A FLUID SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME

Abstract

A number of variations may include a fluid system comprising a fluid circuit and a pump wherein the fluid circuit diverges into a first path and a second path and converges back into a third path; wherein the fluid circuit further comprises at least one solenoid valve located near the convergence of the first path and the second path into the third path and wherein the solenoid valve is constructed and arranged to control fluid flow on its path in accordance with preset conditions of the fluid system.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The field to which the disclosure generally relates to includes fluid systems.

BACKGROUND

Currently, there are a number of fluid systems that offer divergent paths of the fluids in a fluid circuit for use in different applications.

SUMMARY OF ILLUSTRATIVE VARIATIONS OF THE INVENTION

A number of variations may include a product having a fluid system comprising a fluid circuit and a pump wherein the fluid circuit diverges into a first path and a second path and converges back into a third path; wherein the fluid circuit further comprises at least one solenoid valve located near the convergence of the first path and the second path into the third path and wherein the solenoid valve may be constructed and arranged to control fluid flow on its path in accordance with preset conditions of the fluid system.

A number of variations may include a product having a fluid system comprising a fluid circuit and a pump wherein the fluid circuit diverges into a first path and a second path and converges back into a third path; wherein the fluid circuit further comprises a solenoid valve located near the divergence of the first path and the second path and wherein the solenoid valve may be constructed and arranged to control fluid flow on its path in accordance with preset conditions of the fluid system.

A number of variations may include a method including providing a fluid system comprising a fluid circuit and a pump wherein the fluid circuit diverges into a first path and a second path and converges back into a third path; and wherein the fluid circuit further comprises a solenoid valve located near the convergence of the first path and the second path into the third path and wherein the solenoid valve may be constructed and arranged to control fluid flow on its path in accordance with preset conditions of the fluid system; and flowing a fluid through the fluid circuit with the solenoid at least partially blocks fluid flow to or from the first path or the second path.

Other illustrative variations of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while disclosing optional variations of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Select examples of variations of the invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a product and method according to a number of variations.

FIG. 2 illustrates a product and method according to a number of variations.

FIG. 3 illustrates a product and method according to a number of variations.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method according to a number of variations.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method according to a number of variations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE VARIATIONS OF THE INVENTION

The following description of the variations is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a number of variations. In a number of variations, a product 10 is shown. In a number of variations, the product 10 may include a fluid system (10). In a number of variations, the fluid system 10 may include a fluid circuit 12. In a number of variations the fluid may include, but may not be limited to, air, water, engine oil, transmission fluid, axle oil, engine coolant, gasoline, diesel, natural gas, kerosene, jet fuel, or may be another type. In a number of variations, the product 10 may include a fluid system (10) for use in a vehicle 100 including, but not limited to, motor vehicles, space craft, watercraft, aircraft, or may be another type. In a number of variations, the vehicle 100 may have various components. In a number of variations, the vehicle 100 may be driven by an engine 60. In a number of variations, the engine 60 may be an internal combustion engine, an external combustion engine, an electric motor, a hybrid engine, or may be another type. In a number of variations, the engine 60 may include a cylinder head 62 and an engine block 64. In a number of variations, the engine 60 may include a combined one piece cylinder head and engine block. In a number of variations, the vehicle 100 may have a transmission 70. In a number of variations, the engine 60 may include a turbocharger 99. In a number of variations, the transmission 70 may be automatic or manual or may be another type including, but not limited to, semi-automatic, diesel, non-synchronous, dual clutch, or may be another type. In a number of variations, the transmission 70 may be connected to the engine 60 in a vehicle power train 300.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, in a number of variations, the fluid system 10 may include a fluid circuit 12 for the engine 60. In a number of variations, the fluid system 10 may include a fluid circuit 12 for the engine 60 where the fluid circuit 12 may be a cooling system. In a number of variations, the fluid system 10 may include a fluid circuit 12 for the engine 60 where the fluid circuit 12 may be a split cooling system. In a number of variations, the fluid circuit 12 may include, but is not limited to, a cylinder head cooling jacket 14, an engine block cooling jacket 16, a pump 21, a radiator 22, a thermostat and/or coolant control valve 23, and a heater core 24. In a number of variations, the fluid 12 may further include a degassing device and/or expansion tank 9. In a number of variations, the fluid circuit 12 may include a combination of some or all of these vehicle 100 components. In a number of variations, the fluid system 10 may have connecting paths to and from the individual components for fluid to flow through. In a number of variations, the cylinder head 62 may be thermally coupled to the combustion chamber wall while the engine block 64 may be thermally coupled to wear points. In a number of variations, the cylinder head cooling jacket 14 may maintain or vary the temperature of the cylinder head 62 and its components through the heat transfer from the fluid flowing through it. In a number of variations, the engine block cooling jacket 16 may maintain or vary the temperature of the engine block 64 and its components through the heat transfer from the fluid flowing through it. In a number of variations, the pump 21 may move the fluid through the fluid circuit 12. In a number of variations, the radiator 22 may cool the fluid in the fluid circuit 12. In a number of variations, the heater core 24 may heat the fluid in the fluid circuit 12. In a number of variations, the thermostat and/or coolant control valve 23 may reduce the fluid flow through a cooling space 15 of the engine 60 defined by the cylinder head cooling jacket 14 and the engine block cooling jacket 16 at low cooling fluid temperature and/or may reduce the fluid flow through the radiator 22 below the value of the cooling fluid flow through the cooling space 15. In a number of variations, the fluid circuit 12 may further include at least one heat exchanger 25 which may actively heat or cool the cooling fluid. In a number of variations, the at least one heat exchanger 25 may counteract the reduction of cooling flow through the radiator 22. In a number of variations, the at least one heat exchanger 25 may be actuated during start-up/shut down of the engine for faster heating or cooling of the fluid in the fluid circuit 12. In a number of variations, the heat exchanger 25 may flow fluid through or may be a part of other vehicle 100 components of the vehicle 100 such as, but not limited to, the cabin heater 80, engine oil heat exchanger 82, transmission oil heat exchanger 84, axle oil heat exchanger 86, exhaust heat recovery system 88, or may flow through or be a part of a different vehicle 100 component. In a number of variations, the thermostat and/or coolant control valve 23 may be placed upstream or downstream of the cooling space 15. In a number of variations, the at least one heat exchanger 25 may be placed upstream or downstream of the cooling space 15.

