Patent Publication Number: US-11035286-B2

Title: Coolant reservoir tank

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/594,570, filed on Dec. 5, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/599,898, filed on Dec. 18, 2017, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Disclosure 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a coolant reservoir tank for a vehicle and, more particularly, to a coolant reservoir tank that is configured to provide liquid coolant to multiple components through multiple cooling circuits. 
     Description of the Background of Disclosure 
     Various motor vehicles, such as automobiles, trucks, buses, and the like, include components that generate heat during operation. A typical vehicle with an internal combustion engine (ICE) includes a cooling system that is configured to circulate liquid coolant through these components, e.g., a battery, an engine block, an inverter system circuit (ISC), and the like, to absorb the heat. The heat is carried through the liquid coolant and exchanged through another component, such as a radiator. 
     In one example, a vehicle with an ICE may include a single cooling circuit through which liquid coolant is circulated to cool multiple components. This single cooling circuit includes a single coolant reservoir tank retaining liquid coolant at a particular operating temperature. 
     However, other vehicles may employ multiple cooling circuits for more complex or higher capacity cooling systems, such as hybrid vehicles. In one example, a vehicle may have multiple separate and distinct cooling circuits operating at different temperatures to serve one or more distinct components. There, a first cooling circuit includes a first coolant reservoir tank that retains liquid coolant at a particular operating temperature that is delivered to and received from one or more components. Then, a second cooling circuit includes a second coolant reservoir tank that retains liquid coolant at another particular operating temperature that is delivered to and received from another one or more components. In this manner, each cooling circuit requires a single cooling reservoir tank for retaining the liquid coolant at a particular operating temperature. Accordingly, these vehicles may have two or more coolant reservoir tanks, each retaining liquid coolant at different operating temperatures. 
     However, space within a vehicle is limited. As can be appreciated, each coolant reservoir tank within a vehicle occupies space therein, which renders the space unavailable for other components. A need therefore exists for a compact coolant reservoir tank that may be disposed within a vehicle. Further, a need exists for a coolant reservoir tank that retains liquid coolant at different operating temperatures that is circulated through multiple cooling circuits to cool one or more components. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a coolant reservoir tank comprises a first compartment that is configured to receive and retain a first portion of a liquid coolant. The first compartment is configured to be in fluid communication with a first cooling circuit. A second compartment is configured to receive and retain a second portion of the liquid coolant. The second compartment is configured to be in fluid communication with a second cooling circuit. A dividing wall separates the first compartment from the second compartment. 
     Further, the coolant reservoir tank includes a fill port. 
     In one embodiment, the dividing wall may be insulated to reduce heat transfer between the first portion and the second portion of the liquid coolant. The dividing wall may connect to a base and a cover of the coolant reservoir tank. 
     In another embodiment, the coolant reservoir tank also includes a fill port including a passage in fluid communication with the first compartment and the second compartment. The fill port is used to fill both the first compartment and the second compartment with the respective first portion and the second portion of the liquid coolant. 
     In at least one embodiment, the coolant reservoir tank includes a receiving chamber that connects to, or is otherwise in fluid communication with, a fill channel that fluidly connects to both the first compartment and the second compartment. The receiving chamber includes a fill bay with a lower ledge disposed at a maximum design fluid level of the coolant reservoir tank. 
     In a different embodiment, a fluid-separating rib is positioned underneath a fill port. The fluid-separating rib may be part of a cover of the coolant reservoir tank. The fluid-separating rib may be supported by the dividing wall. In some embodiments, the fluid-separating rib may be spaced apart from the dividing wall. The fluid-separating rib may include a central apex, a first receding side downwardly extending from the central apex, and a second receding side downwardly extending from the central apex. 
     In a further embodiment, a separating port is positioned between a fill port and the dividing wall. The separating port may include a first fluid opening fluidly connected to the first compartment, and a second fluid opening fluidly connected to the second compartment. The separating port may be selectively configurable to be in fluid communication with either the first compartment, the second compartment, or both the first and second compartments 
     In still another embodiment, the dividing wall includes an opening formed at a lower portion. A channeling wall may be within one of the first compartment or the second compartment. The channeling wall may define a fluid passage that is in fluid communication with the opening. 
