Vehicle Heater Controller Cooling via Upstream Liquid Preheating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric heating devices for vehicles face challenges in compactness, robustness, energy efficiency, and constructional simplicity, particularly in effectively cooling electronic control units without increasing construction volume or using air cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
A heating device with a liquid heat transport medium and an electronic control unit that utilizes a heat discharge body to transfer waste heat to the medium upstream of the heating section, eliminating the need for air cooling components and optimizing heat transfer through a smooth, streamlined heat discharge body and a non-straight connecting piece, which minimizes thermal resistance and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air cooling is used for the electronic control unit, then the control unit can be cooled, but the construction volume increases and the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function for the electronic control unit with the existing liquid heat transport medium system. The heat discharge body is integrated into the flow path, allowing the same liquid medium that carries heating heat to also absorb waste heat from the control unit, thereby eliminating the need for separate air cooling components and reducing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid heat transport medium is given multiple functions: it serves both as the medium for transferring heating heat from the heating unit and as the cooling medium for absorbing waste heat from the electronic control unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cooling systems and reduces construction volume.
2Temperature
If air cooling components are added, then the control unit can be cooled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling function into the existing liquid circulation system by integrating the heat discharge body into the flow path. This eliminates the need for separate air cooling components such as fans or air ducts, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid heat transport medium performs dual functions: transferring heating heat from the heating unit and cooling the electronic control unit by absorbing waste heat. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall device structure by eliminating the need for separate cooling subsystems.
3Temperature
If the heat discharge body has a rough surface to stimulate turbulence, then heat transfer improves, but the risk of bubble formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface characteristics to different sections of the heat discharge body: the first section has a rough surface to stimulate turbulence and enhance heat transfer, while the second section has a smooth surface to prevent bubble adhesion and ensure reliable heat transport. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between heat transfer efficiency and boiling prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat discharge body is divided into two distinct sections with different surface properties: a first section with a rough surface for turbulence generation and enhanced heat transfer, and a second section with a smooth surface for bubble-free operation. This segmentation allows each section to optimize for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between heat transfer and boiling prevention.
4Reliability
If the heat transport medium flows quickly to prevent boiling, then reliability improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates different flow conditions in different sections of the heat discharge body: the first section promotes turbulence with a rough surface to enhance heat transfer at moderate flow velocities, while the second section uses a smooth surface to maintain laminar flow and prevent bubble adhesion. This local differentiation allows reliable operation without requiring excessively high flow velocities throughout the entire system, thereby reducing pump energy consumption.
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 solution provides a compact, robust, and energy-efficient cooling method for electronic control units, reducing the risk of boiling in the heat transport medium and minimizing thermal isolation, thus enhancing the overall performance and efficiency of the heating device.
Implementation Method 1
the heat discharge body (28) which is placed on a preheating section of a flow path (100) upstream of a heating section (20), wherein a heat transport medium (W) flows past the heat discharge body (28)
Implementation Method 2
a flow path (100) for a liquid heat transport medium (W), wherein the heat transport medium (W) flows past the heat discharge body (28)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a heating device (10) for a vehicle, comprising: a flow path (14, 16, 20, 22, 24) for a liquid heat transfer agent; an electric heating device (34) for generating heat and for releasing generated heat to the heat transfer agent on a heating portion (20) of the flow path; and an electronic controller (26) for controlling a heat output of the heating device. The controller (26) is provided with a heat releasing body in order to release waste heat of the controller (26) to the heat transfer agent on a preheating portion (16) of the flow path upstream of the heating portion (20). The invention likewise relates to a method for cooling the controller.