Thermal Performance Analysis of Hybrid Cooling Systems in Automotive Engines

Arun Raj¹, Fahad M.², Neha Babu³
¹ Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering Trivandrum, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
² Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering Trivandrum, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
³ Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering Trivandrum, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

Abstract

Hybrid cooling systems, which combine liquid cooling, air cooling, and advanced phase-change materials (PCMs), have become pivotal in addressing the complex thermal management demands of modern automotive engines, particularly in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs). This comprehensive research article investigates the thermal performance of hybrid cooling systems, focusing on their heat dissipation efficiency, temperature regulation, energy consumption, and impact on vehicle performance metrics such as fuel economy and emissions. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates experimental testing, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, and analytical modeling to evaluate key performance indicators, including heat transfer rates, temperature uniformity, system weight, and energy efficiency. Results demonstrate that optimized hybrid cooling systems achieve up to 25% higher thermal efficiency compared to conventional liquid cooling systems, with PCM-enhanced designs reducing temperature gradients by 40%. The study also addresses challenges such as system complexity, cost, and spatial constraints, proposing strategies for integration in next-generation vehicles. Future research directions are outlined to enhance scalability, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability, positioning hybrid cooling systems as a cornerstone of automotive thermal management.Hybrid cooling systems have emerged as a critical solution for managing the complex thermal challenges in modern automotive engines, particularly in hybrid and electric vehicles. These systems integrate liquid cooling, air cooling, and advanced phase-change materials (PCMs) to achieve superior heat dissipation and temperature regulation. The comprehensive research article explores the thermal performance of these systems, examining their efficiency in heat dissipation, temperature control, energy consumption, and their impact on crucial vehicle performance metrics like fuel economy and emissions. By employing a multifaceted approach that combines experimental testing, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, and analytical modeling, the study evaluates key performance indicators such as heat transfer rates, temperature uniformity, system weight, and energy efficiency.

The findings of the study are significant, demonstrating that optimized hybrid cooling systems can achieve up to 25% higher thermal efficiency compared to conventional liquid cooling systems. Moreover, designs incorporating PCMs have shown the ability to reduce temperature gradients by 40%, contributing to more uniform temperature distribution. However, the research also acknowledges the challenges associated with these advanced systems, including increased complexity, higher costs, and spatial constraints within vehicles. To address these issues, the study proposes strategies for integrating hybrid cooling systems into next-generation vehicles. The article concludes by outlining future research directions aimed at enhancing the scalability, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of these systems, underscoring their potential as a cornerstone technology in automotive thermal management for years to come.

Keywords

Hybrid cooling systems, automotive engines, thermal management, heat transfer, energy efficiency, hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicles, phase-change materials, computational fluid dynamics, battery thermal management.

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