Vehicle Heat Pump Loop Separation for Waste Heat and Dehumidification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional heat pump systems for vehicles face inefficiencies in using waste heat as a heating source, particularly in hybrid vehicles, due to the integration of heat generation and absorption parts, leading to energy losses and inadequate dehumidification performance at low temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A heat pump system for vehicles that separates the heat generation and absorption parts using a water-cooled condenser, allowing independent use of waste heat and reducing the length of the high-temperature cooling water loop, with a four-way valve controlling the cooling water flow and a refrigerant branching line for dehumidification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the heat pump system uses an integrated refrigerant cycle for both cooling and heating, then the system complexity is reduced, but the dehumidification performance deteriorates at low temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoiddehumidification performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the refrigerant cycle into two separate cycles: a first refrigerant circulation line for cooling mode and a second refrigerant circulation line for heating mode. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each cycle's components and flow paths, enabling effective dehumidification in heating mode by preventing refrigerant bypass that would occur in an integrated single-cycle system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the heat pump system integrates heat generation and absorption parts, then the device complexity is reduced, but energy losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidenergy losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the heat generation part (outdoor heat exchanger in heating mode) from the heat absorption part (evaporator in heating mode) by using different refrigerant circulation lines. This segmentation eliminates energy losses associated with integrated systems where heat transfer paths are inefficient or where waste heat cannot be effectively recovered.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the waste heat from the engine cooling water into a useful heating source by using the chiller to absorb heat from the cooling water and transfer it to the refrigerant cycle. This converts what would otherwise be wasted thermal energy into a beneficial contribution to the heating system, improving overall energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Quantity of substance

If the heat pump system uses a long cooling water loop, then the heat absorption capacity is improved, but the pressure head increases and flow rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat absorption capacityVSAvoidflow rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cooling water circulation into a first cooling water line (engine to chiller) and a second cooling water line (chiller to engine), allowing independent optimization of each segment. This segmentation reduces the overall loop length and pressure head while maintaining adequate heat absorption capacity by positioning heat exchangers at optimal locations in the circulation path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If the heat pump system operates in heating mode with integrated cycle, then the system simplicity is maintained, but fuel efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidfuel efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the waste heat from the engine cooling water into a useful heating source through the chiller, reducing or eliminating the need to operate the engine solely for heating purposes. This conversion of waste heat into beneficial thermal energy significantly improves fuel efficiency, especially in hybrid vehicles where the engine may already be operating for propulsion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 enhances heating performance, reduces energy losses, and enables dehumidification without high voltage PTC heater operation, improving fuel efficiency and reducing air-conditioning power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a water-cooled condenser disposed in the second cooling water line of an upstream side of the heater core in a flow direction of the cooling water, and exchanging heat between the refrigerant discharged from the compressor and the cooling water flowing in the second cooling water line

Methodology Applied