Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Chris James Leck

John Moffat

Duncan Scholtes

Anthony Bernard Demots

Benjamin MacDonald

Paul Andrew Jones

Tom Pates

Kit Bancroft

Methods and systems are provided for a flow controller for an engine cooling system is provided. The flow controller comprises a chamber for receiving coolant flowing through the engine cooling system; a first aperture for coolant to flow into or out of the chamber; a first valve for controlling the flow of coolant through the first aperture according to a pressure of the coolant to flow through the first aperture; a second outlet for coolant to flow into or out of the chamber; and a second valve for controlling the flow of coolant through the second outlet according to the pressure of the coolant to flow through the second aperture, wherein the first and second apertures are inlets, for coolant to flow into the chamber though the first and second apertures, or the first and second apertures are outlets, for coolant to flow out of the chamber though the first and second apertures.

Flow control device for a cooling system

A connector for an engine cooling system is provided. The connector may be located in a chamber with two inlets and an outlet. The connector may include a thermostatic valve. A temperature sensitive element may move the thermostatic valve between an open and closed position. A pressure relief valve may also be incorporated into the thermostatic valve. An engine cooling system comprising the connector is also provided.

Connector

A detachable water pump reservoir to collect coolant leakage from a housing of an engine water pump to which the reservoir is attached in use is described herein. The reservoir includes a hollow body defining a chamber in which the coolant leakage is collected and having a mouth shaped to complement a surface of the housing, at least one attachment apparatus configured to enable the reservoir to be easily and quickly attached to and removed from the housing of the water pump, and a level indicator to indicate the level of the coolant collected in the reservoir.

Detachable water pump reservoir

An engine system for a vehicle is described in which a turbocharger adapted to compress intake air is thermally coupled to a charge air cooler device operatively interposing the turbocharger and the engine. The system further includes a reconfigurable cooling system operable in three modes based on the flow of coolant and temperatures detected therein. In particular, the approach may be used to enhance engine warm-up in cold ambient conditions without costly additional devices.

Apparatus and method for warming up an engine

A turbocharger for an internal combustion engine comprising a housing wherein the housing comprises one or more coolant passages for receiving a coolant to cool the turbocharger and one or more lubricant passages for receiving a lubricant to lubricate the bearings. The lubricant may be the lubricant for both the turbocharger bearings and the internal combustion engine. The coolant passages and lubricant passages in the turbocharger may be arranged in the housing to transfer heat from the lubricant to the coolant such that the transfer of heat between the coolant passages and lubricant passages is sufficient to cool the lubricant to a temperature that is suitable for subsequent use in the internal combustion engine.

Turbocharger lubricant coolant

A method for controlling a cooling system for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine permits rapid warm-up of the engine by the use of two electrically-operated valves in addition to a conventional thermostat. The method includes controlling a bypass valve and a heater valve to both remain closed at low coolant temperatures and engine speed to inhibit coolant flow through the engine. A control unit opens the bypass valve to prevent cavitation in the water pump if engine speed and/or load exceeds a certain value. The heater valve is opened when a threshold engine coolant temperature is reached permitting warming of the heater matrix.

Cooling systems

A cooling system for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine permits rapid warm-up of the engine by the use of two electrically-operated valves in addition to a conventional thermostat. A bypass valve and a heater valve both remain closed at low coolant temperatures and engine speeds, thereby inhibiting coolant flow through the engine. A control unit opens the bypass valve to prevent cavitation in the water pump if engine speed and/or load exceeds a certain value. The heater valve is opened when a threshold engine coolant temperature is reached permitting warming of the heater matrix.

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Middlesex, United Kingdom

Chris James Leck