An intelligent cooling system for your car
Engineers at Dana Corp., Toledo,
decided to add some intelligence to the cooling system and boost engine
performance, fuel economy, durability, and passenger comfort, while
cutting back on emissions and the overall size of the cooling system.
Traditionally, cooling systems relied on a water pump with flow
dependent on engine speed, a wax thermostat, and a radiator big enough
to meet rarely used peak demands. Dana’s system, dubbed Intelligent
Cooling, relies on an electronic water pump, a multiport proportional
flow valve to replace the thermostat, a variable-speed fan, and cylinder
head gaskets containing temperature sensors. During engine warm-up, for
example, the flow valve and pump act independently of the engine. They
permit extremely low or even zero flow rates, which accelerates engine
warm-up and minimizes heat losses. The pump and valve, as well as
cooling fan and heat sinks, can also be mounted away from the engine,
giving auto designers more flexibility in laying out the engine
compartment. The gasket monitors temperature and has proven to have
faster response to real-time thermal data than conventional cooling
systems. The pump, valve, and fan can be controlled by the same unit or
an Electronic Control Unit.
