Vehicle Heat Management Flow Switching for Shared Throttling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems in vehicles, particularly electric vehicles, are complex due to multiple throttling valves and components, leading to a cumbersome system structure.
Innovation Solution
A simplified thermal management system with a reduced number of components, utilizing a compressor, heat exchangers, throttling devices, and flow direction switching devices, along with a controller to manage heating and cooling modes efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple throttling valves are provided in the refrigerant system, then the thermal management functions are comprehensive, but the system structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The first flow direction switching device is configured to enable the refrigerant to flow through different paths, allowing the same physical components to serve multiple thermal management functions. By switching between different connection states (first working state connecting second port to third port, second working state connecting second port to fourth port), a single throttling device and heat exchanger can serve both passenger compartment temperature control and battery thermal management, eliminating the need for separate throttling valves for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple throttling valves and components are used, then the thermal management coverage is improved, but the number of system components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow direction switching device enables existing components to serve multiple purposes. The first throttling device and first heat exchanger can be used for both passenger compartment temperature control and battery thermal management by switching the refrigerant flow paths, thereby reducing the total number of components needed while maintaining comprehensive thermal management coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple throttling valves and heat exchangers into a single integrated system. By combining the passenger compartment temperature control function and battery thermal management function into shared components controlled by the flow direction switching device, the system reduces component quantity while maintaining full functional coverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex system structure is adopted, then the thermal management capability is enhanced, but the energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By enabling existing components to perform multiple functions through flow path switching, the system avoids the energy losses associated with multiple separate throttling operations and component interactions. The single throttling device and flow direction switching mechanism reduce parasitic energy losses while maintaining comprehensive thermal management capability for both passenger compartment and battery.
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 reduces the number of components and simplifies the thermal management structure while effectively controlling heating and cooling operations, enhancing energy efficiency and preventing frost formation.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
a compressor
Implementation Method 3
a first throttling device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A heat management system and a control method therefor. A first flow direction switching device (5) of the heat management system comprises a first interface (51), a second interface (52) and a third interface (53). The first flow direction switching device (5) has a first working state, and in the first working state, the first interface (51) is communicated with at least one of the second interface (52) and the third interface (53). The heat management system comprises a controller (200) having a heating mode. The heating mode is executed under the control of the controller (200). In the heating mode, a first throttling device (6) is in a throttling state. The first flow direction switching device (5) is in a first working state. An outlet of a compressor (1) is communicated with an inlet of the first heat exchanger (101), and an outlet of the first heat exchanger (101) is communicated with a second port of the first throttling device (6). A first port of the first throttling device (6) is communicated with the first interface (51), and the first interface (51) is communicated with the second interface (52). The second interface (52) is communicated with a first port of the second heat exchanger (2), and a second port of the second heat exchanger (2) is communicated with an inlet of the compressor (1); or the first interface (51) is communicated with the third interface (53), and the third interface (53) is communicated with a first port of the third heat exchanger (9), a second port of the third heat exchanger (9) is communicated with the inlet of the compressor (1), and both the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger can realize a throttling function by means of the first throttling device, such that the number of parts of the heat management system can be reduced, and the heat management system is simplified.