Method of controlling a thermoregulation loop, in particular for a motor vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermoregulation control strategies in motor vehicles exhibit excessively long response times when switching between different thermal regulation configurations, leading to significant temperature fluctuations that affect passenger comfort.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a thermoregulation loop in motor vehicles that includes a first and second branch for fluid circulation, employing a first control strategy in steady states and a second control strategy during transitions, involving adjustments such as closing/expanding expansion valves and accelerating/decelerating the compressor to minimize temperature differences during state changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single control strategy is used for both steady-state and transition modes, then the control system is simple, but the response time during transitions is excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically switches between a first control strategy for steady-state operation and a second control strategy for transition operation. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize performance for each operational phase, reducing response time during transitions while maintaining simplicity during steady-state operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes control parameters by selecting different control strategies based on the operational mode. During transitions, the second control strategy modifies fluid flow parameters differently than the first strategy, enabling faster response to configuration changes without increasing overall system complexity.
2Loss of time
If the fluid flow is rapidly redirected to a new branch during transition, then the response time is reduced, but significant temperature fluctuations occur affecting passenger comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The second control strategy is activated in advance during transitions to preemptively manage temperature changes. By preparing the control adjustments before the transition completes, the system minimizes temperature fluctuations in the passenger compartment while achieving rapid response.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses feedback from temperature sensors to adjust fluid flow during transitions. The second control strategy continuously monitors temperature changes and modifies valve positions and compressor operation to maintain temperature stability, preventing harmful temperature swings during state changes.
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 method reduces transition times to less than 20 seconds, effectively managing temperature fluctuations and enhancing passenger comfort by stabilizing temperatures quickly during configuration changes.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the airflow, thereby cooling the airflow
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator-condenser (18) configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outside airflow, thereby causing the refrigerant to undergo a phase change
Implementation Method 3
a compressor (12) configured to compress the refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
an evaporator-condenser (18) configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outside airflow, thereby causing the refrigerant to undergo a phase change
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for controlling a thermoregulation loop through which a refrigerant fluid passes, the loop comprising at least a first and a second fluid circulation branch (2, 4), the method being configured to allow the loop to pass from a first state in which the fluid circulates in only one of the branches (2, 4) to a second state in which the fluid circulates simultaneously in the branches (2, 4), and reciprocally, a method comprising a step of controlling a flow of the fluid in one and/or the other of the branches (2, 4) according to a first control strategy during operation in a permanent mode of the first or the second state and a step of modifying the flow of the fluid according to a second control strategy during a passage from one of the states to another of the states so as to limit a temperature deviation during this passage.