Integrated Vehicle Thermal Management Layout for Multi-Mode HVAC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle thermal management systems have limited performance and undiversified functions, leading to a poor occupant experience and complex, cumbersome system designs that complicate assembly and deployment.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle thermal management system incorporating a compressor, internal and external heat exchangers, throttling elements, and an integrated module with divided temperature regions, enabling modular design, improved assembly efficiency, and enhanced performance through diversified operation modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the air conditioning system is provided to adjust cabin temperature, then the basic thermal management function is achieved, but the system has undiversified functions and limited performance
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between different operation modes: cooling mode (acting as evaporator), heating mode (acting as condenser), and defrosting mode (acting as condenser). This multi-functionality allows a single system to provide diversified thermal management operations without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic switching between different operation modes through control valves that redirect refrigerant flow. The heat exchanger dynamically changes its function based on operational requirements, enabling the system to adapt to different thermal management needs while maintaining a relatively simple structural configuration
2Ease of manufacture
If the pipelines of the entire system are arranged, then the thermal management system is complete, but the pipelines are complex and cumbersome to arrange
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pipelines (first pipeline, second pipeline, third pipeline, fourth pipeline) are merged and integrated within the integrated module. The pipelines are arranged in a compact, organized manner within the module boundaries, reducing the overall complexity of pipeline arrangement and simplifying the assembly process by pre-organizing connections before system integration
3Productivity
If the entire system is assembled with complex pipelines, then the system is complete, but the assembly becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal management system is divided into modular components with clearly defined boundaries. The integrated module encapsulates specific components and their interconnections, allowing for independent assembly and testing before integration into the complete system. This segmentation reduces assembly difficulty and improves productivity by enabling parallel assembly of modular units
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 system enriches operation modes, improves performance, and simplifies assembly, leading to enhanced occupant experience, reduced costs, and improved overall vehicle deployment and product assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor (1), a first internal heat exchanger (2)
Implementation Method 2
a first internal heat exchanger (2), an external heat exchanger (3), a second internal heat exchanger (4)
Implementation Method 3
a first throttling element (5), a second throttling element (6)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A vehicle thermal management system (100) and a vehicle. The vehicle thermal management system (100) comprises a compressor (1), a first internal heat exchanger (2), an external heat exchanger (3), a second internal heat exchanger (4), a first throttling element (5), a second throttling element (6) and an integration module (25), wherein the first internal heat exchanger (2) is in communication with an exhaust port (1b); the external heat exchanger (3) is selectively in communication with the first internal heat exchanger (2) by means of a first pipeline (R1); the external heat exchanger (3) is selectively in communication with an intake port (1a) by means of a second pipeline (R2); the external heat exchanger (3) is selectively in communication with the other end of the first internal heat exchanger (2) by means of a third pipeline (R3); the second internal heat exchanger (4) is selectively in communication with the external heat exchanger (3) by means of a fourth pipeline (R4); the second internal heat exchanger (4) is selectively in communication with the intake port (1a) by means of a fifth pipeline (R5); and at least part of the first pipeline (R1), at least part of the second pipeline (R2), at least part of the third pipeline (R3) and at least part of the fourth pipeline (R4) are all formed in the integration module (25). In this way, the vehicle thermal management system (100) has enriched working modes, and the performance of the vehicle thermal management system (100) is improved.