the engine cooling circuit 102. The valve 116 may be located downstream of the coolant pump 114. In some embodiments, the valve 116 controls the amount of engine coolant fluid flowing through the engine cooling circuit. More particularly, the valve 116 controls the amount of engine coolant fluid flowing through the heat exchange assembly 118, as discussed in more detail below. The valve 116 may control engine coolant fluid by restricting or preventing engine coolant fluid from flowing to the heat exchange assembly 118.

The heat exchange assembly 118 of FIG. 1 is located downstream of the valve 116 and transfers thermal energy from the engine coolant fluid in the engine cooling circuit 102 to the working fluid to cool the engine coolant fluid and heat the working fluid. and is configured to be moved. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example heat exchange assembly 118, according to an example embodiment. 3 is a side view of heat exchange assembly 118 of FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of detail A of the heat exchange assembly 118 seen in FIG. FIG. 5 is a side view of detail A of heat exchange assembly 118. FIG. 6 is an illustration of engine coolant fluid flowing through heat exchange assembly 118 of FIG. 2, according to an example embodiment.

Engine system 100 of FIG. 1 may also include a coolant filter 144 (eg, an oil filter), and the like. The coolant filter 144 may be located between the engine 104 and the heat exchange assembly 118. Coolant filter 144 includes fewer particles that cause engine coolant 144 to escape into coolant filter 144 than engine coolant fluid that enters engine coolant fluid filter 144 (e.g., flowing from heat exchange assembly 118, etc.). As such, the filter 144 is comprised of particles (eg, soot, metal particles, etc.) from the engine coolant fluid. In this manner, the coolant filter 144 also suppresses or reduces the ingress of particles to the engine 104 downstream of the coolant filter 144 and reduces the lifetime of maintenance operations for the engine 104 or for the engine 104 . Facilitate less maintenance.
III. Exemplary Heat Exchange Assembly Configuration

Referring to FIGS. 2, 6, and 7, heat exchange assembly 118 includes a shell 120 (eg, a housing, casing, enclosure, etc.). The shell 120 encloses the internal components of the heat exchange assembly 118. In this manner, shell 120 protects the internal components of heat exchange assembly 118 and reduces exposure of other components of the internal combustion engine system to high temperatures.

By enclosing the interior components of heat exchange assembly 118 , shell 120 defines an interior cavity 122 . The internal cavity 122 is configured to receive engine coolant fluid supplied through the engine cooling circuit by the pump 114. In particular, the internal cavity 122 receives engine coolant fluid via an inlet port 124. Inlet port 124 is in fluid communication with upstream components located on the engine cooling circuit, such as valve 116. In some embodiments, the inlet port 124 is coupled (e.g., attached, secured, welded, fastened, riveted, etc.) to the end 121 of the shell 120 (such as the sidewall seen in FIG. 7). attached, glued, joined, pinned, etc.). In other embodiments, inlet port 124 is integrally formed with the end of shell 120.

Heat exchange assembly 118 also includes an outlet port 126. The outlet port 126 is in fluid communication with downstream components located on the engine cooling circuit. In some embodiments, the outlet port 126 is coupled (e.g., attached, secured, welded, fastened) to the other end 123 of the shell 120, opposite the end corresponding to the inlet port 124. attached, riveted, glued, joined, pinned, etc.). In some embodiments, outlet port 126 is integrally formed with the other end of shell 120.

Heat exchange assembly 118 includes core 128 . The core 128 is disposed within the interior cavity 122 and configured to receive a working fluid. The working fluid is used to cool engine coolant fluid. For example, engine coolant fluid passing through interior cavity 122 is heated by the engine. As the heated engine coolant fluid flows through the interior cavity 122, the heated engine coolant fluid contacts the core 128 and transfers heat to the working fluid flowing through the core 128. Therefore, the engine coolant fluid is cooled before reaching the engine. According to various embodiments, the working fluid may include, for example, a refrigerant (such as R245a or a low global warming potential (GWP) alternative), ethanol, toluene, other hydrocarbon-based working fluids, other hydrofluorocarbon-based working fluids. , or any of a variety of types of fluids, such as water. In some embodiments, core 128 receives working fluid through a plurality of channels extending therethrough.

