Vehicle with exhaust heat management assembly

Abstract

A thermal management assembly (6) and a vehicle (1) having an endoergic engine (5); wherein the thermal management assembly (6) has a manifold (7) with an internal cavity (19) which is in communication with the outside through: a plurality of inlets (8), each configured to be connected to the endoergic engine (5) and, in use, to receive exhaust gases (g) coming from the endoergic engine (5); and an outlet (9) configured to be connected to an exhaust line (10, 11) to direct the exhaust gases (g) outside the vehicle (1); wherein the manifold (7) is delimited by a body having an outer surface (12); wherein the thermal management assembly (6) comprises a plurality of heat exchange baffles (14; 14I; 14II).

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to Italian patent applications No. 102024000026967 and No. 102024000026970, jointly filed on November 28, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a vehicle equipped with an exhaust heat management group. Background Technology

[0004] As is well known, vehicles equipped with endothermic engines include an exhaust system that treats and releases exhaust gases. Furthermore, endothermic engines are designed to reduce emissions by controlling the fuel / oxidant stoichiometry. However, this can result in extremely high exhaust gas temperatures. Specifically, known solutions suffer from the following drawback: the temperatures reached by the exhaust gases can cause damage to the exhaust system and / or other components in the vehicle exposed to the heat of the exhaust gases.

[0005] Furthermore, known solutions result in the release of heat from exhaust gases into the environment. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a thermal management component that can overcome the above-mentioned defects.

[0007] According to the present invention, a thermal management component and a vehicle are provided as described in the appended claims.

[0008] According to the present invention, a thermal management assembly for a vehicle having a heat-absorbing engine is provided, the thermal management assembly including a manifold having an inner cavity communicating with the outside via a structure of: a plurality of inlets, each inlet configured to connect to the heat-absorbing engine and receive exhaust gases from the heat-absorbing engine in use; and an outlet configured to connect to an exhaust pipe to guide exhaust gases to the outside of the vehicle; the manifold is defined by a body having an outer surface; the thermal management assembly includes a plurality of heat exchange elements, particularly baffles, each heat exchange element protruding outward from a corresponding portion of the outer surface of the manifold.

[0009] In one embodiment, each heat exchange element is a baffle with a thin body; in particular, each baffle has two dimensions that are significantly larger than the third dimension.

[0010] In one embodiment, each baffle is integrally formed with the manifold.

[0011] In one embodiment, the thermal management component includes a group of baffles arranged relative to each other to form one or more ducts of airflow that, in use, purges the manifold.

[0012] In one embodiment, the thermal management assembly includes a first set of baffles and a second set of baffles; the baffles in the first set of baffles and the baffles in the second set of baffles are arranged laterally, and in particular perpendicular to each other.

[0013] In one embodiment, the thermal management assembly includes a conduit that at least partially covers the manifold; the conduit at least partially surrounds the manifold without contact to form one or more channels for airflow along the outer surface of the manifold.

[0014] In one embodiment, the manifold extends through a heat exchange section of the duct; the duct is sealed over the manifold to provide a first passage for exhaust gas and a second passage for airflow; the first passage and the second passage are separate from each other; in particular, the exhaust gas and the airflow do not mix.

[0015] In one embodiment, the conduit includes a body having an inner lumen that passes through an air inlet and a rear outlet and communicates with the outside through the air inlet and the rear outlet; a heat exchange section is disposed along the conduit between the air inlet and the rear outlet; the conduit has an end section that includes a movable baffle configured to selectively change the channel cross-section of the end section during use.

[0016] In one embodiment, the thermal management component includes a control unit configured to adjust the position of the movable baffle relative to the duct based on the instantaneous driving conditions of the vehicle.

[0017] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided, which includes a heat-absorbing engine and a thermal management component. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through non-limiting examples to provide a better understanding of the invention, wherein:

[0019] - Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle with a thermal management assembly according to the present invention; some parts have been omitted for clarity.

[0020] - Figure 2 and Figure 3 A detailed perspective view of the thermal management assembly according to the present invention;

[0021] - Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of another detail of the thermal management assembly according to the present invention, with some components omitted for clarity;

[0022] - Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is shown in the form of a partial cross-sectional view. Figure 4 The different operating configurations in one detail. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Figure 1 In the reference numeral 1, a vehicle is generally designated as such, which includes, in a known manner: a load-bearing structure 2 (e.g., a body shell and / or frame) defining a passenger compartment 3 for accommodating at least one driver and possibly one or more passengers; and a body 4 that externally covers the load-bearing structure 2.

