Dual-Pump Coolant Flow Switching for Vehicle Thermal Loops
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems in vehicles require multiple pumps and valves to manage coolant flow, leading to high component costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A dual-pump system with integrated valve functionality that switches between chiller, recirculation, isolated, and linked modes to control coolant flow through multiple loops, reducing the need for separate valves and additional fluid lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pumps and valves are used to manage coolant flow in cooling systems, then the system can control temperature of multiple components, but the component cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve assembly that can direct coolant flow to different loops (chiller loop, heater loop, condenser loop) and modes (single-vehicle, split-vehicle). This consolidation reduces the total number of separate pumps and valves needed while maintaining the ability to control temperature across multiple components and operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly performs multiple functions: it directs coolant to the chiller loop for vehicle cooling, to the heater loop for cabin heating, to the condenser loop for heat rejection, and can operate in different modes (single-vehicle cooling, split-vehicle cooling/heating). This multi-functionality allows one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components
2Ease of operation
If separate valves with actuators are used for each cooling loop, then flow distribution is controlled, but component costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve assembly that can direct coolant flow to different loops and modes. This consolidation reduces the total number of separate pumps and valves needed while maintaining the ability to control temperature across multiple components and operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly performs multiple functions: it directs coolant to the chiller loop for vehicle cooling, to the heater loop for cabin heating, to the condenser loop for heat rejection, and can operate in different modes (single-vehicle cooling, split-vehicle cooling/heating). This multi-functionality allows one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components
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 regulation of heat-generating components and vehicle cabins using a minimal set of components, lowering costs and simplifying the cooling system architecture.
Implementation Method 1
a chiller module in said first loop
Implementation Method 2
a heater module in said second loop
Implementation Method 3
a component heat exchanger and a chiller module
Data Source
AI summary
A process and apparatus for cooling a heat generating component of a vehicle comprises pumping coolant from a first pump while a first pump is in a chiller mode in a first loop comprising a component heat exchanger and a chiller module. Coolant is pumped from the first pump while the first pump is in a recirculation mode in a second loop comprising a heater module, and a cabin heat exchanger or back to said component heat exchanger. A second pump pumps coolant in the second loop while the second pump is in an isolated mode and from the second pump from the second loop into the first loop while the second pump is in a linked mode.