US20120298327A1 - Cooling apparatus for controlling airflow - Google Patents
Cooling apparatus for controlling airflow Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120298327A1 US20120298327A1 US13/115,426 US201113115426A US2012298327A1 US 20120298327 A1 US20120298327 A1 US 20120298327A1 US 201113115426 A US201113115426 A US 201113115426A US 2012298327 A1 US2012298327 A1 US 2012298327A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cooling
- plane
- cooling apparatus
- air
- airflow
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F27/00—Control arrangements or safety devices specially adapted for heat-exchange or heat-transfer apparatus
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01P11/00—Component parts, details, or accessories not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F01P1/00 - F01P9/00
- F01P11/10—Guiding or ducting cooling-air, to, or from, liquid-to-air heat exchangers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F27/00—Control arrangements or safety devices specially adapted for heat-exchange or heat-transfer apparatus
- F28F27/02—Control arrangements or safety devices specially adapted for heat-exchange or heat-transfer apparatus for controlling the distribution of heat-exchange media between different channels
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01P2025/00—Measuring
- F01P2025/60—Operating parameters
- F01P2025/62—Load
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01P2060/00—Cooling circuits using auxiliaries
- F01P2060/06—Retarder
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01P7/00—Controlling of coolant flow
- F01P7/02—Controlling of coolant flow the coolant being cooling-air
- F01P7/04—Controlling of coolant flow the coolant being cooling-air by varying pump speed, e.g. by changing pump-drive gear ratio
- F01P7/044—Controlling of coolant flow the coolant being cooling-air by varying pump speed, e.g. by changing pump-drive gear ratio using hydraulic drives
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
- F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
- F28D1/04—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits
- F28D1/0408—Multi-circuit heat exchangers, e.g. integrating different heat exchange sections in the same unit or heat exchangers for more than two fluids
- F28D1/0426—Multi-circuit heat exchangers, e.g. integrating different heat exchange sections in the same unit or heat exchangers for more than two fluids with units having particular arrangement relative to the large body of fluid, e.g. with interleaved units or with adjacent heat exchange units in common air flow or with units extending at an angle to each other or with units arranged around a central element
- F28D1/0452—Combination of units extending one behind the other with units extending one beside or one above the other
Definitions
- the disclosure relates to a cooling system, and more particularly, to a cooling apparatus for controlling airflow for cooling one or more cooling cores.
- a cooling apparatus including a cooling fan is used to provide airflow in a machine.
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,008,184 discloses a control system for changing the direction of airflow through a cooling core in response to an external signal.
- a fan control signal generated by a logic circuit, causes a fan to operate in a cooling mode and generate airflow through the cooling core, or operate in a neutral mode with reduced or no airflow through the cooling core.
- the present disclosure provides a cooling apparatus for controlling airflow to a cooling core.
- the cooling apparatus includes a housing, a fan assembly and an air diverter.
- the fan assembly is mounted to the housing and configured to direct air from a first plane towards a second plane.
- the first plane is substantially perpendicular to the second plane.
- the air diverter is positioned substantially perpendicular to the second plane and configured to move in angular relation to the first plane.
- the present disclosure provides a method for controlling airflow in a cooling apparatus.
- the method passes air over a cooling core on a first side of the cooling apparatus and also passes air over a cooling core on a second side of the cooling apparatus by a fan assembly.
- the fan assembly is positioned substantially perpendicular to the first and second sides.
- the method then computes a target outlet temperature associated with the cooling core.
- the method generates an output signal to move an air diverter, positioned substantially perpendicular to the fan assembly, for controlling the relative airflow to the cooling cores.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of a machine
- FIG. 2 shows an exemplary schematic of a power system of the machine shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cooling apparatus for providing airflow to cooling cores
- FIG. 4 is a bottom schematic view of the cooling apparatus shown in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an airflow controlling sequence.
- FIG. 1 shows a side view of a machine 1 , according to an aspect of this disclosure.
- the machine 1 may embody a wheel tractor scraper, as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the machine 1 may be any type, such as, but not limited to, an off-highway truck, an on-highway truck, an articulated truck, a wheel tractor, a track type tractor, a wheel loader, a compactor, an excavator, a dozer, a motor grader, or any other machines having an engine or requiring cooling.
- the machine 1 includes a power system 10 and a cooling apparatus 100 .
- the machine 1 may further include a tractor portion 2 , and a scarper portion 3 that are pivotally coupled.
- the power system 10 may be disposed in the tractor portion 2 .