[0024] As is well known, the vehicle 1 has: a longitudinal axis X (commonly referred to as the roll axis); a lateral axis Y (commonly referred to as the pitch axis); and a vertical axis Z (commonly referred to as the yaw axis).

[0025] Vehicle 1 is capable of rotation and translation on the horizontal support plane π in a known manner. The terms "front," "rear," "right," "left," "up," "down," "upstream," "downstream," and similar expressions are used with reference to the orientation of vehicle 1 when it moves along the forward direction v on the support plane π. The terms "outer," "inner," and similar expressions are used with reference to the orientation of the passenger compartment accommodating the driver when vehicle 1 is in motion.

[0026] Vehicle 1 includes a heat-absorbing engine 5 (of a known type and shown schematically), the type of which can vary. According to the example shown, without loss of generality, engine 5 is a rear-mounted engine, while according to a variant not shown, engine 5 can also be a front-mounted engine.

[0027] The vehicle 1 also includes an exhaust system 10 (also referred to as an exhaust pipe 10) and a thermal management component 6 according to the invention.

[0028] The exhaust system 10 includes a manifold 7 configured to connect to the engine 5 in a known and schematic manner to receive exhaust gas g flowing from the engine 5. Specifically, the manifold 7 includes one or more inlets 8, each configured to connect to a corresponding outlet (not shown) of the exhaust gas g from the engine 5. The number, type, and size of these inlets 8 may vary. The manifold 7 also includes an outlet 9 configured (in a known and schematic manner) to connect to other components of the exhaust system 10. For example only, the manifold 7 connects to an exhaust pipe 10 (along which known components, such as catalytic converters, mufflers, and filters, not shown herein, may be installed), which communicates with the outside via a terminal 11 (schematically shown) to allow the exhaust gas g to exit.

[0029] The shape and size of manifold 7 can vary. Manifold 7 is defined by outer surface 12.

[0030] Advantageously, the manifold 7 also forms part of the thermal management assembly 6. In particular, the thermal management assembly 6 includes a plurality of baffles 14, each baffle protruding outward from a corresponding portion of the outer surface 12 of the manifold 7.

[0031] These baffles 14 are configured to increase the heat exchange surface area of ​​the manifold 7 and enable the extraction of as much heat power as possible, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0032] Each baffle 14 is a thin body; in other words, each baffle 14 has two dimensions (width and length) that are significantly larger than the third dimension (thickness). The shape and size of each baffle 14 can vary. Each baffle 14 can be manufactured as a single component with the manifold 7, or it can be connected to the manifold 7. Each baffle 14 can be made of the same material as the manifold 7, or it can be made of a different material.

[0033] according to Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in the example, the thermal management assembly 6 includes a group of baffles 14I that are parallel to plane π1 and, in particular, perpendicular to plane XZ. The thermal management assembly 6 also includes a group of baffles 14II that are parallel to plane π2 and, in particular, perpendicular to plane XY.

[0034] The number and arrangement of baffles 14 in the same set of baffles 14I and 14II are variable. Without loss of generality, the baffles 14 may be configured differently from the example shown. For example, each baffle 14 in each set of baffles 14I and 14II may be tilted relative to each other and have its own arrangement independent of the other baffles.

[0035] According to the example shown, the baffles 14 in the group of baffles 14I and 14II are all parallel to the same reference planes π1 and π2, and are arranged to define the conduit 15, which will be described in detail below. Hereinafter, the conduit 15I is the conduit defined by the group of baffles 14I, and similarly, the conduit 15II is the conduit defined by the group of baffles 14II.

[0036] The number and arrangement of pipes 15I and 15II are variable.

[0037] according to Figure 1 In the example shown, the baffles 14 in group 14I are parallel to the support plane π, that is, they are horizontal; while the baffles 14 in group 14II are perpendicular to the support plane π, that is, they are vertical.

[0038] In the following text, the finned heat exchanger 16 refers to the assembly consisting of the manifold 7 and the baffle 14.

[0039] Advantageously, the thermal management assembly 6 also includes a conduit 18. The conduit 18 is a tubular body with an internal cavity (also referred to as an inner cavity or chamber) 19, which communicates with the outside via a front air inlet 20 and a rear outlet 21. The air inlet 20 faces the front of the vehicle 1 and is configured to introduce airflow f impacting the vehicle 1 (particularly when the vehicle 1 is in motion) into the cavity 19.

