Automotive thermal management fluid module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal management systems in electric vehicles suffer from thermal interference between high-temperature and low-temperature fluids, leading to degraded performance and increased pressure loss, and lack accurate sensing of fluid states.
Innovation Solution
The automotive thermal management fluid module features a manifold plate with strategically spaced inlets and outlets for high-temperature and low-temperature fluids, along with a larger cross-sectional area for low-temperature flow paths and integrated sensors for precise fluid state measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If high-temperature and low-temperature heat exchangers are connected by pipes in a partial modularization configuration, then the thermal management system can be assembled, but thermal interference between high-temperature fluid and low-temperature fluid occurs, degrading thermal management performance
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold plate is segmented into distinct high-temperature and low-temperature flow path regions that are spatially separated. The inlets and outlets of the heat exchangers are positioned at opposite ends of the manifold plate, creating physical separation between temperature zones to prevent thermal interference while maintaining modular assembly capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension of the manifold plate by positioning heat exchanger inlets and outlets at opposite ends (one end vs. other end) rather than adjacent positions. This dimensional arrangement maximizes the distance between high-temperature and low-temperature fluid paths, effectively eliminating thermal interference in the modular configuration
2Loss of energy
If the flow path cross-sectional area for low-temperature fluid is increased, then pressure loss is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold plate is designed with non-uniform flow path cross-sectional areas that are optimized for local flow requirements. The flow path for low-temperature fluid has a larger cross-sectional area in specific regions to reduce pressure loss, while other regions maintain appropriate dimensions, creating a locally optimized structure rather than a uniformly complex design
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 design minimizes thermal interference, reduces pressure loss, and enhances the accuracy of fluid state sensing, thereby improving thermal management performance and control.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger which is coupled to one surface of the manifold plate, in which the refrigerant and coolant exchange heat while flowing
Implementation Method 2
the refrigerant and coolant exchange heat while flowing
Implementation Method 3
the refrigerant and coolant exchange heat while flowing
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment relates to an automotive thermal management fluid module using a circulating fluid, such as a refrigerant or coolant, the module comprising: a manifold plate having a plurality of fluid passages formed therein; and a thermal interference avoidance unit that is coupled to the manifold plate, wherein fluid passages having a relatively high or low temperature from among the fluid passages are formed separately other fluid passages.