Single-Actuator Coolant Valve Control for EV Battery Bypass
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle thermal management systems require multiple actuators for different valves, increasing complexity and complicating the control of coolant flow through heat exchangers and batteries.
Innovation Solution
A control valve apparatus with a battery bypass control valve and a heat exchanger bypass control valve, actuated by a single actuator, to manage coolant flow through battery and heat exchanger conduits, providing proportional control and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used for different valves in the thermal management system, then each valve can be controlled independently, but the system complexity increases and control becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuators into a single actuator that controls both the battery bypass valve and heat exchanger bypass valve. This single actuator integrates the control functions that were previously separate, reducing the number of components while maintaining the ability to independently regulate coolant flow to different system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed with multi-functionality to perform the roles of multiple actuators. It can selectively position both bypass valves to achieve different thermal management modes (battery cooling, heat exchanger cooling, combined cooling, or bypass modes), thereby controlling coolant flow distribution across multiple pathways with one device.
2Measurement precision
If multiple actuators are used for different valves, then precise control of coolant flow is achieved, but the number of components and control systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple actuators into one integrated actuator assembly that simultaneously or independently controls both the battery bypass valve and heat exchanger bypass valve. This consolidation reduces the component count while preserving precise flow control through coordinated valve positioning mechanisms within the single actuator.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention relate to a control valve apparatus (1) for controlling the circulation of a coolant in an electric vehicle thermal management system (3). The control valve apparatus (1) has a battery bypass control valve (37) configured to control the flow of the coolant through a battery supply conduit (20) and/or a battery bypass conduit (21); a heat exchanger bypass control valve (39) configured to control the flow of coolant through a heat exchanger supply conduit and/or a heat exchanger bypass conduit (27); and an actuator (49) configured to actuate the battery bypass control valve (37) and the heat exchanger bypass control valve (39). The actuator (49) includes a drive member (61) configured to actuate the battery bypass control valve (37) and the heat exchanger bypass control valve (39). Aspects of the present invention also relate to a thermal management system (3) and an electric vehicle (V).