- the cooling apparatus 100 may be a box style cooling package located on the side of the machine 1 . In other embodiments or in other machines the cooling apparatus 100 may have a different structure or located in a different position on the machine 1 . For example, the cooling apparatus 100 may also be in the front, back, top, or underneath the machine 1 .
- FIG. 2 shows an exemplary schematic of the power system 10 , according to an aspect of this disclosure.
- the power system 10 may include an engine 12 , a hydraulic drive system 14 , and a brake system 16 .
- the engine 12 may be a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a gaseous fuel powered engine such as a natural gas engine, or any other type of engine known in the art.
- an air to air aftercooler (ATAAC) 18 , an oil cooler 20 , and a radiator 22 may be associated with the power system 10 .
- the ATAAC 18 , the oil cooler 20 and the radiator 22 may be fluidly connected to the brake system 16 , the hydraulic drive system 14 , and the engine 12 , respectively.
- the ATAAC 18 , the oil cooler 20 , and the radiator 22 may be provided with an air intake pipeline 24 , an oil intake pipeline 26 , and a coolant intake pipeline 28 , respectively.
- the ATAAC 18 , the oil cooler 20 , and the radiator 22 may be positioned within the cooling apparatus 100 .
- the cooling apparatus 100 may include a fan assembly 102 which may be drivably connected to the hydraulic drive system 14 .
- the fan assembly 102 may be configured to direct air from a first plane P 1 towards a second plane P 2 which is substantially perpendicular to the first plane P 1 ; substantially perpendicular may be within plus or minus approximately 30 degrees from normal or perfectly perpendicular.
- the airflow generated by the fan assembly 102 may be directed from the first plane P 1 , passing over the ATAAC 18 , the oil cooler 20 , and the radiator 22 , towards the second plane P 2 .
- the cooling apparatus 100 may further include an air diverter 104 , and a motor 106 .
- the motor 106 may include an alternating current (AC) motor or a direct current (DC) motor or any another type of motor.
- the air diverter 104 may be disposed or positioned substantially perpendicular to the second plane P 2 .
- the air diverter 104 may be coupled to the motor 106 to move in angular relation to the first plane P 1 .
- the air diverter 104 may move substantially towards and away from the ATAAC 18 , the oil cooler 20 , and the radiator 22 to distribute an airflow generated by the fan assembly 102 .
- the air intake pipeline 24 may be provided with an air temperature sensor 30 for detecting a real time temperature of the intake air.
- the oil intake pipeline 26 may be provided with an oil temperature sensor 32 for detecting a real time temperature of the hydraulic oil.
- the coolant intake pipeline 28 may also provided with a coolant temperature sensor 34 for detecting a real time temperature of the coolant (i.e. cooling water).
- the temperature sensors 30 , 32 , and 34 may include thermocouple or resistance temperature detectors (RTD) which are well known in art.
- RTD resistance temperature detectors
- other techniques known in the art may be utilized to detect or estimate the real time temperature parameters associated with the ATAAC 18 , the oil cooler 20 , and the radiator 22 without deviating from the scope of the disclosure.
- the temperature sensors 30 , 32 , and 34 may be connected to a control system 108 through the respective input signal lines 36 , 38 , and 40 .
- the control system 108 may be associated with the cooling apparatus 100 and also configured receive one or more real time signals corresponding to an engine load factor and an engine retarder status (On/Off) from an engine control module (ECM) 42 associated with the engine 12 .
- ECM engine control module
- a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the one or more real time inputs may be obtained using engine sensing devices, temperature sensors, and other techniques known in the art.
- the control system 108 may be incorporated in the ECM 42 .
- the control system 108 may include a signal input unit 110 , a system memory 112 , and a processor 114 .
- the signal input unit 110 may be configured to receive a voltage or current signals from the temperature sensors 30 , 32 , and 34 corresponding to the real time temperature value of the air, the hydraulic oil and the coolant. Further, the signal input unit 110 may be also be configured to detect defective or missing sensors.
- the system memory 112 may include for example, but not limited to, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), flash memory, a data structure, and the like.
- the system memory 112 may include a computer executable code to compute a target outlet temperature of the air, the hydraulic oil, and the coolant based on the engine load factor and the engine retarder status (On/Off).
- the system memory 112 may store the received one or more real time inputs and/or signals.
- the system memory 112 may store the target outlet temperature of the air, the hydraulic oil, and the coolant.
- the system memory 112 may be operable on the processor 114 to generate one or more output signals to control a position of the air diverter 104 .
