Switchable HVAC Thermal Exchanger for Battery Heating and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for motor vehicle batteries are cumbersome and difficult to implement, requiring separate systems for cooling and heating, which complicates thermal regulation of electric or hybrid vehicle batteries.
Innovation Solution
A HVAC system with a thermal regulation device that includes a compressor, condenser, expansion members, and a thermal conditioning exchanger, allowing the same system to switch between cooling and heating modes by bypassing components, using a single thermal conditioning exchanger for both functions without the need for additional heating devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate heating device is added to the thermal regulation system, then the battery can be heated at low temperatures, but the device complexity and difficulty of implementation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal conditioning exchanger is designed to perform both cooling and heating functions by switching the flow path of the refrigerant. In cooling mode, the refrigerant flows through the condenser and expansion device before reaching the exchanger. In heating mode, the refrigerant bypasses the condenser and expansion device to directly reach the exchanger, allowing the same exchanger to provide heating without requiring a separate heating device
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses switching means (control valves) to dynamically change the refrigerant flow path between cooling and heating modes. The first control valve at the compressor outlet and the second control valve upstream of the expansion device enable the system to adapt its configuration based on thermal regulation needs, allowing a single exchanger to serve dual purposes
2Adaptability or versatility
If a cooler and electric heating device are used to regulate battery temperature, then both cooling and heating are achieved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal conditioning exchanger serves as a multi-functional component that can both cool and heat the battery. By controlling the refrigerant flow path through the switching means, the exchanger can operate in cooling mode (receiving refrigerant from the condenser) or heating mode (receiving refrigerant directly from the compressor), eliminating the need for separate cooler and heating device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cooling and heating functions into a single thermal regulation system. The cooling function is provided by the refrigerant cycle through the exchanger, while the heating function is achieved by bypassing the condenser and using the hot refrigerant directly from the compressor, combining both functions in one integrated system rather than separate components
3Adaptability or versatility
If two separate systems (cold circuit and hot circuit) are provided for battery thermal regulation, then cooling and heating are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal conditioning exchanger is designed as a universal heat exchange component that can facilitate both heat removal (cooling) and heat addition (heating) to the battery. The refrigerant flow path is controlled by switching means to direct refrigerant through appropriate paths, allowing the same exchanger to function in both thermal regulation directions without requiring separate cold and hot circuits
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 thermal management of motor vehicle batteries by enabling efficient cooling and heating using the same thermal conditioning exchanger, reducing complexity and component count, thereby effectively regulating battery temperature within safe limits.
Implementation Method 1
the refrigerant fluid evaporates in the thermal conditioning exchanger (17), thereby cooling the heat transfer fluid (FC)
Implementation Method 2
the refrigerant fluid, at the outlet of the condenser (13), exchanges heat with the heat transfer fluid (FC) in the thermal conditioning exchanger (17)
Implementation Method 3
a compressor (11), to ensure compression and circulation of the refrigerant fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to heating, ventilation and/or air-conditioning equipment (1) including a device (9) for controlling the temperature of a battery (7) of an automobile including at least a compressor (11), a condenser (13), a first expansion member (15), a thermal-conditioning exchanger (17) for exchanging heat between a coolant and a heat-transport fluid (FC), and switching means. The temperature control device (9) includes at least one bypass line (9b) connecting an outlet of the compressor (11) to an inlet of the thermal-conditioning exchanger (17) while bypassing the condenser (13). The invention also relates to a method for controlling the temperature of an automobile battery (7) implemented by means of such heating, ventilation and/or air-conditioning equipment (1).