Heat pump systems with a bypass refrigerant line
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat pump systems in vehicles face inefficiencies in providing heating in low-temperature environments, particularly in electric vehicles, due to the limitations of existing refrigerant flow paths through heat exchangers.
Innovation Solution
A heat pump system with a selectable bypass flow path that allows refrigerant to bypass one or more heat exchangers, rerouting refrigerant from the compressor directly to the accumulator to increase suction temperature and pressure, enhancing heating performance under cold conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If refrigerant flows through heat exchangers in conventional heat pump systems, then heat exchange function is provided, but heating performance deteriorates in low-temperature environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic refrigerant flow path selection system using a bypass valve that can switch between conventional heat exchange mode and direct compression-to-accumulator mode. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to varying temperature conditions, optimizing heating performance in low-temperature environments by bypassing heat exchangers when ambient temperature is below a threshold
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the refrigerant flow path based on ambient temperature conditions. By monitoring temperature and switching the bypass valve position, the system alters the refrigerant's path parameters (flow direction, pressure, temperature) to achieve optimal heating performance in cold conditions while maintaining conventional operation in warmer conditions
2Temperature
If refrigerant is routed directly from compressor to accumulator to increase suction temperature and pressure, then heating performance improves in cold conditions, but the heat exchange function is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass valve dynamically switches between two operational modes: (1) conventional mode where refrigerant flows through heat exchangers for heat exchange, and (2) bypass mode where refrigerant flows directly from compressor to accumulator to increase suction temperature and pressure. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to prioritize heating performance when needed while maintaining heat exchange function when conditions permit
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 provides a heating boost by increasing compressor suction temperature and pressure, improving heating performance in low-temperature environments and enhancing overall efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
one or more heat exchangers disposed downstream of the compressor in a refrigerant flow path of the heat pump system
Implementation Method 3
an expansion device disposed downstream of the one or more heat exchangers in the refrigerant flow path
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to a heat pump system having a selectable bypass flow path that allows a refrigerant to bypass one or more heat exchangers of the heat pump system. The bypass flow path may be used, for example, to provide enhanced thermal energy (e.g., heat) generation by a compressor for a passenger compartment of a vehicle, particularly in relatively low ambient temperatures and/or during fast charging of a vehicle battery.