SE540225C2 - Method and system for diagnosing operation of a cooler arrangement of a cooling system of a vehicle - Google Patents

Method and system for diagnosing operation of a cooler arrangement of a cooling system of a vehicle

Info

Publication number
SE540225C2
SE540225C2 SE1550807A SE1550807A SE540225C2 SE 540225 C2 SE540225 C2 SE 540225C2 SE 1550807 A SE1550807 A SE 1550807A SE 1550807 A SE1550807 A SE 1550807A SE 540225 C2 SE540225 C2 SE 540225C2
Authority
SE
Sweden
Prior art keywords
fan
determining
jamming
arrangement
cooler arrangement
Prior art date
Application number
SE1550807A
Other versions
SE1550807A1 (en
Inventor
Claesson André
Original Assignee
Scania Cv Ab
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Scania Cv Ab filed Critical Scania Cv Ab
Priority to SE1550807A priority Critical patent/SE540225C2/en
Priority to BR102016010277A priority patent/BR102016010277A2/en
Priority to DE102016006542.7A priority patent/DE102016006542A1/en
Publication of SE1550807A1 publication Critical patent/SE1550807A1/en
Publication of SE540225C2 publication Critical patent/SE540225C2/en

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • F01P11/14—Indicating devices; Other safety devices
    • F01P11/18—Indicating devices; Other safety devices concerning coolant pressure, coolant flow, or liquid-coolant level
    • 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
    • F01P11/14—Indicating devices; Other safety devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K11/00—Arrangement in connection with cooling of propulsion units
    • B60K11/08—Air inlets for cooling; Shutters or blinds therefor
    • 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
    • F01P11/14—Indicating devices; Other safety devices
    • F01P11/20—Indicating devices; Other safety devices concerning atmospheric freezing conditions, e.g. automatically draining or heating during frosty weather
    • 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
    • F01P5/00—Pumping cooling-air or liquid coolants
    • F01P5/14—Safety means against, or active at, failure of coolant-pumps drives, e.g. shutting engine down; Means for indicating functioning of coolant pumps
    • 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
    • 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

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Cooling, Air Intake And Gas Exhaust, And Fuel Tank Arrangements In Propulsion Units (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Atmospheric Sciences (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing operation of a cooler arrangement (20) of a cooling system (10) of a vehicle (1). The cooling system comprises an air inlet (24) for said cooler arrangement (20), and a fan arrangement (30) for providing additional circulation of air for the cooler arrangement (20). The method comprises the step of determining (S1) possible jamming of the cooler arrangement (20). The step of determining (S1) jamming of the cooler arrangement (20) comprises the step of determining (S1a) the required energy for operating the fan (32) of the fan arrangement, jamming being determined if the required energy for operating the fan (32) exceeds a certain level.The present invention also relates to a system (I) for diagnosing operation of a cooler arrangement (20) of a cooling system (10) of a vehicle (1). The present invention also relates to a vehicle (1). The present invention also relates to a computer program (P) and a computer program product.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DIAGNOSING OPERATION OF A COOLER ARRANGEMENT OF A COOLING SYSTEM OF A VEHICLE TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to a method for diagnosing operation of a cooler arrangement of a cooling system of a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a system for diagnosing operation of a cooler arrangement of a cooling system of a vehicle. The invention also relates to a vehicle. The invention in addition relates to a computer program and a computer program product.
BACKGROUND ART Vehicles are equipped with a cooling system having a cooler arrangement and an air inlet for introducing air for the cooler arrangement. The cooling system may further comprise a fan arrangement for providing additional circulation of air for the cooler arrangement when needed. Such a fan arrangement is common in heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses.
When driving in e.g. snowy conditions there is a risk that the cooler arrangement of the vehicle gets partly or entirely jammed. A jammed cooler arrangement reduces the cooling performance. A problem is that the driver does not know the reason for the reduced cooling performance.
WO2009151379 discloses a system for diagnosing icing of a cooler of a vehicle. A sensor is adapted to detect possible ice formation in the cooler wherein a valve means is placed in an open position for allowing exhaust gases from the combustion engine to flow for warming.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a method for diagnosing operation of a cooler arrangement of a cooling system of a vehicle which efficiently determines jamming of the cooler arrangement.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for diagnosing operation of a cooler arrangement of a cooling system of a vehicle which efficiently determines jamming of the cooler arrangement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects, apparent from the following description, are achieved by a method, a system, a vehicle, a computer program and a computer program product, as set out in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the method and the system are defined in appended dependent claims.
Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a method for diagnosing operation of a cooler arrangement of a cooling system of a vehicle. The cooling system comprises an air inlet for said cooler arrangement, and a fan arrangement for providing additional circulation of air for the cooler arrangement. The method comprises the step of determining possible jamming of the cooler arrangement. The step of determining jamming of the cooler arrangement comprises the step of determining the required energy for operating the fan of the fan arrangement, jamming being determined if the required energy for operating the fan exceeds a certain level. Hereby an efficient way of determining jamming of the cooler arrangement is obtained. By thus determining jamming the information regarding the required energy for operating the fan exceeding a certain level may easily be used for taking measures automatically in order to heat and/or clean the cooler arrangement.
According to an embodiment of the method said fan arrangement is electrically operated, said required energy being electrical energy. An electrically operated fan may easily be reversed for providing heat and/or cleaning for the cooler arrangement.
According to an embodiment the method comprises the step of, if jamming has been determined, reversing the fan so as to provide heat to the cooler arrangement. Hereby efficient removal of ice and/or snow jamming the cooler arrangement is obtained. The reversing of the fan is advantageously effected automatically.
According to an embodiment the method comprises the step of, if jamming has been determined, reversing the fan so as to provide cleaning air flow to the cooler arrangement. Hereby efficient removal of stuff such as ice/snow and/or dirt jamming the cooler arrangement is obtained. The reversing of the fan is advantageously effected automatically.
According to an embodiment of the method the step of determining jamming of the cooler arrangement further comprises the step of determining the speed of the vehicle. By thus taking the speed of the vehicle into consideration the determination of the jamming is further improved in that the energy required for operating the fan is depending on the vehicle speed.
According to an embodiment of the method the step of determining jamming of the cooler arrangement further comprises the step of determining the surrounding temperature. By thus taking the surrounding temperature into consideration the determination of the jamming is further improved in that the energy required for operating the fan is depending on the surrounding temperature.
According to an embodiment of the method the step of determining jamming of the cooler arrangement further comprises the step of determining the humidity in that the energy required for operating the fan is depending on the humidity.
According to an embodiment of the method the step of determining jamming of the cooler arrangement further comprises the step of determining the temperature of the engine compartment. By thus taking the temperature of the engine compartment into consideration the determination of the jamming is further improved in that an abnormal temperature rise in the engine compartment may indicate jamming.
According to an embodiment of the method the step of determining jamming of the cooler arrangement further comprises the step of detecting particles in the environment of the vehicle. By thus taking particles in the environment of the vehicle into consideration the determination of the jamming is further improved.
Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a system for diagnosing operation of a cooler arrangement of a cooling system of a vehicle. The cooling system comprises an air inlet for the cooler arrangement, and a fan arrangement for providing additional circulation of air for the cooler arrangement. The system comprises means for determining possible jamming of the cooler arrangement. The means for determining jamming of the cooler arrangement comprises means for determining the required energy for operating the fan of the fan arrangement, jamming being arranged to be determined if the required energy for operating the fan exceeds a certain level.
According to an embodiment of the system said fan arrangement is arranged to be electrically operated, said required energy being electrical energy.
According to an embodiment the system comprises means for reversing the fan so as to provide heat to the cooler arrangement if jamming has been determined.
According to an embodiment the system comprises means for reversing the fan so as to provide cleaning air flow to the cooler arrangement if jamming has been determined.
According to an embodiment of the system the means for determining jamming of the cooler arrangement further comprises means for determining the speed of the vehicle.
According to an embodiment of the system the means for determining jamming of the cooler arrangement further comprises means for determining the surrounding temperature.
According to an embodiment of the system the means for determining jamming of the cooler arrangement further comprises means for determining the humidity.
According to an embodiment of the system the means for determining jamming of the cooler arrangement further comprises means for determining the temperature of the engine compartment.
The system is adapted to perform the methods as set out herein.
The system according to the invention has the advantages according to the corresponding method.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A better understanding of the present invention will be had upon the reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which: Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a vehicle according to the present invention; Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a cooling system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a system for diagnosing operation of a cooler arrangement of a cooling system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a method for diagnosing operation of a cooler arrangement of a cooling system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter the term “link” refers to a communication link which may be a physical connector, such as an optoelectronic communication wire, or a nonphysical connector such as a wireless connection, for example a radio or microwave link.
Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a vehicle 1 according to the present invention. The exemplified vehicle 1 is a heavy vehicle in the shape of a truck. The vehicle according to the present invention could be any suitable vehicle such as a bus or a car. The vehicle comprises a system I or diagnosing operation of a cooler arrangement of a cooling system of the vehicle 1.
Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a cooling system 10 of a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cooling system 10 is intended for cooling of an internal combustion engine 12 by circulating a coolant. The cooling system 10 comprises a cooling circuit C in which the coolant is arranged to be circulated. The cooling circuit C is connected to the internal combustion engine 12.
The cooling system 10 comprises a pump unit 14 for circulating the coolant. The pump unit 14 is arranged to pump the coolant through the engine 12 via a first coolant line L1 and further from the engine 12 through a second coolant line L2 through a thermostat 16. The thermostat 16 is arranged to direct a variable amount of coolant to a line L3 and a bypass line L5 depending on the temperature of the coolant.
The cooling system 10 comprises a cooler arrangement 20. The cooler arrangement 20 comprises a radiator 22 for cooling the coolant. The cooler arrangement 20 is configured to be arranged in a peripheral region of the vehicle so as to receive surrounding air A during drive. The cooler arrangement 20 is according to an embodiment arranged in the front of the vehicle. The cooler arrangement 20 could be arranged in connection to the sides of the vehicle 1. The cooler arrangement 20 could be arranged in connection to the roof of vehicle 1.
Depending on the temperature of the coolant, the coolant is arranged to be circulated via the line L3 through the radiator 22 and back to the pump unit 14 via a coolant line L4 and/or via the bypass line L5 to the pump unit 14 bypassing the radiator.
The cooling system 10 comprises an air inlet 24 for the cooler arrangement 20. The air inlet 24 is according to an embodiment comprised in the cooler arrangement 20. The air inlet 24 may have any suitable shape for introducing air A through to the radiator 22.
The cooling system 10 comprises a fan arrangement 30 for providing additional circulation of air for the cooler arrangement 20. The fan arrangement 30 is arranged to generate a flow of surrounding air through the cooler arrangement 20 and hence the radiator 22. The fan arrangement 30 comprises a fan 32.
The fan arrangement 30 is according to an embodiment arranged to provide additional circulation when there is an additional need of cooling.
The fan arrangement 30 requires energy to be operated. The fan arrangement is according to an embodiment arranged to be electrically operated. The fan arrangement 30 is thus according to an embodiment an electric fan arrangement. The required energy for operating the fan 32 of the fan arrangement 30 is hereby electrical energy. The fan arrangement 30 comprises an electric motor for operating the fan 32 such as a DC motor, asynchronous motor, synchronous motor etc. The electric motor of the fan arrangement 30 operating the fan 32 is according to an embodiment driven by a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) signal which facilitates control of the rotational speed and rotational direction of the fan 32 of the fan arrangement 30.
If the cooler arrangement 20 is jammed to some extent the resistance for the flow of air from the fan arrangement 30 through the cooler arrangement 20 is increased. The energy, here electrical energy, required for operating the fan arrangement 30 so as to provide the flow of air through the cooler arrangement 20 hereby increases due to the jamming of the cooler arrangement. The jamming may be due to snow, ice, dirt or the like.
The fan arrangement 30 is operably connected to a means 112 for determining the required energy for operating the fan 32 of the fan arrangement 30.
The means 112 for determining the required energy for operating the fan is arranged to determine whether the required energy for operating the fan 30 exceeds a certain level. If the required energy for operating the fan 30 exceeds the certain level jamming of the cooler arrangement 20 is determined.
By thus determining jamming of the cooler arrangement 20 diagnosing of the cooler arrangement 20 is facilitated.
The fan arrangement 30 is operably connected to a means 120 for reversing the fan 32 of the fan arrangement 30 so as to reduce the jamming.
