Heat Transfer Circuit Segmentation for Hybrid Cabin Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional powertrain systems struggle to maintain passenger compartment heating when the thermal engine is stopped, particularly in hybrid vehicles operating in ZEV mode, as the heat transfer fluid circulation is disrupted, leading to inadequate heating.
Innovation Solution
A modified heat transfer circuit with a turbocharger pump and non-return valve configuration allows continuous circulation of heat transfer fluid from the heat engine to the air heater, even when the thermal engine is stopped, ensuring passenger compartment heating by rerouting the fluid through a third circuit segment and eliminating return flow to the water outlet box.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the thermal engine is stopped to operate in ZEV mode with electric motor, then emission is reduced to zero, but the heat transfer fluid circulation is disrupted and passenger compartment heating becomes inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer circuit is divided into multiple segments: a first segment connecting the thermal engine to the turbocharger, a second segment connecting the water outlet housing to the air heater, and a third segment with the turbocharger pump that can independently circulate fluid. This segmentation allows the third segment to maintain circulation even when the thermal engine is stopped, enabling continuous heating while operating in ZEV mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The turbocharger pump acts as an intermediary device that can be driven by the turbocharger to provide independent circulation of heat transfer fluid through the third circuit segment. This intermediary mechanism enables fluid circulation without requiring the thermal engine to be running, thus maintaining heating capability during electric-only operation.
2Temperature
If a controlled solenoid valve is used to redirect heat transfer fluid to the air heater when the thermal engine is stopped, then passenger compartment heating is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the dynamic operation of the turbocharger, which spins during engine operation and can drive the turbocharger pump to circulate fluid through the third segment. The non-return valve dynamically prevents backflow, allowing the system to adapt its circulation path based on operating conditions without requiring complex controlled valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The turbocharger pump serves dual purposes: it supports the turbocharger function and simultaneously provides circulation for heating through the third segment. The non-return valve automatically prevents backflow without requiring active control. This self-service approach reduces complexity compared to using controlled solenoid valves for flow management.
3Productivity
If the heat transfer fluid flow rate is increased to improve passenger compartment heating, then heating efficiency is improved, but the radiator size or fan motor unit mass may need to be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the flow rate parameter of heat transfer fluid by utilizing the turbocharger pump in the third segment, which can provide higher flow rates than the original water pump. This parameter change improves heating efficiency and allows for potential reduction in radiator size or fan motor mass while maintaining effective cooling and heating.
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 solution enhances the flow rate to the radiator, potentially reducing radiator size or fan motor unit mass, while maintaining effective engine cooling and increasing passenger compartment heating efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transfer circuit in which a heat transfer fluid circulates... the calories from the heat transfer fluid in the thermal regulation circuit are evacuated to an air heater providing internal heating to the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a non-return valve is provided on said second segment upstream of said outlet of the third segment
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a drivetrain (1) comprising a heat engine (7), a turbocompressor (8), a pump (9), a water outlet housing (10), a radiator (3) and a fan heater (4) and a heat transfer circuit (11) in which a heat transfer fluid flows, comprising a first segment (14) positioned at the outlet of said heat engine (7) on which said turbocompressor (8) is mounted, and a second segment (15), connecting the water outlet housing (10) to said fan heater (4), characterized in that said heat transfer circuit (11) comprises a third segment (16) on which said pump (9) is mounted, having a third segment inlet located on the first segment (14), upstream of the turbocompressor (8) and a third segment outlet located on the second segment (15), said first segment (14) being connected to the third segment (16) downstream of said pump (9), and a check valve (30) is provided on said second segment (15) upstream of said third segment (16) outlet.