As mentioned above, engine coolant fluid passes through internal cavity 122. The portion of engine coolant fluid flowing through internal cavity 122 is defined as main stream 130 . The main flow 130 is configured to flow in a main flow direction 133 from the inlet port 124 toward the outlet port 126 . In this manner, the outlet port 126 is configured to supply a main stream 130 (eg, a main coolant stream 130, an oil stream 130, etc.) to downstream components of the cooling system. However, in some embodiments, the main stream 130 may be configured to flow in a direction opposite to the main stream direction 133 (eg, from the outlet port 126 to the inlet port 124, etc.).

Main stream 130 of engine coolant fluid flows along main flow path 132 . The main flow passage 132 is defined as the region between the shell 120 and the core 128 and extends from the inlet port 124 to the outlet port 126. As the main stream 130 flows along the main stream passage 132, the heated engine coolant fluid contacts the core 128 and transfers heat to the working fluid flowing through the core 128.

While the main flow 130 flows along the main flow path 132, the main flow 130 may deviate from the main flow path 132. In particular, the main stream 130 may diverge from the main stream 132 to define a bypass flow 134 . A bypass flow 134 of engine coolant fluid flows along a bypass flow path 136 . In some embodiments, the bypass flow path 136 is the region between the end 125 of the core 128 closest to the inlet port 124 and the shell 120. Referring to FIG. 6, a bypass flow path 136 extends upwardly from the main flow path 132 in the bypass flow direction 127 and around the core 128. In some embodiments, bypass flow path 136 is perpendicular to main flow 132. In this manner, bypass flow path 136 diverges from main flow path 132. In particular, because the bypass flow path 136 diverges from the main flow path 132 and thus extends upwardly around the core 128, the core 128 is unable to facilitate the transfer of heat from the bypass flow 134 to the core 128.

Referring to FIGS. 2-6, heat exchange assembly 118 includes baffles 138 (eg, plates, protrusions, etc.). In some embodiments, baffle 138 is integrally formed with core 128. However, baffle 138 may alternatively be a separate component coupled to core 128. The baffle 138 includes a base 140. The base 140 is connected to or integrally formed with the end of the core 128. More particularly, the base 140 may be connected to or integrally formed with the end 125 of the core 128 closest to the inlet port 124.

In some embodiments, base 140 extends in a direction parallel to the end surface of core 128. The base 140 may also be coupled to the core 128 at predetermined locations to reduce the gap between the core 128 and the shell 120. In this manner, the diameter of bypass passage 136 is reduced downstream 137 of baffle 138, and the reduction in diameter of bypass passage 136 limits bypass flow 134 in the bypass flow direction. However, the baffle 138 may also be placed so that it is separate from the shell 120 to reduce flow interference. In some embodiments, base 140 comprises sheet metal. Accordingly, the base 140 may be more securely secured to the core 128 compared to other systems that use rubber baffles, which pose anchoring challenges and may dislodge during operation.

The baffle 138 includes a curved portion 142 . Curved portion 142 extends from base 140 . In particular, the curved portion 142 extends within the engine coolant fluid bypass flow path 136 and is concavely curved in the bypass flow direction 127 . In this way, the curved portion 142 reduces the size of the bypass channel 136 at the downstream section 137 (e.g., bypass channel diameter, bypass channel width, etc.) when compared to the upstream section 139 of the baffle 138. The reduction is configured to reduce (eg, impede, restrict, etc.) bypass flow 134 in bypass flow direction 127 . For example, when bypass flow 134 reaches bend 142, a portion of bypass flow 134 is received (e.g., concentrated, entrained, collected, etc.) by bend 142 and directed to downstream section 137 and bypass Continued flow along flow path 136 is prevented. Furthermore, the bend 142 is configured to create a vortex 131 in the bypass flow 134. Because the curved portion 142 creates a vortex in the bypass flow 134, the path of the bypass flow 134 is reduced in the downstream portion 137 compared to the upstream portion 139. By creating a vortex 131 in the curved portion of the curved portion 142, the curved portion 142 reduces the bypass flow 134 in the bypass flow direction 127. In this way, the bypass flow 134 of engine coolant fluid that does not contribute to heat transfer is reduced.

