Vehicle Cabin Heating Circuit With Dual-Source Heat Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle temperature control systems have complex configurations that complicate the switching between heating modes using exhaust heat and heat pump heat, making them less efficient and harder to manage.
Innovation Solution
A simplified in-vehicle temperature control system design that includes a refrigeration circuit, a heat circuit, and a control device with an adjusting valve to selectively route the heat medium between the engine heat exchanger and the heater core, allowing for efficient switching between heating modes using either the refrigeration cycle or engine heat without passing through the heater core.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the outlet of the engine heat exchanger is configured to selectively communicate with upstream and downstream sides of the heater core, then two modes of heating can be performed, but the system configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the flow path control into two independent switching mechanisms: a first switching valve that controls whether the heat medium flows through the heater core, and a second switching valve that controls whether the heat medium flows through the inter-media heat exchanger. This segmentation allows each valve to manage a specific function, simplifying the overall control logic while maintaining the ability to achieve multiple heating modes through different valve combinations.
2Ease of operation
If multiple switching valves are used to control heat medium flow paths, then heating mode switching becomes more precise, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first switching valve serves multiple functions: it controls the primary flow path through the heater core and also works in combination with the second switching valve to enable different heating modes. The second switching valve similarly provides multi-functionality by controlling flow through the inter-media heat exchanger while also participating in various heating mode configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated valves for each heating mode.
3Productivity
If the heat medium flows through both the engine heat exchanger and the heater core, then heating efficiency is improved, but the system configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the flow path configuration based on operating conditions by using the two switching valves. The heat medium can flow through different combinations of components (heater core alone, inter-media heat exchanger alone, or both in series) depending on the position of the switching valves. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to optimize heating efficiency for different scenarios while maintaining a relatively simple underlying structure.
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
Enables efficient and simple switching between heating modes, improving the system's ability to maintain cabin temperature effectively while reducing complexity and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an inter-media heat exchanger that dissipates heat from a refrigerant to a heat medium and condenses the refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator that allows the refrigerant to absorb heat and evaporates the refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
an engine heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the internal combustion engine
Implementation Method 4
a heater core used for heating a vehicle cabin
Data Source
AI summary
An in-vehicle temperature control system includes a refrigeration circuit including an inter-media heat exchanger that dissipates heat from a refrigerant to a heat medium, the refrigeration circuit being configured to realize a refrigeration cycle, and a heat circuit including a heater core, the inter-media heat exchanger, and an engine heat circuit. The heat circuit includes an adjusting valve. When heating is performed by using heat obtained by the refrigeration cycle, the adjusting valve is controlled to a first state where the heat medium flows into the heater core from the inter-media heat exchanger, and when heating is performed by using heat obtained by an internal combustion engine, the adjusting valve is controlled to a second state where the heat medium flows into the heater core from the engine heat circuit.