[0040] Advantageously, the duct 18 is configured to direct airflow f to manifold 7. Specifically, manifold 7 is installed within the heat exchange section 26 of the duct 18. Manifold 7 is not in fluid communication with duct 18. In other words, exhaust gas g flowing through manifold 7 does not mix with airflow f. According to the example shown, manifold 7 extends laterally through cavity 19. The duct is sealed at manifold 7 such that inlet 8 and outlet 9 are arranged outside duct 18. The duct 18 is connected by a sealing connection 40 surrounding outlet 9. Figures 4 to 6 A seal is achieved by sealing the inlet 8 with corresponding sealing connections (not shown). Thus, in the region of the heat exchange section 26, channels for the flow of two fluids (exhaust gas g flow and air flow f) are obtained, which are physically separated from each other.

[0041] The heat exchange section 26 of the duct 18 is configured to surround the manifold 7, preferably in a non-contact manner. Specifically, the heat exchange section 26 is configured to laterally define the ducts 15I and 15II together with the baffles 14I and 14II of the manifold 7, thereby creating a forced flow path for the airflow f. Advantageously, the ducts 15I and 15II are configured to create a laminar airflow f in certain regions of the manifold 7.

[0042] according to Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown in the example, duct 18 has an intermediate section 22 along which cavity 19 has a varying cross-section. Specifically, the cross-section of cavity 19 in the intermediate section 22 gradually decreases from air inlet 20 toward manifold 7. In particular, the intermediate section 22 is configured to generate a Venturi effect, increasing the velocity and pressure of the airflow f. The presence of the intermediate section 22, located upstream of manifold 7 in the vehicle 1's direction of travel v, enables improved thermal efficiency of the thermal management assembly 6, as will be described in more detail below. The shape and dimensions of the intermediate section 22 are variable.

[0043] according to Figure 1 and Figure 4As shown in the example, the intermediate section 22 is divided into two mutually inclined portions, hereinafter defined as: an upward portion 24 and a downward portion 25. The downward portion 5 is disposed between the upward portion 24 and the heat exchange section 26. The mutual inclination angle between the upward portion 24 and the downward portion 5 is variable.

[0044] The shape and size of the duct 18 can vary and are related to the overall layout of the vehicle 1.

[0045] Advantageously, the conduit 18 includes a terminal section 23 disposed between the heat exchange section 26 and the rear outlet 21. The lumen 19 of the terminal section 23 has a cross-section that gradually increases in the direction from the heat exchange section 26 toward the rear outlet 21.

[0046] Advantageously, the end section 23 is configured to selectively change its channel cross-section, thereby forming a nozzle with a variable cross-section. Specifically, according to... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in the example, the conduit 18 includes a movable baffle 27 mounted inside the cavity 19 and hinged to the conduit 18. The movable baffle 27 can be selectively rotated from an open position P1 to a closed position P2 and vice versa. Without loss of generality, the shape and size of the movable baffle 27 are variable. The movable baffle 27 can be constrained to the conduit 18 according to a connection method selected from a set of different types of connection methods (e.g., it can be connected to the conduit via a translational, rotational-translational system).

[0047] The thermal management component 6 also includes a control unit 28 configured to selectively adjust the position of the movable baffle 27.

[0048] The use of the thermal management component 6 according to the present invention will be described below.

[0049] During operation, while the vehicle 1 is in motion, the engine 5 generates exhaust gas g, which is collected by manifold 7 in a known manner and transported along the exhaust system 10 through manifold 7, and then discharged through terminal 11. At the same time, the vehicle 1, moving in the direction v, is impacted by airflow f, which is transported into the duct 18 through air inlet 20.

[0050] The duct 18 guides the airflow f through the heat exchange section 16. Advantageously, the special shape of the duct 18 upstream of the heat exchange section 26 enables the airflow f entering the heat exchange section 26 to have certain characteristics (velocity, pressure, angle).

[0051] When air flows through the heat exchange section 16, the airflow f comes into contact with the hot manifold 7 and is heated. This can be achieved in a manifold 7 without baffles or in a manifold 7 with baffles (i.e., a manifold with multiple baffles 14I, 14II).

[0052] Advantageously, the presence of baffles 14I and 14II allows the airflow f to be guided in a laminar manner, particularly within a designated area. This improves heat exchange efficiency.

[0053] As the airflow f passes through the heat exchange section 26, it is heated, and the exhaust gas g inside the manifold 7 is cooled. In this way, the temperature of the engine 5, the manifold 7, and the entire exhaust system 10 can be advantageously controlled, and thus the stoichiometric ratio can be increased to reduce emissions, thereby maintaining the same or increasing power compared to a rich mixture.