As described above, within the heat exchange assembly 118 of FIGS. 2-6, the curved portion 142 is concavely bent in the bypass flow direction 127. By being concavely bent in the bypass flow direction 127 , the curved portion 142 is configured to return at least a portion of the bypass flow 134 to the main flow path 132 . For example, when the bypass flow 134 is received by the bend 142, the bend 142 is configured to create a region of higher pressure within the bypass flow 134 than the pressure of the main stream 130 of engine coolant fluid. Thus, because the bypass flow 134 generally flows in a direction from a region of high pressure to a region of low pressure, the region of high pressure reduces the bypass flow 134 in the bypass flow direction 127 and at least some of the bypass flow 134 causes flow in a direction opposite to the bypass flow direction (eg, toward the main flow path 132). Additionally, baffle 138 is configured to reduce the flow velocity of bypass flow 134 in bypass flow direction 127. Since the bend 142 receives the bypass flow 134 and obstructs the bypass flow 134 in the bypass flow direction 127 , the flow velocity of the bypass flow 134 decreases and a portion of the bypass flow 134 returns to the main stream 130 .
IV. Configuration of Exemplary Embodiments

While this specification contains details of various implementations, these implementations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims, but rather a description of features that are specific to a particular implementation. should be interpreted as Features that are described herein in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Additionally, features may be described as operating in particular combinations, or even as such in the claims as originally filed; One or more features from the combination recited in the claims can be deleted from the combination, and even if the combination recited in the claims is directed to a subcombination or a variant of a subcombination. good.

As used herein, the terms "substantially," "generally," "approximately," and similar terms are common and accepted by those skilled in the art with respect to the patented subject matter of this disclosure. It is intended to have a wide range of meanings depending on how it is used. It is understood that the above terminology is intended to permit descriptions of particular features to be described and claimed in the present disclosure, without limiting the scope of the features to the express numerical ranges within which the scope of the features is defined. This should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing this disclosure. Accordingly, the above-mentioned terms are used to indicate that non-substantive or immaterial modifications or variations of the claimed invention as described and claimed are contemplated within the scope of the appended claims. should be interpreted.

As used herein, the term "coupled" and similar terms refer to the combination of two components, directly or indirectly, with each other. Such a combination may be obtained by the two components or two components and each other with any additional intermediate components integrally connected as a single body unit, the two components or the two components and each other It may also be provided by any additional intermediate components connected.

As used herein, the term "fluidly coupled to" and similar terms means that two components or objects are free of air, reducing agents, or , having a path formed between two components or objects through which a fluid, such as an air-reducing mixture, exhaust gas, hydrocarbons, etc., may flow. Examples of fluid couplings or configurations that enable fluid communication include pipes, channels, or any other suitable component or object that is suitable for allowing the flow of fluid from one component or object to another. may include other components.

It is important to note that the various system structures or arrangements illustrated in the various example embodiments are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting in nature. All changes or modifications that come within the spirit and/or scope of the described implementations are desired to be protected. Some features may not be necessary, and implementations lacking various features may be considered within the scope of this disclosure, as defined by the claims below.