The means 120 for reversing the fan 32 is arranged to reverse the fan so as to provide heat to the cooler arrangement if jamming has been determined. The heat is provided by means of hot air from the engine compartment of the engine 12. The means 120 for reversing the fan 32 is arranged to reverse the fan so as to provide cleaning air flow to the cooler arrangement if jamming has been determined. The cleaning air flow is provided by means of the hot air from the engine compartment. The means 120 for reversing the fan comprises a motor. The motor could be any suitable motor such as any suitable electric motor comprising DC motor, asynchronous motor, synchronous motor etc. The means 120 for reversing the fan 32 comprises control means which could be any suitable control unit for controlling the fan 32 comprising reversing the fan 32. The means for reversing the fan 32 is according to an embodiment comprised in an electronic control unit such as the electronic control unit 100 described with reference to fig. 3. The control including the reversing of the fan 32 is obtained by any suitable signal such as a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) signal which facilitates control of the rotational speed and rotational direction of the fan 32 of the fan arrangement 30.
During normal operation of the fan arrangement 30 the fan 32 rotates such that the surrounding air is sucked into the engine compartment of the engine 12. When the fan 32 of the fan arrangement 30 is reversed, the hot air from the engine compartment is sucked from the engine compartment of the engine 12 and is pressed forward towards the cooler arrangement. By high vehicle speed, the rotational speed of the fan 32 needs to be higher relative to low vehicle speed.
The means 120 for reversing the fan is according to an embodiment arranged to reverse the fan 32 continuously, i.e. so as to provide a continuous flow of hot air from the engine compartment for heating and cleaning of the cooler arrangement 20 so as to reduce/remove the jamming of the cooler arrangement 20.
The means 120 for reversing the fan is according to an embodiment arranged to reverse the fan 32 intermittently, i.e. so as to provide an intermittent flow of hot air from the engine compartment for heating and cleaning of the cooler arrangement 20 so as to reduce/remove the jamming of the cooler arrangement 20.
By thus reversing the fan 32 of the fan arrangement 30 automatic cleaning of the cooler arrangement 20 is facilitated.
The means 112 and means 120 are according to an embodiment comprised in a system for diagnosing operation of the cooler arrangement 20 of the cooling system 10 of the vehicle 1.
An embodiment of such a system is described with reference to fig. 3.
Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a system I for diagnosing operation of a cooler arrangement of a cooling system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cooling system comprising an air inlet for said cooler, and a fan arrangement for providing additional circulation of air for the cooler arrangement. The cooling system is according to an embodiment a cooling system in accordance with the cooling system 10 described with reference to fig. 2.
The system I comprises an electronic control unit 100.
The system I comprises means 110 for determining possible jamming of the cooler arrangement.
The means 110 for determining jamming of the cooler arrangement comprises means 112 for determining the required energy for operating the fan of the fan arrangement.
The means 112 for determining the required energy for operating the fan of the fan arrangement comprises means 112a for determining whether the required energy for operating the fan exceeds a certain level. Jamming is arranged to be determined if the required energy for operating the fan exceeds the certain level. This indicates that required energy for operating the fan so as to provide the flow of air through the cooler arrangement has increased to such a level due to the jamming of the cooler arrangement. The jamming may be due to snow, ice, dirt or the like.
The fan arrangement is arranged to be electrically operated. The required energy is thus electrical energy. The fan arrangement is thus an electrical fan arrangement having an electrically operated fan.
The means 110 for determining jamming of the cooler arrangement further comprises means 113 for determining the speed of the vehicle. The means 113 for determining the speed of the vehicle comprises any suitable means for determining the speed of the vehicle. The means 113 for determining the speed of the vehicle comprises according to an embodiment the speedometer of the vehicle. A certain speed of the vehicle results in a certain air flow towards the cooler arrangement of the vehicle resulting in a certain expected cooling capacity, given a certain surrounding temperature and humidity. If this expected cooling capacity is not obtained within a certain margin jamming of the cooler arrangement may be the reason.
The means 110 for determining jamming of the cooler arrangement further comprises means 114 for determining the surrounding temperature. The means 114 for determining the surrounding temperature comprises any suitable means for determining the surrounding temperature. The means 114 for determining the surrounding temperature comprises one or more temperature sensor units for sensing the surrounding temperature. The means 114 for determining the surrounding temperature comprises according to an embodiment a vehicle-to-vehicle and/or vehicle-to-external unit communication means for receiving information about the surrounding temperature from other vehicles and/or external units having information about the surrounding temperature. A certain surrounding temperature results in a certain expected cooling capacity for the cooler arrangement, given a certain vehicle speed and humidity. If this expected cooling capacity is not obtained within a certain margin jamming of the cooler arrangement may be the reason.
