The crescent evolution on internal combustion engines always requires a better control of all of engine systems. On refrigeration systems the improvements on temperature control of engines leads to a fuel savings, emission savings and a better performance. Also, with a more accurate control we can work with higher temperatures and we can have a reduction on friction caused by dilatation of metallic alloys on components of engine, helping gains on durability.
The thermostatic valve is the component on cooling system responsible to control engine temperature. This component is normally produced with a wax element, which is temperature sensitive and open and close passage of engine coolant to radiator. At higher temperatures the wax expand and open the valve. The coolant then start to flow inside radiator and its temperature is reduced; this low temperature coolant returns to engine reducing its temperature. When engine temperature reach a minimum value the valve close due contraction of wax element.
The working temperature of valve depends of characteristics of wax element. Normally only one temperature setting is possible to be set on engine. New developments are adding to a wax element a small resistor that helps the wax element to expand in a second temperature setting that is a desire for flex fuel vehicles.
The electric temperature control valve (TCV) was designed to replace the conventional thermostatic valve on flex fuel vehicles. This valve allow several different temperature settings that can be informed by engine ECU these temperature settings can be defined according fuel being utilized, load conditions, working conditions etc.