Heat conditioning system for a motor vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face challenges in thermal conditioning, as existing solutions consume battery energy and are inefficient, particularly during winter conditions, where outside air is insufficient for heat pump operation, leading to icing issues and reduced performance, and require separate heating sources for batteries and passenger compartments, increasing energy consumption and cost.
Innovation Solution
A thermal conditioning system that combines an electric heating device with an air conditioning loop, eliminating the need for a water circuit and optimizing energy use by recycling air within the vehicle to maintain battery and passenger compartment temperatures, reducing electrical consumption and system size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If electric heating devices are used to heat the battery and passenger compartment, then thermal conditioning is achieved, but electrical energy from the battery is consumed, reducing driving range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery heating function and passenger compartment heating function into a single integrated thermal management system. The air conditioning loop serves dual purposes: cooling the battery through its evaporator and heating the passenger compartment through its condenser, thereby reducing the need for separate heating devices and minimizing electrical energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioning loop is designed to perform multiple functions: it cools the battery during normal operation, heats the passenger compartment during cold weather, and can operate in heat pump mode when external temperatures are extremely low. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated heating devices, reducing overall electrical energy consumption.
2Temperature
If air conditioning loop operates in heat pump mode using outside air as thermal energy source, then battery and passenger compartment heating is provided, but during winter conditions the outside air temperature is too low causing icing of the heat exchanger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of low outside air temperature (which causes icing) into a beneficial control parameter. By monitoring the temperature and using it as a control criterion, the system automatically switches between heat pump mode (when temperatures are above the threshold) and direct electric heating mode (when temperatures are below the threshold), thereby preventing icing and ensuring reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operating mode based on external temperature conditions. When the outside air temperature is above a predetermined threshold, the system operates in heat pump mode utilizing outside air as a thermal energy source. When the temperature drops below the threshold, the system automatically switches to direct electric heating mode, avoiding the icing problem while maintaining heating effectiveness.
3Temperature
If separate heating systems are used for battery and passenger compartment, then thermal conditioning is achieved, but the vehicle requires additional components increasing bulk and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the battery thermal management system and the passenger compartment climate control system into a single integrated architecture. The air conditioning loop's evaporator serves as the battery heat exchanger, while its condenser provides heating for the passenger compartment. This integration eliminates the need for separate heating components, reducing vehicle bulk and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioning system is designed to perform multiple thermal management functions: it cools the battery through the evaporator during normal operation, heats the passenger compartment through the condenser during cold weather, and can switch to heat pump mode for extreme cold conditions. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated systems, reducing overall component count and system 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
This solution reduces electrical consumption, maintains battery health, and provides efficient heating and cooling without the need for additional energy sources, minimizing the impact on vehicle mileage and cost while ensuring thermal comfort.
Implementation Method 1
the evaporator, which traverses said air conditioning loop and cools an airflow (Fc) passing through it
Implementation Method 2
the condenser, which is located inside said vehicle and heats an airflow (Fc) passing through it
Implementation Method 3
an electric heating device (46) in said thermal treatment unit (U)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a heat conditioning system for a motor vehicle, including: an air conditioning loop of a motor vehicle (B) in which a cooling fluid circulates and which includes a compressor (2), at least two heat exchangers (8,42) and at least one decompression device (24,26), a heat processing unit (U) of a battery (100) of the vehicle, which unit includes a heat processing means (46) which is capable of being in a heat exchange relation with the battery of the vehicle, in which the heat processing means is in a heat exchange relation with the air conditioning loop.