Tangential-Flow Cooling Module With Shutters for Uniform Heat Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle cooling systems with blower-wheel fans suffer from inefficient heat exchange due to turbulent air flow and non-uniform distribution, and are bulky, making them difficult to integrate into vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation device using a tangential-flow turbomachine with pivoting shutters and an actuator system to control airflow distribution, allowing for improved airflow distribution and increased air flow through the heat exchanger even when the turbomachine is switched off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a blower-wheel fan is used to generate air flow for heat exchange, then air flow is generated to cool the heat transfer fluid, but the air flow becomes turbulent and only reaches part of the heat exchanger surface, reducing heat exchange uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the heat exchanger into multiple zones with dedicated air flow paths. Each zone has its own inlet and outlet openings arranged to receive air flow from different directions, ensuring uniform distribution across the entire heat exchanger surface rather than concentrating flow in a single circular region.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-direction radial air flow pattern to a multi-dimensional air flow distribution system. Air is supplied from multiple directions (front, rear, sides) to different zones of the heat exchanger, creating a three-dimensional flow pattern that achieves uniform coverage across the entire surface.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the blower-wheel fan is not switched on, then energy consumption is reduced, but the blades partially obstruct the flow of ambient air toward the tubes and fins, limiting heat exchange with non-accelerated air
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs dynamically adjustable shutters at the air inlet openings that can change their position based on operating conditions. When the fan is off, the shutters open to allow ambient air flow through the heat exchanger. When the fan is on, the shutters close to direct air flow properly. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the obstruction problem while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger is designed to be self-sufficient in different operating modes. When vehicle speed provides sufficient air flow, the system automatically utilizes this free cooling without fan intervention. The shutter mechanism automatically adjusts to enable ambient air flow, allowing the system to serve itself without external energy input when conditions permit.
3Productivity
If a blower-wheel fan with sufficient dimensions is used to achieve effective engine cooling, then cooling performance is improved, but the device becomes relatively bulky and difficult to incorporate into a motor vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the air flow generation function into multiple smaller zones rather than requiring one large fan. Each zone has its own air inlet openings and flow paths, allowing the use of smaller, more compact air moving components distributed throughout the assembly rather than a single bulky central fan.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes three-dimensional space more efficiently by arranging air inlet openings on multiple surfaces (front, rear, and side openings) of the housing. This multi-directional approach allows compact packaging of the cooling system while maintaining effective air flow distribution across the heat exchanger without requiring a large single-direction fan.
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
The solution achieves better air flow distribution over the heat exchanger, enhances heat exchange efficiency, and reduces the bulkiness of the cooling system, making it easier to integrate into vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a tangential-flow turbomachine comprising a bladed wheel and a motor for driving the rotation of the bladed wheel
Implementation Method 2
heat exchange elements connected to these tubes, often designated by the term fins. The fins are used to increase the surface area for exchange between the tubes and the ambient air
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of shutters mounted with the ability to pivot with respect to the frame, the plurality of shutters being designed to selectively block off an opening through the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A ventilation device (24) for a cooling module (22) of a motor vehicle (10) comprises a tangential flow turbomachine (28-1; 28-2) with an impeller wheel (32-1; 32-2), a frame (30) forming a recess (30-1; 30-2) for receiving the impeller wheel (32-1; 32-2), flaps (52-1; 52-2) which pivot relative to the frame (30), the flaps (52-1; 52-2) being suitable for selectively closing off an opening (51-1; 51-2) through the frame (30). An actuator (54-1; 54-2) for controlling the pivoting of the flaps (52-1; 52-2) comprises an electric motor (56-1; 56-2), the output shaft of which rotates one of the flaps (52-1; 52-2) and a rod (58-1) connecting one flap (52-1; 52-2) to the other flaps (52-1; 52-2), such that the rotation of one flap (52-1; 52-2) is transmitted to the other flaps (52-1; 52-2).