Integrated EV HVAC System for Simultaneous Cabin and Battery Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face inefficiencies in energy management for indoor heating and battery temperature control, leading to reduced mileage and increased production costs due to separate cooling and heating systems, with air-based cooling systems causing temperature deviations and higher power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An HVAC system for electric vehicles that integrates a heating line with an electric heater and heating pump, a first heating line for indoor heating, and a second heating line for battery temperature management, using a controller to regulate cooling water flow and temperature, allowing for simultaneous indoor heating and battery temperature rise while optimizing energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate cooling and heating systems are constructed for battery temperature control and indoor heating, then battery temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases and energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery cooling system and indoor heating system into a single integrated HVAC system. The battery cooling loop and cabin heating loop share common components including the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. The system uses a four-way valve to switch between cooling mode (battery cooling) and heating mode (cabin heating), eliminating the need for separate systems while maintaining reliable temperature control for both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The HVAC system is designed to perform multiple functions using a single system architecture. The same refrigerant circulation system provides both battery cooling and cabin heating functions. The four-way valve enables the system to switch between different operational modes, making the system universal and eliminating redundancy while ensuring reliable temperature management for both battery and cabin.
2Temperature
If air-based cooling system is used for battery cooling, then cooling function is provided, but temperature deviation between inlet and outlet cells increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a liquid-based cooling system using refrigerant circulation instead of air-based cooling. The refrigerant flows through tubes in direct contact with or adjacent to battery cells, providing efficient heat transfer. This hydraulic cooling approach ensures uniform temperature distribution across all battery cells and reduces temperature deviation between inlet and outlet cells, while also lowering power consumption compared to air-based systems.
3Temperature
If separate electric heaters are used for indoor heating and battery temperature rise, then heating functions are provided, but energy efficiency deteriorates and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the indoor heating function and battery temperature rise function into a single integrated system. The same refrigerant circulation system, compressor, and heat exchangers are used for both heating applications. The four-way valve directs the refrigerant flow to provide either cabin heating or battery heating as needed, eliminating the need for separate electric heaters and significantly improving energy efficiency while reducing production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The HVAC system is designed with universal heating capability that can serve both the cabin and battery using the same thermal management components. The system can switch between different heating modes based on demand, making the heating function universal and eliminating energy waste associated with operating multiple separate heating systems simultaneously.
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 integrated HVAC system efficiently manages energy for both indoor heating and battery temperature control, extending vehicle mileage and reducing production costs by using a single electric heater for both functions while maintaining optimal battery performance.
Implementation Method 1
an electric heater and a heating pump are provided on a heating line
Implementation Method 2
an electric heater and a heating pump are provided on a heating line
Implementation Method 3
a heater core for indoor heating, and having cooling water flow therethrough
Implementation Method 4
a second heating line...exchanging heat with the high voltage battery
Data Source
AI summary
A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system for an electric vehicle, may include a heating line on which an electric heater and a heating pump are provided; a first heating line connected to the heating line through a main valve, provided with a heater core for indoor heating, and having cooling water flow therethrough to form a first heating channel along with the heating line; a second heating line having one end portion connected to one end portion of the heating line through the main valve and the other end portion connected to the other end portion of the heating line, and having the cooling water flow therethrough to form a second heating channel along with the heating line; and a controller configured for controlling an opening degree of the main valve to control the flow of cooling water of the first heating channel or the second heating channel.