Vehicle Thermal Flow Switching for Battery Heat Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In electrified vehicles, existing thermal management systems often fail to effectively utilize heat generated by the drive device while risking heat transfer from the energy storage device, leading to inefficient energy use and potential overheating.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system with multiple flow paths and a switching device that isolates the energy storage device from heat transfer, allowing heat from the drive device to be stored and utilized, while preventing heat from the energy storage device from being taken by the heat medium, using a switching circuit to manage heat distribution and dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the switching device is not switched properly, then heat from the energy storage device may be taken by the heat medium in a different flow path, but heat generated by the drive device cannot be effectively utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal management system divides the flow paths into multiple independent circuits (first flow path for energy storage device, second flow path for drive device, third flow path for radiator, fourth flow path for chiller device). The switching device selectively connects these segmented flow paths to achieve proper heat management: isolating the energy storage device flow path while enabling heat utilization from the drive device flow path through appropriate switching configurations.
2Loss of energy
If the first flow path is connected to other flow paths, then heat from the energy storage device may be transferred, but heat from the drive device cannot be stored effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The switching device dynamically changes the connection state between flow paths based on operational requirements. It can switch between different configurations: isolating the first flow path (energy storage device) to prevent unwanted heat transfer, or connecting the second flow path (drive device) to the third and fourth flow paths (radiator and chiller device) to enable effective heat storage and utilization. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the system configuration to specific operational needs.
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 configuration enables effective use of heat generated by the drive device while minimizing heat transfer from the energy storage device, reducing the risk of overheating and improving energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The energy storage device is configured to exchange heat with the heat medium
Implementation Method 2
heat from the drive device can be stored in the heat medium in the second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path
Implementation Method 3
The drive device is configured to exchange heat with the heat medium in the second flow path
Implementation Method 4
heat generated by the drive device can be stored in the heat medium
Implementation Method 5
The radiator is located in the third flow path
Implementation Method 6
heat generated by the drive device can be stored in the heat medium in the second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path
Implementation Method 7
The chiller device is located in the fourth flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal management system includes a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path, a fourth flow path, an energy storage device, a drive device, a radiator, a chiller, and switching devices. Each flow path allows a heat medium to flow therethrough. The switching devices are configured to switch the connection state between the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path. A reference communication pattern of a switching circuit is a pattern in which the first flow path is disconnected from and independent of the second flow path, third flow path, and fourth flow path, the second flow path is connected to the third flow path and the fourth flow path, and the third flow path is connected to the fourth flow path. The switching devices are configured to cause the reference communication pattern formed.