High voltage pump and heater assembly with scavenge path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) lack a heat source for climate control and pre-conditioning of on-board components, as internal combustion engines are eliminated, necessitating a new method for providing heat using high voltage electric power.
Innovation Solution
A pump and heater assembly that includes an electric motor, a pump, one or more heater elements, a control module, and a flowpath for a coolant fluid, where the heater elements generate heat through electrical resistance and the control module coordinates the operation of the motor and heater elements to heat the coolant fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If internal combustion engine is used to provide heat source, then climate control and pre-conditioning can be achieved, but zero-emission requirement cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of lacking a heat source in ZEVs into a beneficial electric heating system. High voltage electric power, originally intended solely for propulsion, is repurposed to generate heat through heater elements, transforming an environmental benefit (zero emissions) into a functional solution for climate control without compromising the zero-emission status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the high voltage electrical system serve multiple functions: both propulsion and heating. The same high voltage power source that drives the motor also powers the heater elements, allowing the electrical system to be universal and eliminating the need for separate heating systems in ZEVs.
2Temperature
If separate heater assembly is used, then heating function can be provided, but device complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heater assembly with existing vehicle components by integrating heater elements into structural components like the dashboard, steering column, or door panels. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate heater units and reduces wiring complexity by utilizing the existing high voltage electrical infrastructure already present in ZEVs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes structural components serve dual functions: providing structural support and housing heating elements. For example, the dashboard or steering column both maintains their structural roles while simultaneously acting as heat sources, thereby reducing the need for additional dedicated heating components and simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 assembly effectively heats a coolant fluid for climate control and pre-conditioning in ZEVs, utilizing high voltage electric power to efficiently manage heat transfer and reduce the need for separate wiring and connections.
Implementation Method 1
one or more heater elements each configured to generate heat through electrical resistance
Implementation Method 2
a first flowpath segment that passes along at least one of the heat exchange elements to permit heat transfer therebetween, such that at least a portion of the coolant fluid present in the first flowpath segment can be heated
Implementation Method 3
a pump operatively connected to the electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
A pump and heater assembly can include an electric motor, a pump, one or more resistive heater elements, a control module with switching electronics usable to control operation of the electric motor, and a flowpath through which a coolant fluid is flowable fluidically passing to a first manifold downstream of the pump, to both first and second flowpath segments branching from the first manifold, and to a second manifold downstream of both the first and second flowpath segments. The first flowpath segment passes proximate to the heater elements to enable heating of a portion of the coolant fluid present in the first flowpath segment. The second flowpath segment passes through the control module proximate to the switching electronics to enable cooling of the switching electronics by a portion of the coolant fluid present in the second flowpath segment. The first and second flowpath segments can be arranged fluidically in parallel.