In a number of variations, the thermostat and/or coolant control valve 23 may close, open, or route fluid to various vehicle 100 components depending upon a specific cooling temperature. In a number of variations, when the thermostat and/or coolant control valve 23 is in a first position, the fluid flows through the pump 21 through the water jackets 14, 16, the heater core 24 and the thermostat and/or coolant control valve 23, with respective components connected in series with one another. The first position thermostat 23 may disallow flow through the radiator 22. In a number of variations, when a specific condition of the fluid is attained, the thermostat and/or coolant control valve 23 may move to a second position, the fluid may flow through the radiator 22, which may be in parallel to or in series with the heater core 24 (as shown in FIG. 2). In a number of variations, the thermostat and/or coolant control valve 23 may be arranged to simultaneously block fluid flow through the engine block cooling jacket 16 and through the radiator 22 when the fluid exceeds a preset condition. In a number of variations, the thermostat and/or coolant control valve 23 may allow fluid flow to any of the heat exchangers (25, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88) in either the first position or the second position. In a number of variations, the thermostat and/or coolant control valve 23 may meter out fluid flow to the various vehicle 100 components at different ratios from 0 to 100% of total fluid flow into the thermostat and/or coolant control valve 23. In a number of variations an electronic control unit (ECU) 40 may control the thermostat and/or coolant control valve 23 according to conditions of the fluid system 10 or the vehicle 100 itself. In a number of variations, these conditions may be monitored by sensors (72) placed throughout the fluid system 10 or the vehicle 100. In a number of variations, these conditions might include, but are not limited to, engine temperature, engine pressure, fluid temperature, fluid pressure, engine actuation, transmission actuation, cabin heater actuation, exhaust heat recovery system temperature, engine oil heat exchanger temperature, transmission oil heat exchanger temperature, or may be another condition. In a number of variations, the condition may be the fluid temperature. In a number of variations, the condition may be when the fluid temperature reaches about 80 to about 130° C.

