Integrated Valve Module for Compact Vehicle Thermal Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal management systems in vehicles are complex and costly due to multiple independently mounted valves, which increases wiring harness costs and occupies significant space, with existing integrated valves having a low integration level and large size.
Innovation Solution
A valve set integrated module that integrates multiple valves within a single body with internal flow channels and interfaces, allowing for the formation of various thermal management circuits, reducing the need for external pipelines and enabling multiple thermal management modes through electric and solenoid valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are independently mounted to a pipeline, then each valve can perform its specific function, but the system structure becomes complex and occupies significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple independently mounted valves into a single integrated valve assembly that is directly coupled to the heat exchanger. This merging of multiple valve functions into one unified structure reduces system complexity while maintaining the ability to perform multiple thermal management functions through different valve combinations
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can control refrigerant flow to different heat exchangers (evaporator, condenser, battery heat exchanger) and implement various thermal management modes (cooling, heating, dehumidification) through a single multi-functional component rather than separate dedicated valves
2Ease of operation
If multiple electronic valves are separately arranged, then each valve can be controlled independently, but the wiring harness cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electronic valves are integrated into a single valve assembly with a unified control structure. The controller communicates with the integrated assembly through a simplified interface, reducing the number of separate wiring connections needed while maintaining independent control capability for each valve through electronic signaling within the integrated structure
3Device complexity
If existing integrated valves are used, then some integration is achieved, but the integration degree is low and occupied space remains large
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated valve assembly is directly nested coupled to the heat exchanger structure, with valves positioned within or adjacent to the heat exchanger body. This nested arrangement eliminates the need for separate valve mounting locations and external piping, achieving high-degree integration and significantly reducing the space occupied by the thermal management system
Data Source
AI summary
A valve set integrated module, a thermal management system, and a vehicle are provided. The valve set integrated module includes a body, a first electric valve, and a second electric valve. The body is provided with multiple internal flow channels and multiple interfaces configured to communicate the internal flow channels with an external heat exchange assembly of the thermal management system. The first electric valve and the second electric valve are arranged on the body and configured to communicate parts of the multiple internal flow channels to form multiple different thermal management circuits. The first electric valve and the second electric valve are configured to unblock/block and/or throttle the thermal management circuits to achieve at least one of the multiple preset thermal management modes.