Multi-flow Valve Refrigerant Loop for Vehicle Climate Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle climate control systems experience high refrigerant pressure spikes and unintended cooling issues due to the presence of multiple binary state (on/off) shut-off valves in the refrigerant loop, which can lead to inefficient thermal management and customer discomfort.
Innovation Solution
The system reduces and relocates the number of binary shut-off valves by incorporating multi-flow position valves downstream of the evaporators, allowing for controlled refrigerant flow without binary shut-off valves upstream, thereby managing refrigerant pressure and preventing unintended cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple binary shut-off valves are installed upstream of each heat exchanger, then refrigerant flow control to individual heat exchangers is achieved, but high refrigerant pressure spikes and unintended cooling issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the binary shut-off valves from the refrigerant loop entirely, extracting the problematic component that causes pressure spikes. The system achieves flow control without these valves by using the expansion devices (TXV, EXV, or orifice) in conjunction with multi-flow position valves that direct refrigerant to active evaporators, eliminating the source of pressure-related harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing shut-off valves upstream of evaporators to control flow, the patent inverts the approach by using multi-flow position valves downstream of the condenser that direct refrigerant flow to active evaporators. This reversal of valve placement and function eliminates the pressure spikes associated with upstream binary shut-off valves while maintaining flow control capability.
2Ease of operation
If binary shut-off valves are used in the refrigerant loop, then refrigerant distribution to heat exchangers is controlled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of shut-off valves and flow control into the expansion devices (TXV, EXV, or orifice) and multi-flow position valves. By combining these functions, the system eliminates the need for separate binary shut-off valves, reducing component count and system complexity while maintaining refrigerant distribution control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion devices and multi-flow position valves are designed to perform multiple functions: they control refrigerant flow distribution to evaporators and simultaneously provide shut-off capability when needed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated binary shut-off valves, reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If multiple shut-off valves are installed in the refrigerant loop, then individual heat exchanger flow control is achieved, but thermal management efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic expansion devices (TXV, EXV) that continuously modulate refrigerant flow based on actual thermal demand and system conditions, rather than using static binary shut-off valves. This dynamic control optimizes thermal management efficiency by matching refrigerant flow to real-time heat exchanger requirements, improving overall system productivity.
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 effectively controls refrigerant distribution to heat exchangers, mitigates high system pressure, and ensures optimal thermal energy transfer without causing unintended cooling, enhancing the efficiency and comfort of the vehicle's climate control system.
Implementation Method 1
a first expansion device (such as a thermal expansion valve (TXV)) downstream of a condenser and upstream of a first evaporator
Implementation Method 2
The refrigerant loop may be configured to transfer thermal energy to or from a passenger compartment of a vehicle
Implementation Method 3
a first expansion device (such as a thermal expansion valve (TXV)) downstream of a condenser
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle system includes a refrigerant loop with a specific arrangement of valves and evaporators or heat exchangers to reduce the number of valves necessary. The vehicle system includes a refrigerant loop that includes a first thermal expansion valve downstream of a condenser and upstream of a first evaporator. A second thermal expansion valve is downstream of the condenser and upstream of a second evaporator. A third thermal expansion valve is upstream of a battery chiller. This arrangement allows for the valves to be simplified such that none of the thermal expansion valve include a binary shut-off valve. A multi-flow position valve may be positioned at a location that combines the outlet of the first and second evaporators.