- the one or more output signals may be provided to the motor 106 to move the air diverter 104 substantially towards or away from the ATAAC 18 , the oil cooler 20 , and the radiator 22 .
- the hydraulic drive system 14 may include a hydraulic pump 44 and a hydraulic motor 46 .
- the hydraulic pump 44 may be of any well known construction and type, such as, a gear pump, a rotary vane pump, a screw pump, an axial piston pump or a radial piston pump.
- the hydraulic motor 46 may be a high speed, low torque type motor of any well-known construction. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to a particular motor type, as those skilled in the art will readily be able to adapt to various types of motors, for example, a radial or an axial piston type hydraulic motor, without departing from the teachings hereof.
- the hydraulic pump 44 may be provided with an electro-hydraulic transducer valve 48 .
- the electro-hydraulic transducer valve 48 may be configured to receive electronic reference signals from the control system 108 and regulate the pressure or flow from the hydraulic pump 44 ,.
- the hydraulic pump 44 may control the rotation speed of the hydraulic motor 46 based on an electronic reference signal received by the electro-hydraulic transducer valve 48 .
- Various type of electro-hydraulic transducer valve 48 which are used to proportionally control and vary the pressure or flow based on the electronic reference signal are well known in the art and may be used with hydraulic pump 44 .
- FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the cooling apparatus 100 , according to an aspect of this disclosure.
- the cooling apparatus 100 may include a housing 116 , such that the fan assembly 102 may be mounted on an upper surface of the housing 116 .
- the fan assembly 102 may be mounted along any other surface of the housing 116 .
- the fan assembly 102 may be an integral part of the housing 116 .
- the housing 116 may be in a shape of a box and include first and second sides 118 and 120 joining to form an edge 122 .
- a curved sidewall 124 may be configured to connect the first and second sides 118 and 120 .
- the housing 116 may have one or more openings located at the first and second sides 118 and 120 , such that one or more cooling cores 126 and 128 may be positioned within the openings at the first and second sides 118 and 120 .
- the cooling cores 126 and 128 may include the ATAAC 18 , the oil cooler 20 , and the radiator 22 (see FIG. 2 ).
- a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the arrangement of the cooling cores 126 and 128 described herein is on exemplary basis and various other arrangements may be utilized without deviating from the scope of the disclosure.
- the fan assembly 102 may include a mechanically, electrically or hydraulically driven axial fan 130 having a plurality of vanes 132 .
- the airflow may be drawn into the cooling apparatus 100 through the openings present in the first and second sides 118 and 120 .
- the airflow provided by the fan assembly 102 may be directed from the first plane P 1 , passing over the cooling cores 126 and 128 , towards the second plane P 2 .
- the airflow may assist in heat dissipation from the cooling cores 126 and 128 .
- the air diverter 104 may include a planar wall disposed inside the housing 116 , such that the air diverter 104 may be positioned substantially perpendicular to the second plane P 2 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the air diverter 104 may be pivoted in proximity to the edge 122 formed by the first and second sides 118 and 120 of the housing 116 . By moving the air diverter 104 within the housing 116 , the airflow generated by the fan assembly 102 , may be distributed to the cooling cores 126 and 128 .
- any difference between the real time inlet temperatures received and the computed target outlet temperatures by the control system 108 , associated with the cooling cores 126 and 128 may be an indicative of the cooling requirement for the cooling cores 126 and 128 .
- the cooling requirement of the cooling cores 126 and 128 for duration of time may vary based on factors such as, but not limited to, working conditions of the engine, load conditions of the engine, and the like. In order to effectively cool the cooling cores 126 and 128 , the airflow over the cooling cores 126 and 128 needs to be controlled.
- the airflow over the cooling cores 126 and 128 may be relatively increased or decreased.
- the air diverter 104 may be positioned farthest with respect to the corresponding cooling core 126 or 128 .
- the air diverter 104 may be positioned closer with respect to the corresponding cooling core 126 or 128 .
- FIG. 4 shows a bottom schematic view of the cooling apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 3 .
- the air diverter 104 may be pivoted at point O in proximity to the edge 122 and positioned at an angular location OA.
- the cooling core 126 may have cooling requirement more the than the cooling core 128 .
- the airflow passing over the cooling core 126 needs to be increased as compared to the airflow passing over the cooling core 128 .
- the control system 108 may then generate the output signals to move the air diverter 104 to a new location OA′, such that the air diverter 104 may be closer to the cooling core 128 and away from the cooling core 126 .
- the amount of the airflow passing over the cooling core 126 may be more than the airflow passing over the cooling core 128 .
