Integrated Coolant Pump Valve for Multi-Loop Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal management systems for electric vehicles are complex and costly due to the need for multiple pumps, valves, and temperature sensors to manage coolant flow and temperature set-points across multiple cooling loops, increasing component costs and system complexity.
Innovation Solution
A pump with integrated valve and temperature sensor that can direct coolant flow through multiple outlets and measure coolant temperature, reducing the number of components required by switching between modes to control coolant distribution and temperature measurement across multiple loops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate pumps, valves, and temperature sensors are used for each cooling loop, then reliable temperature control and coolant distribution is achieved, but component costs and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pump, valve, and temperature sensor into a single integrated assembly. The pump housing contains the impeller and motor, while a valve mechanism with actuator is mounted on the housing. A temperature sensor is positioned to measure coolant temperature at the pump inlet. This integration eliminates the need for separate components, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining reliable temperature control through coordinated operation of the integrated elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pump assembly performs multiple functions: the pump moves coolant through the thermal management system, the valve directs coolant flow to different cooling loops or recirculation paths, and the temperature sensor monitors coolant temperature for control feedback. This multi-functionality within a single assembly reduces the number of components needed while ensuring reliable operation across multiple cooling zones.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate components (pumps, valves, sensors) are deployed, then precise coolant flow control and temperature monitoring is achieved, but component costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the pump, valve, and temperature sensor into one assembly, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, procured, and installed. The valve mechanism with actuator is mounted on the pump housing, and the temperature sensor is positioned at the inlet, creating a compact unit that maintains precise flow control and temperature monitoring capabilities while lowering overall component costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If each cooling loop has its own pump and valve, then independent temperature management is achieved, but the number of components and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated pump assembly provides universal functionality for managing multiple cooling loops. The valve mechanism can direct coolant flow to different destinations (e.g., battery cooling loop, motor cooling loop, or recirculation path), enabling independent temperature management for each loop while using a single pump and sensor assembly. This reduces the number of components needed compared to having separate pumps and valves for each loop.
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 solution simplifies the thermal management system by integrating a valve and temperature sensor into the pump, reducing component costs and complexity while effectively managing coolant flow and temperature across multiple loops, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of thermal management in electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
An impeller coupled to an electrical pump motor drives the coolant from the fluid inlet to the first or the second outlet
Implementation Method 2
A valve is mounted between the impeller and the first and second outlets selectively directs the coolant through the first or the second outlets
Implementation Method 3
A temperature sensor installed on the pump housing inlet measures the temperature of the coolant entering the coolant pump
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and coolant pump for use in a thermal management system includes a pump housing having an inlet for receiving coolant from the thermal management system and at least first and second outlets extending from the pump housing for directing coolant to at least a first and a second coolant loop. An impeller coupled to an electrical pump motor drives the coolant from the inlet to the first or the second outlet. A valve mounted between the impeller and the first and second outlets selectively directs the flow of coolant through the first or the second outlet. A temperature sensor installed on the pump housing inlet measures the temperature of the coolant entering the coolant pump.