Dual-Radiator EV Cooling Layout for Power and AD Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle cooling systems do not adequately address the cooling needs of both the power unit and autonomous driving control devices, particularly in electric vehicles capable of autonomous driving, as they lack a dedicated radiator for the control device and may require separate cooling solutions depending on temperature and heat dissipation requirements.
Innovation Solution
An electric vehicle cooling system comprising a first radiator for cooling the power unit and a second radiator specifically for the autonomous driving control device, both supported by a common frame member, with the second radiator disposed at an incline to optimize airflow and a bypass system to ensure continuous cooling performance even in case of radiator malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single radiator is used for cooling both the power unit and autonomous driving control device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cooling performance for each component cannot be optimized according to its specific temperature and heat dissipation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into two independent radiators: a first radiator for cooling the power unit and a second radiator for cooling the autonomous driving control device. This segmentation allows each radiator to be optimized for its specific cooling requirements, with independent cooling circuits that can operate autonomously, thereby resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and cooling performance optimization.
2Reliability
If separate cooling systems are provided for the power unit and autonomous driving control device, then the cooling performance is optimized, but the device complexity and design changes increase
Solution Approach 1:
While maintaining separate cooling circuits for optimal performance, the first and second radiators are merged into a single integrated cooling system assembly. They share common mounting structures, proximity to the front of the vehicle for airflow access, and can be supported by common frame members, which reduces overall system complexity and minimizes design changes compared to completely separate cooling systems.
3Productivity
If the second radiator is disposed at an incline to optimize airflow, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second radiator is disposed at an asymmetric incline relative to the horizontal plane, with its upper end positioned farther from the first radiator than its lower end. This asymmetric positioning optimizes airflow patterns and cooling efficiency by aligning with natural air intake flows at the front of the vehicle. The inclination angle is designed within a specific range (5-15 degrees) that balances cooling performance with manufacturability, avoiding excessive precision requirements while achieving the desired asymmetric airflow optimization.
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
Effectively cools both the power unit and autonomous driving control device, while minimizing design changes and ensuring continued vehicle performance by allowing the functioning radiator to take over in case of a malfunction, thus maintaining cooling efficiency and operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
a first radiator installed at a vehicle and configured to cool a power unit driven by electrical power
Implementation Method 2
the first radiator and the second radiator are supported at a frame of the vehicle via a common support member
Implementation Method 3
a second radiator installed at the vehicle, disposed at a vehicle front side of the first radiator, and configured to cool an autonomous driving control device
Implementation Method 4
the second radiator is disposed at an incline such that a gap between the second radiator and the first radiator widens on progression from a vehicle lower side to a vehicle upper side
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vehicle cooling system, including: a first radiator installed at a vehicle and configured to cool a power unit driven by electrical power; and a second radiator installed at the vehicle, disposed at a vehicle front side of the first radiator, and configured to cool an autonomous driving control device configured to control autonomous driving of the vehicle.