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A tremendous amount of research has been done on the coolant system of engines, however, the configuration remains virtually the same since the early 1900's. Recent testing has shown that by controlling components such as thermostats and water pumps, efficiency and emission improvements can be realized. With the nearing of higher voltage and hybrid systems, along with the availability of high efficiency electric pumps and valves, we are fast approaching the implementation of controlled coolant flow technology. This paper will discuss the problems with the current cooling systems, some of the work that has been done recently and what an ideal controlled coolant system may look like in the future.

To reach its objective of reducing vehicle fuel consumption by 50 percent, the development of the 21st Century Truck (21T) will address all the aspects of truck design contributing to the achievement of that goal. [1] This paper will address one of these aspects, specifically vehicle parasitic loss reduction with special emphasis on drive train losses, concentrating on the potential benefits of replacing mechanical coolant (water) and oil pumps with electrically powered pumps.