The means 110 for determining jamming of the cooler arrangement further comprises means 115 for determining the humidity. The means 115 for determining the humidity comprises any suitable means for determining the humidity. The means 115 for determining the humidity comprises one or more humidity sensor units for sensing the humidity. The means 115 for determining the humidity comprises according to an embodiment a vehicle-to-vehicle and/or vehicle-to-external unit communication means for receiving information about the humidity from other vehicles and/or external units having information about the humidity. A certain humidity results in a certain expected cooling capacity for the cooler arrangement, given a certain vehicle speed and surrounding temperature. If this expected cooling capacity is not obtained within a certain margin jamming of the cooler arrangement may be the reason.
The means 110 for determining jamming of the cooler arrangement further comprises means 116 for determining the temperature of the engine compartment. The means 116 for determining the temperature of the engine compartment may comprise any suitable means 116 for determining the temperature of the engine compartment. The means 116 for determining the temperature of the engine compartment comprises one or more temperature sensor units for sensing the temperature of the engine compartment. An abnormal increase in temperature of the engine compartment may indicate jamming of the cooler arrangement, this given the vehicle speed, surrounding temperature and humidity.
The means 110 for determining jamming of the cooler arrangement further comprises means 117 for detecting particles in the environment of the vehicle. The means 117 for detecting particles in the environment of the vehicle may comprise any suitable means 117 for detecting particles in the environment of the vehicle constituting a risk of jamming the cooler arrangement of the vehicle. The means 117 for detecting particles in the environment of the vehicle comprises one or more detector units for detecting particles in the environment of the vehicle. The at least one detector unit may comprise one or more filter arrangements for collecting and detecting such particles. The at least one detector unit may comprise one or more camera units for detecting such particles.
The system I comprises means 120 for reversing the fan. The means 120 for reversing the fan may comprise any suitable means for reversing the fan so as to change the direction of rotation of the fan. The means 120 for reversing the fan comprises a switch member. The means 120 for reversing the fan is arranged to reverse the fan if jamming has been determined. The means 120 for reversing the fan is arranged to reverse the fan automatically if jamming has been determined.
The means 120 for reversing the fan of the fan arrangement comprises means 122 for reversing the fan so as to provide heat to the cooler arrangement if jamming has been determined. The heat is according to an embodiment provided by means of hot air from the engine compartment of the engine.
The means 120 for reversing the fan of the fan arrangement comprises means 124 for reversing the fan so as to provide cleaning air flow to the cooler arrangement if jamming has been determined. The cleaning air flow is according to an embodiment provided by means of the hot air from the engine compartment.
The means 120 for reversing the fan comprises a motor. The motor is configured to operate the fan. The motor could be any suitable motor such as any suitable electric motor comprising DC motor, asynchronous motor, synchronous motor etc. The means 120 for reversing the fan comprises control means which could be any suitable control unit for controlling the fan comprising reversing the fan. The means for reversing the fan is according to an embodiment comprised in an electronic control unit such as the electronic control unit 100. The control including the reversing of the fan is obtained by any suitable signal such as a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) signal which facilitates control of the rotational speed and rotational direction of the fan of the fan arrangement.
The means 120 for reversing the fan is according to an embodiment arranged to reverse the fan continuously, i.e. so as to provide a continuous flow of hot air from the engine compartment for heating and cleaning of the cooler arrangement so as to reduce/remove the jamming of the cooler arrangement. Reversing the fan for providing a continuous flow of hot air from the engine compartment, i.e. having a continuous rotation of the fan, is suitable when ice and/or packed snow has jammed the cooler arrangement in that efficient heating and thus efficient melting of the ice/snow is obtained.
