Vehicle Thermal Management Layout With Shared Refrigerant Throttling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems for vehicles, particularly electric vehicles, are complex due to multiple throttling valves and components, leading to a cumbersome structure that complicates thermal management.
Innovation Solution
A simplified thermal management system is introduced, featuring a compressor, heat exchangers, throttling devices, and flow direction switching devices, where the first flow direction switching device communicates with either the second or third port, allowing both the second and third heat exchangers to realize throttling functions through a single throttling device, reducing the number of components and system complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple throttling valves are provided in the refrigerant system, then the thermal management functions are comprehensive, but the system structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The first flow direction switching device is designed with multiple ports and working states to perform multiple functions. It can switch between different connections to enable both the second and third heat exchangers to realize throttling functions through a single throttling device, allowing one component to serve multiple thermal management purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple throttling valves into a single throttling device by using the first flow direction switching device to route refrigerant flow appropriately. This combination reduces the number of components while maintaining comprehensive thermal management capabilities through intelligent flow control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple throttling valves and components are used, then the thermal management capabilities are enhanced, but the number of system components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first flow direction switching device serves as a multi-functional component that enables a single throttling device to control both the second and third heat exchangers. This universal component design reduces the total number of system components while preserving enhanced thermal management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining multiple throttling functions into one throttling device through the flow direction switching mechanism, the patent reduces the quantity of system components. The switching device acts as an intelligent router that allows one physical component to perform the work of multiple components.
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 simplifies the thermal management system, reduces component count, and enhances operational efficiency by allowing both heat exchangers to perform throttling functions, thereby improving heating and cooling capabilities while minimizing system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor
Implementation Method 2
a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
a first throttling device; the first throttling device being in a throttling state
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal management system includes a first flow direction switching device, a first throttling device, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger and a third heat exchanger. The first flow direction switching device includes a first port, a second port and a third port. In a first working state, the first port communicates with at least one of the second port and the third port. In a heating mode, the first flow direction switching device is in the first working state; the first port communicates with a first end port of the first throttling device; a second end port of the first throttling device communicates with an outlet of the first heat exchanger. Both the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger can realize throttling function through the first throttling device, so as to simplify the thermal management system. A control method thereof is also disclosed.