Vehicle HVAC Heater Module With Flow Disruption for Fast Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical heating devices for motor vehicles are inefficient and occupy too much space, leading to significant head loss and heating inertia, which are not suitable for rapid and efficient heating of the passenger compartment, especially in cold environments.
Innovation Solution
The electrical heating device incorporates a disruptive element within the fluid guide circuit around a central core, made of metal with a tubular shape and features like ribs or bosses, to enhance heat exchange efficiency by disrupting fluid flow and improving thermal conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrical heating devices are used, then heating function is provided, but they occupy large space and cause significant head loss
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is nested within the fluid guide circuit, with the circuit wrapping around the central core of the heating element. This nested configuration allows the fluid guide circuit to be integrated within the heating element structure, significantly reducing the overall device volume while maintaining the heating function.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid guide circuit is designed to wrap around the central core in a multi-dimensional path rather than a linear arrangement. This dimensional change allows the circuit to maximize heat exchange surface area within a compact volume, reducing device size while maintaining heating effectiveness.
2Reliability
If conventional electrical heating devices are used, then heating function is provided, but they cause significant head loss
Solution Approach 1:
The disruptive element is strategically positioned at specific locations within the fluid guide circuit where flow stagnation or poor heat exchange occurs. This localized intervention disrupts the flow in critical areas without requiring disruption throughout the entire circuit, thereby reducing overall head loss while maintaining heating effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The disruptive element creates controlled flow turbulence and disruption in the fluid guide circuit. This mechanical disturbance of the flow pattern enhances heat exchange efficiency between the fluid and heating element, improving heating performance while the compact design keeps head loss manageable.
3Reliability
If conventional electrical heating devices are used, then heating function is provided, but they exhibit significant heating inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The nested configuration of the fluid guide circuit around the heating element core minimizes the volume of fluid that needs to be heated. This reduces the thermal mass of the system, thereby decreasing heating inertia and allowing the device to reach operating temperature more quickly.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow disruption caused by the disruptive element creates turbulence that enhances heat transfer coefficients. This improved heat transfer efficiency reduces the time required to heat the fluid, thereby reducing heating inertia and enabling faster response to heating demands.
4Productivity
If disruptive element is added to enhance heat exchange, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disruptive element is implemented as a simple geometric feature (such as ribs, fins, or protrusions) integrated into the fluid guide circuit at specific locations. This localized approach enhances heat exchange efficiency without requiring complex mechanisms or multiple components, thereby maintaining device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The disruptive element is merged with the fluid guide circuit structure itself, rather than being a separate component. This integration combines the flow guiding function and the flow disruption function into a single structural element, reducing the number of parts and simplifying the overall device design while maintaining enhanced heat exchange efficiency.
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 design reduces head loss and heating inertia while minimizing space, achieving efficient heat transfer and meeting the requirements set by car manufacturers, with improved thermal performance and reduced volume.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heating module comprising a central core and a heating element defining a circuit for guiding fluid between said heating element and said central core
Implementation Method 2
capable of disrupting the flow of said fluid
Implementation Method 3
said at least one heating module comprises at least one disruptive element which is arranged in the circuit for guiding fluid around the central core and capable of disrupting the flow of said fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (5) for electrically heating fluid for a motor vehicle, said heating device (5) comprising at least one heating module (7a, 7b) for heating said fluid, said at least one heating module (7a, 7b) comprising a central core (11) and a heating element (13) defining a guide circuit (15) that guides the fluid between said heating element (13) and said central core (11) such that said at least one heating module (7a, 7b) comprises at least one disturbing element (17; 27; 37; 47) arranged in the fluid guide circuit (15) around the central core (11) and able to disturb the flow of said fluid. The invention also relates to a heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning apparatus (1) for a motor vehicle that comprises such an electrical heating device (5).