Three-Port Flow Control Device for Simplified Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal management systems for heat-generating devices and passenger compartments are complex, necessitating a simplification to improve their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system incorporating a flow control device with three end ports, including a first throttling unit, a second throttling unit, and a valve component, which communicates with heat exchangers to manage refrigerant flow in different working states, thereby simplifying the system's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional thermal management system is used to control temperatures of heat-generating devices and passenger compartment, then thermal management function is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple flow control functions into a single integrated flow control device with three end ports. This device can simultaneously or selectively connect different heat exchangers (radiator, evaporator, condenser) to the compressor, eliminating the need for multiple separate flow control devices and reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive thermal management capabilities for both the battery and passenger compartment
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control device is designed with multi-functionality to handle various working states: it can control refrigerant flow for battery cooling, passenger compartment cooling, and heat transfer between different components. The device with its three end ports and internal valve mechanism can adapt to different thermal management requirements, making a single device perform multiple functions that previously required separate systems
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 effectively controls refrigerant flow, reducing complexity and potentially lowering costs while maintaining efficient thermal management, suitable for various applications including vehicles and commercial systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first throttling unit, a second throttling unit and a valve component, the flow control device includes a first end port, a second end port and a third end port; a first connecting port of the second throttling unit and a first connecting port of the valve component are both communicable with the first end port
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal management system includes a refrigerant system, which includes a compressor, a flow control device, a valve member, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a third heat exchanger. The flow control device includes a first throttle unit, a second throttle unit, and a valve assembly; the flow control device includes a first port, a second port, and a third port; a first connection port of the first heat exchanger is in communication with the second port, and a first connection port of the second heat exchanger is in communication with the third port, while a first connection port of the third heat exchanger is in communication with the first port. The thermal management system includes a first operating state and a second operating state.