Parallel Oil Cooler Layout for EV Motor Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal management systems for electric vehicles face challenges in efficiently cooling electrical components and driving motors due to limited space and increased power consumption, which affects energy efficiency and durability.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system that includes a radiator, water pumps, oil coolers, and an air conditioning device, with strategically placed oil coolers and pumps to control coolant flow rates, optimizing cooling performance and reducing power consumption by using parallel oil cooler configurations and controlling water pump RPMs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If separate cooling systems are applied to control temperatures of electrical components, motor, and battery module, then cooling performance is improved, but space consumption increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cooling functions into a single integrated thermal management system. The coolant line serves multiple components (electrical components, motor, battery module) sequentially, and the first and second water pumps work together in a coordinated manner. This merging approach maintains effective cooling performance while reducing the number of separate cooling systems needed, thereby decreasing overall system complexity and space requirements.
2Temperature
If capacity of cooling systems is increased to cool larger motor and electrical components, then cooling performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs variable speed water pumps (first and second water pumps) that can dynamically adjust their operating speed based on actual cooling demands. This dynamic control allows the system to provide high cooling capacity when needed while reducing power consumption during normal operating conditions. The pumps can operate at different revolutions per minute to match the thermal load of the motor and electrical components, optimizing the balance between cooling performance and energy efficiency.
3Temperature
If separate cooling systems are applied for each component, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but space availability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling system into functional segments (first cooling section for electrical components, second cooling section for motor, third cooling section for battery module) that share common infrastructure. Each segment can be optimized for its specific component while utilizing the shared coolant line and pump system. This segmentation approach allows effective cooling of each component without requiring completely separate cooling systems, thereby conserving valuable space in the vehicle.
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 system enhances cooling efficiency, improves durability of electrical components and driving motors, increases overall vehicle mileage, simplifies the thermal management system, reduces manufacturing costs, and optimizes space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a radiator, at least one electrical component, and first and second water pumps that are connected to a coolant line, the cooling device configured to circulate coolant through the coolant line
Implementation Method 2
first and second water pumps that are connected to a coolant line, the cooling device configured to circulate coolant through the coolant line
Implementation Method 3
first and second oil coolers connected to cool at least one driving motor and supplied with the coolant from the cooling device
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal management system for a vehicle includes a cooling device including a radiator, at least one electrical component, and first and second water pumps that are connected to a coolant line, the cooling device configured to circulate coolant through the coolant line so that the coolant is supplied to the at least one electrical component; and first and second oil coolers connected to cool at least one driving motor and supplied with the coolant from the cooling device, where the second oil cooler is provided on the coolant line, and the first oil cooler is disposed in parallel with the second oil cooler provided on the coolant line through a parallel line provided on the coolant line.