System and method for increasing operating efficiency of a powertrain by controlling an aero shutter

• Main Authors: CHARNESKY SCOTT P, BISHOP TERRY C, WEIDEMANN REINER, WILHELM ANDREAS, FADLER GREGORY J
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 21.05.2013
• Subjects: ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS INVEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OFTRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GASEXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS, IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; BLASTING; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; HEATING; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; LIGHTING; MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; STEAM ENGINES; TRANSPORTING; VEHICLES IN GENERAL; WEAPONS

A method of increasing operating efficiency of a powertrain includes unrestricting a grille opening by fully opening a shutter at or below a first predetermined vehicle speed, and turning a fan off. The method also includes unrestricting the grille opening by fully opening the shutter above the first predetermined vehicle speed and at or below a second predetermined vehicle speed under a high powertrain cooling load, and turning the fan on. The method additionally includes partially restricting the grille opening above the second predetermined vehicle speed via an intermediate position of the shutter, and turning the fan off. A specific size of the fan together with the selected positions for the shutter at the respective vehicle speeds provides sufficient airflow through the grille opening to cool the powertrain, and provides increased powertrain operating efficiency. A system for increasing operating efficiency of a powertrain and a vehicle are also provided.