Dual Independent Refrigerant Loops for Vehicle Cabin and Battery Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cooling systems face challenges in efficiently managing the cooling needs of both the cabin and the battery, often requiring separate and complex configurations that can lead to inefficiencies and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A dual refrigerant loop cooling system with a coolant loop that directs coolant between a first and second chiller, and independent refrigerant loops with compressors operating at different speeds, allowing for flexible operation modes to prioritize cabin or battery cooling based on demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single cooling system is used for both cabin and battery, then device complexity is reduced, but cooling efficiency and adaptability for each component deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into two independent refrigerant loops: a first refrigerant loop with a first compressor for cabin cooling, and a second refrigerant loop with a second compressor for battery cooling. Each loop can operate independently to provide optimized cooling for its specific application, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and cooling adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate cooling systems are used for cabin and battery, then cooling efficiency for each component is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate cooling systems into a single integrated cooling system that shares common components including a condenser, evaporator, expansion device, and refrigerant lines. This integration reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the adaptability benefits of separate compressors and independent loop operation.
3Device complexity
If one compressor serves both cabin and battery cooling, then device complexity is reduced, but cooling efficiency and response time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compression function is segmented into two separate compressors: a first compressor dedicated to cabin cooling and a second compressor dedicated to battery cooling. This allows each compressor to be optimized for its specific cooling load and to operate independently, improving overall cooling efficiency and system productivity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If dual refrigerant loops are implemented, then cooling adaptability and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal condenser and evaporator that serve both the first refrigerant loop and the second refrigerant loop. These shared components perform multiple functions for both cooling applications, reducing the overall component count and system complexity while maintaining the benefits of dual independent refrigerant loops for enhanced adaptability.
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 enables efficient and flexible cooling management, optimizing energy use and reducing complexity by allowing the system to adjust compressor speeds and coolant flow based on cooling demands, thereby enhancing overall system performance.
Implementation Method 1
The first chiller is configured to exchange heat between the first refrigerant loop and the coolant loop. The second chiller is configured to exchange heat between the second refrigerant loop and the coolant loop.
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system for a vehicle including a coolant loop configured to exchange heat with a battery. The coolant loop includes a proportional valve for directing a coolant from the battery to at least one of a first chiller and a second chiller. The cooling system for a vehicle also includes a first refrigerant loop comprising the first chiller. The first chiller is configured to exchange heat between the first refrigerant loop and the coolant loop. The cooling system for a vehicle also includes a second refrigerant loop comprising the second chiller. The second chiller is configured to exchange heat between the second refrigerant loop and the coolant loop.