EV Coolant Circuit With Multi-Way Valve for Flexible Battery Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coolant circuits for electrically operated motor vehicles are limited in their ability to utilize heating elements flexibly and often require complex mixing and switching valves, which can lead to incomplete integration of components like battery storage devices.
Innovation Solution
A coolant circuit design that incorporates a multi-way valve device to connect the heating section with various coolant lines, allowing for flexible use of the heating element across multiple components and simplifying the circuit structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mixing and switching valves are used to distribute coolant volume flow to components, then coolant distribution flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions (mixing valve and switching valve) into a single multi-way valve device that can distribute coolant to multiple components including the battery storage device, heat exchanger, and heating element. This integration reduces the number of separate valves needed while maintaining flexible coolant distribution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-way valve device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can switch coolant flow between different components, mix coolant streams, and provide complete or partial integration of the battery storage device into the coolant circuit. This universal valve replaces several specialized valves, simplifying the overall system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a switching valve is used to integrate the battery storage device, then battery integration control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery storage device is integrated into the coolant circuit through the multi-way valve device, which combines the battery cooling function with other coolant distribution functions. The valve can completely or partially integrate the battery into the coolant circuit, eliminating the need for a separate switching valve dedicated solely to battery control.
3Ease of manufacture
If the heating element serves only a specific component, then heating function simplicity is improved, but adaptability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is designed as a multi-functional component that can heat coolant for multiple different components including the battery storage device, heat exchanger, and other vehicle components. The multi-way valve device directs heated coolant to the required component, allowing a single heating element to replace multiple component-specific heating elements.
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
Enables efficient and flexible use of the heating element across different components, simplifies the coolant circuit structure, and allows for optional heat pump functions, enhancing the overall thermal management of electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical heating element which is arranged at a heating section of the coolant circuit and is designed to heat coolant circulating in the coolant circuit as required
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger, in particular a chiller, which is arranged in a heat exchanger section of the coolant circuit and is connected to a refrigerant circuit of the motor vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A coolant circuit for an at least partially electrically operated motor vehicle includes a first coolant line with a first coolant pump, the first coolant line is connected to a battery storage device for cooling or heating the battery storage device. A second coolant line with a second coolant pump, the second coolant line is connected to further motor vehicle components. A heat exchanger is arranged in a heat exchanger section of the coolant circuit and is connected to a refrigerant circuit of the motor vehicle. An electrical heating element is arranged at a heating section of the coolant circuit and is designed to heat coolant circulating in the coolant circuit.