EV Chassis Cooling Module With Tangential Turbomachine Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermal management devices for electric vehicles are bulky and require significant space, making it difficult to integrate them into modular platforms with limited space while maintaining efficient heat exchange.

Innovation Solution

A modular platform with a cooling module featuring a tangential turbomachine and a collector box forming a volute, where the second open end faces the lower floor, allowing external air flow integration and efficient heat exchange with minimal space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional thermal management devices are used, then heat exchange function is provided, but device volume is large and integration space is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling module volumeVSAvoidheat exchange efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tangential turbomachine is nested within the collector box volute structure, with the rotor positioned inside the volute chamber. This nesting arrangement allows the cooling module to achieve compact dimensions while maintaining both cooling function and air flow generation capability, resolving the contradiction between reduced volume and sustained heat exchange efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the air flow generation function (previously requiring separate fans) with the heat exchanger assembly by integrating the tangential turbomachine directly into the collector box. This consolidation eliminates additional components and reduces overall module volume while preserving heat exchange performance through the volute's optimized air flow path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Volume of moving object

If cooling module is compacted to save space, then integration becomes easier, but air flow efficiency may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling module volumeVSAvoidair flow rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The volute structure employs curved, spiral geometry to guide air flow efficiently through the compact collector box. This curved path design maximizes air flow velocity and distribution across the heat exchanger surfaces within limited space, maintaining high air flow rates despite the compacted module volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The tangential turbomachine utilizes pneumatic principles to generate controlled air flow through its rotating blades, creating a vortex pattern that efficiently moves air through the volute and across the heat exchanger. This pneumatic mechanism enables effective air flow generation within the compact structure without requiring additional space for separate air moving devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Quantity of substance

If batteries occupy large space to extend range, then electric vehicle range is improved, but space for thermal management devices is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidavailable integration space
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling module is designed to be positioned in the vertical dimension between the upper and lower floors of the modular platform, rather than occupying horizontal space that would reduce battery capacity. This vertical arrangement allows thermal management functionality to be integrated without compromising battery volume or electric vehicle range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The modular platform architecture segments the vehicle structure into upper and lower floors with the cooling module integrated in the intermediate space. This segmentation allows independent optimization of battery volume in the lower section and thermal management functionality in the vertical interval, resolving the space conflict between battery capacity and cooling device integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution enables compact thermal management within the modular platform, providing efficient heat exchange and space savings by using a tangential turbomachine and a sealed opening to direct external air flow effectively.

Implementation Method 1

a first collector box forming a volute within which a tangential turbomachine extends

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTangential turbomachine rotation: Turbine

Implementation Method 2

at least one heat exchanger, intended to be crossed by the external air flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP4396015B1Modular platform of a chassis of an electric motor vehicle, comprising a cooling module having a tangential turbomachine
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 VALEO ELECTRIFICATION
  • EP4396015B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP4396015B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~2c
  • EP4396015B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a modular platform (A) of a chassis of an electric motor vehicle, said modular platform (A) comprising batteries (B) and the electric power train of the electric motor vehicle, said modular platform (A) comprising an upper floor (A1) and a lower floor (A2), between which at least one cooling module (C) is arranged, through which cooling module a flow of external air (500) is intended to pass, said cooling module (C) comprising at least one heat exchanger (C40) through which the flow of external air (500) is intended to pass, and a first collecting box (C41) adjacent to said heat exchanger (C40), the first collecting box (C41) comprising a first open end (C41a) opposite the heat exchanger (C40) and a second open end (C41b) at the end of its volute housing, the cooling module (C) being arranged such that the second open end (C41b) of said cooling module (C) faces either the upper floor (A1) or lower floor (A2) of the modular platform (A), said upper floor (A1) or lower floor (A2) comprising an opening (A45) opposite the second open end (C41b) of the cooling module (C).