Heat pump system for vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electric and hybrid vehicles, the separate battery cooling and heat pump systems increase vehicle size, weight, and noise due to complex pipe layouts, leading to poor ride comfort and inefficient heating performance, with increased electricity and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A heat pump system that eliminates the separate chiller by using a sub-centralized energy module with a second evaporator to exchange heat with the primary refrigerant, enhancing heating performance and efficiency through waste heat from electrical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate battery cooling system and heat pump system are configured, then battery temperature control and heating functions are achieved, but vehicle size, weight, and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the battery cooling system and heat pump system into a single integrated system. The heat pump system's refrigerant circulation path is used to provide both cooling for the battery and heating for the vehicle interior, eliminating the need for a separate battery cooling system. The refrigerant flows through the battery module to absorb heat during cooling mode, and the same refrigerant path is utilized for heating operations, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pump system is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both battery cooling and vehicle interior heating using the same refrigerant circulation system. The refrigerant serves dual purposes by absorbing heat from the battery during cooling operations and releasing heat to the vehicle interior during heating operations, thereby achieving multi-functionality and reducing the need for separate dedicated systems.
2Reliability
If separate battery cooling system is provided, then battery operates in optimal state, but noise and vibration increase due to multiple valves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery cooling function with the heat pump system, eliminating the separate battery cooling system and its associated multiple valves. The refrigerant circulation path is shared between the heat pump and battery cooling functions, reducing the number of valves and moving parts that generate noise and vibration, thereby improving ride comfort while maintaining battery operation stability.
3Temperature
If electric heater is used for heating, then heating function is achieved, but electricity consumption and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the waste heat generated by the battery module into a useful resource for vehicle interior heating. During battery operation, the battery generates heat that would otherwise be wasted; the system captures this waste heat through the refrigerant circulation path and transfers it to the vehicle interior for heating, thereby reducing the need for electric heaters and lowering electricity consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery module serves dual purposes: it not only provides electrical energy but also functions as a heat source for vehicle interior heating. The waste heat generated by the battery during operation is utilized to heat the vehicle interior, allowing the battery to serve itself and the vehicle heating needs simultaneously, thereby reducing external energy requirements.
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 configuration simplifies the system, reduces refrigerant usage, manufacturing costs, and optimizes battery module performance, improving ride comfort and extending vehicle travel distance by efficiently managing battery temperature and minimizing electric heater reliance.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting a temperature of a battery module by use of an evaporator in which a refrigerant and a coolant exchange heat
Implementation Method 2
a second evaporator connected to the first refrigerant line of the air conditioner apparatus, to adjust a temperature of the first refrigerant by selectively exchanging thermal energy which is generated during condensation and evaporation of a second refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant which is compressed by the compressor is condensed through the condenser
Implementation Method 4
then is evaporated by the evaporator through the receiver drier and the expansion valve to lower the indoor temperature
Implementation Method 5
then is evaporated by the evaporator through the receiver drier and the expansion valve to lower the indoor temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A heat pump system for a vehicle is configured for eliminating a chiller which is separately configured, adjusting a temperature of a battery module by use of an evaporator where a coolant and a refrigerant exchange heat, and improving heating performance by use of a sub-centralized energy module together with waste heat of electrical equipment in a heating mode of the vehicle.