     In yet another embodiment, the coolant reservoir tank also includes a sump. The sump may include an internal barrier wall. One or more openings may fluidly connect the sump to the first compartment and the second compartment. 
     In another aspect, a coolant reservoir tank comprises a first compartment that is configured to receive and retain a first portion of a liquid coolant. The first compartment is configured to be in fluid communication with a first component. A second compartment is configured to receive and retain a second portion of the liquid coolant. The second compartment is configured to be in fluid communication with a second component. A dividing wall separates the first compartment from the second compartment, which includes an opening formed at a lower portion thereof. Further, a fill port is provided. Still further, a separating port is positioned between the fill port and the dividing wall, which includes a first fluid opening to the first compartment and a second fluid opening to the second compartment. 
     In still another aspect, a liquid cooling circuit system for a vehicle comprises a first circuit having one or more components, wherein one of the components is a battery. The liquid cooling system also includes a second circuit having one or more components, wherein one of the components is an inverter system circuit. A coolant reservoir tank for retaining and circulating liquid coolant in relation to the first circuit and the second circuit is provided, which comprises a first compartment, a second compartment, a dividing wall, and a fill port. The first compartment is configured to receive and retain a first portion of a liquid coolant, wherein the first compartment is configured to be in fluid communication with the battery. The second compartment is configured to receive and retain a second portion of the liquid coolant, wherein the second compartment is configured to be in fluid communication with the inverter system circuit. The dividing wall separates the first compartment from the second compartment and the fill port is in fluid communication with the first compartment and the second compartment. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a front, top, and left side of a coolant reservoir tank, with portions shown in transparency for purposes of clarity to show internal portions thereof; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the coolant reservoir tank of  FIG. 1  taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the coolant reservoir tank of  FIG. 1  taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a fragmentary view of a top, side, and internal side of a fill port of a coolant reservoir tank; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a front, top, and left side of another embodiment of a coolant reservoir, wherein portions are shown in transparency to show internal portions thereof; 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the coolant reservoir tank of  FIG. 5 , showing a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a top and left side of a portion of a dividing wall of the coolant reservoir tank of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a front, top, and left side of yet another embodiment of a coolant reservoir tank; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of a front, top, and right side of the coolant reservoir tank of  FIG. 8 , further showing internal portions thereof; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a top plan view of the base portion of the coolant reservoir tank of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a top, front, and left side of another embodiment of a coolant reservoir tank, with portions shown in transparency to show internal portions thereof; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a front, top and left side of a cover of the coolant reservoir tank of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a rear, bottom, and right side of the cover of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a partial cross-sectional view of the coolant reservoir tank of  FIG. 11  taken along the line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 15  is top plan view of a lower section of still another embodiment of a coolant reservoir tank; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a portion of the lower section of the coolant reservoir tank of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a bottom and rear of the coolant reservoir tank of  FIG. 15 ; and 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic representation of a coolant reservoir tank having two internal compartments fluidly connected to liquid cooling circuits. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a coolant reservoir tank that includes multiple compartments that retain liquid coolant therein. The coolant reservoir tank may include a single fill point that is used to fill the compartments. Each compartment is in fluid communication with a separate and distinct cooling circuit that couples to one or more components. As such, isolated compartments within the coolant reservoir tank are provided within a single coolant reservoir tank that is in fluid communication with multiple cooling circuits. The compartments may be thermally insulated, such that heat transfer between fluids in the compartments is minimized or otherwise reduced. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a coolant reservoir tank  100 , according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The coolant reservoir tank  100  is configured to be disposed within an engine bay of a vehicle (not shown). The coolant reservoir tank  100  provides a housing that includes a base  102  connected to a top wall or cover  104  through upstanding walls  106 . The base  102 , the cover  104 , and the upstanding walls  106  may be formed of a plastic, for example. In at least one embodiment, the base  102 , the cover  104 , and the walls  106  are integrally molded and formed as a single housing. In a different embodiment, the cover  104  may be separately formed and secured over and onto the walls  106 , such as through welding, adhesives, fasteners, and/or the like. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , a first inlet line  108  and a first outlet line  110  are in fluid communication with a first compartment  112  and a first circuit including one or more components. Similarly, a second inlet line  114  and a second outlet line  116  are in fluid communication with a second compartment  118  and a second circuit including one or more components. A fill port  120  extends into the cover  104 . The fill port  120  includes a tubular fitting  122  that defines a central passage  124 . An outer surface  126  of the fitting  122  includes threads  128  that are configured to be threadably retained to corresponding threads on an inner surface of a cap (not shown), which is configured to removably connect to the fitting  122 . In order to fill the coolant reservoir tank  100 , liquid coolant  130  is poured through the central passage  124  of the fill port  120 . It is contemplated that in some embodiments, only a single fill port is provided that is in fluid communication with two or more compartments of a coolant reservoir tank. 
