Electric Fluid Heater Feedback Control for Outlet Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric heating systems in motor vehicles lack direct control over the temperature of the heat transfer fluid, relying on vehicle network management and using temperature sensors only to prevent overheating, which does not ensure the fluid reaches the desired temperature setpoint effectively.
Innovation Solution
An electric fluid heating device with at least one first temperature sensor to measure the heating element and a second temperature sensor to measure the fluid at the outlet, a control module processes this information to regulate the heating elements, minimizing overheating risks and ensuring the fluid reaches the desired temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a temperature sensor is implemented directly on the heating element to detect overheating, then the reliability of overheating detection is improved, but the ability to control the fluid temperature to reach the desired setpoint deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a temperature sensor measures the actual fluid temperature at the outlet, and this measurement is fed back to a controller that adjusts the heating element power accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables precise control of fluid temperature to reach the desired setpoint while preventing overheating, resolving the contradiction between reliable overheating detection and precise temperature control.
2Device complexity
If the temperature is managed by the vehicle network outside the heater, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature control precision and response time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device is equipped with its own integrated control module that autonomously manages temperature control based on sensor input. This self-service capability allows the heater to independently regulate its own operation without relying on external vehicle network management, thereby achieving precise temperature control and fast response time while maintaining reasonable device complexity through integration.
3Productivity
If the heating element power is increased to reach the setpoint faster, then the productivity is improved, but the risk of overheating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system continuously monitors the fluid temperature and dynamically adjusts the heating element power. When the fluid temperature approaches the setpoint, the controller automatically reduces power to prevent overheating. This enables high heating speed (productivity) while maintaining safety by preventing overheating through real-time power modulation based on actual temperature conditions.
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 solution allows for precise temperature management of the fluid within the heating device, reducing the risk of overheating and ensuring the fluid reaches the correct temperature setpoint, enhancing the heating efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an electric heating device, also called heater or electric heater, that allows the interior of the vehicle to be heated by heating the heat transfer liquid of the heating circuit through the Joule effect
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electric fluid heating device (1) comprising: at least one fluid inlet (7), at least one fluid outlet (11), at least one heating element (13), at least one first temperature sensor (21) for measuring the temperature of said at least one heating element (13), and a control module (15) of the at least one heating element (13). According to the invention, the device (1) comprises at least a second temperature sensor (23) for measuring the temperature of the fluid at the at least one outlet (11), and the control module (15) comprises at least one processing means (17, 19, 35) for: using the temperature information (T21, T23) from the temperature sensors (21, 24), and for generating a command for the at least one heating element (13) according to the temperature information (T21, T23). The invention also relates to an associated heating circuit and method for managing the temperature.