Tangential-Flow Cooling Module for Grilleless EV Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric and hybrid motor vehicles without a radiator grille face challenges in air circulation and heat exchange performance due to reduced cooling openings, leading to decreased aerodynamic efficiency and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A cooling module design featuring a fairing with an inner duct and a tangential-flow turbomachine, which generates airflow through a collector housing with heat exchangers, including suction openings and a control unit for adjustable airflow, ensuring effective air circulation without a radiator grille.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the radiator grille is removed to improve aerodynamics, then aerodynamic efficiency and top speed are improved, but air circulation through the cooling module is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling module is divided into multiple independent heat exchangers (first heat exchanger, second heat exchanger) with separate airflow paths. The first heat exchanger receives air from the upper cooling opening while the second heat exchanger receives air from the lower cooling opening, allowing independent optimization of each pathway's airflow characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
Airflow is introduced from multiple spatial dimensions - both upper and lower cooling openings are utilized simultaneously. This multi-directional airflow approach compensates for the removed front grille by creating alternative air intake pathways from different locations on the vehicle body
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the number of cooling openings is reduced to improve aerodynamics, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but heat exchange performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the cooling module are optimized for different functions. The first heat exchanger is positioned to receive cooler air from the upper opening for maximum heat dissipation, while the second heat exchanger handles airflow from the lower opening. Each heat exchanger zone is tailored to its specific airflow characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
Air is pre-cooled by passing through the first heat exchanger before reaching the second heat exchanger. This sequential arrangement ensures that air is already partially cooled and optimized for heat exchange before entering the second stage, maximizing overall heat transfer efficiency
3Shape
If cooling openings are minimized or eliminated, then aerodynamic characteristics are improved, but air circulation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling module incorporates adjustable airflow control mechanisms that can dynamically regulate the amount of air intake through the remaining cooling openings. This allows the system to adapt airflow rates to match actual thermal demands, maintaining effective cooling while minimizing aerodynamic penalty
Solution Approach 2:
The fairing structure acts as an intermediary element that guides and optimizes airflow through the limited cooling openings. The fairing creates a streamlined flow path that reduces turbulence and improves air circulation efficiency despite the reduced number of openings
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 design enhances air circulation and heat exchange efficiency, improving aerodynamics and performance by maintaining airflow through the cooling module even without a radiator grille, thereby optimizing range and top speed.
Implementation Method 1
a tangential-flow turbomachine which itself is configured to generate the flow of air
Implementation Method 2
at least one heat exchanger which is designed to have the flow of air passing through it
Data Source
AI summary
Cooling module (22) for a motor vehicle (10), the module being intended to allow an airflow (F) to pass through from an air inlet (22a) to an air outlet (22b) and comprising a fairing (40) forming a duct which extends between an upstream end (40a) and a downstream end (40b) and inside which at least one heat exchanger (24, 26, 28) is arranged, the fairing (40) comprising at least one junction wall (410) defining the duct, the junction wall (410) comprising a suction opening (01, 02, 03) forming the air inlet (22a) arranged upstream of the heat exchanger(s) (24, 26, 28), the cooling module also comprising a manifold box (41) located next to the downstream end (40b), the manifold box (41) being configured to receive a tangential-flow turbomachine (30) which is configured to generate the airflow (F), the manifold box (41) also comprising the air outlet (22b).