The means 120 for reversing the fan is according to an embodiment arranged to reverse the fan intermittently, i.e. so as to provide an intermittent flow of hot air from the engine compartment for heating and cleaning of the cooler arrangement so as to reduce/remove the jamming of the cooler arrangement. Reversing the fan for providing an intermittent flow of hot air from the engine compartment, i.e. having an intermittent rotation of the fan, is suitable when dust, sand, grovel, snow or the like has jammed the cooler arrangement in that efficient pulsation for removing dust, sand, grovel, snow or the like is obtained.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 110 for determining jamming of the cooler arrangement via a link 110a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 110a arranged to receive a signal from said means 110 representing data for determined jamming of the cooler arrangement.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 112 for determining the required energy for operating the fan of the fan arrangement via a link 112:1. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 112:1 arranged to receive a signal from said means 112 representing energy data for required energy for operating the fan.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 112a for determining whether the required energy for operating the fan exceeds a certain level via a link 112a1. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 112a1 arranged to receive a signal from said means 112a representing data for level of required energy for operating the fan.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 113 for determining the speed of the vehicle via a link 113a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 113a arranged to receive a signal from said means 113 representing speed data for current vehicle speed.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 114 for determining the surrounding temperature via a link 114a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 114a arranged to receive a signal from said means 114 representing temperature data for surrounding temperature.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 115 for determining the humidity via a link 115a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 115a arranged to receive a signal from said means 115 representing humidity data for current humidity.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 116 for determining the temperature of the engine compartment via a link 116a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 116a arranged to receive a signal from said means 116 representing temperature data for temperature of the engine compartment.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 117 for detecting particles in the environment of the vehicle via a link 117a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 117a arranged to receive a signal from said means 117 representing data for detected particles in the environment of the vehicle.
The electronic control unit 100 is arranged to process the data energy data for required energy for operating the fan for determining possible jamming of the cooler arrangement and the data for level of required energy for operating the fan, jamming being determined if the energy required exceeds a certain level. The electronic control unit is further arranged to process the speed data for current vehicle speed, temperature data for surrounding temperature, humidity data for current humidity, temperature data for temperature of the engine compartment, and/or data for detected particles in the environment of the vehicle so as to determine possible jamming of the cooler arrangement. If jamming of the cooler arrangement is determined the electronic control unit 100 is arranged to send information about the jamming to the means 120.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 120 for reversing the fan via a link 120a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 120a arranged to send a signal to said means 120 representing data for reversing the fan based on determined jamming of the cooler arrangement. The data may comprise data for continuously reversing the fan for continuous flow of hot air. The data may comprise data for intermittently reversing the fan for intermittent flow of hot air.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 122 for reversing the fan so as to provide heat to the cooler arrangement if jamming has been determined via a link 122a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 122a arranged to send a signal to said means 122 representing data for reversing the fan so as to provide heat to the cooler arrangement.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 124 for reversing the fan so as to provide cleaning air flow to the cooler arrangement if jamming has been determined via a link 124a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 124a arranged to send a signal to said means 124 representing data for reversing the fan so as to provide cleaning air flow to the cooler arrangement.
The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 120 for reversing the fan via a link 120b. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 120b arranged to receive a signal from said means 120 representing data for status of the direction of rotation of the fan of the fan arrangement.
Above with reference to fig. 2 and fig. 3 fan of the fan arrangement has been an electrically operated fan, wherein the required energy for operating the electrical fan of the fan arrangement has been determined, wherein jamming is determined if the required energy for operating the electrical fan exceeds a certain level. The fan arrangement could be any suitable fan arrangement operated in any suitable way, where the energy for operating the fan arrangement/the fan of the fan arrangement is determinable. The fan arrangement is according to an alternative embodiment a hydraulic fan arrangement with a hydraulically operated fan. The fan arrangement is according to an embodiment a fan arrangement operated by the engine, wherein the required energy for the engine to operate the fan of the fan arrangement is determined with any suitable detection means, wherein jamming is determined if the required energy for operating the fan exceeds a certain level. According to an embodiment an air pressure driven fan motor could be used for operating the fan.
Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a method for diagnosing operation of a cooler arrangement of a cooling system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cooling system comprises an air inlet for said cooler arrangement, and a fan arrangement for providing additional circulation of air for the cooler arrangement.
According to the embodiment the method for diagnosing operation of a cooler arrangement of a cooling system of a vehicle a step S1. In this step possible jamming of the cooler arrangement is determined.
According to the embodiment the step S1a of determining jamming of the cooler arrangement comprises the step of determining the required energy for operating the fan, jamming being determined if the required energy for operating the fan of the fan arrangement exceeds a certain level.
According to an embodiment of the method said fan arrangement is electrically operated, said required energy being electrical energy.
According to an embodiment the method comprises the step of, if jamming has been determined, reversing the fan so as to provide heat to the cooler arrangement.
According to an embodiment the method comprises the step of, if jamming has been determined, reversing the fan so as to provide cleaning air flow to the cooler arrangement.
According to an embodiment of the method the step of determining jamming of the cooler arrangement further comprises the step of determining the speed of the vehicle.