In a number of variations, the cylinder head cooling jacket 14 may be fed from the engine block cooling jacket 16 through a manifold 95. In a number of variations, the cylinder head cooling jacket 14 may be fed independently of the engine block cooling jacket 16. In a number of variations, the fluid circuit 12 may cool, warm, or maintain the temperature of the cylinder head 62 and engine block 64 of the engine at least partially separately from one another. In a number of variations the cooling system may be designed to provide different flowrates of fluid to the jackets (14, 16) of the cylinder head and the engine block. In a number of variations, during warm-up of the engine 60, the cylinder head 62 may be cooled while the engine block 64 may not be initially cooled to increase the engine 60 to operating temperature more quickly. In a number of variations, the fluid circuit 12 may contain two different paths 30 and 32 that diverge where the cylinder head path 30 routes fluid into the cooling jacket of the cylinder head 14, and the engine block path 32 routes fluid into the cooling jacket of the engine block 16. In a number of variations, the cylinder head path 30 and the engine block path 32 may converge after leaving the respective cooling jacket of the cylinder head 14, and the cooling jacket of the engine block 16. In a number of variations, the flow of fluid may be different among the two paths 30, 32. In a number of variations, the flow may be the same among the two paths. In a number of variations, the flow of the two paths may be determined by at least one valve at the divergence of the cylinder head path 30 and the engine block path 32. In a number of variations, the cylinder head path 30 has a cylinder head path entrance valve 36 and the engine block path 32 may have an engine block path entrance valve 38. In a number of variations, the cylinder head path entrance valve 36 and the engine block path entrance valve 38 may be combined into one valve 37 located at the fork or near the fork along one or both of the paths 30, 32. In a number of variations, the one valve 37 may block the entrance flow of the cylinder head path or engine block path 32. In a number of variations, the one valve 47 may be located near the convergence of the two paths 30, 32. In a number of variations, near may be defined as affecting the flow of fluid at the convergence or divergence of the paths. In a number of variations, the valves (36, 37, 38) may control the flowrate as controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) 40 that operates the valves (36, 37, 38). In a number of variations, the flowrates to the cylinder head path 30 and the engine block path 32 may be controlled respectively by conditions of the fluid system 10 or the vehicle 100 itself. In a number of variations, these conditions may be monitored by sensors (72) placed throughout the fluid system 10 or the vehicle 100. In a number of variations, these conditions might include, but are not limited to, engine temperature, engine pressure, coolant temperature, coolant pressure, coolant flowrate, engine actuation, transmission actuation, cabin heater actuation, exhaust heat recovery system temperature, engine oil heat exchanger temperature, transmission oil heat exchanger temperature, or may be another condition. In a number of variations, the condition may be when the coolant temperature reaches about 80 to about 130° C.

In a number of variations, the flow of the two paths may be determined by at least one valve at the convergence of the cylinder head path 30 and the engine block path 32. In a number of variations, the cylinder head path 30 has a cylinder head path exit valve 46 and the engine block path 32 may have an engine block path exit valve 48. In a number of variations, the cylinder head path exit valve 46 and the engine block path exit valve 48 may be combined into one valve 47 located at the fork or near the fork along one or both of the paths 30, 32. In a number of variations, the one valve 47 may block the exit flow of the cylinder head path or engine block path 32. In a number of variations, the one valve 47 may be located near the convergence of the two paths 30, 32. In a number of variations, the valves (46, 47, 48) may control the flowrate as controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) 40 that operates the valves (46, 47, 48). In a number of variations, the flowrates to the cylinder head path 30 and the engine block path 32 may be controlled respectively by conditions of the fluid system 10 or the vehicle 100 itself. In a number of variations, these conditions may be monitored by sensors (72) placed throughout the fluid system 10 or the vehicle 100. In a number of variations, these conditions might include, but are not limited to, engine temperature, engine pressure, coolant temperature, coolant pressure, coolant flowrate, engine actuation, transmission actuation, cabin heater actuation, exhaust heat recovery system temperature, engine oil heat exchanger temperature, transmission oil heat exchanger temperature, or may be another condition.

In a number of variations, the valves 36, 37, 38, 46, 47, 48, and/or the thermostat and/or coolant control valve 23 may be ball valves, butterfly valves, ceramic disc valves, check valves, choke valves, diaphragm valves, gate valves, globe valves, knife valves, needle valves, pinch valves, piston valves, plug valves, poppet valves, spool valves, thermal expansion valves, pressure reducing valves, combinations thereof, or may be another type. In a number of variations, the valves 36, 37, 38, 46, 47, and/or 48 may be controlled as a solenoid valve. In a number of variations, the valves 36, 37, 38, 46, 47, and/or 48 may be controlled as a solenoid valve that may be held open or closed without use of a power source. In a number of variations, the valves 36, 37, 38, 46, 47, and/or 48 may be controlled as a latching solenoid valve. In a number of variations, the valves 36, 37, 38, 46, 47, and/or 48 may be controlled as a latching solenoid valve wherein the valve may only draw current when actuated. In a number of variations, the latching solenoid valve may open fully, partially, or at a percentage from 0-100% open. In a number of variations, the valves 36, 37, 38, 46, 47, and/or 48 may be controlled as a latching solenoid valve wherein the valve may be locked in a position at a percentage from 0-100% open. In a number of variations, the ECU 40 may control the percentage open the latching solenoid valve is. In a number of variations, the ECU 40 may control the routing percentage of the thermostat and/or coolant control valve 23 to and from the various vehicle 100 components.

