Dual Cooling Layout for Vehicle Battery and Power Electronics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling arrangements for electric power units in vehicles are inefficient in providing individual temperature control for electric energy storage and power electronics, and lack adaptability to different vehicle types and climates.
Innovation Solution
A dual cooling system arrangement with separate radiator fans and refrigeration systems allows for independent cooling of electric energy storage and power electronics, with adjustable cooling effects and energy distribution to maintain optimal temperatures while minimizing energy input, using bypass valves and heat exchangers for temperature equalization and heating/cooling adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single cooling system is used for both power electronics and electric energy storage, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature control precision for each component deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into two independent subsystems: a first cooling system for power electronics and a second cooling system for electric energy storage. Each subsystem has its own radiator and control mechanisms, allowing independent temperature regulation for each component according to its specific thermal requirements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed cooling capacity is provided for the electric energy storage, then the system stability is improved, but the adaptability to different climates and vehicle types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system incorporates variable capacity control through bypass valves and controllable cooling sources. The second cooling system can dynamically adjust its cooling capacity by bypassing portions of the coolant flow or modulating the refrigeration system output, enabling adaptation to different operating conditions, climates, and vehicle types while maintaining system stability.
3Reliability
If maximum cooling effect is provided continuously to the electric energy storage, then the temperature control reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses bypass valves to provide partial cooling action when full cooling capacity is not required. By allowing a portion of the coolant to bypass the radiator or refrigeration system, the cooling effect is adjusted to match actual thermal demands, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable temperature control within acceptable ranges.
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 enables efficient temperature control of electric energy storage and power electronics, adapting to various conditions and minimizing energy consumption, ensuring optimal performance and longevity by maintaining specific temperature ranges.
Implementation Method 1
The cooling arrangement comprises two radiator fans providing a first cooling air flow and a second air flow
Implementation Method 2
heat exchangers for temperature equalization and heating/cooling adjustments
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cooling arrangement for an electric energy storage (4) and power electronics (5) in a vehicle (1). The cooling arrangement comprises a first cooling system (6) with a circulating first coolant cooling the power electronics (5), a second cooling system (15) with a circulating second coolant cooling the electric energy storage (4) and a refrigeration system (25) configured to cool the second coolant in the second cooling system (15) in a chiller (20). Furthermore, the cooling arrangement comprises a first radiator fan (29) configured to provide a first air flow (31) through a radiator ( 8i) or a part of a radiator (8) of the first cooling system (6) and a radiator (17) of the second cooling system (15), and a second radiator fan (32) configured to provide a second air flow (34) through a radiator (82) or a part of the radiator (8) of the first cooling system (6) and a condenser (26) of the refrigeration system (25).