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System and method for thermal management of engine during idle shutdown

  • US 8,160,804 B2
  • Filed: 12/19/2007
  • Issued: 04/17/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2006
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for controlling a vehicle engine for an automated shutdown process, comprising the steps of:

  • determining that vehicle engine shutdown conditions exist, said conditions including at least that the engine is running at a predefined idle speed;

    determining an engine-associated temperature;

    comparing the engine associated temperature to a first threshold temperature and to a second threshold temperature higher than the first threshold temperature;

    responsive to said engine-associated temperature being above the second threshold temperature, operating at least one of a cooling fan associated with the engine at a speed above a cooling fan engine idle speed and a coolant pump associated with the engine at a speed above a coolant pump engine idle speed to allow the engine-associated temperature to fall below the second threshold temperature;

    responsive to said engine-associated temperature being above the first threshold temperature, operating a cooling fan associated with the engine and operating the engine at the predefined idle speed to allow the engine-associated temperature to fall below the first threshold temperature;

    responsive to said engine-associated temperature being below the first threshold temperature, reducing cooling fan operation; and

    completing an engine shutdown process responsive to the predetermined shutdown conditions being determined to exist, said conditions including at least that the engine-associated temperature is not greater than the first threshold temperature.

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