Vehicle Heat Pump Layout With Shared Chiller for Battery Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electric and hybrid vehicles, the separate battery cooling and heat pump systems increase the size and weight of the cooling module, complicate the layout, and result in noise and vibration due to multiple valves, affecting ride comfort and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A heat pump system using a single chiller where refrigerant and coolant exchange heat, with a main heat exchanger and separate cooling apparatuses for electrical components and the battery module, allowing for efficient heating and cooling by utilizing waste heat and optimizing the battery module's performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate battery cooling system and heat pump system are provided, then the battery module and electrical components can be cooled effectively, but the size and weight of the cooling module are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery cooling system and heat pump system into a single integrated system. The heat pump system's refrigerant cycle is used to provide both heating for the battery module and cooling for electrical components through a shared refrigerant circuit, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems and reducing overall system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pump system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can heat the battery module during cold conditions and cool the electrical components during high-load operation. The same refrigerant cycle and heat exchangers are used for both purposes, making the system universal and reducing the need for dedicated separate systems.
2Reliability
If separate battery cooling system and heat pump system are provided, then the battery module and electrical components can be cooled effectively, but the layout of connecting pipes becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the battery cooling and heat pump systems into a single integrated architecture, the patent reduces the number of separate connecting pipes needed. The shared refrigerant circuit and common heat exchangers simplify the overall pipe layout compared to having entirely separate systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are applied to connect respective connecting pipes, then the battery cooling system can operate according to vehicle state, but noise and vibration are transmitted to the interior of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated system reduces the total number of valves needed compared to separate systems. By sharing common pipes and heat exchangers, the patent minimizes the number of valve operations required, thereby reducing noise and vibration transmission to the vehicle interior while maintaining the ability to adapt to different vehicle states.
4Reliability
If separate cooling systems are provided for motor, electrical components, and battery, then each component can be cooled appropriately, but the system size and weight are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling needs of the motor, electrical components, and battery into a single heat pump system. The refrigerant cycle provides cooling to electrical components while the battery can be heated using waste heat from the refrigerant condensation, eliminating the need for multiple separate cooling systems and reducing overall system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts waste heat from the refrigerant condensation process into a beneficial resource for heating the battery module. This heat recovery approach eliminates the need for separate heating systems and reduces overall energy consumption, while maintaining appropriate temperature control for all components.
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 simplifies the system, improves heating efficiency, enhances cooling performance, reduces power consumption, and increases vehicle mileage by optimizing battery module management, while reducing manufacturing costs and weight.
Implementation Method 1
a main heat exchanger provided in an air conditioning apparatus is connected to each of the first and second coolant lines to enable the coolants circulating in the first and second cooling apparatuses to pass therethrough, and a refrigerant passing through the main heat exchanger is selectively condensed or evaporated depending on a vehicle mode through mutual heat exchange with the coolant supplied from one of the first coolant line and the second coolant line
Implementation Method 2
Heat pump system for a vehicle, which heats or cools a battery module by use of a single chiller in which a refrigerant and a coolant exchange heat
Data Source
AI summary
A heat pump system for a vehicle, capable of heating up or cooling a battery module by use of a single chiller in which a refrigerant and a coolant exchange heat, simplifying the system, includes: first and second cooling apparatuses; and a battery module, wherein a main heat exchanger provided in an air conditioning apparatus is connected to each of the first and second coolant lines to enable the coolants circulating in the first and second cooling apparatuses to pass therethrough, and a refrigerant passing through the main heat exchanger is selectively condensed or evaporated depending on a vehicle mode through mutual heat exchange with the coolant supplied from one of the first coolant line and the second coolant line, or the coolants supplied through the first and second coolant lines, respectively.