Integrated Coolant Valve Control for EV Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle thermal management systems require multiple actuators for different valves, leading to increased complexity and inefficiency in controlling coolant flow to vehicle components.
Innovation Solution
A control valve apparatus with a bypass control valve and a proportional control valve, actuated by a single actuator, to manage coolant flow through battery and heat exchanger circuits, allowing simultaneous control of coolant distribution and bypass, reducing complexity and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used for different valves in the thermal management system, then each valve can be controlled independently, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuators into a single integrated actuator that controls both the bypass control valve and the proportional control valve. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the ability to independently control coolant flow distribution and bypass operations through a unified control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed with multi-functionality to perform both bypass control and proportional flow control. By making the actuator universal, it can handle multiple control tasks that previously required separate actuators, thereby reducing system complexity while preserving adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If separate actuators control bypass and proportional valves, then control functions are distinct, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bypass control actuator and proportional control actuator into a single integrated actuator unit. This consolidation reduces the quantity of components while maintaining distinct control functions through separate control inputs or control modes within the unified actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is designed as a universal control device that can perform both bypass control and proportional flow control functions. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain distinct control capabilities while using fewer physical components.
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects of the present invention relate to a control valve apparatus (1) for controlling the circulation of a coolant in an electric vehicle thermal management system (3). The control valve apparatus (1) has a bypass control valve (37) configured to control the flow of the coolant through a battery supply conduit (20) and/or a battery bypass conduit (21). The control valve apparatus (1) has a proportional control valve (39) configured to control the proportion of the coolant flowing through a heat exchanger supply conduit (26) and/or a heat exchanger bypass (27). An actuator (49) is provided to actuate the bypass control valve (37) and the proportional control valve (39). The actuator (49) includes a drive member (61) configured to actuate the bypass control valve (37) and the proportional control valve (39). Aspects of the present invention also relate to a thermal management system (3) and an electric vehicle (V).