Method for combined preheating and cooling of a coolant

Abstract

A method for cooling a coolant for waste heat cooling of an internal combustion engine is described for an agricultural working vehicle. The method includes providing a heat exchanger through which coolant flows and an air delivery means generates an air flow through the heat exchanger.

1 . A method for combined preheating and cooling of a coolant for waste heat cooling of an internal combustion engine in an agricultural working vehicle, the method comprising:
 providing a heat exchanger through which coolant flows and an air delivery means to generate an air flow through the heat exchanger;   generating air flow via the air delivery means in a direction towards or away from the internal combustion engine as required;   detecting a temperature of the internal combustion engine;   producing air flow in the direction away from the internal combustion engine when a temperature value of the internal combustion engine is below a threshold value; and   reversing the air delivery means when the temperature value exceeds the threshold value.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the threshold value is established at a level of an operating temperature of the internal combustion engine. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the air delivery means comprises a fan with an electric or hydraulic drive. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the fan has fixed blades. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the fan has variable pitch blades.