Vehicle Drivetrain Thermal Conditioning via Integrated Refrigerant Circuit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal conditioning systems for electric propulsion vehicles are complex and inefficient in maintaining optimal temperatures for traction chain components and passenger comfort, especially during varying weather conditions and battery charging phases, without significantly impacting vehicle autonomy.
Innovation Solution
A thermal conditioning device with a refrigerant circuit and a heat transfer fluid circuit, featuring separate pumps, fluid/fluid heat exchangers, and bypass pipes, allowing for flexible operation modes to ensure cooling, heating, and dehumidification of both the traction chain and passenger compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional air conditioning loop with a refrigerant circuit is used for passenger compartment conditioning, then passenger comfort is improved, but thermal conditioning of traction chain components cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant circuit is designed to serve multiple functions: it conditions the passenger compartment through the evaporator and condenser, while also providing thermal management for traction chain components through integrated heat exchangers (first and second heat exchangers) that directly contact battery and motor components. This multi-functional design allows a single system to address both passenger comfort and component thermal conditioning simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the passenger compartment air conditioning function with the traction chain thermal management function into a unified refrigerant circuit system. The refrigerant fluid circulates through multiple heat exchangers serving different purposes (passenger cabin cooling, battery cooling, motor cooling) within the same closed loop, eliminating the need for separate independent systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional air conditioning loop with secondary loops is used for component cooling, then thermal conditioning of traction chain components is improved, but system complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using separate secondary loops with independent refrigerant circuits for component cooling, the patent merges all thermal management functions (passenger compartment conditioning and traction chain cooling) into a single integrated refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant fluid sequentially or simultaneously passes through the evaporator, condenser, and component heat exchangers in one unified system, reducing structural complexity while maintaining comprehensive thermal conditioning capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple secondary loops with interconnection devices are used for thermal conditioning, then component cooling flexibility is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates multiple valves (first valve, second valve, third valve) that dynamically control refrigerant fluid flow distribution among different circuit paths. These valves enable the system to adapt its operation mode based on real-time thermal demands - directing refrigerant to priority components or adjusting flow rates - providing operational flexibility without requiring complex multi-loop interconnection control mechanisms.
4Reliability
If thermal conditioning systems operate in extreme temperature conditions, then vehicle operability is maintained, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the waste heat generated by traction chain components (battery and motor) during operation as a beneficial heat source for passenger compartment heating in cold conditions. The refrigerant circuit captures thermal energy from these components through heat exchangers and transfers it to the passenger cabin, converting what would be wasted energy into a useful heating resource, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining vehicle operability in extreme temperatures.
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 system maintains optimal component temperatures and passenger comfort across a wide temperature range, reduces component aging, and optimizes battery performance during charging, while minimizing energy loss and enhancing thermal management efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid/fluid heat exchanger (34) installed in the refrigerant circuit (1) and in the heat transfer fluid circuit (2)
Implementation Method 2
The refrigerant circuit includes at least one compressor (3)
Implementation Method 3
an evaporator (14)
Implementation Method 4
the heat transfer fluid circuit (2) comprises at least a first component exchanger (51) and/or a second component exchanger (52)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a thermal conditioning device comprising a conditioning loop having a coolant circuit (1) and a heat-transfer fluid circuit (2), - the coolant circuit (1) comprising at least one compressor (3), one inner heat exchanger (11), one outer heat exchanger (28) and one evaporator (14), - the heat-transfer fluid circuit (2) comprising at least one first component heat exchanger (51) and/or one second component heat exchanger (52), one third component heat exchanger (67) and one radiator (69), - and a fluid/fluid heat exchanger (34) installed in the coolant circuit (1) and in the heat-transfer fluid circuit (2). The heat-transfer fluid circuit (2) comprises a first loop (47) and a second loop (48) interconnected by an interconnection device (49), the first loop (47) comprising the fluid/fluid heat exchanger (34) and the first component heat exchanger (51) and/or the second component heat exchanger (52), and the second loop (48) comprising the first component heat exchanger (51) and/or the third component heat exchanger (67) and the radiator (69).