     The first compartment  112  is part of a first liquid circuit or loop that connects to one or more components, such as an ISC, while the second compartment  118  is part of a second liquid circuit or loop that connects to another one or more components, such as a battery. It should be stated that the ISC and the battery are merely examples of components within a vehicle coupled to a cooling circuit serving one or more such components. In fact, it is intended that the present disclosure be used with any components in, or otherwise in functional communication with, cooling circuits within a vehicle or other device. In one specific implementation, the first compartment  112  is fluidly connected to a first inlet line and a first outlet line (e.g.,  108 ,  110 ) that fluidly connect to the first liquid circuit, and the second compartment  118  is fluidly connected to a second inlet line and a second outlet line (e.g.,  114 ,  116 ) that fluidly connect to the second liquid circuit. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , an internal retaining chamber  131  is defined between the base  102 , the cover  104 , and the walls  106 . The internal retaining chamber  131  is separated into the first compartment  112  (such as a first fluid retaining cell, chamber, volume, and/or the like) and the second compartment  118  (such as a second fluid retaining cell, chamber, volume, and/or the like). The first compartment  112  is separated from the second compartment  118  by a dividing wall  132 , which prevents the liquid coolant  130  from comingling. In this manner, the first compartment  112  and the second compartment  118  may be filled simultaneously from the single fill port  120 . Further, each of the cooling circuits remains separate and distinct from each other. 
     In some aspects, the dividing wall  132  may be thermally insulated to minimize heat transfer between or among the first and second compartments  112 ,  118 . In the present embodiment, the first compartment  112  and the second compartment  118  are of equal volume. The first compartment  112  and the second compartment  118  may define different volumes in other embodiments. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the fill port  120  connects to a separating port  134  positioned between the fill port  120  and the dividing wall  132 . The fill port  120  and the separating port  134  may be located over any portion of the dividing wall  132 . In at least one alternative embodiment, the dividing wall  132  may extend an entire height of the internal chamber  131 , to fully separate the compartments  112 ,  118 . The separating port  134  includes wall(s)  136  enclosing a space that in the present embodiment is cylindrical or tubular. The tubular wall  136  connects to a lower ledge  138  that is positioned over the dividing wall  132 . A fluid passage  140  is defined between the tubular wall  136  and the ledge  138 . The fluid passage  140  fluidly connects to the central passage  124  of the fill port  120 . The ledge  138  may be located at a height that coincides with a maximum fluid level within the coolant reservoir tank  100 , which minimizes or otherwise reduces fluid communication between the first and second compartments  112 ,  118 , and provides for an easier filling method. 
