HEV Cooling Circuit Connector with Coolant Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) face overheating issues due to insufficient coolant in the HEV cooling circuit, leading to restricted motor and inverter output, which can prevent the vehicle from traveling.
Innovation Solution
An HEV cooling system that intermittently connects the engine cooling circuit to the HEV cooling circuit using a connector with a check valve and electric opening valve, allowing coolant to flow from the engine circuit to the HEV circuit when the HEV coolant is insufficient, and a control method that determines the coolant levels and temperatures to manage the valve operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the HEV cooling circuit operates independently from the engine cooling circuit, then each circuit can be optimized for its specific temperature requirements, but the HEV system is vulnerable to overheating when coolant is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the independently operated HEV cooling circuit and engine cooling circuit by introducing a connector that allows coolant to flow between them. This combination enables the systems to support each other during coolant shortages, improving reliability without requiring a complete redesign of the cooling architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector provides multi-functionality by enabling the engine cooling circuit to serve as a backup coolant source for the HEV cooling circuit when needed. This universal design allows the same cooling infrastructure to handle both independent operation and emergency support scenarios.
2Reliability
If coolant is insufficient in the HEV cooling circuit, then the HEV system overheats and motor/inverter output is restricted, but adding a connector between circuits increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The connector acts as an intermediary element that bridges the HEV cooling circuit and engine cooling circuit. It provides a controlled pathway for coolant transfer, enabling protection against overheating while maintaining manageable system complexity through a dedicated intermediate component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic coolant transfer mechanisms that activate when coolant levels are low. The electric opening valve and check valve work autonomously based on temperature and pressure conditions, providing overheating protection without requiring complex external control systems.
3Reliability
If the connector allows free flow between circuits, then coolant can be replenished automatically, but coolant may flow backward to the engine cooling circuit causing temperature imbalance
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve converts the potential harm of uncontrolled coolant flow into a benefit by allowing coolant to flow only in the desired direction (from engine circuit to HEV circuit when needed). This one-way flow mechanism prevents temperature imbalance while maintaining automatic replenishment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric opening valve changes the flow parameter (open/closed state) based on detected coolant levels and temperature conditions. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures coolant flows to replenish the HEV circuit when low, while preventing reverse flow that would cause temperature imbalance.
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
Prevents overheating and ensures stable operation of the HEV by supplying coolant from the engine circuit to the HEV circuit, allowing the vehicle to travel without stopping due to coolant shortages.
Implementation Method 1
the connector may include a check valve configured to prevent the coolant from flowing backward to the engine cooling circuit from the HEV cooling circuit
Implementation Method 2
an engine cooling circuit configured to cool coolant through an engine heat exchanger and cool an engine by circulation of the coolant cooled by the engine heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
an HEV cooling circuit configured to cool coolant through an HEV heat exchanger and cool an inverter and a motor by circulation of the coolant cooled by the HEV heat exchanger
Implementation Method 4
cool an engine by circulation of the coolant cooled by the engine heat exchanger using an engine water pump
Implementation Method 5
cool an inverter and a motor by circulation of the coolant cooled by the HEV heat exchanger using an HEV water pump
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) cooling system includes an engine cooling circuit configured to cool an engine by circulation of coolant cooled by an engine heat exchanger using an engine water pump. An engine reservoir tank is configured to temporarily store the coolant cooled by the engine heat exchanger and replenish insufficient coolant. An HEV cooling circuit is configured to cool an inverter and motor by circulation of coolant cooled by an HEV heat exchanger using an HEV water pump. An HEV reservoir tank is configured to temporarily store the coolant cooled by the HEV heat exchanger and replenish insufficient coolant. A connector (30) configured to intermittently connect the engine cooling circuit to the HEV cooling circuit. An engine coolant amount detection sensor and an HEV coolant amount detection sensor are respectively configured to detect amounts of the coolant stored in the engine and HEV reservoir tanks.