Vehicle Cabin Heat Pump Rig for Controlled Thermal Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Testing heat pump circuits in vehicle cabins is challenging due to the inconvenience and cost of installing them in multiple vehicles with different configurations, and controlling thermodynamic conditions is difficult, especially at varying ambient temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for simulating a vehicle cabin using a heat pump circuit, where a coolant reservoir with a predetermined thermal mass and heat loss rate is used, with separate coolant loops for heating or cooling, controlled by pumps and valves to mimic the cabin's thermal dynamics, and a processor to regulate flow rates based on predetermined rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heat pump circuits are tested in actual vehicle cabins, then the testing reflects real-world conditions, but it requires multiple vehicles with different configurations which is inconvenient and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified simulation system that copies the essential thermal characteristics of a vehicle cabin without requiring the actual vehicle. The simulation system includes a thermal mass component representing the cabin, a heat pump circuit, a coolant system with temperature control, and a control system that replicates real-world thermal dynamics. This allows testing heat pump circuits under realistic conditions while avoiding the complexity of using multiple actual vehicles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vehicle cabins are used for testing, then comprehensive thermal conditions can be evaluated, but controlling thermodynamic conditions at varying ambient temperatures is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coolant system as an intermediary between the heat pump circuit and the thermal mass (simulated cabin). The coolant circulates through the heat pump evaporator and absorbs or releases heat to/from the thermal mass, while a temperature control system adjusts coolant flow to maintain desired thermal conditions. This intermediary system simplifies thermodynamic control compared to directly managing ambient temperature conditions in an actual vehicle cabin.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation system allows dynamic adjustment of key thermal parameters including coolant flow rate, thermal mass temperature, and heat pump operating conditions. The control system modifies these parameters to simulate various ambient temperature scenarios and thermal loading conditions, enabling comprehensive evaluation of heat pump performance across different operating environments without the complexity of controlling actual ambient temperatures.
3Reliability
If testing is conducted in actual vehicle cabins, then realistic performance data is obtained, but it takes several hours for the cabin to reach desired temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation system pre-establishes the thermal mass and coolant system with controlled thermal properties, allowing the system to reach desired test temperature conditions much faster than an actual vehicle cabin. The thermal mass can be rapidly heated or cooled by the controlled coolant system before testing begins, eliminating the several-hour warm-up period required for real vehicle cabins. This preliminary preparation of the simulation system enables quicker transition to test conditions while maintaining realistic thermal dynamics.
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
Efficiently simulates vehicle cabin thermal conditions, reducing the need for physical vehicles and shortening test times by accurately replicating heat gain or loss rates, thus facilitating effective testing of heat pump circuits.
Implementation Method 1
heat is transferred via the heat exchanger either from the refrigerant to the coolant or from the coolant to the refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a chiller that cools the coolant to simulate heat loss from the vehicle cabin
Implementation Method 3
a heater that heats the coolant to simulate heat gain to the vehicle cabin
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for simulating a vehicle cabin heated or cooled by a heat pump circuit uses a coolant reservoir that stores coolant having a thermal mass equivalent to a predetermined thermal mass of the vehicle cabin. A first coolant loop in thermal communication with the heat pump circuit simulates heating or cooling of the vehicle cabin, and includes the coolant reservoir. A second coolant loop simulates heat loss from or heat gain to the vehicle cabin, and includes the coolant reservoir and a chiller or a heater. Coolant is conveyed simultaneously through the first and second coolant loops, with the flow rate of the coolant through the second coolant loop being controlled such that a heat loss or gain rate of the coolant due to cooling or heating by the chiller or heater is equivalent to a predetermined heat loss or gain rate of the vehicle cabin.