In a number of variations shown in FIG. 4, a method 800 is shown. In a number of variations the method includes in block 802 providing a fluid system 10 comprising a fluid circuit 12 and a pump 21 wherein the fluid circuit 12 diverges into a first path 30 and a second path 32 and converges back into a third path 34; and wherein the fluid circuit 12 further comprises a latching solenoid valve (36, 37, 38, 46, 47, 48) located near the convergence of the first path 30 and the second path 32 into the third path 34 and wherein the solenoid valve (36, 37, 38, 46, 47, 48) may be constructed and arranged to control fluid flow on its path in accordance with preset conditions of the fluid system 10. In a number of variations, method 800 further includes in block 804 flowing a first fluid through the fluid circuit where the solenoid at least partially blocks fluid flow to or from the first path 30 or the second path 32. In a number of variations, the solenoid valve (36, 37, 38, 46, 47, 48) may not draw current unless it may be actuated.

In a number of variations shown in FIG. 5, a method 900 is shown. In a number of variations the method includes in block 902 providing a fluid system 10 comprising a fluid circuit 12 and a pump 21 wherein the fluid circuit 12 diverges into a first path 30 and a second path 32 and converges back into a third path 34; and wherein the fluid circuit 12 further comprises a latching solenoid valve (36, 37, 38, 46, 47, 48) located near the convergence of the first path 30 and the second path 32 into the third path 34 and wherein the solenoid valve (36, 37, 38, 46, 47, 48) may be constructed and arranged to control fluid flow on its path in accordance with preset conditions of the fluid system 10. In a number of variations, the method 900 further includes in block 904 providing an electronic control unit 40 and at least one sensor 72 to monitor present conditions of the fluid system 10. In a number of variations, method 900 further includes in block 906 flowing a first fluid through the fluid circuit where the solenoid (36, 37, 38, 46, 47, 48) blocks fluid flow to or from the first path 30 or the second path 32. In a number of variations, method 900 further includes in block 908 actuating the solenoid (36, 37, 38, 46, 47, 48) so that the solenoid (36, 37, 38, 46, 47, 48) at least partially allows fluid flow to or from the first path 30 or the second path 32. In a number of variations, the solenoid valve (36, 37, 38, 46, 47, 48) may not draw current unless it may be actuated.

The following description of variants is only illustrative of components, elements, acts, product and methods considered to be within the scope of the invention and are not in any way intended to limit such scope by what is specifically disclosed or not expressly set forth. The components, elements, acts, product and methods as described herein may be combined and rearranged other than as expressly described herein and still are considered to be within the scope of the invention.

Variation 1 may include product comprising a fluid system comprising a fluid circuit and a pump wherein the fluid circuit diverges into a first path and a second path and converges back into a third path; wherein the fluid circuit further comprises at least one solenoid valve located near the convergence of the first path and the second path into the third path and wherein the solenoid valve is constructed and arranged to control fluid flow on its path in accordance with preset conditions of the fluid system.

Variation 2 may include a product as set forth in Variation 1 wherein the solenoid does not draw a current when it is not in actuation.

Variation 3 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-2 wherein the fluid system comprises an engine cooling system comprising a cylinder head and an engine block or a combined one piece cylinder head and engine block.

Variation 4 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-3 wherein the engine cooling system comprises a cooling fluid circuit wherein the first path cools the cylinder head and the second path cools the engine block.

Variation 5 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-4 wherein the preset conditions are at least one of engine temperature, engine pressure, coolant temperature, coolant pressure, coolant flowrate, or engine actuation.

Variation 6 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-5 wherein the preset conditions are determined by at least one sensor in the fluid system and the solenoid is controlled by at least one electronic control unit which monitors the at least one sensor.

Variation 7 may include a product comprising a fluid system comprising fluid circuit and a pump wherein the fluid circuit diverges into a first path and a second path and converges back into a third path; wherein the fluid circuit further comprises a solenoid valve located near the divergence of the first path and the second path and wherein the solenoid valve is constructed and arranged to control fluid flow on its path in accordance with preset conditions of the fluid system.

