Vehicle Conditioning Fluid Flow Control Using Temperature Difference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for vehicular conditioning systems are costly and imprecise due to the difficulty in detecting and accounting for factors like pump and fluid aging, which vary with vehicle load conditions, leading to inefficient operation and high testing costs.
Innovation Solution
A control method using temperature sensors and an electronic control unit to adjust the mass flow of conditioning fluid based on real-time temperature differences and heat capacity, optimizing pump operation and potentially valve control for multiple users, without the need for complex and expensive control map generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If control maps are generated based on tests in climatic chambers considering multiple parameters (heat dissipation, pressure drops, vehicle configuration, fluid characteristics, pump and fluid ageing), then the control precision should be improved, but the testing costs and time are excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential parameters needed for control (temperature differences, mass flow rates, heat capacity) from the complex set of parameters that would normally require extensive climatic chamber testing. By focusing on measurable operational parameters rather than comprehensive environmental testing, the system achieves adequate control precision without the prohibitive time and cost of complete parameter characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors already present in the vehicle (temperature sensors, flow meters) to automatically monitor and adjust conditioning parameters. This self-measuring approach eliminates the need for external testing infrastructure and allows continuous adaptation to actual operating conditions, achieving precision without extensive pre-testing.
2Reliability
If comprehensive control maps considering pump and fluid ageing are created, then control accuracy over the vehicle lifecycle is improved, but the complexity and cost of obtaining these parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback monitoring of temperature differences and mass flow rates, allowing the system to detect and compensate for pump and fluid ageing effects in real-time. Rather than requiring complex predictive models of degradation, the system continuously measures actual performance and adjusts control parameters accordingly, maintaining accuracy throughout the vehicle lifecycle without increasing system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If control maps account for multiple vehicle configurations and load conditions, then adaptability is improved, but the cost and complexity of generating comprehensive control data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static control maps (pre-determined for specific configurations) to dynamic control based on real-time sensor feedback. The system continuously adapts to different vehicle configurations and load conditions by monitoring actual temperature differences and flow rates, eliminating the need to pre-generate control data for every possible configuration scenario.
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
This approach enhances precision and reduces costs by providing real-time, adaptive control that compensates for pump and fluid aging, improving efficiency and stability across various vehicle configurations.
Implementation Method 1
i) Acquire data from first and second sensor means; ii) Elaborate a difference of the temperature (ΔT) by the acquired data; wherein the electronic control unit is configured to calculate a mass flow of conditioning fluid on the base of the retrieved difference of temperature (ΔT) and its heat capacity
Implementation Method 2
a cooling arrangement for the engine cooling system comprises a refrigerant fluid that is made circulate within a heat exchanger that allows heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the operational system/a related operational fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
Conditioning system (1) for cooling at least an user (2) in a vehicle via a conditioning fluid, comprising pump means (3) fluidly connected by a delivery conduit (4a) to user (2; 2', 2'') that is connected back to pump means (3) by a return conduit (4b), the conditioning system (1) comprising first sensor means (5a, 5a', 5a'') configured to detect a temperature of said conditioning fluid flowing into user (2; 2', 2") and second sensor means (5b, 5b', 5b'') configured to detect a temperature of said conditioning fluid flowing out user (2; 2', 2''), the conditioning system (1) comprising an electronic control unit (5) electrically designed to provide a control signal (I) to vary the mass flow (m) provided to the user (2, 2', 2") based on such temperature difference (ΔT).