Multifunction reservoir for a secondary loop, climate control system and a secondary loop climate control system incorporating that multifunction reservoir
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary loop climate control systems in motor vehicles lack an integrated thermal storage solution without adding a separate component, and existing systems face challenges in efficiently managing coolant flow and pressure spikes.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction reservoir incorporating a phase change material (PCM) capsule within a coolant vessel, which provides thermal storage, coolant storage, surge tank functions, and adjustable coolant flow rates through a pulse width modulation solenoid valve, integrated into secondary loop air conditioning and heat pump systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate thermal storage component is added to the climate control system, then thermal storage function is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermal storage function with the existing reservoir component by integrating a phase change material (PCM) capsule into the reservoir. This combination allows the reservoir to simultaneously perform coolant storage, surge tank functions, and thermal storage, thereby adding thermal storage capability without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir is transformed into a multi-functional component that performs multiple roles: coolant storage, surge tank function to prevent pressure spikes, air ventilation, and thermal storage through the integrated PCM capsule. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Productivity
If coolant flow rate is increased to improve climate control efficiency, then cooling performance is improved, but pressure spikes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir serves as a surge tank that provides beforehand cushioning against pressure spikes caused by rapid coolant flow. By integrating the PCM capsule within the reservoir, the system maintains the surge tank function while adding thermal storage, allowing the reservoir to absorb pressure fluctuations before they propagate through the system.
3Ease of operation
If a modulating functionality feature is added to adjust coolant flow rate, then climate control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a modulating functionality feature, specifically a pulse width modulation (PWM) solenoid valve, that enables dynamic adjustment of coolant flow rate. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize climate control precision by varying coolant flow according to thermal demands, while the PWM control method provides efficient electrical actuation with minimal mechanical complexity.
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 multifunction reservoir enhances climate control efficiency by providing thermal storage, managing pressure spikes, and adjusting coolant flow, thereby improving comfort and system operation without additional components, and allowing for efficient operation in various temperature ranges.
Implementation Method 1
The multifunction reservoir incorporates a capsule containing a phase change material (PCM). As a result, the multifunction reservoir provides a coolant storage function, a surge tank function to prevent pressure spikes, an air ventilation function, and now a thermal storage function
Implementation Method 2
The PCM provided in the capsule may be substantially any phase change material suitable for the intended purpose of thermal storage for a secondary loop climate control system
Implementation Method 3
That modulating functionality feature may be a pulse width modulation solenoid valve
Implementation Method 4
a refrigerant loop, adapted to circulate a refrigerant between a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device and a chiller
Data Source
AI summary
Secondary loop air conditioning and heat pump systems include a reservoir with a capsule holding a phase change material.