Integrated cooling system and method for engine-powered unit

摘要

The present invention relates to an integrated cooling system for a vehicle. The system includes an engine cooling loop having a first fluid configured for circulation through an engine of the vehicle and a power electronics cooling loop having a second fluid configured for circulation through at least one power electronics component of the vehicle. The engine cooling loop is fluidly isolated from, and in thermal communication with, the power electronics cooling loop.

主权项

1. A cooling system for an engine-powered unit, comprising:
an engine cooling loop having a first fluid configured for circulation through an engine and a radiator of the engine-powered unit; a power electronics cooling loop having a second fluid configured for circulation through at least one power electronics component of the engine-powered unit; a heat exchanger providing thermal communication between the engine cooling loop and the power electronics cooling loop; and a first valve in the engine cooling loop between the radiator and the heat exchanger, the first valve being configured to selectively control a flow of the first fluid from the engine to the heat exchanger after passing through the radiator when the first valve is in an open position, or from the engine, through the radiator and back to the engine without passing through the heat exchanger when the first valve is in a closed position; wherein the engine cooling loop is fluidly isolated from the power electronics cooling loop; wherein the at least one power electronics component is configured to convert and control electric power in the engine-powered unit; wherein the power electronics cooling loop does not include a radiator or a fan; and wherein the first valve is configured to be automatically controlled to the open position when a sensed temperature of the at least one power electronics component falls below a threshold temperature to permit the first fluid to flow through the heat exchanger immediately after passing through the radiator to transfer heat from the engine to the power electronics cooling loop in order to increase the temperature of the at least one power electronics component.