Temperature adjustment circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature adjustment circuits for electric vehicles face difficulties in easily switching between circulation and non-circulation states due to the complexity of four-way valves and require multiple buffer tanks, which increases component count and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A temperature adjustment circuit utilizing a three-way valve and a shut-off valve, controlled by a control device, to switch between circulation and non-circulation states, allowing connection between two temperature adjustment circuits via a second connection path, reducing the need for multiple buffer tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a four-way valve is used to switch between circulation state and non-circulation state, then temperature adjustment accuracy is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of control increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature adjustment system into two independent circuits (first circuit for battery cooling, second circuit for inverter cooling) that can operate independently or in connection. This segmentation allows each circuit to be controlled separately using simple three-way valves and shut-off valves, avoiding the need for a complex four-way valve while maintaining the ability to switch between circulation and non-circulation states effectively.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a four-way valve is used to make circuits independent in non-circulation state, then separate temperature adjustment is achieved, but number of buffer tanks required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the buffer tank functions by allowing the first and second circuits to share a common buffer tank when operating in connection mode. The buffer tank serves both circuits simultaneously, reducing the total number of buffer tanks required from two (in separate mode) to one (in connection mode), while still maintaining the ability to operate circuits independently when needed.
3Device complexity
If three-way valve and shut-off valve are used for switching, then device complexity is reduced, but control mechanism becomes different from conventional design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary that automatically manages the coordination between the three-way valve and shut-off valve. This control device receives temperature information from both circuits and autonomously determines the appropriate operating state (connection or separate), switching the valves accordingly. This intermediary control simplifies the overall system design while maintaining ease of manufacture, as the automatic control eliminates the need for complex manual coordination mechanisms.
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
Enables easy switching between states and reduces the number of buffer tanks required, simplifying the circuit and minimizing component count while maintaining effective heat transfer and cooling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanging part that transfers heat between the heat-transfer medium and an air-conditioning refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a second heat exchanging part that transfers heat between the heat-transfer medium and outside air
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature adjustment circuit includes a first temperature adjustment circuit and a second temperature adjustment circuit in which a control device is configured to switch between a circulation state where a heat-transfer medium is circulated through a connection circuit in which the first temperature adjustment circuit and the second temperature adjustment circuit are connected to each other and a non-circulation state where the heat-transfer medium is not circulated through the connection circuit.