Vehicle Coolant Circuit Control for Pipe Heat Loss Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle air conditioning systems, pipe heat loss in coolant passages leads to a decrease in coolant temperature, resulting in insufficient heating capacity for cabins and batteries, as the heat of the coolant is wasted due to complications in the coolant circuit.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a processor that calculates and corrects the target coolant temperature to account for pipe heat loss, using outside air temperature and coolant flow rate to maintain optimal heating performance by adjusting heat sources such as a coolant heater and heat exchanger in the vehicle coolant circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the coolant passage is complicated to connect multiple heat sources and heat using portions, then the system functionality is improved, but the pipe heat loss increases and coolant temperature decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary calculation of pipe heat loss based on coolant flow rate and outside air temperature, and applies correction to the target coolant temperature before controlling the heat sources. This preliminary correction action compensates for the inevitable heat loss in the complicated coolant passage system.
2Temperature
If the coolant temperature decreases due to pipe heat loss, then the heating capacity for the vehicle cabin becomes insufficient, but the system structure remains the same
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors coolant flow rate and outside air temperature, calculates the resulting pipe heat loss, and adjusts the target coolant temperature accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the heating capacity remains sufficient despite heat losses in the coolant passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device changes the target coolant temperature parameter based on calculated correction values derived from coolant flow rate and outside air temperature. By dynamically adjusting this parameter, the system compensates for pipe heat loss and maintains adequate heating capacity.
3Temperature
If the coolant temperature decreases due to pipe heat loss, then the warming capacity for the battery becomes insufficient, but the system structure remains the same
Solution Approach 1:
The control device uses feedback from coolant flow rate and outside air temperature sensors to calculate pipe heat loss and adjust the target coolant temperature, ensuring sufficient warming capacity for the battery despite heat losses in the coolant passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device dynamically changes the target coolant temperature parameter based on correction values calculated from operating conditions, ensuring that the battery warming capacity remains adequate even when pipe heat loss occurs.
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 solution effectively suppresses the decrease in coolant temperature due to pipe heat loss, ensuring adequate heating capacity for vehicle cabins and batteries by dynamically adjusting the coolant circuit's heat sources based on calculated correction values.
Implementation Method 1
a water pump configured to circulate a coolant
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of heat sources configured to heat the coolant
Implementation Method 3
a heat using portion configured to use heat of the coolant
Implementation Method 4
The heater core is arranged in a blower duct that is a passage of blow air, and heats the blow air with the coolant flowing through the heater core
Implementation Method 5
a loss of heat of the coolant in the coolant passage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A control device configured to control a vehicle coolant circuit includes a processor (6; 6a). The processor (6; 6a) is configured to calculate a target coolant temperature, and control heat sources based on the target coolant temperature. The processor (6; 6a) is configured to correct the target coolant temperature in consideration of a loss of heat of a coolant in a coolant passage.