Integral Valve Module with Heat Pump for Electric Vehicle Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for electric vehicles require complex layouts and additional components like battery chillers and heaters to efficiently manage coolant circulation, leading to increased parts and spatial constraints.
Innovation Solution
A simplified cooling system that utilizes an integral valve module and a heat pump device to dynamically adjust coolant circulation paths and temperatures, eliminating the need for separate battery chillers and heaters by integrating temperature adjustment within the coolant circulation system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If separate battery chillers and heaters are used to adjust coolant temperature, then temperature control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of battery chiller and battery heater into a single heat pump device that can perform both cooling and heating operations. The heat pump device includes a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator that can operate in reverse to provide both cooling and heating functions, eliminating the need for separate chiller and heater components.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pump device is designed as a multi-functional component that can provide both cooling and heating services to the coolant. By using a four-way valve to switch the flow direction of the refrigerant, the same heat pump device can absorb heat from the coolant (cooling mode) or release heat to the coolant (heating mode), making it a universal temperature control solution.
2Temperature
If separate battery chillers and heaters are installed, then temperature adjustment capability is improved, but spatial constraints worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the battery chiller and battery heater into a single heat pump device, significantly reducing the space required for temperature control components. The heat pump device shares common components such as the compressor, condenser, and expansion valve between cooling and heating operations, eliminating redundant space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the heat pump device components are integrated within the existing coolant circulation system. The evaporator and condenser are positioned to utilize available space efficiently, and the refrigerant lines are routed through existing pathways, maximizing space utilization in the confined vehicle environment.
3Productivity
If complex coolant path differentiation is implemented, then cooling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pump device serves as a universal component that handles both cooling and heating requirements through a single integrated system. The four-way valve enables the refrigerant flow to be redirected, allowing the same evaporator and condenser to function in different modes, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining high cooling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control through the four-way valve that can switch the refrigerant flow direction based on whether cooling or heating is required. This dynamic switching capability allows a single static physical configuration to perform multiple functions, reducing manufacturing complexity while adapting to different operational requirements in real-time.
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 configuration enhances cooling efficiency while minimizing space and component requirements, improving space utilization, reducing costs, and optimizing the performance of electrically powered devices in electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pump device through which the coolant passed through the integral valve always passes, and where a heat pump may be embedded to selectively adjust a temperature of the coolant
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system of an electric vehicle is provided. The system includes an integral valve having at least one or more coolant inlets and at least two or more coolant outlets, and selectively discharges a coolant through one of the at least two or more coolant outlets. A plurality of coolant paths connected such that the coolant discharged through one of the at least two or more coolant outlets is introduced back into the integral valve through the at least one or more coolant inlets after being supplied to a portion where coolant circulation is required. A heat pump device is disposed in at least one or more of the plurality of coolant paths to selectively increase or decrease a temperature of the coolant.