Heat Exchanger Flow Paths for Coolant Bypass and Compact Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchangers often inefficiently manage temperature due to unnecessary heat exchange between coolant and refrigerant, and require a manifold for coolant distribution, increasing the size and complexity of the cooling circuit.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger apparatus with stacked plates and a guide member forming flow paths for refrigerant and coolant, along with multiple circulation ports that allow for selective circulation and bypass paths, reducing the need for a manifold and enhancing temperature management efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manifold is used to distribute coolant selectively, then the coolant distribution function is achieved, but the overall package size of the cooling circuit becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the manifold function directly into the heat exchanger body by forming circulation ports and flow paths within the heat exchanger plates themselves. This merging of functions eliminates the need for a separate manifold component, achieving coolant selective distribution while reducing the overall package size of the cooling circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger is designed to perform multiple functions: heat exchange between coolant and refrigerant, and selective coolant distribution through integrated circulation ports. This multi-functionality allows the heat exchanger to replace the traditional manifold, achieving coolant distribution without increasing package size.
2Quantity of substance
If coolant circulates through all heat exchange plates, then heat exchange occurs between coolant and refrigerant, but temperature management efficiency decreases due to unnecessary heat exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger plates are segmented into different types: some plates are configured for heat exchange between coolant and refrigerant, while other plates provide bypass paths that allow coolant to circulate without heat exchange. This segmentation enables selective coolant circulation paths, improving temperature management efficiency by avoiding unnecessary heat exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic coolant flow path selection through the bypass ports, allowing the coolant circulation pattern to be adjusted based on thermal management requirements. This dynamic capability enables the system to optimize temperature management efficiency by directing coolant through appropriate paths.
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 solution facilitates efficient temperature management by diversifying coolant circulation directions, eliminating the need for a manifold, thereby reducing component count, material costs, weight, and package size of the cooling circuit.
Implementation Method 1
Heat exchangers operate by circulating coolant through coolant plates and refrigerant through refrigerant plates, allowing refrigerant and coolant to exchange heat through the refrigerant and coolant plates
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger apparatus and a heat management system facilitate temperature management of each cooling medium through heat exchange between a refrigerant and a coolant and diversify the flow direction of the coolant by providing a bypass circulation path through which the coolant bypasses the heat exchange with the refrigerant in addition to the circulation path through which the coolant exchanges heat with the refrigerant. As a result, a manifold for a bypass path may be eliminated through which the coolant bypasses the heat exchanger, reducing the number of components, material costs, weight, and the package size of the cooling circuit.