Design improvement of volumetric pump for engine cooling in the transportation sector

Abstract

Abstract Internal combustion engine (ICE) thermal management is one of the most attractive methods for reducing both fuel consumption and harmful emissions. Conventional ICE cooling uses a dynamic centrifugal pump, which is generally designed based on the maximum ICE power. Unfortunately, such devices present significant efficiency reductions when they are operated far from the design point. Therefore, a sliding vane rotating pump (SVRP) has been considered as a substitute for the centrifugal pump because its efficiency is not dependent on the revolution speed and head pressure. This study developed a mathematical model that could be used for designing and simulating an SVRP. Then, an SVRP was built and tested, and the results validated the model under a wide range of operating conditions. Once validated, the model was used as a software platform to improve the SVRP design using a novel approach based on the optimisation of the ports and shape. Moreover, the benefits of this SVRP were assessed by comparing electrical and mechanical actuation using the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP). A pump energy reduction of approximately 30% and a CO2 emission reduction of up to 1.4\xa0g/km were obtained.