Reversible Tangential Cooling Module for Heat Exchanger Defrosting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling modules for motor vehicles face performance impairment due to unfavorable weather conditions, such as low temperatures and humidity, which can lead to frost formation on heat exchangers, especially when operating in heat pump mode, reducing the module's efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cooling module equipped with a reversible tangential turbomachine that reverses the air flow direction through the heat exchangers, using a rotor with radial blades that can be tilted to enhance airflow distribution and efficiency, allowing for defrosting of the first heat exchanger by passing a heated air flow through it in the opposite direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional ventilation device is used to generate air flow through heat exchangers, then the cooling module can operate in standard conditions, but the performance deteriorates under unfavorable weather conditions such as low temperatures and humidity that cause frost formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inversion principle by enabling the tangential turbomachine to rotate in reverse direction. When frost forms on the first heat exchanger during normal operation, the turbomachine reverses rotation to generate air flow in the opposite direction, passing heated air from the second heat exchanger through the frosted first heat exchanger, thereby melting the frost and restoring performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the tangential turbomachine reversible, allowing it to change rotation direction based on operational needs. The system dynamically switches between normal rotation for cooling/heat pump operation and reverse rotation for defrosting, adapting to different thermal management requirements and weather conditions.
2Reliability
If the air flow direction is reversed through the heat exchangers to defrost the first heat exchanger, then the frost is removed and performance is restored, but the operational complexity increases due to the reversible tangential turbomachine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing the tangential turbomachine to perform multiple functions: it generates air flow in the normal direction for cooling and heat pump operations, and rotates in reverse to generate air flow for defrosting operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate defrosting devices, reducing overall system complexity despite the reversible mechanism.
3Productivity
If a tangential turbomachine is used instead of a conventional ventilation device, then the airflow distribution and heat exchange efficiency are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tangential turbomachine serves multiple purposes: it provides superior airflow distribution for enhanced heat exchange efficiency during normal operation, and functions as a defrosting mechanism when rotated in reverse. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by eliminating the need for separate defrosting equipment and improving overall system performance.
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 solution effectively improves airflow distribution and heat exchange efficiency across all heat exchangers, particularly in winter conditions, by reversing the air flow direction to defrost and maintain the performance of the cooling module, ensuring efficient thermal management without significant comfort loss for passengers.
Implementation Method 1
a first air flow drawn in from outside the motor vehicle successively passes through the first and then the second heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
a first heat exchanger configured to be able to absorb heat energy from the air flow and the second heat exchanger being a radiator
Implementation Method 3
the tangential turbomachine being reversible so as to generate, in a first direction of rotation, a first air flow successively passing through the first then the second heat exchanger and, in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation, a second air flow successively passing through the second then the first heat exchanger
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is directed to a cooling module (22) comprising a ventilation device (32), in particular for a motor vehicle, the ventilation device (32) being intended to generate an air flow (F1, F2) passing through a set of heat exchangers (23) comprising at least a first (24) and a second (26) heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger (24) being configured so as to absorb heat energy from the air flow (F1, F2) and the second heat exchanger (26) being a radiator, the ventilation device (32) comprising at least one tangential turbomachine (34) for moving said air flow (F1, F2) by rotating said cross-flow fan (19), the cooling module (22) being characterized in that: the tangential turbomachine (34) is reversible so as to generate, in a first direction of rotation (R1), a first air flow (F1) successively passing through the first (24) then the second (26) heat exchanger and, in a second direction of rotation (R2) opposite to the first direction of rotation (R1), a second air flow (F2) passing successively through the second (26) then the first (24) heat exchanger.