Car cooling systems and their pumps

Abstract

Circulating pumps for automotive coolant systems (cars and trucks) are sold in very large numbers, but in comparison with other rotodynamic pumps the best efficiency points of automotive pumps are distinctly poorer; less than 40% for the designs tested.

The introduction discusses current tendencies in car (liquid) cooling systems and is followed by an historical survey of automotive cooling systems.
Continuing, two main subjects (automotive cooling systems and cavitation) are discussed with particular emphasis on E.G/W mixtures. There is no separate literature review, but the work of others has been brought in throughout the thesis where relevant.

The closed system test rig has been designed to examine commercial pumps. This has provision to run at temperatures up to 130°C and a coolant system pressure up to 1.8 bar (gauge). A 230 litre vessel incorporates a pneumatic pressure controller and thermostated heater. A special housing has been made to simulate installations where a pump discharges directly into the cylinder block.

The last major section of the thesis gives results obtained with the three types of pumps tested, with graphical displays in both dimensional and non-dimensional form. Cavitation in these pumps is discussed with comment on apparent differences between water and ethylene-glycol/water mixture.

Finally, the suggested programme for future work is outlined.

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