Variation 8 may include a product as set forth in Variation 7 wherein the solenoid does not draw a current when it is not in actuation.

Variation 9 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 7-8 wherein the fluid system comprises an engine cooling system comprising a cylinder head and an engine block or a combined one piece cylinder head and engine block.

Variation 10 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 7-9 wherein the engine cooling system comprises a cooling fluid circuit wherein the first path varies the temperature of the cylinder head and the second path varies the temperature of at least the engine block.

Variation 11 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 7-10 wherein the present conditions are at least one of engine temperature, engine pressure, coolant temperature, coolant pressure, coolant flowrate, or engine actuation.

Variation 12 may include a product as set forth in Variations 7-11 wherein the preset conditions are determined by at least one sensor in the fluid system and the solenoid is controlled by at least one electronic control unit which monitors the at least one sensor.

Variation 13 may include a method comprising: providing a fluid system comprising a fluid circuit and a pump wherein the fluid circuit diverges into a first path and a second path and converges back into a third path; and wherein the fluid circuit further comprises a solenoid valve located near the convergence of the first path and the second path into the third path and wherein the solenoid valve is constructed and arranged to control fluid flow on its path in accordance with preset conditions of the fluid system; and flowing a fluid through the fluid circuit where the solenoid at least partially blocks fluid flow to or from the first path or the second path.

Variation 14 may include a method as set forth in Variation 13 wherein the solenoid does not draw a current when it is not in actuation.

Variation 15 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 13-14 wherein the fluid system comprises an engine cooling system comprising a cylinder head and an engine block or a combined one piece cylinder head and engine block.

Variation 16 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 13-15 wherein the engine cooling system comprises a cooling fluid circuit wherein the first path varies the temperature of the cylinder head and the second path varies the temperature of at least the engine block.

Variation 17 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 13-16 wherein the present conditions are at least one of engine temperature, engine pressure, coolant temperature, coolant pressure, coolant flowrate, or engine actuation.

Variation 18 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 13-17 wherein the preset conditions are determined by at least one sensor in the fluid system and the solenoid is controlled by at least one electronic control unit which monitors the at least one sensor.

Variation 19 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 13-18 further comprising collecting data from the sensors into the EU to determine actuation amount of the solenoid valve.

Variation 20 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 13-19 wherein the actuation amount of the solenoid valve ranges between 0 and 100% open.

Variation 21 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-20 wherein the fluid includes air, water, engine oil, transmission fluid, axle oil, or engine coolant.

Variation 22 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variation 21 wherein the engine is an internal combustion engine, an external combustion engine, an electric motor, or a hybrid engine.

Variation 23 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-22 wherein the fluid circuit includes at least one of a cylinder head cooling jacket, an engine block cooling jacket, a pump, a radiator, a thermostat and/or coolant control valve, an expansion tank, or a heater core.

Variation 24 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-23 wherein the thermostat and/or coolant control valve 23 reduces the fluid flow through a cooling space of the engine defined by the cylinder head cooling jacket and the engine bock cooling jacket at very low cooling fluid temperature and/or reduces the fluid flow through the radiator below the value of the cooling fluid flow through the cooling space.

Variation 25 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 24 wherein the conditions are determined by sensors throughout the hydraulic system and include temperature, fluid pressure, transmission actuation, or engine actuation.

Variation 26 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-25 wherein the fluid circuit includes at least one heat exchanger 25 which may actively heat or cool the cooling fluid.

Variation 26 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-25 wherein the heat exchanger comprises a cabin heater, engine oil heat exchanger, transmission oil heat exchanger, axle oil heat exchanger, or exhaust heat recovery system.

Variation 27 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-26 wherein the coolant control valve is separate from the thermostat.

Variation 28 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-27 wherein the thermostat and/or coolant control valve is constructed and arranged to block or allow fluid flow from the radiator or heat exchangers.

Variation 29 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-28 wherein the conditions include engine temperature, engine pressure, fluid temperature, fluid pressure, engine actuation, transmission actuation, cabin heater actuation, exhaust heat recovery system temperature, engine oil heat exchanger temperature, or transmission oil heat exchanger temperature.

Variation 30 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-29 wherein cooling system provides different flowrates to the cylinder head cooling jacket and the engine block cooling jacket.

Variation 31 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-30 wherein the cylinder head cooling jacket is fed from the engine head cooling jacket through a manifold.

