EV Coolant Loop Layout Using One Multi-Way Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex coolant systems for electric vehicles require a large number of valves and coolant lines, leading to increased installation space and costs, while also being inefficient in terms of functional complexity and component usage.
Innovation Solution
A coolant system design that utilizes only a single multi-way valve and a single non-return valve, allowing components like a coolant pump, chiller, and battery to be fluidically connected independently, reducing the number of necessary components and enabling greater functional complexity with fewer valves and coolant lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of valves and coolant lines are used to achieve functional complexity, then the system can implement multiple operating states, but the installation space and system cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The single multi-way valve is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between different connection configurations, replacing what would traditionally require multiple dedicated valves for each function. This allows the system to achieve multiple operating states and functional complexity while using minimal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single multi-way valve and integrates the non-return valve with the pump assembly. This merging of functions reduces the total number of components and coolant lines, thereby reducing installation space while maintaining system functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of valves and coolant lines are used to achieve functional complexity, then the system can implement multiple operating states, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-way valve serves multiple purposes in different operating states, eliminating the need to manufacture and install multiple separate valves. This reduces component procurement costs, assembly complexity, and overall system manufacturing cost while maintaining full functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By integrating the non-return valve with the coolant pump and combining multiple flow control functions into the single multi-way valve, the patent reduces the bill of materials and assembly operations required, directly lowering system cost.
3Ease of operation
If multiple valves and coolant lines are used to connect components, then fluidic connectivity between components is achieved, but the number of components and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single multi-way valve provides multiple fluidic connection configurations through different switching states, enabling various components (coolant pump, chiller, battery, radiator) to be connected as needed without requiring dedicated valves for each connection pair.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential fluidic connectivity function from a complex network of multiple valves and lines, concentrating it into a single multi-way valve that provides the necessary connection flexibility with minimal components.
4Area of stationary object
If a minimal number of valves and coolant lines are used, then installation space and cost are reduced, but achieving functional complexity becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-way valve introduces dynamic reconfigurability to the system, allowing fluidic connections to be changed on-demand between different components. This dynamic switching capability enables multiple operating states and functional complexity despite the static minimal physical footprint of the valve assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The single multi-way valve is designed to universally connect to multiple components (coolant pump, chiller, battery, radiator) and perform different connection configurations as needed, providing full system functionality with a single compact component.
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 design simplifies the construction and manufacturing of coolant systems, reduces the number of valves and coolant lines, and enhances efficiency by allowing for multiple operating states with a minimal component setup, while also enabling flexible temperature control and heat management across various components.
Implementation Method 1
with the aid of a further component (10) designed as a coolant pump
Implementation Method 2
only a single multi-way valve (4) and a single non-return valve (6) are designed and arranged
Implementation Method 3
only a single multi-way valve (4) and a single non-return valve (6) are designed and arranged
Implementation Method 4
a chiller (16) for exchanging heat with a refrigerant circuit
Implementation Method 5
a cooling air radiator (20) for exchanging heat with free surroundings
Data Source
AI summary
A coolant system for an electric vehicle for circulating a liquid coolant, comprising a plurality of components through which the coolant can flow. The components can be connected to one another, at least in at least one subset, in a coolant-conducting manner via valves and via coolant lines. Only a single multi-way valve and a single non-return valve are arranged in such a way that one of the components and another of the components can be fluidically connected to one another only via a further component, designed as a coolant pump, and via a predetermined switching state of the multi-way valve to permit a flow through the multi-way valve and the non-return valve independently of the rest of the components. A thermal management system is also provided.