Benefits by Exhaust and Coolant Fluid Management in Hybrid Powertrains

Authors

O. Weber, M. Elicker - Schaeffler Technologies, T. Tang - Schaeffler Greater China, P. Alfano - FEV Italia, H. Busch - FEV

Summary

Thermal Management of Hybrid Powertrains has gained in importance in recent years. The move away from the exclusive use of classical thermostats has led to an optimization of the coolant architecture, which allows rapid engine heat up and thus in an improvement in fuel economy, a reduction in pollutant emissions and increased driving comfort. This paper presents the updated concepts used, the attributes achieved and the products applied that can contribute to a further improvement in thermal management.

The actual thermal management used today for the fast heat up of SCR catalysts for Diesel engines has become at least as important in technical development as the management of the coolant side. Besides the electrically heated catalyst, engine related measures such as Early Exhaust Valve Opening, Cylinder Deactivation, Retarded Combustion or a combination thereof are being considered, demonstrated and evaluated. A system analysis provides a recommendation based on value/performance ratios.

The use of a thermal management of both the coolant and the exhaust, further in-creases the described benefits. Major results are discussed and future steps are presented.