Parallel Storage Container Heating Circuit with Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for heating storage containers for aqueous operating liquids in motor vehicles using engine waste heat are inefficient, particularly during cold starting, as they divert heat from the engine cooling circuit, affecting engine performance and passenger comfort, and electric thawing systems may not provide sufficient heat at low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A system with a first heat exchanger in the storage container connected in parallel or series with a passenger cell heating circuit, using a controllable valve and temperature sensors to manage heat transfer medium flow, allowing for controlled heating power adjustment without compromising engine temperature or passenger comfort, and optionally incorporating an electric thawing system for cold starts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If direct engine cooling water heating is used for the storage container, then heating efficiency is improved, but engine operating temperature and passenger comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple independent circuits: a first heating circuit with a first heat exchanger for the storage container, and a second heating circuit with a second heat exchanger for the passenger cell. This segmentation allows independent control of heating priorities, enabling the system to maintain engine temperature while providing necessary heating to the storage container and passenger compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts heat distribution based on real-time temperature conditions. The control unit monitors temperatures in the engine cooling circuit, storage container, and passenger cell, then adjusts valve positions and pump operations to optimize heat flow. This dynamic control ensures that heating priorities can be shifted according to current operating conditions, maintaining engine temperature while providing heating when needed.
2Ease of operation
If electric thawing heating system is used, then immediate liquid availability is improved, but heating capacity is insufficient at very low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges an electric thawing heating system with a thermal heating system using engine waste heat. The electric heater provides immediate heating capability for cold starts and small volumes of liquid, while the thermal heating system through the first heat exchanger provides sustained high-power heating for larger volumes. The control unit coordinates both systems to leverage their complementary strengths, ensuring reliable operation across all temperature conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic parallel connection is used for heating circuits, then heating control flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first heat exchanger and associated heating circuit are designed to serve multiple functions: heating the storage container, providing thermal energy storage capability, and potentially supporting passenger cell heating through the hydraulic parallel connection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, thereby limiting complexity while maintaining flexibility.
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
Ensures reliable heating of the storage container using engine waste heat without impacting engine performance or passenger comfort, with adjustable heating power based on temperature sensors, and provides sustained operation even at low temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger (9), which is provided in or on the storage container (1) and can be heated by means of the heat transfer medium in a cooling circuit (3) for the combustion engine (2)
Implementation Method 2
the storage container heating circuit (10) comprises a valve (13) with a controllable volume flow
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for heating a storage container (1) for an aqueous operating liquid in a motor vehicle having a combustion engine cooled by means of a liquid heat transfer medium, using the waste heat from the combustion engine, which is transferred to the heat transfer medium. The system comprises a first heat exchanger (9), which is provided in or on the storage container (1) and can be heated by means of the heat transfer medium in a cooling circuit (3) for the combustion engine, wherein the first heat exchanger (9) is part of a storage container heating circuit (10), which comprises a heat transfer medium feed (11) and a heat transfer medium return (12), wherein the storage container heating circuit (10) is connected hydraulically in parallel with a second heating circuit (7b) with a second heat exchanger (7) for heating the passenger cell (8) of the motor vehicle. The storage container heating circuit (10) comprises a valve with a controllable volume flow and further comprises means for measuring the volume flow of heat transfer medium in the storage container heating circuit (10) and means for controlling the valve (13) in accordance with one or more temperature signals from various temperature sensors (Tl to T5). The invention furthermore relates to a method for heating a storage container (1) using the system.