- the air diverter 104 may be retained at the new location OA′ until the cooling requirement associated with the cooling core 126 may be achieved.
- the cooling requirement of the cooling core 126 may be small almost dropping to zero.
- the air diverter 104 may be allowed to attain a location (not shown in the figs.) as close as possible to the cooling core 126 and away from the cooling core 128 .
- the position of the air diverter 104 may be such that minimum airflow may be allowed to pass over the cooling core 126 ; and all the airflow may pass over the cooling core 128 .
- control system 108 may also generate the one or more output signals to control the fan speed of the fan assembly 102 .
- the fan speed may be relatively increased or decreased.
- the fan assembly 102 may produce the airflow to meet the cooling requirement, while the air diverter 104 may be moved to distribute the airflow between the cooling cores 126 and 128 to achieve the variable cooling requirement.
- FIG. 5 is a block diagram 500 for an airflow controlling sequence.
- air is passed over the cooling cores 126 and 128 located on the first and second sides 118 , 120 of the cooling apparatus 100 by the fan assembly 102 .
- the fan assembly is positioned substantially perpendicular to the first and second sides 118 , 120 .
- the control system 108 may receive a real time input from the sensor 30 , 32 , 34 associated with the cooling cores 126 and/or 128 .
- the sensor 30 , 32 , 34 may include a temperature sensor to provide an inlet temperature for the cooling cores 126 and/or 128 .
- the machine 1 may have different cooling load requirements for the cooling core 126 and/or 128 associated with various components present in the machine 1 , such as, the engine 12 , the hydraulic drive system 14 , the brake system 16 , and the like.
- the control system 108 may also receive the one or more real time signals corresponding to engine conditions.
- the real time signals corresponding to the engine conditions may include the engine load factor, the engine retarder status (On/Off), and the like, obtained from the ECM 42 .
- the control system 108 may receive the one or more real time inputs and/or signals at predetermined intervals of time.
- the one or more real time inputs and/or signals stated above are merely on an exemplary basis.
- the real time inputs and/or signals received by the control system 108 may then be processed to compute the target outlet temperature associated with the cooling core 126 and/or 128 , in step 508 .
- the target outlet temperature may be indicative of the cooling requirement of the corresponding cooling core 126 and/or 128 .
- the control system 108 may generate the one or more output signals to move the air diverter 104 ; the air diverter 104 being positioned substantially perpendicular to the fan assembly 102 .
- the angular movement of the air diverter 104 may be done automatically in response to the one or more output signals generated by the control system 108 . Consequently, the position of the air diverter 104 may control the relative airflow provided to the cooling core 126 and/or 128 .
- the one or more output signals generated by the control system 108 may vary the fan speed of the fan assembly 102 .
- Conventional cooling systems may provide a fixed percentage of airflow to the cooling cores 126 and 128 .
- the air diverter 104 to distribute the airflow and/or by regulating the fan speed of the fan assembly 102 the required airflow for the cooling core 126 and 128 may be controlled. Therefore, the cooling apparatus 100 may provide more efficient cooling to the cooling cores 126 and 128 by providing a variable airflow according to the cooling requirement of the cooling cores 126 and 128 . Because of the improved efficiency, smaller package sizes may also be achieved.
- the air diverter 104 may also be moved towards or away from the cooling cores 126 and 128 , in order to direct the fan noise away from the certain areas of the machine 1 .
- the airflow provided by the fan assembly 102 may be periodically reversed in order to blow out debris that may have collected in the cooling cores 126 and 128 .
- the air diverter 104 may be moved completely away from one of the cooling cores 126 and 128 . This may facilitate an effective cleaning of the cooling cores 126 and 128 by the reversed airflow.
Abstract
A cooling apparatus for providing airflow to a cooling core, the cooling apparatus includes a housing, a fan assembly and an air diverter. The fan assembly is mounted to the housing and configured to direct air along a first plane towards a second plane. The first plane is substantially perpendicular to the second plane. Moreover, the air diverter is positioned substantially perpendicular to the second plane and configured to move in angular relation to the first plane.
Description
- The disclosure relates to a cooling system, and more particularly, to a cooling apparatus for controlling airflow for cooling one or more cooling cores.
- A cooling apparatus including a cooling fan is used to provide airflow in a machine. U.S. Pat. No. 7,008,184 discloses a control system for changing the direction of airflow through a cooling core in response to an external signal. A fan control signal, generated by a logic circuit, causes a fan to operate in a cooling mode and generate airflow through the cooling core, or operate in a neutral mode with reduced or no airflow through the cooling core.
