Split Coolant Circuit Flow Control for Stable Thermal Load Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature management systems for energy storage systems in electric vehicles require recalibration of flow rates due to pressure fluctuations and changes in configuration, necessitating inefficient adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A temperature management system with a closed circuit divided into a main branch and a temperature management branch, featuring a cooling and/or heating module, and a flow control module that maintains a constant differential pressure and regulates coolant flow independently of pressure variations, using components like auxiliary pumps or proportional valves to achieve precise temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional temperature management systems use three-way valves and parallel configurations of chillers and heaters, then the system can regulate coolant temperature, but the flow rate becomes dependent on pressure drops that vary with system configuration changes
Solution Approach 1:
The closed circuit is divided into a main branch and a temperature management branch, allowing independent control of coolant flow to the thermal load. This segmentation enables the temperature management branch to receive regulated flow independent of pressure drops in the main branch, resolving the contradiction between temperature regulation and configuration adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
A flow control module is introduced as an intermediary component between the main coolant pump and the thermal load. This module actively regulates the flow rate through the temperature management branch, decoupling it from pressure drop variations in the main circuit and enabling independent temperature control regardless of system configuration changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system configuration is modified (e.g., number of batteries or component replacement), then the system can be adapted to new requirements, but recalibration of flow rates is necessary to maintain desired temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control module incorporates feedback control that continuously monitors temperature and flow conditions, automatically adjusting the flow rate through the temperature management branch. This eliminates the need for manual recalibration when system configuration changes occur, as the system self-adjusts to maintain optimal temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static flow rate settings to dynamic flow regulation. The flow control module can adaptively adjust flow rates in real-time based on actual system conditions and configuration changes, eliminating the need for manual recalibration and reducing downtime during system modifications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pressure drops vary in the main circuit due to configuration changes, then system flexibility is maintained, but temperature control stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the coolant circuit into main and temperature management branches, the system isolates temperature control from pressure variations in the main circuit. The flow control module regulates flow in the temperature management branch independently, maintaining stable temperature control even when pressure drops in the main circuit change due to configuration modifications.
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 maintains stable temperature control without recalibration, reducing pressure drops and enabling quick adjustments to temperature requirements, enhancing efficiency and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature management branch comprises a cooling and/or heating module
Implementation Method 2
a flow control module is configured to control the flow of coolant through the temperature management branch
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature management system has a closed circuit and a main coolant pump configured to circulate a coolant through the closed circuit. The closed circuit and the thermal load are thermally connected. The temperature management system has a section of the closed circuit that is divided into a main branch and a temperature management branch. The main branch is configured to hold a constant differential pressure between its starting point and its endpoint independent of variations in flow and the temperature management branch comprises a cooling and/or heating module. In addition, a flow control module is configured to control the flow of coolant through the temperature management branch, such that a regulated flow that is associated with a target flow rate is directed through the temperature management branch while any remaining flow is directed through the main branch.