Tangential-Flow Cooling Module for Uniform EV Heat Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motor vehicle heat exchanger systems, particularly in electric vehicles, face inefficiencies due to turbulent air flow from blower-wheel fans, which leads to non-uniform heat exchange, obstruction of air flow, and bulky fan designs that complicate integration, especially in vehicles with limited space.
Innovation Solution
A cooling module incorporating two tangential-flow turbomachines with rotors and volutes, positioned to create efficient air flow over the heat exchanger surface, reducing air jet interference and allowing for compact design, with pivotable air guiding shutters for adjustable ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a blower-wheel fan is used to generate air flow for heat exchange, then ventilation function is provided, but the air flow becomes turbulent and only reaches part of the heat exchanger surface
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single fan function into multiple tangential-flow turbomachines arranged at different positions. Each turbomachine directs air flow to a specific zone of the heat exchanger, ensuring complete and uniform coverage of the entire surface without turbulent mixing that occurs with a single central fan.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces air guiding shutters as intermediary elements between the turbomachines and the heat exchanger. These shutters control and direct the air flow from each turbomachine to optimize distribution across the heat exchanger surface, ensuring uniform laminar flow patterns.
2Productivity
If a blower-wheel fan is installed to cool the heat exchanger, then cooling function is achieved, but the fan obstructs ambient air flow when not in operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces static blower-wheel fans with dynamic tangential-flow turbomachines that can be positioned and oriented to minimize obstruction. The turbomachines are designed with air guiding shutters that can adjust their position, allowing ambient air to flow freely around the heat exchanger when active cooling is not required, while still providing effective cooling when activated.
3Productivity
If a blower-wheel fan with sufficient dimensions is used for effective engine cooling, then cooling performance is adequate, but the fan becomes bulky and difficult to incorporate into the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the cooling function across multiple smaller tangential-flow turbomachines rather than using one large blower-wheel fan. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the same total cooling effectiveness while reducing the volume occupied by each individual component and simplifying integration into the constrained space of an electric vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single large fan occupying significant frontal space to multiple compact turbomachines arranged in a distributed configuration. This dimensional redistribution allows the cooling system to fit within the limited space available in the front of an electric vehicle while maintaining adequate cooling performance.
4Productivity
If two turbomachines are positioned to cool the heat exchanger, then heat exchange efficiency improves, but air jet interference may occur between the two flows
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs asymmetric positioning and orientation of the two tangential-flow turbomachines relative to the heat exchanger. By carefully designing their positions and air guiding shutters, the air jets from each turbomachine are directed to different zones of the heat exchanger surface, maximizing cooling efficiency while preventing harmful interference between the two air flows.
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 enhances heat exchange efficiency across the entire heat exchanger surface, reduces noise, and simplifies integration by eliminating the need for bulky fans, providing effective and space-efficient cooling in motor vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
each of said turbomachines comprising a rotor rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation and a volute for housing the rotor... capable of creating a flow of air in contact with said working surface
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cooling module (22) for a motor vehicle (10), comprising: —at least one heat exchanger (301-303) delimiting a surface, referred to as the working surface, —at least one first tangential-flow turbomachine (28-1) and a second tangential-flow turbomachine (28-2), each of said turbomachines (28-1, 28-2) being capable of creating an air flow in contact with said working surface, each of said turbomachines comprising a rotor rotating about an axis and a volute for housing the rotor, comprising an air guiding portion and an air outlet outside the turbomachine, said turbomachines (28-1, 28-2) being arranged such that the air outlet of the first turbomachine (28-1) is arranged opposite the guiding portion of the second turbomachine (28-2).