- In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a cooling apparatus for controlling airflow to a cooling core. The cooling apparatus includes a housing, a fan assembly and an air diverter. The fan assembly is mounted to the housing and configured to direct air from a first plane towards a second plane. The first plane is substantially perpendicular to the second plane. Further, the air diverter is positioned substantially perpendicular to the second plane and configured to move in angular relation to the first plane.
- In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling airflow in a cooling apparatus. The method passes air over a cooling core on a first side of the cooling apparatus and also passes air over a cooling core on a second side of the cooling apparatus by a fan assembly. The fan assembly is positioned substantially perpendicular to the first and second sides. The method then receives a real time input from a sensor associated with the cooling cores. The method then computes a target outlet temperature associated with the cooling core. Subsequently, the method generates an output signal to move an air diverter, positioned substantially perpendicular to the fan assembly, for controlling the relative airflow to the cooling cores.
- Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a side view of a machine; -
FIG. 2 shows an exemplary schematic of a power system of the machine shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cooling apparatus for providing airflow to cooling cores; -
FIG. 4 is a bottom schematic view of the cooling apparatus shown inFIG. 3 ; and -
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an airflow controlling sequence. -
FIG. 1 shows a side view of a machine 1, according to an aspect of this disclosure. The machine 1 may embody a wheel tractor scraper, as shown inFIG. 1 . However, the machine 1 may be any type, such as, but not limited to, an off-highway truck, an on-highway truck, an articulated truck, a wheel tractor, a track type tractor, a wheel loader, a compactor, an excavator, a dozer, a motor grader, or any other machines having an engine or requiring cooling. The machine 1 includes apower system 10 and acooling apparatus 100. - The machine 1 may further include a
tractor portion 2, and ascarper portion 3 that are pivotally coupled. Thepower system 10 may be disposed in thetractor portion 2. Thecooling apparatus 100 may be a box style cooling package located on the side of the machine 1. In other embodiments or in other machines thecooling apparatus 100 may have a different structure or located in a different position on the machine 1. For example, thecooling apparatus 100 may also be in the front, back, top, or underneath the machine 1. -
FIG. 2 shows an exemplary schematic of thepower system 10, according to an aspect of this disclosure. Thepower system 10 may include anengine 12, ahydraulic drive system 14, and abrake system 16. Theengine 12 may be a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a gaseous fuel powered engine such as a natural gas engine, or any other type of engine known in the art. Further, an air to air aftercooler (ATAAC) 18, anoil cooler 20, and aradiator 22 may be associated with thepower system 10. Moreover, the ATAAC 18, theoil cooler 20 and theradiator 22 may be fluidly connected to thebrake system 16, thehydraulic drive system 14, and theengine 12, respectively. The ATAAC 18, theoil cooler 20, and theradiator 22 may be provided with anair intake pipeline 24, anoil intake pipeline 26, and acoolant intake pipeline 28, respectively. - The ATAAC 18, the
oil cooler 20, and theradiator 22 may be positioned within thecooling apparatus 100. Thecooling apparatus 100 may include afan assembly 102 which may be drivably connected to thehydraulic drive system 14. Thefan assembly 102 may be configured to direct air from a first plane P1 towards a second plane P2 which is substantially perpendicular to the first plane P1; substantially perpendicular may be within plus or minus approximately 30 degrees from normal or perfectly perpendicular. As a result, the airflow generated by thefan assembly 102 may be directed from the first plane P1, passing over the ATAAC 18, theoil cooler 20, and theradiator 22, towards the second plane P2. - In an embodiment, the
cooling apparatus 100 may further include anair diverter 104, and amotor 106. In an embodiment, themotor 106 may include an alternating current (AC) motor or a direct current (DC) motor or any another type of motor. Theair diverter 104 may be disposed or positioned substantially perpendicular to the second plane P2. Theair diverter 104 may be coupled to themotor 106 to move in angular relation to the first plane P1. Theair diverter 104 may move substantially towards and away from the ATAAC 18, theoil cooler 20, and theradiator 22 to distribute an airflow generated by thefan assembly 102. - The
air intake pipeline 24 may be provided with anair temperature sensor 30 for detecting a real time temperature of the intake air. Theoil intake pipeline 26 may be provided with anoil temperature sensor 32 for detecting a real time temperature of the hydraulic oil. Thecoolant intake pipeline 28 may also provided with acoolant temperature sensor 34 for detecting a real time temperature of the coolant (i.e. cooling water). In an embodiment, thetemperature sensors ATAAC 18, theoil cooler 20, and theradiator 22 without deviating from the scope of the disclosure. - The