     A first fluid opening  142  is formed on one side of the separating port  134 , while a second fluid opening  144  is formed on an opposite side of the separating port  134 . The first fluid opening  142  fluidly connects to the first compartment  112 , while the second fluid opening  144  fluidly connects to the second compartment  118 . As such, liquid coolant  130  that passes into the fluid passage  140  of the separating port  134  passes into the first and second compartments  112 ,  118  via the first fluid opening  142  and the second fluid opening  144 , respectively. As such, the liquid coolant  130  may be characterized as having a first portion in the first compartment  112  and a second portion in the second compartment  118 . In this manner, both the first compartment  112  and second compartment  118  may be filled with liquid coolant  130  simultaneously through the fill port  120 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, the separating port  134  may further include a tubular sleeve (not shown) that is concentrically positioned within the tubular wall  136  and includes a single fluid opening having similar dimensions as the first or second fluid opening,  142 ,  144 . The tubular sleeve may be selectively rotated by a user to align the single fluid opening with either the first or second fluid opening  142 ,  144 , thereby allowing a user to fill either the first compartment  112  or the second compartment  118  individually. The tubular sleeve may be configured to be removable, or to have a projection, similar to a handle, capable of facilitating manipulation by a user. As such, the tubular sleeve may permit a user to fill the first chamber  112  before the second chamber  118 , or to fill the first chamber  112  with a particular type of liquid coolant  130  and the second chamber  118  with a different variant of liquid coolant  130 . 
     It is also contemplated that the tubular sleeve of the present embodiment could include two or more fluid openings that may be aligned with a corresponding number of openings in a separating port. For example, if a separating port included two openings in communication with different compartments, the tubular sleeve may be rotatable into fluid alignment with only one of the openings in the separating port, none of the openings in the separating port, or both of the openings in the separating port. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 4 , the separating port  134  can be seen extending below the central passage  124  of the fill port  120 . The second fluid opening  144  is formed in the tubular wall  136  above the lower ledge  138  and beneath the central passage  124 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , according to another embodiment of a coolant reservoir tank  146 , a dividing wall  148  may extend from an upper surface of a base  150  to a lower surface of a top wall or cover  152 . The cover  152  includes a fill port  154  having a downwardly extending central passage  156 , which is in fluid communication with a first compartment  158  and a second compartment  160 . An opening  162  may be formed through a lower portion of the dividing wall  148 . As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the opening  162  fluidly connects to a fluid passage  164  formed by a channeling wall  166  within the second compartment  160 . The channeling wall  166  extends upwardly from the opening  162  toward the cover  152 . The channeling wall  166  may angle downwardly from an open upper receiving end toward the opening  162 . In this manner, the channeling wall  166  is configured to receive liquid coolant  130  within the fluid passage  164  and channel the liquid coolant  130  toward and into the opening  162 . 
     It is contemplated that the channeling wall  166  may be located underneath or proximate to the fill port  154  (shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ), which may be located above the second compartment  160 . In other embodiments, the channeling wall  166  may be located within the first compartment  158 , and the fill port  154  may be located above the first compartment  158 . 
     In order to fill the first and second compartments  158 ,  160  with the liquid coolant  130 , the liquid coolant  130  passes into the second compartment  160  through the fill port  154 . The liquid coolant  130  may first fill the second compartment  160 . As the liquid coolant  130  reaches the height of an upper edge of the channeling wall  166 , a portion of the liquid coolant  130  spills into the fluid passage  164  and passes into the first compartment  158  via the opening  162 , until both the first and second compartments  158 ,  160  are filled to a desired level. In some embodiments, if the channeling wall  166  is positioned directly underneath the fill port  154 , the first compartment  158  may be filled first, and liquid coolant  130  may then spill over the upper edge of the channeling wall  166  into the second compartment  160 . 
     It is contemplated that the opening  162  may be sized and shaped differently than shown. In at least one embodiment, the channeling wall  166  may be angled in order to retain liquid coolant  130  thereon or therein. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , another embodiment of a coolant reservoir tank  168  is depicted having a base  170 , a top wall or cover  172 , and walls  174 . The cover  172  includes a fill port  176  having a central passage  178  extending below the inside surface of the cover  172 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the central passage  178  connects to a receiving chamber  180  defined between an internal central wall  182  and an upper surface of a lower ledge  184 . A fill bay  186  is formed below the receiving chamber  180  and is defined by the internal central wall  182  and the horizontal surface of the lower ledge  184  that is coplanar with a top of a dividing wall  188 . The fill bay  186  connects to internal walls  190  that conform to a curvature of walls  174 . Referring to  FIG. 10 , the internal walls  190  include a first wall  190   a  and a second wall  190   b  that is disposed opposite the first wall  190   a  relative to the internal central wall  182 . The central passage  178  of the fill port  176  is in fluid communication with the receiving chamber  180  and the fill bay  186 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 9 , the lower ledge  184  of the fill bay  186  may be at a height of a maximum designed fluid level of the coolant reservoir tank  168 . In this manner, a filling device (such as a filling gun) that is used to fill the coolant reservoir tank  168  may remove liquid so that the liquid coolant  130  within the coolant reservoir tank  168  is at an intended level as the filling device is drawn back from pressure filling. 
