View Single Post
Old 11-24-2014, 09:12 PM   #24 (permalink)
user removed
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,927
Thanks: 877
Thanked 2,024 Times in 1,304 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nigel_S View Post
I have a variable speed fan that keeps the coolant returning from the radiator 10 degrees C below the thermostat opening temperature thus allowing the thermostat to mix warm and cool coolant and keep the engine temperature constant.

In normal running the fan stays off for 10-15 minutes and then runs slowly, if I go up a steep hill it speeds up. The amount of power used is typically 15W while the grill block appears to be saving several KW. So even though alternators aren't 100% efficient it doesn't matter as long as I save more than I use...


Thanks for the search tip, helps to know what to search for.

They still seem to have the intake in the high pressure area though, and in a place my car doesn't have. The obvious places to put a hole and maybe flap on my car are in the lower grill block or in the undertray in front of the radiator which is a low pressure area so would need some extra effort from the fan possibly in return for gains in aerodynamics.
A variable speed fan which controls the outflow coolant temperature.
WAAAAAY NEAT!!!!!! and first I have read about that being a factory design.

It means you have avery stable temperature of the coolant entering the engine, which without that system can vary by as much as 90 degrees sucking heat energy out of the engine when it's cold.

I would consider blocking the upper grille, which looks like it is integral with the hood and opens with same.

We think of cooling fans as either on or off, yours is a generation advanced from the old all or nothing fans.

Whatever you do block, start gradually, so as to avoid compromising the integrity of the super neat system you have already. Basically when temps drop below a certain point you want to restrict airflow due to the much cooler air flowing.

regards
mech
  Reply With Quote