Condenser module and thermal management system including the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face reduced mileage and battery performance issues due to inefficient heat management, as existing condenser modules in air-conditioning systems have fixed refrigerant flow paths that compromise heat absorption performance during indoor heating.
Innovation Solution
A condenser module with a flow-path switching valve that reverses refrigerant flow direction between inlet and outlet, allowing the flow path to extend upwards or downwards in the direction of gravity, enhancing both cooling and heating efficiency by optimizing refrigerant flow paths in the heat exchange device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electricity is used to operate a heater in electric vehicles, then heating function is provided, but mileage is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the waste heat generated by the battery module and motor into a useful resource for cabin heating. By using the heat exchange device to transfer this waste heat to the cabin interior, the system provides heating functionality without consuming additional electricity, thereby preserving mileage while maintaining comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management system uses its own generated waste heat to provide heating services to the cabin. The battery module and motor, which generate heat as a byproduct of operation, effectively serve the heating function themselves, eliminating the need for separate electric heater operation.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the battery module operates in non-optimal temperature environment, then driving continues, but performance and life are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a thermal management system with temperature sensing and control feedback mechanisms. The system continuously monitors battery module temperature and adjusts the refrigerant flow through the heat exchange device accordingly, activating cooling or heating modes to maintain the battery within optimal temperature ranges, thereby protecting performance and lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management system proactively prevents temperature extremes by activating cooling or heating functions before the battery temperature reaches harmful levels. The system anticipates temperature changes during driving and adjusts refrigerant flow to maintain optimal thermal conditions, cushioning the battery from thermal stress.
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 solution improves both cooling and heating efficiency by dynamically adjusting refrigerant flow paths, addressing the limitations of fixed flow paths in existing systems and maintaining optimal battery performance.
Implementation Method 1
the flow path entering at the first inlet/outlet of the heat exchange device and exiting at the second inlet/outlet thereof may extend upwards in the direction of gravity, and the flow path entering at the second inlet/outlet and exiting at the first inlet/outlet may extend downwards in the direction of gravity
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchange device including a first inlet/outlet and a second inlet/outlet having a refrigerant flowing thereinto or discharged therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a condenser module and a thermal management system including the same. The condenser module includes a heat exchange device including a first inlet/outlet and a second inlet/outlet having a refrigerant flowing thereinto or discharged therefrom and a flow path formed therein through which the refrigerant flows between the first inlet/outlet and the second inlet/outlet, and a flow-path switching valve connected to each of the first inlet/outlet and the second inlet/outlet, the flow-path switching valve switchable between a first operation mode, in which the refrigerant flows into the first inlet/outlet and the refrigerant is discharged from the second inlet/outlet, and a second operation mode, in which the refrigerant flows into the second inlet/outlet and the refrigerant is discharged from the first inlet/outlet. The flow path formed in the heat exchange device has different positions in a direction of gravity between the first inlet/outlet and the second inlet/outlet.