Optimization of an Automotive Cooling System Based on Exergy Analysis

In this study, an automotive cooling system of the engine was analyzed using an exergy-based approach. The goal was to minimize the exergy destroyed by reducing the entropy generated and by minimizing the parasitic power loss. By running a two-objective optimization using a genetic algorithm within a certain range of water flow rate, a series of Pareto curves were obtained. At each speed there exists an optimal water flow rate that corresponds to the minimum consumed power and is close to a minimum in exergy destroyed. We show how an exergy method can yield operating conditions and design parameter values to reduce parasitic power losses.