Multi-Circuit Thermal Management Valve Layout for EV Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems for electric vehicles are complex, costly, and lack flexibility, with high component counts and intricate pipeline routing, making them inefficient for temperature regulation of traction batteries and vehicle cabins.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system utilizing a first, second, and third fluid circuit with a multi-way valve and connection structures, enabling multiple thermal management modes through a seven-way or ten-way valve configuration with four operating states, simplifying control and pipeline connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of components and complex pipeline routing are used to realize multiple thermal management modes, then the thermal management capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-way valve serves multiple functions by integrating mode selection, flow direction control, and circuit configuration into a single component. This valve can route coolant through different paths to achieve cooling, heating, and defrosting modes, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple fluid circuits (first, second, and third circuits with different heat exchangers and working devices) into a unified thermal management system controlled by a single multi-way valve. This merging allows different circuits to work协同ively, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining versatile thermal management capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components and complex pipeline routing are used to achieve various thermal management modes, then the thermal management versatility is improved, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-way valve provides multi-functionality by consolidating mode selection and flow control capabilities into a single component, reducing the total component count and associated manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to achieve multiple thermal management modes.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple fluid circuits and control functions into a unified system with a single multi-way valve, the patent reduces manufacturing complexity and component assembly requirements, thereby lowering production costs while preserving thermal management versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components and complex pipeline routing are used to realize multiple thermal management modes, then the thermal management capability is improved, but the system volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-way valve provides multi-functionality in a compact form, allowing the system to achieve multiple thermal management modes without requiring separate control mechanisms that would increase system volume. The valve integrates flow direction control and mode selection in a single compact component.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple fluid circuits and control functions into a unified system, the patent reduces the overall system volume by eliminating redundant components and piping that would be required if separate systems were used for each thermal management mode.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing thermal management systems with complex structures are used, then various thermal management modes can be achieved, but the flexibility in thermal management is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-way valve provides universal control for all thermal management modes through a single component, simplifying operation by reducing the number of control elements the user or control system must manage. This enhances flexibility by making mode switching more straightforward despite the system's capability to perform multiple functions.
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 achieves flexible and efficient temperature management with reduced complexity by allowing convenient switching between modes, improving cooling performance through an intermediate heat exchanger and minimizing pipeline complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first fluid circuit, the first fluid circuit having a first heat exchanger; a second fluid circuit, the second fluid circuit having a heat-generating second working device and a radiator; and a third fluid circuit, the third fluid circuit having a heat-generating third working device and a third heat exchanger
Data Source
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AI summary
A thermal management system, comprising: a first fluid circuit (C1), which has a first heat exchanger (2); a second fluid circuit (C2), which has a second working device (15) for heating and a radiator (12); and a third fluid circuit (C3), which has a third working device (16) for heating and a third heat exchanger (8). The first fluid circuit (C1) is provided with a first communicating structure (17) and a second communicating structure (23). A first port (c) of a multi-way valve (18) is connected to a pipeline on one side of the second working device (15), and a second port (h) of the multi-way valve (18) is connected to a pipeline on the other side of the second working device (15) via the radiator (12). A third port (b) of the multi-way valve (18) is connected to one side of the third working device (16), a fourth port (a) is connected to the other side of the third working device (16), a fifth port (m) is connected to one side of the third heat exchanger (8), and a sixth port (k) is connected to the other side of the third heat exchanger (8). A seventh port (g) of the multi-way valve (18) is connected to a pipeline on the other side of the second working device (15) and bypasses the radiator (12). The thermal management system uses a combination of a seven-way valve and a three-way structure or a ten-way valve to realize various thermal management modes, and involves the use of only four operating states of a valve assembly. Thus, the thermal management system is easy to control, and pipeline connections are greatly simplified.