Multi-Mode Thermal Conditioning Circuit for EV Battery and Cabin Air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid and electric motor vehicles require a thermal conditioning circuit that can efficiently manage various external temperature and humidity conditions while maintaining the electric battery within a predetermined temperature range to ensure user comfort and battery longevity.
Innovation Solution
A thermal conditioning circuit with a compressor, condenser, evaporator-condenser, evaporator, and a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the electric battery, allowing the refrigerant to circulate through multiple configurations (series and parallel modes) to cool, heat, and dehumidify the passenger compartment air and electric battery, utilizing a bidirectional expansion valve and heat-transfer fluid circuit for modular operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a thermal conditioning circuit is designed to provide multiple operating modes for passenger compartment conditioning, then the versatility and adaptability of the system improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal conditioning circuit is designed with multiple operating modes (first mode for cooling, second mode for heating, third mode for dehumidification and battery cooling) that allow a single circuit to perform multiple functions. The circuit includes a compressor, condenser, evaporator-condenser, evaporator, and heat exchanger thermally coupled to the battery, with valve means that enable the refrigerant to circulate through different configurations to achieve various thermal conditioning objectives simultaneously or separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit incorporates valve means that can dynamically redirect the refrigerant flow to create different operating modes. The valve means enable the system to switch between series and parallel configurations of the evaporator-condenser and evaporator, allowing the system to adapt its thermal conditioning strategy based on real-time requirements for passenger compartment conditioning and battery temperature management.
2Productivity
If the circuit operates in parallel mode for dehumidification, then the dehumidification efficiency improves, but the ability to cool the battery simultaneously may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is segmented into separate parallel paths: one path through the evaporator-condenser for dehumidification and another path through the evaporator and heat exchanger for battery cooling. The valve means can direct refrigerant flow to both paths simultaneously, allowing independent operation of dehumidification and battery cooling functions without compromising either performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The third operating mode is specifically designed to perform dual functions: dehumidifying the passenger compartment air while simultaneously cooling the battery. The circuit configuration allows the refrigerant to traverse both the evaporator-condenser (for dehumidification) and the evaporator with heat exchanger (for battery cooling) in parallel, achieving both objectives concurrently.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the evaporator-condenser is placed on the front face of the vehicle, then the heat exchange efficiency with exterior air improves, but the space available for other components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The evaporator-condenser is specifically positioned on the front face of the vehicle where it can directly interact with exterior air flow. This location provides optimal conditions for heat exchange efficiency as the evaporator-condenser can utilize the natural air flow over the vehicle front. The spatial arrangement accepts the trade-off of reduced component space in other areas in exchange for maximizing the thermal exchange performance at this critical location.
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
The circuit effectively maintains passenger compartment comfort and electric battery temperature, ensuring dehumidification and cooling functions across varying conditions, thereby extending battery service life and improving vehicle performance.
Implementation Method 1
the refrigerant is able to circulate in series and successively through the condenser, the evaporator-condenser and the evaporator
Implementation Method 2
through the condenser, the evaporator-condenser and the evaporator
Implementation Method 3
through the condenser, the evaporator and the evaporator-condenser
Implementation Method 4
through the condenser, the evaporator and the evaporator-condenser
Implementation Method 5
in another mode, called the third mode, in which the evaporator is arranged in parallel with the heat exchanger and/or the evaporator-condenser
Implementation Method 6
a heat exchanger thermally coupled to an electric member, such as an electric battery of the vehicle
Implementation Method 7
the heat exchanger allows heat exchanges between the heat-transfer fluid and the refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a thermal conditioning circuit (1) for a hybrid or electric motor vehicle, in which a refrigerant can circulate, said circuit (1) comprising a compressor (3), a condenser (5), an evaporator-condenser (7), an evaporator (9) and a heat exchanger (11) thermally coupled to an electric member, e.g. a vehicle electric battery, characterized in that the circuit is configured to operate at least in the following three modes in which the refrigerant can circulate in a cascade and successively:—via the condenser (5), the evaporator-condenser (7) and the evaporator (9) in a first mode;—via the condenser (5), the evaporator (9) and the evaporator-condenser (7) in a second mode; and—in another mode, i.e. a third mode, in which the evaporator (9) is arranged in parallel to the heat exchanger (11) and/or to the evaporator-condenser (7) such that the refrigerant can circulate in a cascade and successively via the condenser (5) and then via at least two of said elements (7, 9, 11) that are arranged in parallel.