Also, the term "or" is used in an inclusive sense (exclusive) when the term "or" is used to link one, some, or all elements of a list with used in the context in which the elements are listed (not in their meaning). Conjunctive language, such as the phrase "at least X, Y, Z," means that an item, term, etc. It is otherwise understood in the context as commonly used to convey that it may be Y and X, or X and Y and Z (ie, any combination of X, Y, Z). Accordingly, such conjunctive language is intended to include that a particular embodiment requires at least one of each to be present, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to be present, unless otherwise specified. , generally not intended.

Additionally, the use of numerical ranges herein includes minimum and maximum values in the numerical range, unless stated otherwise. Furthermore, numerical ranges do not necessarily require the inclusion of intermediate values within the numerical range, unless otherwise specified.

It is important to note that the various system structures or arrangements shown in the various embodiments and the operation according to the various techniques are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting in their literal sense. It is. All changes or modifications that come within the scope and/or spirit of the described implementations are desired to be protected. It should be understood that some features may not be required, and implementations lacking various features are within the scope of this disclosure and as defined by the claims below. may be considered.

100 ... Internal combustion engine system 101 ... Cooling system 102 ... Engine cooling circuit 104 ... Engine 106 ... Engine block 108 ... Engine overhead 110 ... Turbocharger 112 ... Coolant reservoir 114 ... Pump 116 ... Valve 118 ... Heat exchange assembly 120 ... Shell 122 ... Internal cavity 124 ... Inlet port 126 ... Outlet port 128 ... Core 130 ... Main flow 131 ... Vortex 132 ... Main flow path for engine coolant fluid 134 ... Bypass flow 136... Engine coolant fluid bypass passage 138... Baffle 140... Base 142... Curved portion

Claims (14)

A cooling system for an internal combustion engine system, the cooling system comprising:
an engine cooling circuit defining a flow path and direction of engine coolant fluid through the internal combustion engine system;
a heat exchange assembly located along the engine cooling circuit and configured to transfer heat from the engine coolant fluid to a working fluid, the heat exchange assembly comprising:
a shell defining an internal cavity;
a core disposed within the internal cavity and configured to receive the working fluid;
a main flow path and a bypass flow path for the engine coolant fluid;
including;
The core includes a baffle in the bypass flow path, the baffle comprising:
a base coupled to an end of the core;
the curved portion extending from the base such that the curved portion prevents the bypass flow of engine coolant fluid from continuing to flow along the bypass flow path;
said cooling system. The cooling system of claim 1 , wherein the curved portion extends into the bypass flow path of the engine coolant fluid and is concavely curved in a bypass flow direction. 3. The cooling system of claim 2, wherein the bend is configured to create a region of pressure in the bypass flow that is higher than the pressure of the main stream of engine coolant fluid. 4. The cooling system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the curved section is configured to generate a vortex in the bypass flow. The cooling system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the curvature is configured to reduce the magnitude of the bypass flow downstream of the baffle. The cooling system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the curved portion is configured to reduce the flow velocity of the bypass flow in the bypass flow direction. The cooling system according to any preceding claim, wherein the baffle is integrally formed with the core. The cooling system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base extends in a direction parallel to the surface of the end of the core. Any of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: an inlet port fluidly coupled to the internal cavity and configured to supply the engine coolant fluid to the inlet port; and an outlet port fluidly coupled to the internal cavity. The cooling system according to claim 1. The cooling system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and
an engine including an engine block and an engine overhead located along the engine cooling circuit downstream of the heat exchange assembly;
engine system. The engine system of claim 10, further comprising a pump configured to circulate the engine coolant fluid through the engine cooling circuit. 12. The engine system according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising a turbocharger located on the engine cooling circuit downstream of the engine. 13. The engine system of claim 12, further comprising a coolant reservoir located on the engine cooling circuit downstream of the turbocharger and configured to receive and store the engine coolant fluid. Any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising a valve located on the cooling circuit upstream of the heat exchange assembly and configured to manage the engine coolant fluid supplied to the heat exchange assembly. The engine system according to.