Thermal Management Flow Path Switching for Air Bubble Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems face issues with air bubbles mixing in disconnected flow paths, leading to potential restrictions in the use of electric devices due to the need for air removal after charging.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system with a reserve tank and a processor that executes air removal processes during charging by connecting flow paths and using pumps to circulate the heat medium, ensuring efficient air bubble removal and preventing excessive air bubble mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the five-way valve switches to disconnect the first flow path or second flow path from the reserve tank, then the thermal management system can independently control cooling for different components, but air bubbles may mix and remain in the disconnected flow paths
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs air removal operations before charging starts when the flow paths are disconnected, proactively preventing air bubbles from entering the charging flow path. The processor detects disconnection states and triggers air removal in advance, ensuring the flow path is ready for charging without air bubble contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The reserve tank serves as an intermediary that allows the system to maintain physical separation of flow paths while still enabling air removal. By connecting disconnected flow paths to the reserve tank during air removal operations, the system can eliminate air bubbles without requiring continuous connection between flow paths during normal operation.
2Reliability
If air removal is performed after charging ends, then air bubbles in the flow paths can be removed, but the electric device usage is restricted during this time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs air removal operations before charging starts rather than after charging ends. By detecting when flow paths are disconnected and executing air removal in advance, the system ensures air bubbles are eliminated before charging begins, allowing the device to be used immediately after charging without interruption for air removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management system automatically detects disconnection states and triggers air removal operations autonomously. The processor monitors the connection state of flow paths and initiates air removal when disconnection is detected, eliminating the need for manual intervention or post-charging air removal procedures.
3Reliability
If the pump circulates heat medium continuously to remove air bubbles, then air removal effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates periodically rather than continuously. The processor controls the pump to run at specific intervals or for specific durations when air removal is needed, rather than maintaining continuous operation. This periodic operation maintains air removal effectiveness while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous pumping.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically activates the pump only when air removal is required, based on processor detection of disconnection states. The pump serves itself by being triggered only when needed, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption during periods when air removal is not required, while still maintaining high air removal effectiveness when activated.
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 system effectively suppresses air bubble mixing in flow paths, reducing the need for post-charging air removal and enhancing the efficiency of power storage and drive devices by maintaining optimal thermal management.
Implementation Method 1
The pump is configured to circulate the heat medium in each of the first flow path and the second flow path while the first flow path and the second flow path are connected
Implementation Method 2
The first flow path is configured to allow a heat medium to flow. The second flow path is configured to allow the heat medium to flow
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A thermal management system (1) for chargeable electric device (10) includes a first flow path (130a) and a second flow path (170a) that are configured to allow a heat medium to flow, a switching device (180), a pump (131, 171) configured to circulate the heat medium, and a processor (501). The processor (501) executes, in a case where charging of the electric device (10) is started while the first flow path (130a) and the second flow path (170a) are disconnected, an air removal process for the first flow path (130a) and the second flow path (170a) by connecting the first flow path (130a) and the second flow path (170a) by the switching device (180) and driving the pump (131, 171) during execution of the charging.