Method for controlling a thermal conditioning system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal conditioning systems face challenges in precisely controlling and distributing thermal power between multiple heat exchangers, particularly in vehicles with electrical traction chains, leading to inefficiencies in heating and cooling operations.
Innovation Solution
A control method that adjusts the pressure and cross-section of expansion valves in a coolant fluid circuit to achieve precise control of thermal power distribution between heat exchangers, using proportional integral regulators to ensure accurate power delivery to both the passenger space and traction chain components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If thermal power is distributed between multiple heat exchangers in series, then the system can provide both heating for passenger space and thermal management for traction chain components, but precise control of thermal power supplied by each exchanger becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The control method uses feedback from temperature sensors and power measurements to continuously adjust the operation of expansion valves and compressors, ensuring that each heat exchanger receives the precise thermal power required. The system monitors actual thermal power supplied and compares it with target values, making real-time corrections to maintain precision in thermal distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as expansion valve opening degrees, compressor speed, and coolant flow rates to precisely control the thermal power distribution. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on thermal power setpoints and actual measurements, the system achieves accurate control over multiple heat exchangers operating in series.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple heat exchangers are positioned in series on the coolant fluid circuit, then the system can perform multiple thermal functions simultaneously, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent control zones for each heat exchanger, with dedicated expansion valves and control algorithms for each. This allows the complex thermal management task to be divided into manageable segments, where each heat exchanger can be controlled independently based on its specific thermal requirements, reducing overall control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant fluid circuit and heat exchangers are designed with multi-functionality, allowing the same physical components to serve multiple thermal functions (heating, cooling, thermal storage) by simply changing operational parameters. This universal design reduces hardware complexity while maintaining the ability to perform multiple thermal functions simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If the same coolant fluid circuit is used for both heating and cooling operations, then system simplicity is maintained, but reliable control of total thermal power and its distribution becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of each heat exchanger and expansion valve based on real-time thermal demands. By making the system dynamic and adaptable rather than static, it can reliably control thermal power distribution despite using a shared coolant circuit, as the control parameters change continuously to match operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Each heat exchanger in the shared coolant circuit is given local control quality through dedicated expansion valves and control algorithms tailored to its specific function. This ensures that each component receives the appropriate level of control attention and precision needed for reliable operation, even within a simplified single-circuit architecture.
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 method enables reliable and efficient thermal power management, allowing independent adjustment of thermal powers supplied to different exchangers, enhancing the vehicle's thermal conditioning capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the first expansion valve carries out partial expansion of the coolant fluid, such that the second thermal power supplied by the second exchanger is equal to the second thermal power set point to be supplied
Implementation Method 2
This partial expansion makes it possible to decrease the condensation temperature in the second heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
a first heat exchanger which is configured to supply a first thermal power to a heat-transfer fluid; a second heat exchanger arranged jointly on the coolant fluid circuit and on the heat-transfer liquid circuit, so as to supply a second thermal power to the heat-transfer liquid
Implementation Method 4
a compressor; Controlling a pressure of the coolant fluid in the first exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for controlling a thermal conditioning system includes a heat-transfer liquid circuit, a refrigerant circuit having a compressor, a first heat exchanger supplying a first thermal power to a heat-transfer fluid, a first expansion valve, a second heat exchanger supplying a second thermal power to the heat-transfer liquid, a second expansion valve, and a third heat exchanger. The control method includes receiving a total thermal power setpoint for the total thermal power that is to be supplied, controlling a pressure of the refrigerant in the first exchanger so that the total thermal power supplied is equal to the total thermal power setpoint, and controlling a flow area of the first expansion valve so that the second thermal power supplied is equal to the second thermal power setpoint.