AC/DC-Integrated Electric Heater for Vehicle Coolant Preheating
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating systems for vehicles, particularly those using fuel-operated devices, generate exhaust gases that cannot be used in closed areas, and electrically operated heaters require a DC voltage supply when not in use, complicating their integration and operation.
Innovation Solution
A heating system with an electrically operated heater that includes an AC/DC converter to generate DC voltage for a heat transport liquid pump, allowing operation directly from an AC voltage supply, and a DC voltage supply system for energizing the pump and fan, with a thermostat-controlled relay for temperature-dependent operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an electrically operated heater is used to avoid exhaust gases, then safety for closed areas is improved, but the requirement for a DC voltage supply system increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the AC/DC converter with the heater unit into a single integrated device. The converter is housed within the same enclosure as the heating element, allowing the heater to function as both a heating device and a power conversion station. This eliminates the need for separate DC voltage supply systems in vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater unit serves multiple functions: it generates heat for cabin warming and simultaneously converts AC power to DC power for charging vehicle batteries or powering DC appliances. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity by eliminating dedicated DC power supply components.
2Reliability
If a separate DC voltage supply system is provided for the heater, then reliable operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AC/DC converter is integrated within the heater housing, creating a self-contained unit that converts AC to DC internally. This ensures reliable DC power supply for the heater and associated DC components without requiring external DC voltage supply systems.
3Device complexity
If the AC/DC converter is integrated into the heater, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The converter and heater are housed in a common enclosure with integrated mounting structures. The design incorporates standardized connection interfaces and pre-configured internal wiring harnesses that simplify assembly and reduce the precision requirements for field installation.
4Ease of operation
If the heater is designed for AC voltage operation, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to DC systems decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated AC/DC converter enables the heater to operate from AC voltage sources while also providing DC output for charging batteries or powering DC appliances. This dual-functionality makes the system adaptable to both AC and DC voltage systems, enhancing versatility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient preheating of both the engine and interior space using a simple and compact design, avoiding the need for a separate DC voltage supply when the vehicle is not in use and optimizing energy use based on temperature thresholds.
Implementation Method 1
an AC/DC converter (28) for generating a DC voltage for energizing the heat transport liquid pump (16) in a condition in which an AC voltage is applied to the first connecting means (22)
Implementation Method 2
an electrically operated heater for heating the heat transport liquid circulated in the heat transport liquid circuit
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
An electrically operated heater for heating a heat transport liquid, in particular for heating coolant in a coolant circuit (12) of a combustion engine (14) of a vehicle, comprises a first connecting means (22) for providing an electric connection between the heater (18) and an AC voltage supply system (20) and an AC/DC converter (28) for generating a DC voltage for energizing a heat transport liquid pump (16) in a condition in which an AC voltage is applied to the first connecting means (22).