     With reference to  FIG. 10 , fluid passages  192  are formed in either side, or opposing ends, of the internal central wall  182 . The fluid passages  192  define portions of a fill channel  194  extending along the internal walls  190 , such as a first channel  194   a  and a second channel  194   b . The fill channel  194  extends laterally in a direction that is perpendicular to a vertical direction of the central passage  178  of the fill port  176 , and further includes a first outlet passage  196  and a second outlet passage  198  that is spaced apart from and disposed opposite to the first outlet passage  196  relative to the fill bay  186  and the internal central wall  182 . The first outlet passage  196  curves inward from the first channel  194   a  relative to the fill bay  186  and leads into a first compartment  200 , while the second outlet passage  198  curves inward from the second channel  194   b  relative the fill bay  186  and leads into a second compartment  202 . As such, the first outlet passage  196  and the second outlet passage  198  are curved toward each other. The first channel  194   a  extends laterally from the fill bay  186  between the wall  174  and the first wall  190   a  that separates the first compartment  200  from the first channel  194   a . The second channel  194   b  extends laterally from the fill bay  186  between the wall  174  and the second wall  190   b  that separates the second channel  194   b  from the second compartment  202 . The internal walls  190  extend substantially parallel with the wall  174  and maintain a distance from the wall  174 , as depicted in  FIG. 10 . As such, the first channel  194   a  may direct the liquid coolant  130  in an opposite direction relative to the fill bay  186  than the second channel  194   b , or in the same direction relative to the fill bay  186 . Further, the first channel  194   a  is fluidly connected to the fill port  176 , the fill bay  186 , and the first compartment  200 , and the second channel  194   b  is fluidly connected to the fill port  176 , the fill bay  186 , and the second compartment  202 . Accordingly, after liquid coolant  130  is poured into the fill port  176  it then passes into the receiving chamber  180 , over the lower ledge  184  of the fill bay  186 , and into the fill channel  194  through both fluid passages  192 . From there, the liquid coolant  130  then flows into both the first and second compartments  200 ,  202  through the first and second fluid outlet passages  196 ,  198 , respectively. In some examples, the first compartment  200  and the second compartment  202  may define different volumes and, therefore, receive different volumes of the liquid coolant  130 . For example, the first compartment  200  may become filled above a maximum designed fluid level by the liquid coolant  130  prior to the second compartment  202  becoming filled. In such an example, the liquid coolant  130  may flow from the first compartment  200  to the second compartment  202  through the first channel  194   a , the fill channel  194 , and the second channel  194   b . In other examples, the second compartment  202  may become filled above a maximum designed fluid level by the liquid coolant  130  prior to the first compartment  200  becoming filled and, therefore, the liquid coolant  130  may flow from the second compartment  202  to the first compartment  200  through the second channel  194   b , the fill channel  194 , and the first channel  194   a . It is contemplated that the fill channel  194  may be inclined, angled, or otherwise disposed between the fill bay  186  and the first and second outlet passages  196 ,  198 . For example, the fill channel  194  may decline from the fill bay  186  to the first and second outlet passages  196 ,  198  in order to promote efficient and consistent drainage (such as via gravity) of the liquid coolant  130  into the first and second compartments  200 ,  202 . Additionally or alternatively, the coolant reservoir tank  168  may further include a tubular sleeve  187  that is concentrically positioned within the central passage  178  along the internal central wall  182  and includes a fluid opening  189 , as depicted in  FIG. 9 . The tubular sleeve  187  may be selectively rotated by a user to align the single fluid opening  189  opening with either the first fluid passage  194   a  or the second channel  194   b , thereby allowing a user to fill either the first compartment  200  or the second compartment  202  individually. The tubular sleeve  187  may be configured to be removable, or to have a projection  191 , similar to a handle, capable of facilitating manipulation by a user. As such, the tubular sleeve  187  may permit a user to fill the first compartment  200  before the second compartment  118 , or to fill the first compartment  200  with a particular type of liquid coolant  130  and the second chamber  202  with a different variant of liquid coolant  130 . It is also contemplated that the tubular sleeve  187  of the present embodiment could include additional fluid openings  189  that may be aligned with a corresponding number of fluid passages or compartments. For example, if the fill bay  186  included two openings in communication with different compartments, the tubular sleeve  187  may be rotatable into fluid alignment with only one of the openings, none of the openings, or both of the openings in the fill bay  186 . 
