Tangential-Flow Cooling Module With Air Recirculation for EV Frost Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electric or hybrid vehicles, frost accumulation on heat exchangers operating as evaporators reduces efficiency, especially in cold weather, due to the condensation of moisture from outside air.
Innovation Solution
A cooling module design featuring a tangential turbomachine and a bypass system with movable shutter devices to recirculate heated air from the second heat exchanger, melting frost on the first heat exchanger by redirecting air flow, and a configuration with a third heat exchanger to enhance heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the heat exchanger operates as an evaporator in cold weather to absorb energy from outside air, then the heat pump mode efficiency is improved, but moisture condenses and frosts on the heat exchanger obstructing air circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the air flow by redirecting it through the second heat exchanger where it is heated, then uses this temperature change to melt the frost on the first heat exchanger, resolving the contradiction between efficient heat pump operation and frost accumulation
Solution Approach 2:
The second heat exchanger acts as an intermediary device that heats the air flow, which then serves as a thermal mediator to melt the frost on the first heat exchanger, eliminating the harmful frost without directly heating the evaporator
2Reliability
If a bypass system with movable closure devices is added to recirculate heated air for frost removal, then frost obstruction is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass system with movable closure devices serves multiple functions: it redirects air flow for frost removal, controls air circulation patterns, and enables the second heat exchanger to act as a heating source for the first heat exchanger, justifying the added complexity through multi-functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The movable closure devices enable dynamic control of air flow paths, allowing the system to adapt between different operational modes (frost removal mode, normal operation mode, heat pump mode) based on environmental conditions, improving reliability through adaptability
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 prevents frost obstruction and maintains air flow freshness, enhancing the efficiency of the heat exchanger and improving vehicle performance by melting frost on the evaporator heat exchanger.
Implementation Method 1
a tangential turbomachine configured to generate the air flow
Implementation Method 2
a first heat exchanger configured to absorb heat energy from the air flow
Implementation Method 3
a second heat exchanger configured to release heat energy into the air flow
Implementation Method 4
a first closure device movable between a first position called evacuation and a second position called recirculation, said first closure device being configured to redirect the air flow
Data Source
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AI summary
A cooling module (22) for an electric or hybrid motor vehicle (10), through which an air flow (F) is intended to pass and comprising: • a set of heat exchangers (23) comprising a first heat exchanger (24) and a second heat exchanger (26); • a first fan casing (41) disposed downstream of the set of heat exchangers (23), said first fan casing (41) comprising an outlet (45) for the air flow (F); • a tangential turbomachine (30) configured so as to generate the air flow (F); the cooling module (22) further comprising: • an air discharge vent (51) disposed downstream of the outlet (45) for the air flow (F) of the first fan casing (41); and • a bypass (55) connecting the outlet (45) for the air flow to an opening (42b) opening upstream of the set of heat exchangers (23); the air discharge vent (51) comprising a first closure device (52) configured so as to redirect the air flow (F) from the outlet (45) towards the outside of the vehicle (10) when in the discharge position and to redirect said air flow (F) towards the bypass (55) when in the recirculation position.