[0054] A hot airflow f is formed at the outlet of heat exchange section 26. This airflow f is accelerated due to heating.

[0055] The hot air flow f will flow through the terminal section 23 before being discharged to the outside.

[0056] The end section 23, combined with the movable baffle 27, forms an exhaust nozzle that utilizes the enthalpy change of the airflow f between the upstream and downstream positions of the duct 18 to provide a propulsive effect for the vehicle 1.

[0057] Advantageously, by changing the position of the movable baffle 27, the cross-section of the airflow f at the outlet can be adjusted, thereby maximizing the propulsive effect of the hot airflow f according to the instantaneous operating conditions of the vehicle 1. Advantageously, the shapes of both the end section 23 and the movable baffle 27 are designed to fully utilize the propulsive effect of the enthalpy change generated downstream of the heat exchange section 26.

[0058] Advantageously, the aforementioned thermal management component 6 can cool the exhaust gas g, thereby reducing its peak temperature and enabling an increase in the stoichiometry of the engine 5.

[0059] Advantageously, the aforementioned thermal management component 6 enables the generation of additional propulsive thrust by utilizing the enthalpy change of the airflow f, thereby achieving energy recovery.

Claims

1. A thermal management assembly for a vehicle (1) having a heat-absorbing engine (5), wherein, The thermal management assembly (6) includes a manifold (7) having an inner cavity (19) that communicates with the outside via a plurality of inlets (8), each inlet being configured to connect to a heat-absorbing engine (5) and receive exhaust gas (g) from the heat-absorbing engine (5) in use; and an outlet (9) configured to connect to an exhaust pipe (10) to direct the exhaust gas (g) to the outside of the vehicle (1); wherein the manifold (7) is defined by a body having an outer surface (12); wherein the thermal management assembly (6) includes a plurality of heat exchange elements (14; 14I; 14II), particularly baffles, each heat exchange element protruding outward from a corresponding portion of the outer surface (12) of the manifold (7).

2. The thermal management component according to claim 1, wherein, Each heat exchange element is a baffle with a thin body; in particular, each baffle (14; 14I; 14II) has two dimensions that are significantly larger than the third dimension.

3. The thermal management component according to claim 2, wherein, Each baffle (14; 14I; 14II) is integrally formed with the manifold (7).

4. The thermal management assembly according to claim 2 or 3, comprising a group of baffles (14; 14I; 14II), wherein the baffles are arranged relative to each other to form one or more ducts (15; 15I; 15II) for forming an airflow (f) that, in use, scavenges the manifold (7).

5. The thermal management assembly according to claim 4, comprising a first set of baffles (14; 14I; 14II) and a second set of baffles (14; 14I; 14II); wherein, The baffles (14; 14I; 14II) in the first set of baffles (14; 14I; 14II) and the baffles (14; 14I; 14II) in the second set of baffles (14; 14I; 14II) are arranged laterally, and in particular, perpendicular to each other.

6. The thermal management assembly of claim 4, comprising a conduit (18) that at least partially covers the manifold (7); wherein, The conduit (18) surrounds the manifold (7) at least partially without contact to form one or more channels (15; 15I; 15II) for an airflow (f) along the outer surface (12) of the manifold (7).

7. The thermal management component according to claim 6, wherein, The manifold (7) passes through a heat exchange section (26) of the duct (18); wherein the duct (18) is sealed over the manifold (7) to obtain a first channel for exhaust gas (g) and a second channel for airflow (f); wherein the first channel and the second channel are separate from each other; in particular, the exhaust gas (g) and the airflow (f) do not mix with each other.

8. The thermal management component according to claim 7, wherein, The conduit (18) includes a body having an inner cavity (19) that passes through an air inlet (20) and a rear outlet (21) and communicates with the outside through the air inlet (20) and the rear outlet (21); wherein the heat exchange section (26) is disposed along the conduit (18) between the air inlet (20) and the rear outlet (21); wherein the conduit (18) has an end section (23) that includes a movable baffle (27) configured to selectively change the channel cross-section of the end section (23) during use.

9. The thermal management assembly according to claim 8, comprising a control unit (28) configured to adjust the position of the movable baffle (27) relative to the duct (18) according to the instantaneous driving conditions of the vehicle (1).

10. A vehicle comprising a heat-absorbing engine (5) and a thermal management assembly (6) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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