Engine lubrication system design and optimization

Regulations are driving the automotive industry to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. As a result, new technologies such as gasoline direct injection, turbocharging and variable valve lift (VVL) are being developed. Integration of these technologies into existing power train. 

Changan Motors power train development working on VVL for their 1.6 liter 4-cylinder engine. Variable valve lift control the air flow into the engine which helps in reducing pumping loss, improving volumetric efficiency, speeding up combustion and many more advantages. Engine lubrication system must be designed to ensure adequate oil pressure for normal operation of the hydraulic VVL mechanism, as well as delivering sufficient lubricating oil to all engine parts , which is very difficult. Engineers, using Simcenter Flomaster created a digital twin of entire lubrications system including the VVL mechanism. Multiple optimizations are made on digital twin including addition of throttle valve, modifying external layout, adjusting oil provision to camshaft, adjustment of piston cooling jet etc. . These optimization allowed lubrication system to meet its requirement with existing oil pump. Quick implementation and validation of changes in system using Flomaster greatly reduced the effort to achieve final design.