Modularized Refrigerant Module for Compact Vehicle Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Eco-friendly vehicles, such as electric vehicles, face decreased fuel efficiency and increased charging frequency due to the lack of a heat source for heating, necessitating additional energy consumption and requiring advanced thermal management systems that efficiently manage both the vehicle's interior space and electric components.
Innovation Solution
An integrated thermal management system with a modularized refrigerant module that includes a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator, and accumulator, where components are directly connected to minimize refrigerant flow paths and enhance heat exchange efficiency, allowing for compact and efficient thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If multiple refrigerant components (compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator, accumulator) are integrated into a modularized system, then the packaging space is reduced and components are compactified, but the complexity of integrating and connecting these components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple refrigerant components (compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator, accumulator) into a single modularized refrigerant module. The components are physically combined and connected through internal passages, reducing the overall packaging space while maintaining functional independence of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The modularized refrigerant module serves multiple functions within a single integrated unit. It performs compression, heat exchange (condensation and evaporation), expansion, and refrigerant storage/separator functions simultaneously, allowing the system to handle both cooling and heating operations through a unified structure.
2Loss of energy
If refrigerant components are modularized and directly connected, then heat exchange efficiency is improved and refrigerant circulation paths are reduced, but the manufacturing and assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser and evaporator are integrated into the same module with direct connection to the compressor and expansion valve, eliminating external refrigerant lines and reducing heat loss. The internal passages provide direct refrigerant flow paths between components, improving thermal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant module is designed as a separable unit that can be manufactured independently and then integrated into the overall thermal management system. This modular approach allows for specialized manufacturing of each component while simplifying system assembly and maintenance.
3Use of energy by moving object
If an integrated thermal management system is implemented to manage both interior space and electric components, then thermal efficiency is improved, but the system complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant module serves dual purposes: it manages the thermal environment of the vehicle interior through the evaporator and condenser, and simultaneously provides thermal management for electric components. The same refrigerant circulation system handles both cooling and heating operations, eliminating the need for separate thermal management systems.
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 modularized system reduces refrigerant circulation paths, conserves energy, and increases heat exchange efficiency, addressing the fuel efficiency and thermal management challenges in eco-friendly vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor (10) having a first suction port (11) into which the refrigerant is suctioned and having a first discharge port (12) through which the refrigerant that is compressed is discharged
Implementation Method 2
a condenser (20) having a second suction port (21) into which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is suctioned and having a second discharge port (22) through which the refrigerant that is heat-exchanged is discharged
Implementation Method 3
a heat pump system that is different from a heat pump system of an air conditioning apparatus of the internal combustion engine vehicle has been applied
Implementation Method 4
an expansion valve (30) having a third suction port (31) into which the refrigerant discharged from the condenser is suctioned and having a third discharge port (32) through which the refrigerant that is expanded is discharged
Implementation Method 5
an evaporator (40) having a fourth suction port (41) into which the refrigerant discharged from the expansion valve is suctioned and having a fourth discharge port (42) through which the refrigerant that is heat-exchanged is discharged
Implementation Method 6
a heat pump system that is different from a heat pump system of an air conditioning apparatus of the internal combustion engine vehicle has been applied
Implementation Method 7
an accumulator (50) having a fifth suction port (51) into which the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator is suctioned and having a fifth discharge port (52) through which the refrigerant separated into liquid and gas phases is discharged
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerant module of an integrated thermal management system of a vehicle is provided in which components of the module may be compactified by modularizing the components related to a refrigerant. In the refrigerant module of the integrated thermal management system for the vehicle in which the refrigerant module is configured such that a refrigerant circulates through a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and an accumulator, the refrigerant module includes the compressor having a first suction port and a first discharge port, the condenser having a second suction port and a second discharge port, the expansion valve having a third suction port and a third discharge port, the evaporator having a fourth suction port and a fourth discharge port, the accumulator having a fifth suction port and a fifth discharge port, and a connection passage enabling the refrigerant discharged from the accumulator to flow to the compressor.