Thermal Management Strategies for CO2 Reduction in Powertrain Systems

he aim of this work is to propose a generalized methodology for the optimization of the thermal management of different powertrain devices, with particular regard to ICEs, power electronic units (IGBT) and PEM Fuel cells. The methodology uses a Model Predictive Control and requires an electrically driven pump in order to manage the coolant flow rate. The control is based on a lumped parameter model for the heat transfer between the device and the coolant and makes use of a thermal index, which allows to detect the occurrence of the nucleate boiling and to control the thermal state of the coolant. The advantages of this methodology are analyzed by means of experimental tests in a small displacement, 4-valve cylinder SI engine in terms of fuel consumption reduction during warm-up and during the NEDC homologation cycle.