temperature sensors control system 108 through the respectiveinput signal lines control system 108 may be associated with thecooling apparatus 100 and also configured receive one or more real time signals corresponding to an engine load factor and an engine retarder status (On/Off) from an engine control module (ECM) 42 associated with theengine 12. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the one or more real time inputs may be obtained using engine sensing devices, temperature sensors, and other techniques known in the art. In an embodiment, thecontrol system 108 may be incorporated in theECM 42. - The
control system 108 may include asignal input unit 110, asystem memory 112, and aprocessor 114. Thesignal input unit 110 may be configured to receive a voltage or current signals from thetemperature sensors signal input unit 110 may be also be configured to detect defective or missing sensors. - The
system memory 112 may include for example, but not limited to, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), flash memory, a data structure, and the like. Thesystem memory 112 may include a computer executable code to compute a target outlet temperature of the air, the hydraulic oil, and the coolant based on the engine load factor and the engine retarder status (On/Off). Moreover, thesystem memory 112 may store the received one or more real time inputs and/or signals. In one embodiment, thesystem memory 112 may store the target outlet temperature of the air, the hydraulic oil, and the coolant. - The
system memory 112 may be operable on theprocessor 114 to generate one or more output signals to control a position of theair diverter 104. The one or more output signals may be provided to themotor 106 to move theair diverter 104 substantially towards or away from theATAAC 18, theoil cooler 20, and theradiator 22. - Moreover, the
hydraulic drive system 14 may include ahydraulic pump 44 and ahydraulic motor 46. Thehydraulic pump 44 may be of any well known construction and type, such as, a gear pump, a rotary vane pump, a screw pump, an axial piston pump or a radial piston pump. Further, thehydraulic motor 46 may be a high speed, low torque type motor of any well-known construction. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to a particular motor type, as those skilled in the art will readily be able to adapt to various types of motors, for example, a radial or an axial piston type hydraulic motor, without departing from the teachings hereof. - In an embodiment, the
hydraulic pump 44 may be provided with an electro-hydraulic transducer valve 48. The electro-hydraulic transducer valve 48 may be configured to receive electronic reference signals from thecontrol system 108 and regulate the pressure or flow from thehydraulic pump 44,. Thus, thehydraulic pump 44 may control the rotation speed of thehydraulic motor 46 based on an electronic reference signal received by the electro-hydraulic transducer valve 48. Various type of electro-hydraulic transducer valve 48 which are used to proportionally control and vary the pressure or flow based on the electronic reference signal are well known in the art and may be used withhydraulic pump 44. -
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of thecooling apparatus 100, according to an aspect of this disclosure. Thecooling apparatus 100 may include ahousing 116, such that thefan assembly 102 may be mounted on an upper surface of thehousing 116. In various another embodiments, thefan assembly 102 may be mounted along any other surface of thehousing 116. Moreover, thefan assembly 102 may be an integral part of thehousing 116. As shown inFIG. 3 , thehousing 116 may be in a shape of a box and include first andsecond sides edge 122. Further, acurved sidewall 124 may be configured to connect the first andsecond sides housing 116 may have one or more openings located at the first andsecond sides more cooling cores second sides cores ATAAC 18, theoil cooler 20, and the radiator 22 (seeFIG. 2 ). A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the arrangement of the coolingcores - The
fan assembly 102 may include a mechanically, electrically or hydraulically drivenaxial fan 130 having a plurality ofvanes 132. By rotating the plurality ofvanes 132 of theaxial fan 130 the airflow may be drawn into thecooling apparatus 100 through the openings present in the first andsecond sides fan assembly 102 may be directed from the first plane P1, passing over the coolingcores cores - The
air diverter 104 may include a planar wall disposed inside thehousing 116, such that theair diverter 104 may be positioned substantially perpendicular to the second plane P2. As shown inFIG. 3 , theair diverter 104 may be pivoted in proximity to theedge 122 formed by the first andsecond sides housing 116. By moving theair diverter 104 within thehousing 116, the airflow generated by thefan assembly 102, may be distributed to the coolingcores - Moreover, any difference between the real time inlet temperatures received and the computed target outlet temperatures by the
control system 108, associated with the coolingcores cores cores cores cores - In order to meet the varying cooling requirements of the cooling
cores cores cores air diverter 104 may be positioned farthest with respect to thecorresponding cooling core cores air diverter 104 may be positioned closer with respect to thecorresponding cooling core -