     Additionally, the fill port  176  and the fill bay  186  may be located proximate to a portion of the walls  174 , and generally aligned with the dividing wall  188 . In some embodiments, the fill port  176  and/or the fill bay  186  may be located at various other locations, such as at a center of the coolant reservoir tank  168 , over one of the first or second compartments  200 ,  202 , and/or the like. 
     In operation, the liquid coolant  130  within each of the first and second compartments  200 ,  202  is circulated in relation to first and second liquid circuits, having first and second inlet and outlet lines (not shown) extending therefrom. Liquid coolant  130  within the first compartment  200  is dedicated to the first liquid circuit, while liquid coolant  130  within the second compartment  202  is dedicated to the second liquid circuit. Accordingly, the single coolant reservoir tank  168  is used to supply liquid coolant  130  to two different cooling circuits in a parallel manner. Liquid coolant  130  within the separate first and second compartments  200 ,  202  is separated by the dividing wall  188  to prevent, limit, or otherwise reduce unintended comingling among the first and second compartments  200 ,  202 . Further, the dividing wall  188 , the outer wall  174 , the base  170 , and/or the cover  172  may be insulated to limit or otherwise reduce heat transfer between the first and second compartments  200 ,  202 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates another embodiment of a coolant reservoir tank  204 . The coolant reservoir tank  204  includes first and second compartments  206 ,  208  separated by a fluid-separating rib  210 . The first compartment  206  is in fluid communication with a first inlet line  212  and a first outlet line  214  that are also in fluid communication with a first liquid circuit. The second compartment  208  is in fluid communication with a second inlet line  216  and a second outlet line  218  that are in fluid communication with a second liquid circuit. The fluid-separating rib  210  is supported over a dividing wall  220 . In at least one other embodiment, the fluid-separating rib  210  may be an upper portion of the dividing wall  220 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a fill port  222  may be located over a central portion of a cover  224 . A central passage  226  of the fill port  222  is provided directly over a central portion of the fluid-separating rib  210 . In some embodiments, the fill port  222  may be located in other areas of the cover  224  either directly over the fluid-separating rib  210 , or offset therefrom. 
