Vehicle Heat Exchange System Flow Path Switching Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle heat management systems, switching the circulation flow path can cause coolant circulation to stop or flow in reverse due to temporary merging of coolants and differences in flow path lengths and directions, leading to insufficient cooling of heat medium distribution devices.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchange system with multiple thermal circuits and a controller that adjusts coolant flow rates and switches flow paths to prevent coolant merging, using longer flow paths and pump control to maintain stable coolant circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the circulation flow path is switched after coolant temporarily merges in the common flow path, then flow path switching is achieved, but coolant circulation may stop or flow in reverse direction due to changes in flow path length and flow direction differences
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by controlling the first pump to increase coolant flow to the first flow path before switching, and controlling the second pump to decrease coolant flow from the third flow path after switching. This preliminary adjustment of flow rates prevents circulation stoppage and reverse flow during the transition, ensuring stable coolant circulation throughout the flow path switching process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the first flow path and second flow path have different lengths, then flow path switching provides cooling flexibility, but coolant flow rate instability occurs during switching due to sudden changes in flow path length
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the pumps dynamically during flow path switching. The first pump's flow rate is increased before switching to compensate for the longer first flow path, while the second pump's flow rate is decreased after switching to accommodate the shorter third flow path. This parameter adjustment maintains stable coolant flow rates despite the structural differences in flow path lengths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If coolant flows in opposite directions in different flow paths, then multiple cooling configurations are enabled, but circulation stoppage or reverse flow occurs when switching between these configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by adjusting pump flows in advance to counteract the adverse effects of direction changes during switching. The first pump increases flow before switching to prevent circulation stoppage, and the second pump decreases flow after switching to prevent reverse flow. This preliminary counter-measure ensures continuous stable circulation despite changes in flow direction caused by switching between different cooling configurations.
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 coolant circulation stoppages and reverse flows, ensuring consistent cooling performance by coordinating flow path switches and pump commands to maintain stable coolant flow rates across thermal circuits.
Implementation Method 1
a first flow path configured to circulate a first coolant pumped by the first pump and cool the first device
Implementation Method 2
a first flow path configured to circulate a first coolant pumped by the first pump and cool the first device
Implementation Method 3
a third flow path configured to circulate a second coolant pumped by the second pump and cool the second device
Implementation Method 4
a third flow path configured to circulate a second coolant pumped by the second pump and cool the second device
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchange system includes a first thermal circuit, a second thermal circuit, and a controller. A first thermal circuit includes a first device, a first pump, and a first flow path and a second flow path configured to cool the first device. A second thermal circuit includes a second device, a second pump, and a third flow path and a fourth flow path configured to cool the second device. A controller is configured to switch, when the controller switches a flow path of the first thermal circuit from the first flow path to the second flow path and switches a flow path of the second thermal circuit from the fourth flow path to the third flow path, the fourth flow path to the third flow path and the first flow path to the second flow path.