Vehicle Thermal Module Layout for Multi-Mode Cabin Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle thermal management systems have limited functionality and performance, leading to a suboptimal occupant experience and complex, cumbersome system designs that complicate assembly and deployment.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle thermal management system incorporating a compressor, internal and external heat exchangers, throttle elements, and an integrated module, which enables diversified operation modes, simplifies assembly, and improves efficiency by modular design and temperature region optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an air conditioning system is provided to adjust cabin temperature, then the basic thermal comfort function is achieved, but the system has undiversified functions and limited performance affecting occupant experience
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between different operational modes: cooling mode (acting as evaporator), heating mode (acting as condenser), and defrosting mode (acting as evaporator). This multi-functionality allows a single system to provide diversified thermal management without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic switching between different operational modes through control valves and refrigerant flow path manipulation. The heat exchanger can dynamically change its function based on real-time thermal demands, enabling the system to adapt to varying occupancy needs while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized hardware
2Ease of manufacture
If the air conditioning system is designed with basic functions, then the system structure is simple, but pipelines are complex and cumbersome to arrange resulting in difficult assembly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pipeline functions are merged into an integrated manifold structure that consolidates refrigerant distribution and collection. The manifold integrates suction and discharge lines, as well as multiple heat exchanger connections, into a single compact component. This merging reduces the number of separate pipeline arrangements needed, simplifying assembly while maintaining the necessary system complexity for diversified operation modes
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 enhances occupant experience through improved performance, simplifies assembly and deployment, and reduces costs by enabling modular design and efficient temperature management.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor (1), a first internal heat exchanger (2)
Implementation Method 2
a first internal heat exchanger (2), an external heat exchanger (3), a second internal heat exchanger (4)
Implementation Method 3
a first throttle element (5), a second throttle element (6)
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle thermal management system includes a compressor, a first internal heat exchanger, an external heat exchanger, a second internal heat exchanger, and an integrated module. The first internal heat exchanger communicates with the air outlet of the compressor. The external heat exchanger communicates with the first internal heat exchanger through a first pipeline, with the air inlet of the compressor through a second pipeline, and with the first internal heat exchanger through a third pipeline that is connected to a second throttle element. The second internal heat exchanger communicates with the external heat exchanger through a fourth pipeline that is connected to a first throttle element, and with the air inlet. The integrated module includes a part of the first pipeline, a part of the second pipeline, a part of the third pipeline, and a part of the fourth pipeline.