EV Airflow Redirection for Power Unit Room Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electric vehicle air conditioning systems, it is challenging to dissipate heat from the heat generating devices within the power unit room without occupying additional space with a dedicated cooling device.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates an air flow direction changing mechanism that redirects circulated air from the air conditioning device to the heat generating devices within the power unit room, utilizing a heat exchanger to cool or heat the air, and a turbo fan configuration to reduce device size and enhance heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a dedicated cooling device is disposed inside the power unit room to cool the heat generating device, then the cooling effectiveness is improved, but the space inside the power unit room is eroded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function for the heat generating device with the existing air conditioning device by introducing an air flow direction changing portion. This allows the air conditioning device to serve dual purposes: conditioning the vehicle cabin and cooling the power unit room components, thereby eliminating the need for a separate dedicated cooling device inside the power unit room.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioning device is designed with multi-functionality through the air flow direction changing portion, enabling it to condition air for the vehicle cabin while simultaneously directing air flow to cool heat generating devices in the power unit room. This universal approach allows one device to perform multiple cooling functions without requiring additional space.
2Temperature
If the air flow direction changing portion redirects air to the heat generating device, then the cooling of power unit room devices is improved, but the air circulation to the vehicle cabin is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial action by directing only a portion of the air flow to the heat generating device while maintaining sufficient air circulation to the vehicle cabin. The air flow direction changing portion enables selective and partial redirection of air, ensuring that cooling of power unit room devices is achieved without excessively reducing the air circulation required for vehicle cabin comfort.
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 allows for effective cooling and heating of the power unit room without a dedicated cooling device, improving air circulation accuracy, reducing installation space, and quickly warming batteries in low outside temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a heat exchanger to cool or heat the air
Implementation Method 2
The system incorporates an air flow direction changing mechanism that redirects circulated air from the air conditioning device to the heat generating devices within the power unit room
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vehicle air conditioning system includes: an outside air introduction portion that communicates an inside of a case configuring an outer shell of an air conditioning device with an outside of a vehicle; an air circulating portion that is disposed at the inside of the case, and that circulates air from an air circulating port provided at the case to an interior of a vehicle cabin, by being driven; and an air flow direction changing portion that is provided at the case, and that is moveable to direct a portion of air circulated from the air circulating portion to a heat generating device that is disposed at an inside of a power unit room.