Method for operating a coolant circuit and vehicle air-conditioning system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle air-conditioning systems face high material stress on the housing due to high coolant temperatures during heating operations, particularly when using R744, and inefficient coolant extraction from dead volumes in AC and heating modes, leading to system inefficiencies and additional component costs.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a coolant circuit with a heat pump function that limits coolant temperature at the inlet of the inner heating condenser to prevent damage and uses existing lines for coolant extraction from dead volumes by controlling blocking elements and pressure measurements, eliminating the need for additional components like check valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If coolant temperature at the inlet of the inner heating condenser is not limited, then heating performance is improved, but material stress on the air-conditioning device housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by limiting the coolant temperature at the inlet of the inner heating condenser to a maximum value (e.g., 80°C or 90°C) through controlled expansion ratios of the expansion elements. This temperature parameter control prevents excessive material stress on the housing while maintaining adequate heating performance through optimized heat transfer.
2Loss of substance
If additional components like check valves are added for coolant extraction, then coolant loss is prevented, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the coolant recovery function from separate valve components and integrates it into the existing expansion elements and blocking elements. By using the expansion elements to control pressure differentials and the blocking elements to direct flow paths, the system recovers coolant from dead volumes without requiring additional check valves or complex extraction mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by making the expansion elements serve dual purposes: regulating coolant flow to heating components and enabling coolant extraction from dead volumes through pressure differential control. The blocking elements similarly perform multiple functions including flow direction and coolant recovery, eliminating the need for dedicated single-function components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If blocking elements are used to control coolant flow paths, then operating mode switching is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing blocking elements that serve multiple purposes: isolating dead volumes during mode transitions, directing coolant flow to different components (inner heating condenser, outer condenser, evaporator), and enabling coolant extraction paths. This consolidates what would otherwise require separate valves into unified flow control elements.
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 method reduces material stress on the air-conditioning device housing and optimizes coolant extraction, ensuring efficient operation by preventing coolant loss and maintaining system fill levels without additional line sections or valve components.
Implementation Method 1
an expansion element (6.1) associated with the evaporator (3), an second expansion element (6.2) associated with the outer condenser (5) in its function as heat pump evaporator for the heating mode
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator branch (2.1) having an evaporator (3)
Implementation Method 3
an AC and heat pump branch (2.2) having an outer condenser (5) or gas cooler
Implementation Method 4
a heating branch (2.3) having an inner heating condenser (7) or heating gas cooler (7)
Implementation Method 5
a coolant compressor (4)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a coolant circuit of a vehicle cooling system in an AC mode and in a heating mode, implemented by a heat pump function, having an evaporator branch including an evaporator and a first expansion element, a coolant compressor, an AC and heat pump branch, having an outer condenser or gas cooler, as a heat pump evaporator having a second expansion element. The AC and heat pump branch is connected to the coolant compressor via a first blocking element and to the evaporator branch via the second expansion element, a heating branch having an inner heating condenser or heating gas cooler and a second blocking element, connected downstream thereto.