Bi-Directional Refrigerant Throttling for Simpler Vehicle Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems for vehicles are complex and costly, requiring multiple throttle valves to operate in heating and cooling modes.
Innovation Solution
A simplified thermal management system with a bi-directional throttling function, using a single first flow regulating device to achieve both heating and cooling modes, and a control method to manage the system's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple throttle valves are used to realize heating and cooling modes, then the system can achieve both operating modes, but the structure becomes complicated and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The first flow regulating device is designed with bi-directional throttling capability, allowing it to function as both a heating throttle valve and a cooling throttle valve. This single device replaces what would traditionally require two separate throttle valves, thereby simplifying the system structure and reducing costs while maintaining the ability to achieve both heating and cooling modes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple throttle valves into a single first flow regulating device. By combining the heating and cooling throttling functions into one device with bi-directional capability, the system achieves functional integration that reduces component count and structural complexity
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 simplifies the structure and reduces costs while maintaining effective performance in both heating and cooling modes, improving the overall thermal management efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerant in the first heat exchange section absorbing heat from a coolant in the second heat exchange section
Implementation Method 2
the heat of the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section being transferred to the coolant in the second heat exchange section
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal management system includes a refrigerant system and a coolant system. The refrigerant system includes a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, a first flow regulating device, a first heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger includes a first port and a second port. The first flow regulating device has a bi-directional throttling function. The first heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section. The thermal management system has a heating mode and a cooling mode which can be achieved by the same first flow regulating device. A control method of the thermal management system is also disclosed.