Vehicle Autonomy Computer Cooling With Chiller Bypass Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-cooled cooling systems for autonomy computing systems in vehicles are limited by the specific heat of air, requiring high mass flow rates and increasing air drag, which affects vehicle fuel efficiency and heat management capacity.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-based cooling system with a heat exchanger, chiller, and bypass mechanism controlled by a controller to manage heat transfer efficiently, allowing for increased heat capacity and reduced noise and vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If air-cooled systems are used to transfer heat from the autonomy computing system, then the system can operate with simpler cooling infrastructure, but the heat management capacity is constrained by the specific heat of air and requires large mass flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from air-cooled (pneumatic) to liquid-cooled (hydraulic) cooling infrastructure. The liquid cooling system uses a coolant circulating through channels in contact with the autonomy computing system to absorb and transfer heat, replacing the air flow-based cooling mechanism. This provides superior heat management capacity while maintaining infrastructure complexity at an acceptable level.
2Quantity of substance
If air is moved at higher flow rates to accommodate more heat generation, then the heat management capacity increases, but air drag increases thereby reducing vehicle fuel economy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces air-based cooling with liquid-based cooling infrastructure. The liquid coolant circulates through closed channels, providing high heat capacity and efficient heat transfer without requiring high velocity flow rates that would create parasitic drag on the vehicle. This resolves the contradiction between heat management capacity and fuel economy.
3Temperature
If air-cooled systems are used with exposed heat exchangers, then heat transfer to ambient air is achieved, but air drag increases and fuel efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the cooling channels within the autonomy computing system housing or structure itself, rather than using exposed external heat exchangers. The coolant flows through internal passages, nesting the cooling function within the existing system architecture. This eliminates the need for exposed heat exchanger surfaces that would create air drag, while maintaining effective heat transfer from the computing components.
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 manages high heat loads generated by autonomy computing systems, enhancing cooling efficiency and reliability while minimizing operational impact on the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid line in thermal communication with the autonomy computing system of the vehicle. The fluid line defines a fluid passageway for fluid to receive heat generated by the autonomy computing system
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger coupled to the fluid line and configured to facilitate heat transfer from the fluid in the fluid passageway to an ambient environment when the fluid is directed to the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
a chiller coupled to the fluid line and configured to remove heat from the fluid in the fluid passageway when the fluid is directed to the chiller
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a heat exchanger coupled to a fluid line in thermal communication with an autonomy computing system of a vehicle. The heat exchanger is configured to facilitate heat transfer from fluid in the fluid line to an ambient environment. The system also includes a chiller coupled to the fluid line and configured to remove heat from the fluid when the fluid is directed to the chiller and a bypass connected to the fluid line and extending downstream of the chiller. The system further includes a controller configured to operate a valve to direct the fluid in the fluid passageway to the chiller or to the bypass.