Dual-Circuit Vehicle Cooling with Switchable Shared Radiator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for motor vehicles are inefficient in terms of cost, weight, and installation space, and lack flexibility in cooling performance.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system with a dual cooling circuit and a valve device that allows selective connection of a radiator to either circuit, enabling coolant to bypass radiators as needed, combined with heat exchangers to enhance cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dual cooling circuit system with selective radiator connection is implemented, then cooling efficiency and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic cooling system where a valve device enables the second radiator to be selectively connected to either the first cooling circuit or the second cooling circuit based on operating conditions. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt cooling capacity to match actual thermal demands, improving cooling efficiency while avoiding the need for entirely separate fixed cooling systems for each circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The second radiator is designed to serve multiple functions by being capable of cooling both the first cooling circuit and the second cooling circuit. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of radiators needed in the system, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adequate cooling capacity across different operating scenarios.
2Reliability
If multiple radiators are used for separate cooling circuits, then cooling reliability is improved, but weight and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second radiator is designed to serve multiple functions by being capable of cooling both the first cooling circuit and the second cooling circuit. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of radiators needed in the system, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adequate cooling capacity across different operating scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic cooling system where a valve device enables the second radiator to be selectively connected to either the first cooling circuit or the second cooling circuit based on operating conditions. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt cooling capacity to match actual thermal demands, improving cooling efficiency while avoiding the need for entirely separate fixed cooling systems for each circuit.
3Reliability
If multiple radiators are used for separate cooling circuits, then cooling reliability is improved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second radiator is designed to serve multiple functions by being capable of cooling both the first cooling circuit and the second cooling circuit. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of radiators needed in the system, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adequate cooling capacity across different operating scenarios.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a valve device is added for selective circuit connection, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic cooling system where a valve device enables the second radiator to be selectively connected to either the first cooling circuit or the second cooling circuit based on operating conditions. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt cooling capacity to match actual thermal demands, improving cooling efficiency while avoiding the need for entirely separate fixed cooling systems for each circuit.
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 achieves efficient cooling with reduced parts and space requirements, allowing for optimal performance based on driving conditions while minimizing weight and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a first radiator (4) for cooling the coolant flowing through the first cooling circuit... a second radiator (11), which is provided in addition to the first radiator, is arranged in the flow branch for cooling coolant flowing through the flow branch
Implementation Method 2
a first radiator (4) for cooling the coolant flowing through the first cooling circuit... a second radiator (11), which is provided in addition to the first radiator, is arranged in the flow branch for cooling coolant flowing through the flow branch
Implementation Method 3
provision is made for a valve device (17) to be switchable between at least a first switching state and at least a second switching state... In the first switching state, the first cooling circuit (2) is fluidically connected to the flow branch (10)... In the second switching state, the second cooling circuit (5) is fluidically connected to the flow branch (10)
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system for a motor vehicle includes a first cooling circuit through which a coolant can flow, and at least one drive machine by way of which the motor vehicle can be driven, disposed in the first cooling circuit and thus is cooled by way of the coolant. A first cooler for cooling the coolant flowing through the first cooling circuit is disposed in the first cooling circuit. The system further includes a second cooling circuit through which the coolant can flow, and a flow branch, through which the coolant can flow and in which a second cooler is disposed for cooling the coolant flowing through the flow branch. A valve device can be switched between a first switching state and a second switching state to thereby connect the second cooler selectively, and thus as required, to the first cooling circuit or to the second cooling circuit.