Device for thermally conditioning an interior of an electric vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing air conditioning systems in motor vehicles face performance degradation in heating mode due to frost formation on the condenser, which obstructs the ambient air flow and reduces thermal performance.
Innovation Solution
A thermal conditioning device that includes a refrigerant circuit combined with a heat transfer fluid circuit, where the heat transfer fluid is used to preheat the ambient air before it passes through the external exchanger, preventing frost formation by increasing the temperature difference between the outside air and the refrigerant fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the condenser operates as an evaporator in heating mode to absorb heat from ambient air, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but frost forms on the heat exchanger obstructing air flow and degrading system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the ambient air using waste heat from the refrigerant condenser before the air enters the evaporator. This preheating action prevents the air temperature from dropping below freezing point, thereby preventing frost formation on the heat exchanger while maintaining effective heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
A three-way valve is introduced as an intermediary device to control and mix heated air with ambient air. This intermediary mechanism allows precise regulation of the air temperature entering the evaporator, ensuring it remains above freezing while maximizing heat transfer efficiency.
2Temperature
If ambient air is cooled below zero degrees Celsius to enable heat absorption in the condenser, then heating mode operation is achieved, but moisture in the air freezes forming obstructive frost
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful cold ambient air into a beneficial heated air stream by passing it through the refrigerant condenser. The waste heat from the refrigerant, which would otherwise be lost, is utilized to preheat the ambient air, transforming a potential problem (cold air causing frost) into a solution (preheated air preventing frost while enabling heat transfer).
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
This solution effectively prevents frost formation on the external exchanger, ensuring uninterrupted heating performance by maintaining the thermal efficiency of the air conditioning system even in cold conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transfer fluid circuit (3) in which a heat transfer fluid circulates; a first heat exchanger (10) associated with a component of the electric drive system of the vehicle, the first heat exchanger (10) being arranged to capture heat
Implementation Method 2
The heat transfer fluid is arranged to capture heat at one or more points in the electric drive system, transferring it to the outside airflow before it passes through the external heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
an external heat exchanger (5), capable of functioning as a gas cooler, condenser or evaporator, whose function is to ensure heat exchange between the refrigerant and an external airflow
Implementation Method 4
This system includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator, all of which are cooled by the refrigerant
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a thermal conditioning device (1) comprising a coolant circuit (2) and a heat transfer fluid circuit (3), characterized in that the heat transfer fluid circuit (3) comprises a control means (14) for controlling the circulation of the heat transfer fluid and able to: a. make the heat transfer fluid circulate between a first heat exchanger (10) and a second radiator (13); and/or b. make the heat transfer fluid circulate between the first heat exchanger (10) and a first radiator (12) so as to heat up the exterior air flow (48) before it passes through the external heat exchanger (5).