Evaporative cooling technique to control the temperature of a vehicle driveline component

摘要

A system for cooling vehicle driveline components, such as axles or wet disc brake assemblies utilizes evaporative cooling effects of liquid applied to an exterior surface on the housing. A liquid supply is coupled with an outlet and a controller determines when cooling is needed. Liquid is applied onto the housing from the outlet as cooling is needed. One example includes a plurality of fluid collectors on a portion of the housing exterior to increase the amount of liquid maintained on the housing to increase the evaporative cooling effect.