Integrated Thermal Module Layout to Limit Channel Heat Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems in new energy vehicles face challenges in achieving high integration while minimizing heat transfer interference, leading to reduced thermal efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management integrated module with a refrigerant-side and coolant-side flow channel plates, separate assemblies, and a chiller, featuring independent circulation processes and insulation grooves to reduce heat transfer interference, along with a multi-port valve and dual liquid pumps for optimized coolant flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If thermal management system components are highly integrated, then the number of components is reduced and assembly volume is decreased, but heat transfer interference increases leading to reduced thermal efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel plate is segmented into multiple independent flow channels with insulation grooves between them. This segmentation allows each channel to function independently while preventing heat transfer interference between adjacent channels, thus maintaining thermal efficiency while achieving high integration.
Solution Approach 2:
Insulation grooves are selectively added between adjacent flow channels where heat transfer interference would occur. This local quality modification ensures that insulation is applied only where needed, preventing heat transfer interference in critical areas while maintaining thermal efficiency without compromising the overall integration.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple flow channels are arranged closely together, then assembly volume is reduced and integration is improved, but heat transfer interference between channels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel plate is divided into multiple independent flow channels separated by insulation grooves. This segmentation enables close arrangement of channels to reduce assembly volume while the insulation grooves prevent heat transfer interference between adjacent channels.
Solution Approach 2:
Insulation grooves act as intermediary structures between adjacent flow channels. These grooves physically separate the channels and prevent direct heat transfer, allowing the channels to be arranged closely together without causing heat transfer interference.
3Loss of energy
If independent circulation processes are implemented for coolant and refrigerant, then heat transfer interference is reduced, but device complexity and assembly volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant-side flow channel plate and refrigerant-side flow channel plate are merged into a single integrated structure. This merging allows independent circulation processes for coolant and refrigerant while reducing device complexity and assembly volume through shared structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a plate structure with flow channels arranged in different planes and dimensions. This dimensional arrangement allows independent circulation processes for coolant and refrigerant while maintaining compact integration, as the flow channels occupy different spatial dimensions rather than requiring separate assemblies.
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 solution enhances integration, reduces assembly volume, lowers heat transfer interference, and improves thermal management efficiency by optimizing coolant and refrigerant circulation, thereby improving the overall performance and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of the coolant-side heat exchange open circuits and the plurality of the refrigerant-side heat exchange open circuits perform heat exchange via the chiller
Implementation Method 2
the refrigerant-side flow channel plate is defined with an insulation groove penetrating along a thickness direction of the refrigerant-side flow channel plate, the insulation groove may be defined between at least part of adjacent second flow channels to block a heat transfer between the adjacent second flow channels
Data Source
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AI summary
Thermal management integrated module including a refrigerant-side flow channel plate (100), a coolant-side flow channel plate (200), a refrigerant-side assembly (300), a coolant-side assembly (400), and a chiller, wherein the coolant-side assembly (400) is connected to the coolant-side flow channel plate (200), the coolant-side flow channel plate (200) is arranged with a plurality of first flow channels, the refrigerant-side assembly (300) and the chiller are respectively connected to the refrigerant-side flow channel plate (100), and the refrigerant-side flow channel plate (100) is arranged with a plurality of second flow channels.