Electric fan arrangement and performance predictions of an off-highway cooling system

Traditionally, off-highway vehicles like tractors and construction machinery have been using either hydraulic or viscous or fixed fan to meet the cooling demands of the diesel engine. These fans draw power from the engine, affecting fuel consumption and contributing to noise levels that impact operator comfort. Recently, the use of electric fans in off-highway applications has increased due to their energy efficiency, lower noise, and flexible design. Electric fans can be used to cool various components, such as radiators and condensers, and can be positioned for optimal performance. They are easy to select from established supplier catalogs based on application requirements like machine voltage, fan size, and type. This study examines different fan arrangements in relation to coolers and the engine, using pusher and puller types, and multiple electrical fans based on cooler zones to enhance cooling system performance without altering cooler size or specifications. A mathematical flow model was created for both puller and pusher fan setups. In the puller arrangement, the fan is located between the engine and the cooling package, drawing cold ambient air through the cooler cores. In the pusher arrangement, the fan is positioned between the cooling package and the door grills, pushing ambient air through the cooler cores. This paper will explore various mathematical flow model use cases for both fan arrangements, analyzing system airflow and distribution with the consideration of other mechanical requirements. It will also discuss how changing cooler placement and optimizing fan spacing can reduce interactions between fans to enhance airflow and cooling performance, all without altering cooler size or specifications. Detailed discussions on model-based designing and predictive analysis will be included in this study.