     With reference to  FIG. 12 , the fluid-separating rib  210  is part of the cover  224 . In other embodiments, the fluid-separating rib  210  may extend upwardly from a dividing wall that extends from an upper surface of a base  228  (see  FIGS. 11 and 14 ). The fluid-separating rib  210  forms a splitting wall that allows liquid coolant  130  to drain downwardly over either side. In one embodiment, a recess  230  (shown in  FIG. 13 ) may be disposed within the fluid separating rib  210  to form a gap between the fluid separating rib  210  and the dividing wall  220 . Air may transfer through the gap between the first and second compartments  206 ,  208  to maintain a uniform air pressure within the coolant reservoir tank  204 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12 and 14 , the fluid-separating rib  210  may include a central apex  232  and receding sides  234 ,  236  that downwardly curve and/or angle from the apex  232 . As such, liquid coolant  130  poured through the fill port  222  of the cover  224  drains downwardly over the sides  234 ,  236  and into the first and second compartments  206 ,  208 , respectively. The apex  232  may extend into the central passage  226  of the fill port  222 , thereby ensuring that liquid coolant  130  within the separate compartments  206 ,  208  does not comingle. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15-17 , according to another embodiment the coolant reservoir tank  240  includes a sump  242 . The sump  242  is positioned at a level below a predetermined normal level of liquid within the coolant reservoir tank  240 . A barrier wall  244  (shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 ) may be disposed within the sump  240 , which is positioned between a first compartment  246  and a second compartment  248 . The barrier wall  244  is configured to slow liquid interchange between the two compartments  246  and  248 . In some embodiments, the sump  242  may be positioned within one of the first or second compartments  246 ,  248 , or otherwise offset from one of the compartments  246 ,  248 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , openings  250  (such as holes) may be formed through an internal boundary wall  252  of the sump  242 . The openings  250  fluidly connect an internal retaining chamber  251  of the sump  242  to the first and second compartments  246 ,  248 . The openings  250  are configured to allow for fluid leveling such that the liquid coolant  130  may be retained at substantially the same volume in each of the first and second compartments  246 ,  248 . The openings  250  may be various sizes and shapes to impact the rate of fluid leveling. In at least one embodiment, two or more openings  250  may fluidly connect the first and second compartments  246 ,  248  to the sump  242 . An upper portion of the barrier wall  244  may be angled or otherwise inclined to further slow the rate of fluid exchange or limit the exchange in one or more liquid inclination states. Additionally, the sump  250  may be present within any of the coolant reservoir tank embodiments of  FIGS. 1-18 , including a coolant reservoir tank having a separating port, a channeling wall, or a fluid separating rib. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 1-17 , the coolant reservoir tank embodiments include first and second compartments. In some embodiments, the coolant reservoir tanks may include additional compartments. For example, a coolant reservoir tank may include three separate compartments, or four separate compartments, or even five separate compartments separated by dividing walls. As such, a coolant reservoir tank may have more than one sump. Alternatively, a coolant reservoir may have a single sump in fluid communication with each of the two, or three, or four, or five compartments. Additionally, each compartment may be configured to receive particular types of liquid coolant  130  having different chemical properties, such as liquid coolants  130  suitable for use with higher temperatures or use in colder climates. In this manner, liquid coolant  130  may be retained at different temperatures inside the single coolant reservoir tank. 
     As will be appreciated from the schematic representation depicted in  FIG. 18 , a vehicle may have two distinct liquid cooling circuits coupled to a coolant reservoir tank  254 . A first liquid cooling circuit includes a first compartment  256  disposed within the coolant reservoir tank  254  and fluidly connected with a first component  258  and a heat exchanger  260 . The liquid coolant  130  retained in the first compartment  256  is circulated through the first component  258 , absorbing the heat generated therefrom. The liquid coolant  130  carries the heat absorbed to the first heat exchanger  260  where it is transferred out of the first liquid cooling circuit. 
     Still with reference to  FIG. 18 , a second liquid cooling circuit includes a second compartment  262  disposed within the coolant reservoir tank  254  and fluidly connected with a second component  264 , a third component  266 , and a second heat exchanger  268 . The liquid coolant  130  retained in the second compartment  262  is circulated through the second component  264 , absorbing the heat generated therefrom. Then, liquid coolant  130  is circulated through the third component  266 , absorbing the heat generated therefrom. Finally, the liquid coolant  130  carries the heat absorbed to the second heat exchanger  268  where it is transferred out of the second liquid cooling circuit. Optionally, the liquid coolant  130  may carry the heat absorbed from the second component  264  to the second heat exchanger, where such heat may be transferred out of the second liquid circuit prior to the liquid coolant being circulated to the third component  266 . In this manner, the liquid coolant  130  may enter the third component  266  at a lower temperature. In some aspects, the first and second heat exchangers  260 ,  268  may be intertwined or split within a single high capacity heat exchanger  270 . 
     While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like. 
     Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present disclosure. It is understood that the embodiments disclosed and defined herein extend to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the disclosure and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.