Compact Multi-Way Valve Layout for Versatile Thermal Flow Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-way valves in temperature control systems are large in size due to multiple independent flow channels and openings, complicating space arrangement in complex systems like photovoltaic energy storage and new energy vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A compact multi-way valve design with a cylindrical valve core and seat, featuring axial and circumferential grooves and openings that communicate through internal channels, allowing for a compact structure and adjustable flow paths controlled by an actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-way valve is provided with multiple mutually independent flow channels and openings to implement different heat exchange modes, then the valve can achieve various flow distribution functions, but the size of the multi-way valve becomes large and affects space arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent flow channels into a single integrated valve body with multiple openings (first, second, third, and fourth openings) that can be selectively connected through internal flow paths. This consolidation allows the valve to achieve multiple heat exchange modes without requiring multiple separate valves or large independent channels, thereby reducing overall valve size while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed as a universal component that can perform multiple functions through a single structure. By incorporating multiple openings and configurable internal flow paths, the valve can implement various heat exchange modes (such as heating, cooling, and heat recovery) without requiring dedicated channels for each mode, thus achieving compact dimensions while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent flow channels are used in the multi-way valve, then different heat exchange modes can be implemented, but the space arrangement of the temperature control system is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple flow channel functions into a single valve body by providing multiple openings (first, second, third, and fourth openings) with internal flow paths that can be selectively activated. This merging approach consolidates what would traditionally require separate spatial channels into a compact integrated unit, improving space arrangement in the temperature control system while maintaining the capability to implement different heat exchange modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve design utilizes three-dimensional internal flow paths and spatial arrangement of openings to achieve multiple heat exchange modes within a compact footprint. By configuring the internal flow channels in different spatial dimensions and orientations within the valve body, the system can implement various heat exchange functions without increasing the external footprint, thus optimizing space arrangement.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a temperature control system, a vehicle, an energy storage system, and a multi-way valve. The temperature control system includes an actuator, a plurality of liquid flow paths, and a multi-way valve. The multi-way valve includes a valve core and a valve seat. The valve core is cylindrical. The valve seat is sleeved on the valve core. An outer circumferential surface of the valve core is in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the valve seat. The outer circumferential surface of the valve core includes a plurality of axial grooves and a plurality of circumferential grooves. The inner circumferential surface of the valve seat includes a plurality of openings. Each opening is connected to one liquid flow path through an internal channel of the valve seat. The plurality of openings are arranged in an array and at intervals along a direction of a rotation axis of the valve core and a circumferential direction of the valve core. Each opening communicates with at least one another adjacent opening through one axial groove or one circumferential groove. The actuator is configured to drive the valve core to rotate around the rotation axis of the valve core in an inner hole of the valve seat. Any opening in the temperature control system in this application may be combined with at least one adjacent opening, to change a liquid flow path. Therefore, the temperature control system is characterized by a compact structure and a small size.