Variation 32 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-31 wherein the ECU controls operation of the entrance or exit solenoid valves of the cylinder head cooling jacket or engine block cooling jacket.

Variation 33 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-32 wherein the entrance valve, exit valves, thermostat and/or coolant control valves comprise at least one of ball valves, butterfly valves, ceramic disc valves, check valves, choke valves, diaphragm valves, gate valves, globe valves, knife valves, needle valves, pinch valves, piston valves, plug valves, poppet valves, spool valves, thermal expansion valves, pressure reducing valves, or combinations thereof.

Variation 34 may include a method, and/or a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-33 wherein at least one of entrance or exit solenoid valves comprises a latching solenoid valve.

The above description of select examples of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations or variants thereof are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A product comprising a fluid system comprising a fluid circuit and a pump wherein the fluid circuit diverges into a first path and a second path and converges back into a third path; wherein the fluid circuit further comprises at least one solenoid valve located near the convergence of the first path and the second path into the third path and wherein the solenoid valve is constructed and arranged to control fluid flow on its path in accordance with preset conditions of the fluid system.

2. A product as set forth in claim 1 wherein the solenoid does not draw a current when it is not in actuation.

3. A product as set forth in claim 1 wherein the fluid system comprises an engine cooling system comprising a cylinder head and an engine block or a combined one piece cylinder head and engine block.

4. A product as set forth in claim 3 wherein the engine cooling system comprises a cooling fluid circuit wherein the first path varies the temperature of the cylinder head and the second path varies the temperature of the engine block.

5. A product as set forth in claim 4 wherein the preset conditions are at least one of engine temperature, engine pressure, coolant temperature, coolant pressure, coolant flowrate, or engine actuation.

6. A product as set forth in claim 1 wherein the preset conditions are determined by at least one sensor in the fluid system and the solenoid is controlled by at least one electronic control unit which monitors the at least one sensor.

7. A product comprising a fluid system comprising fluid circuit and a pump wherein the fluid circuit diverges into a first path and a second path and converges back into a third path; wherein the fluid circuit further comprises a solenoid valve located near the divergence of the first path and the second path and wherein the solenoid valve is constructed and arranged to control fluid flow on its path in accordance with preset conditions of the fluid system.

8. A product as set forth in claim 7 wherein the solenoid does not draw a current when it is not in actuation.

9. A product as set forth in claim 7 wherein the fluid system comprises an engine cooling system comprising a cylinder head and an engine block or a combined one piece cylinder head and engine block.

10. A product as set forth in claim 9 wherein the engine cooling system comprises a cooling fluid circuit wherein the first path varies the temperature of the cylinder head and the second path varies the temperature of at least the engine block.

11. A product as set forth in claim 10 wherein the present conditions are at least one of engine temperature, engine pressure, coolant temperature, coolant pressure, coolant flowrate, or engine actuation.

12. A product as set forth in claim 7 wherein the preset conditions are determined by at least one sensor in the fluid system and the solenoid is controlled by at least one electronic control unit which monitors the at least one sensor.

13. A method comprising: providing a fluid system comprising a fluid circuit and a pump wherein the fluid circuit diverges into a first path and a second path and converges back into a third path; and wherein the fluid circuit further comprises a solenoid valve located near the convergence of the first path and the second path into the third path and wherein the solenoid valve is constructed and arranged to control fluid flow on its path in accordance with preset conditions of the fluid system; andflowing a fluid through the fluid circuit where the solenoid at least partially blocks fluid flow to or from the first path or the second path.

14. A method as set forth in claim 13 wherein the solenoid does not draw a current when it is not in actuation.

15. A method as set forth in claim 13 wherein the fluid system comprises an engine cooling system comprising a cylinder head and an engine block or a combined one piece cylinder head and engine block.

16. A method as set forth in claim 15 wherein the engine cooling system comprises a cooling fluid circuit wherein the first path varies the temperature of the cylinder head and the second path varies the temperature of at least the engine block.

17. A method as set forth in claim 16 wherein the present conditions are at least one of engine temperature, engine pressure, coolant temperature, coolant pressure, coolant flowrate, or engine actuation.

18. A method as set forth in claim 13 wherein the preset conditions are determined by at least one sensor in the fluid system and the solenoid is controlled by at least one electronic control unit which monitors the at least one sensor.

19. A method as set forth in claim 18 further comprising collecting data from the sensors into the EU to determine actuation amount of the solenoid valve.

20. A method as set forth in claim 19 wherein the actuation amount of the solenoid valve ranges between 0 and 100% open.