Filter Clogging Estimation in Vehicle Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature regulation systems for electric storage devices in vehicles fail to accurately estimate dust clogging on filters, which can lead to reduced temperature regulation efficiency due to inadequate consideration of air supply volume and frequency of vehicle air flow.
Innovation Solution
A temperature regulation system that estimates dust clogging on filters by integrating air supply volume and frequency of vehicle air flow, including the number of door and window openings, using a controller to calculate the clogging amount and adjust accordingly, with a coefficient varying based on intake port position to account for dust swirling patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is provided in the intake duct to remove foreign matter, then the electric storage device is protected from dust contamination, but the filter becomes clogged over time reducing air supply efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary estimation of filter clogging based on air supply volume and vehicle air flow frequency before actual performance degradation occurs. This allows proactive maintenance scheduling that prevents the filter from reaching a state where it significantly impacts cooling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors air supply volume and vehicle air flow frequency, using this feedback to dynamically estimate the clogging amount. This closed-loop approach enables real-time assessment of filter status and optimization of maintenance timing.
2Temperature
If the fan operates continuously to supply cooling air, then temperature regulation efficiency is maintained, but foreign matter is taken into the intake duct more readily increasing filter clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameters used for filter status assessment from direct physical measurement to estimation based on operational parameters (air supply volume and vehicle air flow frequency). This allows the system to account for the relationship between fan operation and foreign matter intake without requiring additional sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that processes operational data (air supply volume and vehicle air flow frequency) to estimate filter clogging status. This intermediary approach connects fan operation patterns to filter maintenance needs without requiring direct measurement of either parameter.
3Loss of time
If the estimated clogging amount is increased based on total air supply volume and vehicle air flow frequency, then the timing of filter maintenance can be optimized, but the calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller utilizes existing sensors and data processing capabilities to perform multiple functions: monitoring air supply volume, detecting vehicle air flow frequency, and estimating filter clogging. This multi-functional approach avoids adding dedicated hardware while achieving optimized maintenance timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational data (air supply volume and vehicle air flow frequency) to self-assess filter status. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external monitoring systems or complex additional instrumentation.
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 approach allows for early detection of filter clogging, maintaining temperature regulation efficiency by alerting users before a drop in performance, enabling timely filter maintenance and preventing reduced air supply to the electric storage device.
Implementation Method 1
The filter is provided inside the intake duct, and traps foreign matter
Data Source
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AI summary
A temperature regulation system includes: an electric storage device, installed in a vehicle and configured to perform charge and discharge; an intake duct that leads air of a vehicle interior to the electric storage device; a fan configured to cause the air to be taken into the intake duct; a filter that is provided inside the intake duct and that prevents passage of foreign matter; and a controller that estimates a clogging amount of the foreign matter on the filter. The controller is configured to increase the estimated clogging amount as there increases a total amount of the air that is supplied to the electric storage device accompanying driving of the fan, and the number of times that the vehicle is brought to a state in which air is allowed to flow into and flow out of the vehicle.