The objective of this paper is to quantify variations of radiator top tank or coolant inlet temperature. Radiator top tank temperature (radiator coolant inlet temperature) can be predicted using standard heat transfer calculations assuming pre-defined cooling module architecture for required vehicle road or wind tunnel test conditions. Variation of top tank temperature can easily be calculated using formulas derived in this paper for any changes to the influencing parameters or test conditions, such as ambient temperature, coolant flow rate etc.
Variation of top tank temperature can be expressed as a function of independent parameters and conditions for a range of assumed engine cooling module architectures. Independent parameters for consideration are air flow rates, coolant flow rate, engine to coolant and engine oil heat rejection rates, etc.
One dimensional thermal fluid simulation runs were conducted with Kuli™ software to validate the above derivations and concepts. Discussions of this mathematical expressions and its application are both presented in this paper.