Thermostat / how does it work? (3D animation)

Summary

This video explains the function and mechanics of the engine thermostat, a crucial component in liquid-cooled piston engines. It helps the engine reach its optimal operating temperature quickly and maintain it by controlling coolant flow. The thermostat's design, including a wax-filled cylinder and piston, allows it to regulate coolant circulation, ensuring efficient engine performance. The video also covers various types of thermostats, including double-valve models and electronically controlled versions, highlighting their role in preventing overheating and maintaining engine efficiency.

Takeaways

• 😀 The thermostat is an essential component of the engine cooling system, present in all liquid-cooled piston engines.
• 😀 It helps the engine heat up quickly from a cold start and maintain its optimal operating temperature.
• 😀 The thermostat can be located near the cylinder block's coolant input or outlet.
• 😀 Initially, the thermostat closes the longer circuit, forcing coolant to circulate through the shorter circuit, bypassing the radiator to warm up the engine faster.
• 😀 Once the engine reaches the desired temperature (typically 82°C), the thermostat begins opening the path to the radiator.
• 😀 If the temperature continues to rise and mixing of hot and cold coolant is insufficient, the thermostat will fully open the longer circuit at 93°C.
• 😀 The primary element of a thermostat is a cylinder filled with wax that expands when heated, pushing a piston to open the valve.
• 😀 The thermostat is equipped with a spring to ensure the valve returns when the fluid cools and the wax contracts.
• 😀 A double-valve thermostat is commonly used, with a secondary valve that shuts off the shorter circuit when the longer circuit is fully open.
• 😀 Some thermostats feature a jiggle pin, which helps remove air locks in the cooling system of certain vehicles.
• 😀 Some complex cooling systems may use two thermostats, and modern cars may use electronically controlled thermostats for better temperature regulation.

Q & A

What is the primary function of a thermostat in an engine's cooling system?

The thermostat helps an engine heat up quickly from a cold start and maintains its optimal operating temperature by regulating the flow of coolant through the system.

Where is the thermostat typically located in an engine's cooling system?

The thermostat is typically placed near the cylinder block's coolant input or, alternatively, at the coolant outlet.

How does the thermostat help the engine warm up faster?

When the coolant is still cold, the thermostat shuts off the longer circuit, which prevents coolant from going through the radiator. This allows the coolant to circulate within the shorter circuit, causing the engine to warm up faster.

What temperature does the thermostat aim for to achieve optimal engine operation?

The thermostat typically aims for a temperature of 82°C to achieve optimal engine operation.

What happens when the engine coolant temperature exceeds 93°C?

If the temperature continues to increase beyond 93°C, the thermostat fully opens the longer circuit, shutting off the shorter circuit, and coolant will circulate only through the radiator to cool the engine.

What is the role of the wax in the thermostat?

The wax inside the thermostat expands significantly when heated, pushing a piston to open the valve. This process helps regulate the coolant flow based on the engine's temperature.

How does the thermostat return to its closed position after opening?

A spring is added to the thermostat mechanism to ensure the valve returns to its closed position when the fluid cools down and the wax contracts.

What is the difference between a single-valve thermostat and a double-valve thermostat?

A single-valve thermostat only controls the flow to the radiator, while a double-valve thermostat also shuts off the shorter circuit when the longer circuit is fully open, offering more control over coolant flow.

What is the purpose of the jiggle pin in some thermostats?

The jiggle pin in some thermostats helps remove air locks in the cooling system, which can improve the overall efficiency of the coolant flow.

What are the advantages of electronically controlled thermostats in modern vehicles?

Electronically controlled thermostats are more complex but offer better control of the engine temperature, adapting to different operating modes of the engine for more efficient temperature management.