Tangential-Flow Cooling Module Bypass for Heat Exchanger Defrost
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Solution Overview
Problem
Frost accumulation on heat exchangers in electric vehicles reduces their efficiency, particularly when operating as evaporators in cold weather.
Innovation Solution
A cooling module with a tangential-flow turbomachine and a bypass system that allows recirculation of heated air to melt frost on heat exchangers, featuring shut-off devices to control air flow direction and a bypass connection for recirculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a heat exchanger operates as an evaporator in cold weather to absorb energy from outside air, then energy absorption efficiency is improved, but frost accumulates on the heat exchanger obstructing air circulation and reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redirects the cold air flow that would normally cause frost accumulation to instead be used for defrosting the heat exchanger. The air evacuation assembly and bypass system convert the harmful cold air into a beneficial defrosting agent, melting frost on the evaporator while maintaining energy absorption efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of air flow direction using a first shut-off device that can move between evacuation position and recirculation position. This allows the system to adaptively switch between normal operation and defrosting modes based on frost accumulation conditions, optimizing both energy absorption and preventing efficiency loss
2Productivity
If cooling openings are reduced in number for electric vehicles to improve aerodynamics, then aerodynamic characteristics and autonomy are improved, but air flow management for heat exchangers becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single cooling opening serve multiple functions: it provides air flow for heat exchanger cooling during normal operation and serves as an exit for defrosting air during cold weather conditions. The bypass system enables this multi-functionality by redirecting air flow between different paths based on operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bypass as an intermediary air flow path that connects the air evacuation assembly to the heat exchanger inlet. This bypass acts as a mediator that enables flexible air flow management, allowing the system to maintain effective heat exchanger operation with reduced cooling openings while preserving aerodynamic efficiency
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
Effectively melts frost on heat exchangers, maintaining efficiency by redirecting heated air to defrost and ensuring optimal air flow management.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger configured to absorb heat energy from the air flow
Implementation Method 2
a second heat exchanger configured to release heat energy into the air flow
Implementation Method 3
redirecting heated air to defrost and ensuring optimal air flow management
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling module for an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, through which an air flow is intended to pass, having a set of heat exchangers including a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger; a fan casing disposed downstream, the fan casing having an outlet for the air flow; a tangential turbomachine configured so as to generate the air flow; the cooling module further including: an air discharge vent disposed downstream of the outlet for the air flow of the fan casing; and a bypass connecting the outlet for the air flow to an opening upstream of the set of heat exchangers; the air discharge vent having a closure device configured so as to redirect the air flow from the outlet towards the outside of the vehicle when in the discharge position and to redirect the air flow towards the bypass when in the recirculation position.