METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM CONTROL

摘要

Methods and systems are providing for improving engine coolant level estimation to reduce engine overheating. The level of fluid in a coolant overflow reservoir is inferred based on the fluid level in a hollow vertical standpipe fluidically coupled to the reservoir at top and bottom locations, while the fluid level in the standpipe is estimated based on output from an ultrasonic signal transmitted by a sensor positioned in a recess at the bottom of the vertical standpipe. The sensor uses a combination of raw echo times and processed fluid level data to estimate the fluid level accurately and reliably.

主权项

1. A method, comprising:
receiving each of unprocessed, raw echo times and processed fluid level data from a sensor coupled to a vertical tube, the tube positioned external to and fluidically coupled to a coolant reservoir at each of a top and bottom region; and generating a fluid level estimate based on the raw echo times and vehicle sensor data during a first condition; and generating the fluid level estimate based on the processed data during a second condition.