Encapsulation of the engine bay for active temperature control and lower sound emissions

Research Project, 2013 – 2017

The purpose of this project is to use the technology of encapsulation to simultaneously improve energy efficiency and reduce the noise levels. As well as controlling hot-spots. A “virtual model” will be designed to study encapsulation of the engine and gearbox. Full control of the cooling flows is required and active regulation based on transient load distributions will be required. One- and three dimensional CFD methods will be used for the determination of the flow- and temperature fields. In the model, influence from the external flow-field and radiation will be considered together with the noise emissions from the total encapsulation. The developed "virtual model" will be evaluated against data from a concept test vehicle, a Volvo FM 460, equipped with modified encapsulations. On-going research and development at the Sound and Vehicle Feature Laboratories at Volvo GTT will generate initial conditions. Verification of the methods used will form a central part in the project.