Cooler bypass valve system and method
AssigneeMack Trucks, Inc.
InventorsBrian Lee Tussing, David Oliver Britner, Stephen Mark Geyer
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In preferred embodiments, to, e.g., eliminate condensation build-up in the intake manifold and power cylinders, a charge-air cooler (CAC) and/or EGR cooler “bypass” system is provided that can, e.g., control the intake manifold temperature (IMT) above the dew-point temperature of the boosted air. Preferably, a two-port, single valve-body type valve is provided that proportionally controls the amount of charge-air that is “bypassed” (e.g., not cooled), while simultaneously diverting the charge-air cooler return, preferably, inversely proportionally.
Claims30
A method of controlling an inlet manifold air temperature to inhibit condensation and the creation of corrosive acids or chemicals, comprising:
- a) providing a bypass valve that allows exhaust gas to bypass at least one cooler;
- b) operating said bypass valve to inhibit condensation buildup in an intake manifold or power cylinder;
- and
- c) maintaining an intake manifold temperature substantially within a predetermined range just above the dew point temperature, wherein
- said bypass valve comprises a first input port and a second input port, said first port configured to receive un-cooled exhaust gas and said second port configured to receive cooled gas output from said at least one cooler,
- said at least one cooler includes a charge air cooler, and
- said bypass valve allows turbo boosted charged air to bypass the charge air cooler.
A system for use in exhaust gas recirculation, comprising:
- at least one cooler for cooling exhaust gas;
- a bypass valve configured to allow exhaust gas to bypass said at least one cooler;
- and
- a bypass valve controller configured to control said bypass valve to inhibit condensation buildup in an intake manifold or power cylinder, said bypass valve controller maintaining an intake manifold temperature above the dew point temperature, wherein
- said bypass valve comprises a first input port and a second input port, said first port configured to receive un-cooled exhaust gas and said second port configured to receive cooled gas output from said at least one cooler, and
- said at least one cooler includes a charge air cooler and said bypass valve is configured to allow turbo boosted charged air to bypass the charge air cooler.
A system for use in exhaust gas recirculation, comprising:
- at least one cooler for cooling exhaust gas;
- a bypass valve configured to allow exhaust gas to bypass said at least one cooler;
- and
- a bypass valve controller configured to control said bypass valve to inhibit condensation buildup in an intake manifold or power cylinder, said bypass valve controller maintaining an intake manifold temperature above the dew point temperature, wherein
- said bypass valve comprises a first input port and a second input port, said first port configured to receive un-cooled exhaust gas and said second port configured to receive cooled gas output from said at least one cooler, and
- said bypass valve has two valve plates that are configured to be actuated inversely proportionately.
A method of controlling an inlet manifold air temperature to inhibit condensation and the creation of corrosive acids or chemicals, comprising:
- a) providing a bypass valve that allows exhaust gas to bypass at least one cooler;
- b) operating said bypass valve to inhibit condensation buildup in an intake manifold or power cylinder;
- and
- c) maintaining an intake manifold temperature above the dew point temperature, wherein said bypass valve comprises a first input port and a second input port, said first port configured to receive un-cooled exhaust gas and said second port configured to receive cooled gas output from said at least one cooler, wherein
- said bypass valve has two valve plates that are configured to be actuated inversely proportionately.
A charge air cooler bypass system, comprising:
- a turbocharger configured to compress air before it enters a charge air cooler;
- a charge air cooler configured to reduce the temperature of the air from the turbocharger before it enters an engine intake;
- and
- a bypass system configured to mix higher temperature bypassed air with air from the charge air cooler to create a mixed boost air temperature that is just above the dew point temperature so as to inhibit condensation and the formation of acids, wherein said bypass system comprises a bypass valve comprising a first input port and a second input port, said first port configured to receive un-cooled turbo boosted charged air and said second port configured to receive gas output from said charge air cooler.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.