Motor Vehicle Thermal Management Assembly With Integrated Heat Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing temperature control arrangements for motor vehicles are complex and costly due to the need for multiple switching valves and coupling heat exchangers, which complicate design and increase costs.

Innovation Solution

A simplified temperature control arrangement where the coupling heat exchanger is connected in series with the condenser/gas cooler, and a discharge heat exchanger is used to combine coolant partial circuits, eliminating the need for additional switching valves and reducing the number of coupling heat exchangers, allowing for efficient heat transfer between the refrigerant and coolant lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple switching valves and coupling heat exchangers are used to enable flexible operation of coolant partial circuits, then the adaptability and operational flexibility are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple switching valves and coupling heat exchangers into a single integrated coupling heat exchanger that can handle both circuit connections and heat transfer functions, thereby reducing component count while maintaining operational flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling heat exchanger is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a heat exchanger for heat transfer between refrigerant and coolant, and simultaneously acts as a connection point for both coolant partial circuits, eliminating the need for separate switching valves and coupling components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple coupling heat exchangers are used to thermally couple the coolant and refrigerant lines in different circuit configurations, then the adaptability for different operating scenarios is improved, but the device complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of multiple separate coupling heat exchangers into a single integrated coupling heat exchanger that can serve both coolant partial circuits simultaneously, reducing the number of components required while maintaining the ability to handle different operating scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single coupling heat exchanger is designed with universal functionality to thermally couple with both coolant partial circuits and the refrigerant line, replacing the need for multiple specialized heat exchangers and reducing manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration enhances the cooling capacity and efficiency of the passenger compartment cooling system, particularly in high-load situations, while also protecting the coolant from overheating and allowing for flexible operation in various scenarios, such as cold starts and high temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

the coolant line arrangement and the refrigerant line arrangement are thermally coupled to one another by means of a coupling heat exchanger designed as a coolant/refrigerant heat exchanger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

a receiving heat exchanger for heat exchange between the coolant and a drive unit of the motor vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 3

a heating heat exchanger for heat exchange between the coolant and an air flow that can be introduced into a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 4

a condenser/gas cooler downstream of the compressor in the flow direction of the refrigerant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 5

an expansion element in the flow direction of the refrigerant downstream evaporator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3075582B1Tempering assembly for a motor vehicle and method for operating same
Publication Date: 2020.01.15 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3075582B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a temperature control arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a coolant line arrangement (200) for circulating coolant, comprising a receiving heat exchanger (214) for heat exchange between the coolant and a drive unit (14) of the motor vehicle, and a heating heat exchanger (224) for heat exchange between the coolant and an airflow that can be introduced into a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle; and - a refrigerant line arrangement (100) for circulating refrigerant, comprising a compressor (110), a condenser/gas cooler (112), an expansion device (114), and an evaporator (116), wherein the coolant line arrangement (200) and the refrigerant line arrangement (100) are thermally coupled to each other by means of a coupling heat exchanger (11) designed as a coolant/refrigerant heat exchanger; and wherein the coolant line arrangement (200) comprises two coolant circuits (210,220) are separate from each other and can be operated separately.