Integrated Exhaust Heat Utilization Structure for Vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle exhaust heat utilization systems fail to operate effectively when the vehicle starts or runs in an overloaded state, as they are divided into separate warming up and thermoelectric power generating devices, leading to inefficient energy utilization and increased weight and production costs.
Innovation Solution
A combined structure integrating a warming up device and a thermoelectric power generating device, featuring a high-temperature part with an exhaust pipe and bypass passageway, a thermoelectric element, and a low-temperature part with a coolant passageway, where a first valve controls the exhaust gas flow for simultaneous engine warming and power generation, and a second valve adjusts exhaust gas bypassing for overloaded states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate warming up device and thermoelectric power generating device are used, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system weight increases and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the warming up device and thermoelectric power generating device into a single integrated exhaust heat utilization system. The exhaust pipe serves dual functions: it includes both a warming up passage for heating coolant and a thermoelectric power generating passage for electricity generation. This merging eliminates the need for separate devices, reducing overall system weight while maintaining both warming and power generation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated exhaust pipe structure performs multiple functions simultaneously. It serves as both a warming up passage conduit and a thermoelectric power generating passage conduit. The exhaust pipe includes a warming up passage for heating coolant and a thermoelectric power generating passage with thermoelectric elements for electricity generation, making the system universal and multi-functional.
2Reliability
If separate warming up device and thermoelectric power generating device are used, then each device can operate independently, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the warming up device and thermoelectric power generating device into a single integrated structure, reducing the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces production costs while maintaining the ability to perform both warming and power generation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated exhaust pipe structure provides multi-functionality, serving both as a warming up passage and a thermoelectric power generating passage. This universality reduces the total component count and simplifies manufacturing, lowering production costs while maintaining independent operational capability through controlled flow distribution.
3Speed
If exhaust heat is discharged through bypass passageway in overloaded state, then vehicle performance is maintained, but exhaust heat utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of exhaust gas flow distribution using a control valve. The control valve adjusts the flow distribution between the warming up passage and the thermoelectric power generating passage based on vehicle operating conditions. In overloaded states, the valve can direct more exhaust gas through the bypass passageway to maintain vehicle performance while still allowing some heat utilization, optimizing the balance between performance and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow distribution parameter dynamically based on vehicle state. The control valve modifies the exhaust gas flow parameters to optimize heat utilization in different operating conditions. In normal operation, exhaust gas is directed through the thermoelectric power generating passage for electricity generation, while in overloaded states, the flow is adjusted to maintain performance.
4Temperature
If warming up device operates when vehicle initially starts, then engine temperature increases, but thermoelectric power generation cannot occur due to insufficient temperature difference
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve dynamically adjusts exhaust gas flow distribution based on the temperature difference between exhaust gas and coolant. When the vehicle initially starts and the temperature difference is insufficient for effective thermoelectric power generation, the control valve directs exhaust gas through the warming up passage to heat the coolant. As the temperature difference increases, the valve shifts flow to the thermoelectric power generating passage to maximize electricity generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow distribution parameter based on temperature conditions. The control valve monitors temperature parameters and adjusts exhaust gas flow accordingly. When the temperature difference is large, exhaust gas flows through the thermoelectric power generating passage; when the temperature difference is small (during initial start), the flow is redirected through the warming up passage.
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 integrated system enhances fuel efficiency, reduces vehicle weight, and lowers production costs by enabling simultaneous engine warming and power generation, while optimizing exhaust heat utilization across various vehicle states.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric element attached to the exterior of the exhaust pipe, formed by bonding a P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor, and configured to produce electricity using a thermoelectric effect
Implementation Method 2
a high-temperature part that includes an exhaust pipe in which high-temperature exhaust gas (e.g., exhaust gas of a predetermined temperature) passes through and which may be heated by exchanging heat with the exhaust gas
Data Source
AI summary
A structure for utilizing exhaust heat of a vehicle is provided. The structure includes a first part that has an exhaust pipe in which exhaust gas having a predetermined temperature passes through and which is heated by exchanging heat with the exhaust gas. A bypass passageway is installed within the exhaust pipe and the exhaust gas is bypassed through the bypass passageway. A thermoelectric element is attached to an exterior of the exhaust pipe, formed by bonding a P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor, and produces electricity using a thermoelectric effect. A second part is attached to the exterior of the thermoelectric element and coolant flows therein. A first exhaust gas passageway is installed in the second part in a longitudinal direction and the exhaust gas passes through the first exhaust gas passageway to heat the coolant.