Vehicle Thermal Circuits With Multi-Way Valve Transition Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems for vehicles with electric motors and batteries face challenges in smooth temperature control, particularly during transient journeys where sudden changes in temperature and pressure occur when switching between series and parallel connection modes, leading to inefficient heat dissipation and potential overheating.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system with a multi-way valve that allows for series, parallel, and mixed operation of coolant circuits, along with an oil cooling circuit and a monitoring system, to manage temperature and pressure effectively, preventing sudden transitions and frequent switching, thereby improving temperature control and heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the system switches between series connection mode and parallel connection mode to control temperature, then temperature control capability is improved, but sudden changes in temperature and pressure occur causing system instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control by enabling frequent switching between series and parallel connection modes based on real-time temperature and pressure conditions. The control unit continuously monitors system parameters and adjusts valve positions dynamically, allowing the system to adapt to changing thermal loads without experiencing harmful sudden transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different connection modes (series/parallel) and adjusting valve positions to optimize temperature control. The control unit modifies flow distribution and pressure characteristics dynamically, enabling precise temperature management while maintaining system stability through parameter optimization.
2Speed
If the multi-way valve switches frequently between series and parallel modes during transient journeys, then temperature control responsiveness is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to excessive switching
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor temperature and pressure parameters to determine optimal switching timing. By using feedback control, the system responds to actual thermal conditions rather than switching arbitrarily, improving responsiveness while preventing excessive switching that would compromise reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary assessment of system conditions before initiating mode switching. By evaluating current temperature, pressure, and load conditions in advance, the system determines whether switching is necessary and appropriate, avoiding unnecessary transitions that would reduce reliability while maintaining responsive temperature control when needed.
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 system ensures stable temperature control for both the electric motor and battery coolant circuits, preventing overheating and maintaining optimal operating temperatures, while the oil cooling circuit enhances cooling efficiency and lubrication, and the monitoring system detects potential faults in the oil flow, ensuring system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the oil cooling circuit is thermally connected to the second coolant circuit via a heat exchanger, for example in the form of a plate heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
a first coolant circuit for a battery and a second coolant circuit for an electric motor
Implementation Method 3
an oil cools the electric motor in addition to the coolant of the electric motor coolant circuit by absorbing the waste heat from the stator and rotor of the electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal management system for a vehicle and a vehicle having a thermal management system, the thermal management system having a first coolant circuit for a battery and a second coolant circuit for an electric motor for driving the vehicle. The two coolant circuits can be operated in series or in parallel by a multi-way valve. The thermal management system further includes an oil cooling circuit for additionally cooling the electric motor, wherein the oil cooling circuit is thermally connected to the second coolant circuit via a heat exchanger.