Dual-Circuit Motor Vehicle Temperature Control with Nested Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control systems for motor vehicles lack efficient and cost-effective solutions for maintaining optimal interior temperatures, particularly in passenger vehicles, as they often require complex and resource-intensive configurations to manage both the drive unit and electrical energy store.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control device with dual temperature control circuits and pumps, connected in series or parallel via a valve device, allows for needs-based routing of temperature control fluid to efficiently heat or cool the interior space, utilizing a high-voltage electric machine and energy store, and integrates an air conditioning system with a heat exchanger and condenser for energy-efficient temperature management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate temperature control circuits are used for the drive unit and electrical energy store, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive unit and electrical energy store into a common housing structure, allowing their temperature control circuits to be integrated while maintaining separate thermal management zones. This merging reduces overall device complexity while preserving precise temperature control for each component through dedicated circuit pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature control system is designed with a unified control unit that manages both the drive unit and electrical energy store through a single interface. This multi-functional approach allows one control system to handle multiple temperature control tasks, reducing the need for separate control circuits while maintaining precision for each component.
2Productivity
If multiple pumps are used in series for temperature control fluid circulation, then temperature control efficiency is improved, but installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the second pump within the housing structure of the first pump, allowing both pumps to occupy overlapping spatial volumes. This nested configuration enables series circulation of temperature control fluid through both pumps while minimizing the overall installation space required, as the pumps are positioned one within or alongside the other rather than requiring separate dedicated spaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If valve device is used to route temperature control fluid between circuits, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve device is integrated into a unified temperature control system that serves both the drive unit and electrical energy store circuits. This single multi-functional valve can route temperature control fluid to different destinations based on system needs, providing adaptability without requiring multiple separate valve assemblies for each circuit path.
4Device complexity
If integrated temperature control system is used for drive unit and electrical energy store, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature control precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated temperature control system is segmented into separate control zones for the drive unit and electrical energy store, with dedicated temperature sensors and control pathways for each component. This segmentation allows the unified system to maintain precise temperature control for each component independently while benefiting from the overall simplicity of an integrated architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality control by providing component-specific temperature control parameters and pathways within the integrated system. Each component (drive unit and electrical energy store) has its own temperature control characteristics optimized for its specific thermal requirements, allowing precise local temperature management within the broader integrated system framework.
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 configuration provides efficient, cost-effective, and space-saving temperature control, allowing for precise management of interior temperatures while reducing the weight and installation space requirements of the system, enhancing energy efficiency and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
heat exchange between the temperature control fluid which flows through the first temperature control circuit and the drive unit
Implementation Method 2
heat exchange between the temperature control fluid which flows through the second temperature control circuit and the electrical energy store
Implementation Method 3
first pump which is arranged in the first temperature control circuit and by which the temperature control fluid can be conveyed through the first temperature control circuit
Implementation Method 4
valve device which can be switched over between a first switching state and a second switching state. In the first switching state, the pumps are connected in series to one another
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature control device for a motor vehicle, with a first and second temperature control circuit through which temperature control fluid can flow, a drive machine arranged in the first control circuit, a first pump arranged in the first control circuit to convey the fluid through the first control circuit, an electrical energy store for storing electrical energy, arranged in the second control circuit and temperature-controlled by the fluid flowing through the second control circuit, and a second pump in the second temperature control circuit to convey the fluid through the second temperature control circuit, the pump including a valve device which is switchable.