A Review of Thermal Management System and Control Strategy for Automotive Engines

This article reviews the main development of advanced components and control algorithms in engine thermal management systems (TMS). First, the limitations in traditional mechanical coolant pumps, radiator fans, and thermostats are discussed, such as waste of power and poor temperature control. To solve these problems, replacing the executors of TMS with electric components and intelligent control schemes is possible. The development status and characteristics of electric fans, pumps, thermostats, cooling systems, and an advanced cooling concept and cooling medium are summarized, all of which contribute to the improved efficiency of TMS. The reliability of the system is directly affected by the control strategies; therefore, the research progress of different control algorithms, including proportional-integral-derivative (PID), Smith predictor, model predictive control (MPC), active disturbance rejection control (ADRC), Lyapunov, fuzzy control algorithms, are reviewed. In addition, the current methods of building zero-/one-/three-dimensional simulation object models used for control algorithm development are then summarized. Finally, the coordinated development of electric components and control strategies are concluded to have great significance in improving the fuel economy and safety of internal combustion engines.