Fluid distribution module for a thermal management system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid distribution modules in thermal management systems experience turbulence and pressure increases at the interface between fluid inlets/outlets and channels, leading to erosion and contamination, particularly when fluids turn 90°, which affects performance and noise levels.
Innovation Solution
A fluid distribution module design featuring a first plate with heat transfer fluid passages and a second plate with concave pockets opposite the passages, allowing fluids to turn smoothly and reducing turbulence, with the passages forming angles between 70° and 110° and pockets with radii between 20 mm and 50 mm, minimizing energy consumption and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the fluid inlet/outlet is arranged perpendicular to the channel (90° angle), then the compact design is achieved, but turbulence and pressure increase occur at the interface
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a curved transition zone at the interface between the fluid inlet/outlet and the channel, replacing the sharp 90° angle with a gradual curved path. This curvature allows the fluid to turn smoothly without abrupt directional changes, thereby reducing turbulence and pressure increase while maintaining the compact perpendicular arrangement of inlet/outlet relative to the channel
2Volume of moving object
If the fluid turns 90° at the interface, then the space is efficiently utilized, but erosion and contamination are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The curved transition zone replaces the sharp 90° turn, allowing fluid to follow a smooth curved path. This eliminates abrupt flow direction changes that cause erosion and contamination, while the inlet/outlet remain efficiently positioned perpendicular to the channel for compact space utilization
3Object-generated harmful factors
If smooth flow is achieved by reducing the turn angle, then turbulence is reduced, but the module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved transition zone provides smooth flow progression without requiring a reduced turn angle. The curvature allows the fluid to gradually change direction along an arc, reducing turbulence while maintaining the compact 90° perpendicular arrangement of inlet/outlet to the channel, thus avoiding increased module size
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 design reduces turbulence and pressure within the module, minimizing erosion and contamination risks, enhancing cooling/heating performance, and reducing noise, especially when attached to a vehicle chassis.
Implementation Method 1
This creates turbulences at the interface between the fluid inlet/outlet and the channel. These turbulences are accompanied by an increase in fluid pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
Fluid distribution module (50) for a thermal management system, the fluid distribution module (50) comprising a first plate (54) and a second plate (55), the first plate (54) being arranged opposite to the second plate (55) to form a plurality of channels for distributing heat transfer fluids, wherein the first plate (54) is connected to at least one first heat transfer fluid passage forming a heat transfer fluid inlet or a heat transfer fluid outlet of the fluid distribution module, the second plate (55) comprising at least a first pocket (110) substantially concave placed opposite to the at least one first heat transfer fluid passage.