Active Heat Exchanger Dynamic Positioning for Aerodynamic Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle heat exchangers face a challenge in optimizing cooling efficiency while minimizing aerodynamic drag, as the positioning of aerodynamic elements for improved aerodynamics can compromise cooling effectiveness, especially during varying driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
An active heat exchanger system with dynamic positioning, utilizing a motorized slider and an active aerodynamic shutter system that adjusts the heat exchanger's position based on vehicle speed and coolant temperature, ensuring optimal airflow and cooling efficiency across different driving speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If aerodynamic elements are positioned to improve aerodynamics, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but cooling effectiveness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is mounted on a motorized slider that enables dynamic repositioning between a retracted position (improving aerodynamics at high speeds) and an extended position (enhancing cooling at lower speeds). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to varying driving conditions, resolving the contradiction between aerodynamic drag reduction and cooling effectiveness.
2Loss of energy
If air intake is reduced to improve aerodynamic performance, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but cooling effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the heat exchanger position based on driving conditions. At high speeds where aerodynamic performance is prioritized, the heat exchanger is retracted to minimize air intake disruption. At lower speeds where cooling demand increases, the heat exchanger is extended to maximize airflow and cooling effectiveness, thus resolving the contradiction between aerodynamic drag reduction and cooling productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical position parameter of the heat exchanger to optimize performance. By transitioning between retracted and extended positions, the system alters the airflow characteristics and heat exchange efficiency, allowing it to adapt to different operational requirements and resolve the contradiction between aerodynamic drag and cooling effectiveness.
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
The system effectively enhances aerodynamic efficiency at high speeds while maintaining cooling effectiveness at lower speeds by dynamically repositioning the heat exchanger within the vehicle's airflow openings, addressing the trade-off between aerodynamics and cooling performance.
Implementation Method 1
a motorized slider, a heat exchanger mounted to the motorized slider
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger mounted to the motorized slider
Implementation Method 3
positioned to respond to closing of one or more of the airflow openings when active aerodynamics are deployed
Data Source
AI summary
The present application generally relates to a method and apparatus for providing an active heat exchanger with dynamic positioning to improve vehicle aerodynamics. More specifically, aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems, methods and devices for a vehicle fascia having multiple airflow openings, at least one of having an active shutter system and wherein the active heat exchanger is positioned to respond to closing of one or more of the airflow openings when active aerodynamics are deployed.