Traditionally, off-highway vehicles like tractors and construction machinery have relied on hydraulic, viscous, or fixed fans to meet the cooling demands of diesel engines. These fans draw power from the engine, impacting fuel consumption and contributing to noise levels that affect operator comfort. Recently, the adoption of electric fans in off-highway applications has increased due to their energy efficiency, lower noise, and flexible design. Electric fans can cool various components, such as radiators and condensers, and can be positioned for optimal performance. They are easily selected from established supplier catalogs based on application requirements like machine voltage, fan size, and type.
This study explores various fan arrangements, including pusher and puller types, and multiple electrical fan banking based on cooler zones to improve cooling system performance without changing cooler size or specifications. A mathematical flow model was developed for both setups: the puller fan draws cold air through the cooler cores, while the pusher fan pushes air through them. This paper analyzes different use cases of these models to evaluate system airflow and distribution, considering additional mechanical requirements.
The study also highlights the benefits of adjusting cooler placement and optimizing the spacing between fans to minimize interactions, which can significantly improve airflow and overall cooling performance without the need to modify the size or specifications of the coolers. By strategically positioning the coolers and fans, the system can achieve more efficient thermal management. Additionally, the paper includes in-depth discussions on model-based design and predictive analysis, providing valuable insights into how these approaches can inform and enhance the development of effective cooling solutions.