Coolant Flow Control Circuit Using Outside-Air Thermostatic Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing refrigerant fluid circuit in electric vehicles is limited in thermal performance during cooling mode due to the heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid, without the need for additional complex components like valves or inverters.
Innovation Solution
A control device for the refrigerant fluid circuit that includes a thermostatic detection means with a thermally conductive surface exposed to external air, which controls the circulation of refrigerant fluid through a second heat exchanger, improving thermal performance by allowing or blocking fluid flow based on external air temperature, using a deformable membrane and a shutter mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the refrigerant circuit uses a simple architecture without valves or inverters, then the device complexity is reduced, but the thermal performance in cooling mode is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostatic detection means automatically detects external air temperature and controls the shutter mechanism without requiring external power or complex control systems. The system self-regulates refrigerant flow based on temperature conditions, improving cooling performance while maintaining architectural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the refrigerant circuit by introducing temperature-dependent flow control. The thermostatic detection means monitors external temperature and adjusts refrigerant flow parameters dynamically, enabling optimized cooling performance across different operating conditions
2Ease of operation
If the refrigerant fluid circulates through the same components in both heating and cooling modes, then the ease of operation is improved, but the thermal performance in cooling mode is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic control capability to the refrigerant circuit through the thermostatic detection means and shutter mechanism. The system can dynamically adjust refrigerant flow paths based on operational mode and external temperature, enabling optimized performance in both heating and cooling modes while maintaining operational simplicity
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
Enhances thermal performance in cooling mode without complicating the circuit, acting automatically and autonomously, and maintaining simplicity in components, with the device being exposed to external air for temperature detection.
Implementation Method 1
a thermostatic detection means comprising a thermally conductive surface exposed to said external air flow
Implementation Method 2
at least one opening of which is placed under the control of a thermostatic detection means
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for controlling the flow of a coolant in a circuit (20) and capable of being exposed to a flow (26) of outside air at the front surface of a vehicle (21), including a means for controlling the flow of coolant, at least one opening of which is placed under the control of a thermostatic detection means, characterized in that the thermostatic detection means includes a thermally conductive surface (9) exposed to said flow (26) of outside air. The invention also relates to the coolant circuit (20) including said control device (1), and to a vehicle (21) provided with such a circuit. The invention can be used for motor vehicles.