Deaeration Tank Baffle Layout for Coolant Air Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deaeration tanks for coolant systems in electric vehicles are inefficient in removing air from coolant, leading to potential engine or battery damage due to inadequate de-aeration processes.
Innovation Solution
A deaeration tank design featuring a housing with a filter and baffle system that directs coolant flow through multiple paths, ensuring double de-aeration and air separation, combined with support members that inhibit air re-entrainment, enhancing coolant de-aeration efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple deaeration tank design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but de-aeration efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The deaeration tank is divided into multiple chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) separated by baffles. The coolant flow path is segmented into multiple stages, with each chamber performing a specific de-aeration function. This segmentation allows the system to achieve thorough de-aeration while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical flow dimension by positioning the fluid inlet at the bottom and fluid outlet at the top, with baffles extending vertically. This vertical arrangement creates multiple flow paths and increases the residence time of coolant in the deaeration zone, improving de-aeration efficiency without significantly increasing horizontal footprint.
2Device complexity
If coolant flow path is simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but de-aeration completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow path is divided into multiple sequential segments through baffles, forcing coolant to pass through each chamber in sequence. This segmented flow path ensures complete de-aeration by providing multiple opportunities for air removal while maintaining a clear and manageable flow pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The baffles are designed to maintain continuous coolant flow through all chambers without creating dead zones or recirculation patterns. The flow path is configured to ensure every portion of coolant receives adequate de-aeration treatment continuously, improving reliability while keeping the flow path relatively simple.
3Device complexity
If single-pass filtration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but de-aeration effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is segmented into multiple stages with filters positioned in different chambers. Coolant passes through each filter sequentially, with each filter removing different sizes of contaminants. This multi-stage filtration achieves high effectiveness while keeping each individual filter simple and the overall system manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration system is arranged in a vertical sequence within the chambers, with coolant flowing upward through multiple filter levels. This vertical multi-pass filtration increases effectiveness by providing multiple filtration opportunities without significantly increasing horizontal space requirements or overall system complexity.
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 improved deaeration tank design effectively removes air from coolant, extending the lifespan of engines or batteries by ensuring thorough de-aeration and reducing turbulence, thereby enhancing cooling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The filter extends along an interface between the first portion and the second portion. The filter separates the second cavity from the inlet chamber such that the fluid flow path passes through the filter a first time, and separates the second cavity from the outlet chamber such that the fluid flow path passes through the filter a second time.
Implementation Method 2
The first portion has a first cavity, a plurality of first portion support members, and a baffle that divides the first cavity into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber.
Implementation Method 3
The second segment extends perpendicularly from the first segment toward the bottom wall such that the support members are configured to direct fluid flowing within the cavity away from the top wall.
Data Source
AI summary
A deaeration tank includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a cavity, a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a plurality of support members. The cavity is defined between the top wall, the bottom wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall. The cavity provides a path for fluid to flow between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. Each of the plurality of support members includes a first segment and a second segment. The first segment extends from the first side wall to the second side wall. The second segment extends perpendicularly from the first segment toward the bottom wall such that the support members are configured to direct fluid flowing within the cavity away from the top wall.