The potential of vehicle cooling systems

Abstract

Abstract Vehicle engine cooling systems have several functions. Excess heat removal from the engine helps to rapidly cool it, quickly reach operating temperature, maintain a constant engine operating temperature, and provide heat to the vehicle’s passenger compartment. Developments in the automotive industry, such as hybrid and electric vehicles, now also involve the temperature management of battery packs. Currently, the coolant used in cooling systems is water or an equivalent substance. Water as a coolant has low thermal conductivity. Therefore, researchers are trying to use nano-liquid as a coolant in the cooling system. Better results are expected by use of this alternative. Nano-liquids contain metal particles that enhance thermal transfer properties, so current and future cooling systems could operate more efficiently. Adding phase change materials to the cooling and air handling systems will result in better efficiency in future vehicles. In the case of hybrid and electric vehicles, the addition of thermoelectric generators to cooling and exhaust systems increase efficiency. Present developments help increase a vehicles’ usability and the possibility of achieving greater efficiency.