Engine Cooling Module Development Using Air Flow Management Techniques

The objective of this study was to develop, build and test a vehicular engine cooling module that is lower in air flow resistance and higher in both air-conditioning and engine cooling performance than the experimental vehicle's OE system. These improvements were accomplished using airflow management techniques. The vehicle under study was a 1989 four door sedan, with a 3.0 liter V-6 engine and automatic transmission.

The developmental method consisted of four phases: (1) Understanding the effects of front end components on engine compartment airflow; (2) Improvement of airflow characteristics through shroud design; (3) Improvement in heat exchange capabilities and (4) Evaluation of air conditioning and engine cooling system performance on the road.

Results of subject study were as follows: (a) Front end components of the vehicle under consideration reduced the potential airflow by 36% at the “fan off” condition; (b) Underhood heat exchanger components reduced the potential airflow by an additional 48% at “fan off” condition; (c) A “Vee” shaped shroud produced the best engine compartment airflow situation; (d) Proprietary Multiflow™ condenser improved the performance of the air-conditioning system and helped reduce the total airflow resistance; and (e) Cross-flow radiator plus Multiflow™ condenser helped reduce the system weight (Advanced Exchanger Design).