Integrated Cooling Module With Screw Pump Flow Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cooling water systems in electric vehicles are complex and inefficient due to the use of multiple centrifugal pumps, leading to increased pressure drops and reduced efficiency in cooling water circulation.
Innovation Solution
A cooling module utilizing a single screw pump and a direction control valve, integrated with a reservoir tank, to simplify the system and enhance efficiency by reducing the number of parts and streamlining the configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple centrifugal pumps are used in the cooling water system, then the cooling performance can be maintained, but the system complexity increases and pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cooling water pumps into a single integrated pump unit that serves multiple cooling circuits (battery cooling, electrical equipment cooling, and cabin heating). This merging approach maintains the cooling performance of multiple separate pumps while reducing system complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate pump assemblies, piping connections, and control systems.
2Reliability
If multiple cooling water pumps are used, then cooling performance is satisfied, but the number of parts increases and assembly becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple pump functions into a single modular assembly that includes the pump body, motor, and control electronics as one unit. This integrated design significantly reduces the number of parts that need to be assembled and connected, making the manufacturing and assembly process much simpler while maintaining the cooling performance equivalent to multiple separate pumps.
3Reliability
If pipes connecting parts are elongated to accommodate multiple pumps, then each pump can serve its function, but pressure drop increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple pump functions into a single location and unit, the patent dramatically shortens the piping required to connect the cooling water source to all cooling components. This eliminates the need for elongated pipe runs that would connect multiple distributed pumps, thereby reducing pressure drop and improving overall system efficiency while maintaining adequate cooling water delivery to all components.
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 single screw pump achieves higher efficiency compared to multiple centrifugal pumps, with improved flow rates and pressure handling, reducing system complexity and maintaining performance while minimizing part count.
Implementation Method 1
a screw pump coupled to the reservoir tank and having a cooling water inlet communicating with the reservoir tank to pump cooling water
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a cooling module including a reservoir tank in which cooling water is stored, a screw pump coupled to the reservoir tank and having a cooling water inlet communicating with the reservoir tank to pump cooling water, and a direction control valve coupled to the reservoir tank, having an outlet port communicating with the reservoir tank, and having a plurality of inlet ports to change a direction of flow of cooling water according to an operation, so that efficiency corresponding to the use of a plurality of centrifugal pumps of the related art may be achieved by using a single screw pump, thereby reducing the number of parts and simplifying a package, while simplifying the configuration.