Analytical Model of the Cooling System of a Formula SAE Race Car

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Analytical Model of the Cooling System of a
Formula SAERace Car

• By
• Dave McClelland
• Jacob Zuehl

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Background
The cooling system removes heat from the engine
and maintains it at its optimal operating
temperature. If the engine becomes too hot, the
engine will produce less than optimal power and
risks permanent damage. In the past two years,
the cars have not had adequate cooling. There
was no analytical model to aid in the design of
the cooling system.
Objectives

• Produce a simplified
  analytical model of the cooling system as a basis
  for future years.
• See how changes in various parameters affect the
  air speed required.

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Problem Setup

• Establish Governing Equations

Establish Governing Equations


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Results

• Select Design Parameters of Interest
• Number of Radiators
• Fin Air Channel Size
• Engine Heat Load
• Ambient Air Temperature
• Examine Effects of Each Parameter
• Vary one at a time
• Calculate the required airflow speed

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Results

• Varying the Number of Radiators

Varying the Fin Air Channel Size
Varying the Engine Power Output
Varying the Ambient Temperature
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Conclusions Recommendations

• It is confirmed that the cooling system on the
  current car is not adequate
• The model should be verified by measuring inlet
  and outlet temperatures of the air and water and
  mass flow rate of water
• A relationship between air flow through the
  radiator and vehicle speed should be determined
• Changes from a straight shroud should be
  considered
• Measure fuel usage during average driving to
  better approximate heat rejected

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Appendix
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Appendix