Secondary Loop Heater Core Valve Control for Flash Fogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchanger systems for vehicle HVAC systems can cause flash fogging of windshields due to simultaneous refrigerant or engine coolant flow through tubes, which is not effectively addressed in current designs.
Innovation Solution
A valve system controlling fluid flow between upper and lower manifolds of heat exchangers, allowing for modes such as maximum cooling, temperate, and maximum heating, preventing flash fogging by managing fluid flow through specific positions of rotary valves to optimize heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If refrigerant or engine coolant flows through both sets of tubes simultaneously, then heating and cooling efficiency is improved, but flash fogging of windshields occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a valve system that dynamically switches between different flow configurations based on operational mode. The valve can redirect coolant flow to pass through both heat exchangers simultaneously during heating/cooling modes, or isolate them during temperate modes, allowing the system to adapt its fluid dynamics to prevent fogging while maintaining efficiency when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow path configuration parameter by using valves to redirect coolant flow. By altering which heat exchanger the coolant passes through based on temperature requirements, the system can prevent flash fogging during temperate conditions while enabling efficient heating and cooling when extreme temperatures are required
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a valve system is added to control fluid flow between manifolds, then flash fogging is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system performs multiple functions: it controls coolant flow distribution between heat exchangers, enables mode switching between heating and cooling operations, and prevents flash fogging by isolating heat exchangers when needed. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating several control requirements into a single integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The valve acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the coolant source and the heat exchangers, intelligently directing flow based on system requirements. This intermediary controls the fluid distribution to prevent harmful effects while maintaining system efficiency, making the complexity worthwhile by enabling precise flow management
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 valve system effectively prevents flash fogging by controlling fluid flow, ensuring efficient heating and cooling while maintaining clear windshields, with specific mode constraints to optimize performance based on temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger sandwiched together in parallel and abutting relationship to one another
Implementation Method 2
Heat exchangers are often used in typical HVAC systems for heating and cooling the cabin of a vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
The assembly includes a pair of heat exchangers, each including an upper and lower manifold, parallel and spaced relative to one another. Tubes extend between each set of upper and lower manifolds with fins disposed between each of the tubes. A valve system controls fluid flow between the upper manifolds and the lower manifolds. The valve system is movable between a maximum cooling mode with fluid flow form the first upper manifold through both of the tubes and to said first lower manifold. A temperate mode allows fluid to flow from the first upper manifold to the first lower manifold and from the second upper manifold to the second lower manifold to prevent flash fogging. A maximum cooling mode allows fluid to flow from the second upper manifold through both of the first and second tubes to the lower manifolds.