FIG. 4 shows a bottom schematic view of thecooling apparatus 100 shown inFIG. 3 . As shown inFIG. 4 , theair diverter 104 may be pivoted at point O in proximity to theedge 122 and positioned at an angular location OA. In an exemplary state described herein, thecooling core 126 may have cooling requirement more the than thecooling core 128. In order to reach the cooling requirement associated with thecooling core 126, the airflow passing over thecooling core 126 needs to be increased as compared to the airflow passing over thecooling core 128. - The
control system 108 may then generate the output signals to move theair diverter 104 to a new location OA′, such that theair diverter 104 may be closer to thecooling core 128 and away from thecooling core 126. At the new location OA′ of theair diverter 104, the amount of the airflow passing over thecooling core 126 may be more than the airflow passing over thecooling core 128. Further, theair diverter 104 may be retained at the new location OA′ until the cooling requirement associated with thecooling core 126 may be achieved. - In another exemplary state, the cooling requirement of the
cooling core 126 may be small almost dropping to zero. In such a state, theair diverter 104 may be allowed to attain a location (not shown in the figs.) as close as possible to thecooling core 126 and away from thecooling core 128. The position of theair diverter 104 may be such that minimum airflow may be allowed to pass over thecooling core 126; and all the airflow may pass over thecooling core 128. - In one embodiment, the
control system 108 may also generate the one or more output signals to control the fan speed of thefan assembly 102. Depending on the cooling requirements of the coolingcores fan assembly 102 may produce the airflow to meet the cooling requirement, while theair diverter 104 may be moved to distribute the airflow between the coolingcores -
FIG. 5 is a block diagram 500 for an airflow controlling sequence. Instep 502, air is passed over the coolingcores second sides cooling apparatus 100 by thefan assembly 102. The fan assembly is positioned substantially perpendicular to the first andsecond sides - In
step 504, thecontrol system 108 may receive a real time input from thesensor cores 126 and/or 128. Thesensor cores 126 and/or 128. At distinctly different intervals of time the machine 1 may have different cooling load requirements for thecooling core 126 and/or 128 associated with various components present in the machine 1, such as, theengine 12, thehydraulic drive system 14, thebrake system 16, and the like. - Moreover, in
step 506, thecontrol system 108 may also receive the one or more real time signals corresponding to engine conditions. The real time signals corresponding to the engine conditions may include the engine load factor, the engine retarder status (On/Off), and the like, obtained from theECM 42. In an embodiment, thecontrol system 108 may receive the one or more real time inputs and/or signals at predetermined intervals of time. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the one or more real time inputs and/or signals stated above are merely on an exemplary basis. - Further, the real time inputs and/or signals received by the
control system 108 may then be processed to compute the target outlet temperature associated with thecooling core 126 and/or 128, instep 508. - As described above, the target outlet temperature may be indicative of the cooling requirement of the
corresponding cooling core 126 and/or 128. Finally, instep 510, thecontrol system 108 may generate the one or more output signals to move theair diverter 104; theair diverter 104 being positioned substantially perpendicular to thefan assembly 102. The angular movement of theair diverter 104 may be done automatically in response to the one or more output signals generated by thecontrol system 108. Consequently, the position of theair diverter 104 may control the relative airflow provided to thecooling core 126 and/or 128. In one embodiment, the one or more output signals generated by thecontrol system 108 may vary the fan speed of thefan assembly 102. - Conventional cooling systems may provide a fixed percentage of airflow to the cooling
cores air diverter 104 to distribute the airflow and/or by regulating the fan speed of thefan assembly 102 the required airflow for thecooling core cooling apparatus 100 may provide more efficient cooling to the coolingcores cores - By regulating the fan speed a reduction in fan noise generated by the
cooling apparatus 100 may be also achieved. Further, theair diverter 104 may also be moved towards or away from the coolingcores - Moreover, the airflow provided by the
fan assembly 102 may be periodically reversed in order to blow out debris that may have collected in the coolingcores air diverter 104 may be moved completely away from one of the coolingcores cores - While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof
Claims (20)
1. A cooling apparatus for controlling airflow to a cooling core, the cooling apparatus comprising:
a housing;
a fan assembly mounted to the housing and configured to direct air from a first plane towards a second plane, wherein the first plane is substantially perpendicular to the second plane; and
an air diverter positioned substantially perpendicular to the second plane and configured to move in an angular relation to the first plane.
2. The cooling apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the air diverter includes a planar wall.
3. The cooling apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the housing includes a first side and a second side joining at an edge, the air diverter is pivoted at the edge.