According to an embodiment of the method the step of determining jamming of the cooler arrangement further comprises the step of determining the surrounding temperature.
According to an embodiment of the method the step of determining jamming of the cooler arrangement further comprises the step of determining the humidity.
According to an embodiment of the method the step of determining jamming of the cooler arrangement further comprises the step of determining the temperature of the engine compartment.
According to an embodiment of the method the step of determining jamming of the cooler arrangement further comprises the step of detecting particles in the environment of the vehicle.
With reference to figure 5, a diagram of an apparatus 500 is shown. The control unit 100 described with reference to fig. 2 may according to an embodiment comprise apparatus 500. Apparatus 500 comprises a non-volatile memory 520, a data processing device 510 and a read/write memory 550. Non-volatile memory 520 has a first memory portion 530 wherein a computer program, such as an operating system, is stored for controlling the function of apparatus 500. Further, apparatus 500 comprises a bus controller, a serial communication port, l/O-means, an A/D-converter, a time date entry and transmission unit, an event counter and an interrupt controller (not shown). Non-volatile memory 520 also has a second memory portion 540.
A computer program P is provided comprising routines for diagnosing operation of a cooler arrangement of a cooling system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cooling system comprises an air inlet for said cooler arrangement, and a fan arrangement for providing additional circulation of air for the cooler arrangement. The program P comprises routines for determining possible jamming of the cooler arrangement. The routines for determining possible jamming of the cooler arrangement comprises routines for determining the required energy for operating the fan of the fan arrangement, jamming being determined if the required energy for operating the fan exceeds a certain level. The program P comprises routines for, if jamming has been determined, reversing the fan so as to provide heat to the cooler arrangement. The program P comprises routines for, if jamming has been determined, reversing the fan so as to provide cleaning air flow to the cooler arrangement. The computer program P may be stored in an executable manner or in a compressed condition in a separate memory 560 and/or in read/write memory 550.
When it is stated that data processing device 510 performs a certain function it should be understood that data processing device 510 performs a certain part of the program which is stored in separate memory 560, or a certain part of the program which is stored in read/write memory 550.
Data processing device 510 may communicate with a data communications port 599 by means of a data bus 515. Non-volatile memory 520 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 512. Separate memory 560 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 511. Read/write memory 550 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 514. To the data communications port 599 e.g. the links connected to the control units 100 may be connected.
When data is received on data port 599 it is temporarily stored in second memory portion 540. When the received input data has been temporarily stored, data processing device 510 is set up to perform execution of code in a manner described above. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for determining possible jamming of the cooler arrangement. The signals used for determining possible jamming of the cooler arrangement can be used for determining the required energy for operating the fan of the fan arrangement, jamming being determined if the required energy for operating the fan exceeds a certain level. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for, if jamming has been determined, reversing the fan so as to provide heat to the cooler arrangement. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for, if jamming has been determined, reversing the fan so as to provide cleaning air flow to the cooler arrangement.
Parts of the methods described herein can be performed by apparatus 500 by means of data processing device 510 running the program stored in separate memory 560 or read/write memory 550. When apparatus 500 runs the program, parts of the methods described herein are executed.
The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims (21)

1. A method for diagnosing operation of a cooler arrangement (20) of a cooling system (10) of a vehicle (1 ), said cooling system comprising an air inlet (24) for said cooler arrangement (20), and a fan arrangement (30) for providing additional circulation of air for the cooler arrangement (20), the method comprising the step of determining possible jamming of the cooler arrangement (20), characterized in that the step of determining (S1) jamming of the cooler arrangement (20) comprises the step of: - determining (S1a) the required energy for operating the fan (32) of the fan arrangement (30), jamming being determined if the required energy for operating the fan (32) for providing said additional circulation of air for the cooler arrangement (20) exceeds a certain level.
2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein said fan arrangement (30) is electrically operated, said required energy being electrical energy.
3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the step of, if jamming has been determined, reversing the fan (32) so as to provide heat to the cooler arrangement (20).
4. A method according to any preceding claims, comprising the step of, if jamming has been determined, reversing the fan (32) so as to provide cleaning air flow to the cooler arrangement (20).
5. A method according to any preceding claims, wherein the step of determining jamming of the cooler arrangement (20) further comprises the step of determining the speed of the vehicle (1 ).
6. A method according to any preceding claims, wherein the step of determining jamming of the cooler arrangement (20) further comprises the step of determining the surrounding temperature.
