Glycol Thermal Loop Routing for Off-Plug Battery and Cabin Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing heat transfer between components in electrified vehicles without adding significant heat exchangers and valve systems is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system utilizing a glycol-based system with a first and second valve to manage heat transfer between a heater, battery, and power electronics loops, enabling battery heating and cabin heating independently, even when the vehicle is off-charge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple heat exchangers and valve systems are added to manage heat transfer between components, then heat transfer management capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing glycol system universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions: battery heating, cabin heating, and power electronics cooling, through strategic valve control that redirects the same coolant flow to serve different thermal management needs across various operational conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate thermal management functions into a single integrated glycol loop system, where one coolant circuit serves multiple components (battery, cabin heater, power electronics) by dynamically reconfiguring flow paths through valve control, eliminating the need for separate heat exchangers for each function
2Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle is off-charge, then energy consumption is reduced, but battery heating capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service battery heating by utilizing waste heat from the power electronics loop to heat the battery when the vehicle is off-charge, without requiring external plug-in power sources. The glycol coolant absorbs heat from power electronics and delivers it to the battery through heat exchangers, maintaining battery temperature passively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the waste heat generated by power electronics into a beneficial resource for battery heating. Instead of dissipating heat from power electronics to the environment, the system redirects it through the glycol loop to warm the battery, transforming a thermal management burden into a useful heating source
3Use of energy by moving object
If the refrigerant system is used for cabin heating, then heating efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the glycol system as an intermediary between the refrigerant system and the cabin heating requirement. The refrigerant system cools the glycol coolant, which then circulates through the cabin heater to provide heating, allowing the refrigerant system to serve dual purposes without direct integration complexity
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
Effectively manages heat transfer in electrified vehicles by providing battery heating and cabin heating without additional heat exchangers or valves, enhancing battery efficiency and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
managing heat transfer between different groups of components in the electrified vehicle
Implementation Method 2
A thermal management system for an electrified vehicle includes a heater loop, a battery loop, a radiator loop, and a power electronics loop operating within a glycol system
Implementation Method 3
A first valve in fluid communication with one or more of the heater loop, the battery loop, the radiator loop, and the power electronics loop. A second valve in fluid communication with one or more of the heater loop, the battery loop, the radiator loop, and the power electronics loop
Implementation Method 4
independently heating a cabin
Implementation Method 5
provides battery heating off plug
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary thermal management system includes, among other things, a heater loop, a battery loop, a radiator loop, and a power electronics loop operating within a glycol system. A first valve is in fluid communication with one or more of the heater loop, the battery loop, the radiator loop, and the power electronics loop. A second valve in fluid communication with one or more of the heater loop, the battery loop, the radiator loop, and the power electronics loop. The second valve is fluidly connected to the first valve to provide at least one operational condition where there is battery heating within the battery loop while a vehicle is off charge, and while also being able to independently heat a cabin.