Active Air Flap Control for Heat Pump Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing active air flap control systems in eco vehicles are inefficient in reducing heating power consumption and fuel ratio improvement at ambient temperatures below freezing, as they primarily rely on component cooling conditions rather than aerodynamic force gain, limiting heating efficiency and fuel savings.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling the active air flap based on aerodynamic force gain, which involves detecting ambient temperature and vehicle speed to optimize the open/close state of the air flap, dividing the control into aerodynamic force improvement, cooling-related, and heating-related modes, and specifically utilizing ambient temperature below freezing as a condition for optimal AAF operation to enhance heat exchange and reduce heating power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the active air flap is kept closed during heat pump heating at subzero temperatures to prevent component cooling, then component cooling is avoided, but heating efficiency is reduced and heating power consumption cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from binary (open/closed) to continuous (opening degree 0-100%), and introduces temperature-based parameter switching. When ambient temperature is below freezing, the system dynamically adjusts the AAF opening degree based on vehicle speed and heat pump operation state, transitioning from a fixed closed state to a dynamically optimized state that balances component protection with heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static AAF control strategy into a dynamic one by continuously adjusting the opening degree based on real-time conditions (vehicle speed, ambient temperature, heat pump operation). The control map dynamically determines optimal opening degrees, allowing the system to adapt between protecting components at low speeds and maximizing heating efficiency at higher speeds.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the active air flap is opened to enhance heat exchange with subzero ambient temperature for heating efficiency, then heating efficiency is improved, but component cooling occurs and aerodynamic force performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes to balance competing objectives by adjusting the AAF opening degree continuously. At lower vehicle speeds where aerodynamic drag is less critical, the opening degree increases to maximize heat exchange. At higher speeds, the opening degree decreases to minimize aerodynamic penalty, creating an optimized trade-off curve across the operating range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different control strategies for different operating conditions. The control map divides the operating space into regions with different optimal opening degrees based on vehicle speed and temperature, allowing the system to apply the appropriate local optimization strategy for each condition rather than a single global strategy.
3Reliability
If the active air flap control is based on component cooling conditions only, then component protection is ensured, but heating efficiency optimization is lost and fuel ratio improvement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the AAF control system multi-functional by integrating multiple control objectives into a single unified control map. The system simultaneously optimizes for component protection, heating efficiency, and aerodynamic performance by considering all three factors in the control decision-making process, rather than prioritizing one function at the expense of others.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring ambient temperature, vehicle speed, and heat pump operation state, then using this feedback to dynamically adjust the AAF opening degree. The control map is updated based on real-time conditions, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing operating conditions to maintain optimal performance.
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
This approach significantly improves aerodynamic force performance, optimizes heating efficiency, reduces heating power consumption, and enhances fuel ratio improvement by matching the air flap's open/close state with ambient temperature and vehicle speed, particularly in subzero conditions, thereby improving the real-road fuel efficiency of electric vehicles with heat pump heating systems.
Implementation Method 1
the AAF is controlled to be opened or closed to match the vehicle speed so as to adjust introduction of traveling wind into an engine room, the aerodynamic force performance is improved
Implementation Method 2
The cooling-related mode corresponds to a function that heightens the heat-exchange performance by introducing the traveling wind to a cooling fan, a condenser, and a radiator
Implementation Method 3
The heating-related mode corresponds to a function that heightens the heat-exchange performance by introducing the traveling wind to a heat pump through opening of the AAF that matches a heating load
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling an active air flap (AAF) based on an aerodynamic force gain may include an AAF optimization cooling-related mode in which the AAF is configured to be controlled to operate in an AAF open state or an AAF close state to match a detected ambient temperature and a detected vehicle speed when an operation of a heating device is detected by a controller during vehicle traveling.