4. The cooling apparatus of claim 3 further includes a curved sidewall configured to connect the first side and second side.
5. The cooling apparatus of claim 3 , wherein each of the first and second sides include the cooling core.
6. The cooling apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the fan assembly includes a hydraulically driven fan mounted in the second plane.
7. The cooling apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the air diverter is configured to move substantially towards and away from the cooling core.
8. The cooling apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the cooling core includes at least one of a radiator, an air to air aftercooler, and an oil cooler.
9. A method for controlling airflow in a cooling apparatus, the method comprising:
passing air over a cooling core on a first side of the cooling apparatus and passing air over a cooling core on a second side of the cooling apparatus by a fan assembly positioned substantially perpendicular to the first and second sides;
receiving a real time input from a sensor associated with the cooling cores;
computing a target outlet temperature associated with the cooling cores; and
generating an output signal to move an air diverter positioned substantially perpendicular to the fan assembly for controlling the relative airflow to the cooling cores.
10. The method of claim 9 further including receiving a real time signal corresponding to an engine load factor and an engine retarder status from an engine control module.
11. The method of claim 9 , wherein the sensor may include a temperature sensor.
12. The method of claim 9 further including receiving the generated output signal by an electric motor coupled to the air diverter.
13. The method of claim 9 further including generating an output signal to vary a fan speed of the fan assembly.
14. The method of claim 9 , further including cleaning the cooling apparatus by reversing rotation of the fan assembly.
15. The method of claim 9 , wherein controlling airflow to the cooling core includes moving the air diverter in an angular relation to the first and second sides.
16. The method of claim 14 , wherein cleaning the cooling apparatus further includes moving the air diverter towards or away from the first and second sides.
17. A machine comprising:
a power system;
a cooling apparatus for providing airflow to a cooling core associated with the power system, the cooling apparatus including,
a housing;
a fan assembly mounted to the housing and configured to direct air from a first plane towards a second plane, wherein the first plane is substantially perpendicular to the second plane; and
an air diverter positioned substantially perpendicular to the second plane and configured to move in angular relation to the first plane.
18. The machine of claim 17 further including a control system configured to control airflow to the cooling core to move an air diverter.
19. The machine of claim 18 , wherein the air diverter is configured to move substantially towards and away from the cooling core.
20. The machine of claim 17 , wherein the cooling core includes at least one of a radiator, an air to air aftercooler, and an oil cooler.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/115,426 US20120298327A1 (en) | 2011-05-25 | 2011-05-25 | Cooling apparatus for controlling airflow |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/115,426 US20120298327A1 (en) | 2011-05-25 | 2011-05-25 | Cooling apparatus for controlling airflow |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20120298327A1 true US20120298327A1 (en) | 2012-11-29 |
Family
ID=47218435
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/115,426 Abandoned US20120298327A1 (en) | 2011-05-25 | 2011-05-25 | Cooling apparatus for controlling airflow |
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Cited By (2)
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US9518789B2 (en) | 2014-09-04 | 2016-12-13 | Caterpillar Inc. | Seal for heat exchanger of machine |
CN110821636A (en) * | 2018-08-13 | 2020-02-21 | 卡特彼勒路面机械公司 | Cooling package for machine |
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US6321830B1 (en) * | 1999-12-15 | 2001-11-27 | Caterpillar Inc. | Cooling system for a work machine |
US6695047B2 (en) * | 2002-01-28 | 2004-02-24 | Jon P. Brocksopp | Modular temperature control system |
US7134518B2 (en) * | 2003-03-07 | 2006-11-14 | Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. | Construction machine |
US20120211292A1 (en) * | 2011-02-22 | 2012-08-23 | Deere & Company | Swing-Out Coolers and Cooling Fans |
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US4339014A (en) * | 1978-12-27 | 1982-07-13 | Veb Kombinat Fortschritt Landmaschinen Neustadt In Sachsen | Air cooling system for drive engine of an automotive agricultural machine |
US4757858A (en) * | 1982-07-26 | 1988-07-19 | Deere & Company | Vehicle fan and radiator assembly |
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US9518789B2 (en) | 2014-09-04 | 2016-12-13 | Caterpillar Inc. | Seal for heat exchanger of machine |
CN110821636A (en) * | 2018-08-13 | 2020-02-21 | 卡特彼勒路面机械公司 | Cooling package for machine |
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Owner name: CATERPILLAR INC., ILLINOIS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SUCKOW, JEFFREY D.;REEL/FRAME:026341/0042 Effective date: 20110523 |
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