Vehicle Thermal Circuit Switching for Stable Heating Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
The switching between circuit modes in a thermal management system during a heating operation can cause significant changes in air outlet temperature, leading to deteriorated air conditioning comfort and potential damage to the compressor.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system with a control method that adjusts the temperature difference between the chiller and radiator temperatures by controlling the rotation speed of the compressor or the heat generation of electric heaters prior to switching circuit modes, using sensors to detect temperatures and a control device to manage the temperature adjustment devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the switching valve switches between the first circuit mode and the second circuit mode during a heating operation of the refrigeration cycle, then the thermal management system can achieve flexible thermal management for the battery and radiator, but the temperature at the air outlet of heating air changes significantly, deteriorating air conditioning comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary action by controlling the temperature adjustment device to reduce the temperature difference between chiller temperature and radiator temperature before the switching valve changes circuit modes. This preliminary temperature equalization prevents abrupt temperature changes in the heating air outlet when switching between battery cooling mode and radiator cooling mode, thereby maintaining air conditioning comfort while preserving thermal management flexibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If the switching valve switches between the first circuit mode and the second circuit mode during a heating operation, then the thermal management system can adjust heat dissipation paths, but the steep change in chiller temperature may cause damage to the compressor
Solution Approach 1:
The control device executes preliminary action by adjusting the chiller temperature to be closer to the radiator temperature before mode switching occurs. This preliminary temperature adjustment prevents abrupt temperature changes in the chiller that could damage the compressor, while still allowing the system to switch between different heat dissipation paths for optimal thermal management
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature adjustment device provides beforehand cushioning by actively reducing the temperature difference between the chiller and radiator before switching occurs. This cushioning effect absorbs the thermal shock that would otherwise occur during mode switching, protecting the compressor from damage while maintaining the system's ability to switch heat dissipation paths
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 approach effectively suppresses steep changes in chiller temperature during mode switching, preventing air conditioning comfort deterioration and compressor damage.
Implementation Method 1
a chiller configured to exchange heat between the heat medium and the refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
the temperature adjustment device may include a compressor configured to compress the refrigerant flowing through the refrigeration cycle
Implementation Method 3
the temperature adjustment device may include an electric heater configured to heat the heat medium flowing through the radiator
Implementation Method 4
a radiator through which the heat medium flows
Implementation Method 5
a radiator through which the heat medium flows
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal management system includes a five-way valve configured to switch a first circuit mode in which a chiller and a battery are thermally connected and a second circuit mode in which the chiller and an LT radiator are thermally connected, and an ECU configured to control a compressor based on a chiller temperature and a radiator temperature. The ECU is configured to, in a case where switching between the first circuit mode and the second circuit mode is performed by controlling the five-way valve during a heating operation of a refrigeration cycle, control the compressor to reduce a temperature difference between the chiller temperature and the radiator temperature prior to the switching.