7. A method according to any preceding claims, wherein the step of determining jamming of the cooler arrangement (20) further comprises the step of determining the humidity.
8. A method according to any preceding claims, wherein the step of determining jamming of the cooler arrangement (20) further comprises the step of determining the temperature of the engine compartment.
9. A method according to any preceding claims, wherein the step of determining jamming of the cooler arrangement (20) further comprises the step of detecting particles in the environment of the vehicle (1).
10. A system (I) for diagnosing operation of a cooler arrangement (20) of a cooling system of a vehicle (1 ), said cooling system (10) comprising an air inlet (24) for said cooler arrangement (20), and a fan arrangement (30) for providing additional circulation of air for the cooler arrangement (20), wherein the system (I) comprises means (110) for determining possible jamming of the cooler arrangement (20), characterized in that the means (110) for determining jamming of the cooler arrangement (20) comprises means (112) for determining the required energy for operating the fan (32) of the fan arrangement (30), jamming being arranged to be determined if the required energy for operating the fan for providing said additional circulation of air for the cooler arrangement (20) exceeds a certain level.
11. A system according to claim 10, wherein said fan arrangement (30) is arranged to be electrically operated, said required energy being electrical energy.
12. A system according to claim 10 or 11 , comprising means (120, 122) for reversing the fan so as to provide heat to the cooler arrangement (20) if jamming has been determined.
13. A system according to any of claims 10-12, comprising means (120, 124) for reversing the fan so as to provide cleaning air flow to the cooler arrangement (20) if jamming has been determined.
14. A system according to any of claim 10-13, wherein the means (110) for determining jamming of the cooler arrangement (20) further comprises means (113) for determining the speed of the vehicle (1 ).
15. A system according to any of claims 10-14, wherein the means (110) for determining jamming of the cooler arrangement (20) further comprises means (114) for determining the surrounding temperature.
16. A system according to any of claims 10-15, wherein the means (110) for determining jamming of the cooler arrangement (20) further comprises means (115) for determining the humidity.
17. A system according to any of claims 10-16, wherein the means (110) for determining jamming of the cooler arrangement (20) further comprises means (116) for determining the temperature of the engine compartment.
18. A system according to any of claims 10-17, wherein the means (110) for determining jamming of the cooler arrangement (20) further comprises means (117) for detecting particles in the environment of the vehicle (1).
19. A vehicle (1) comprising a system (I) according to any of claims 10-18.
20. A computer program (P) for diagnosing operation of a cooler arrangement of a cooling system of a vehicle, said computer program (P) comprising program code which, when run on an electronic control unit (100) or another computer (500) connected to the electronic control unit (100), causes the electronic control unit to perform the steps according to claim 1 -9.
21. A computer program product comprising a digital storage medium storing the computer program according to claim 20.
SE1550807A 2015-06-15 2015-06-15 Method and system for diagnosing operation of a cooler arrangement of a cooling system of a vehicle SE540225C2 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE1550807A SE540225C2 (en) 2015-06-15 2015-06-15 Method and system for diagnosing operation of a cooler arrangement of a cooling system of a vehicle
BR102016010277A BR102016010277A2 (en) 2015-06-15 2016-05-06 Method and system for diagnosing operation of a refrigerator arrangement of a vehicle cooling system
DE102016006542.7A DE102016006542A1 (en) 2015-06-15 2016-05-27 Method and system for diagnosing the operation of a radiator arrangement of a cooling system of a vehicle

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE1550807A SE540225C2 (en) 2015-06-15 2015-06-15 Method and system for diagnosing operation of a cooler arrangement of a cooling system of a vehicle

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SE1550807A1 SE1550807A1 (en) 2016-12-16
SE540225C2 true SE540225C2 (en) 2018-05-02

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SE1550807A SE540225C2 (en) 2015-06-15 2015-06-15 Method and system for diagnosing operation of a cooler arrangement of a cooling system of a vehicle

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DE (1) DE102016006542A1 (en)
SE (1) SE540225C2 (en)

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE532361C2 (en) 2008-06-13 2009-12-22 Zoltan Kardos Cooling arrangement of a supercharged internal combustion engine

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DE102016006542A1 (en) 2016-12-15
SE1550807A1 (en) 2016-12-16
BR102016010277A2 (en) 2016-12-27

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