Electric Traction Vehicle Cooling System Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles face challenges in cooling their electric components efficiently without compromising passenger compartment comfort, as existing solutions require cumbersome insulation and may not provide sufficient cooling, especially in high temperatures, due to the separate cooling needs of the electric and passenger compartments.
Innovation Solution
A dedicated and independent cooling system using a compression refrigeration cycle specifically for electric components, with a control unit to manage temperature and a heat pipe network for efficient heat transfer, allowing for optimized cooling of electric machines, power converters, and storage systems without affecting passenger compartment air conditioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a shared cooling system is used for both passenger compartment and electric components, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cooling effectiveness for electric components deteriorates due to insufficient cooling capacity and temperature compromise
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into two independent subsystems: a first cooling circuit for the passenger compartment and a second cooling circuit for electric components. Each subsystem has its own refrigeration cycle and heat exchangers, allowing independent temperature control and cooling capacity allocation, thus resolving the conflict between system simplicity and cooling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger is designed to serve dual purposes: it functions as a condenser for the first refrigeration circuit (passenger compartment cooling) and simultaneously as an evaporator for the second refrigeration circuit (electric component cooling). This multi-functionality allows one component to fulfill multiple roles, maintaining system compactness while achieving independent cooling control.
2Power
If the refrigerating power of the air conditioning system is increased to cool electric components, then the cooling capacity is improved, but the available space for the air conditioning system deteriorates due to limited vehicle space
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration capacity is segmented into two separate circuits with independent compressors and heat exchangers. The second refrigeration circuit is specifically dedicated to cooling electric components, providing sufficient refrigerating power without requiring an oversized first air conditioning system, thus optimizing space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger serves dual functions as both condenser and evaporator for different refrigeration circuits, eliminating the need for separate dedicated heat exchangers for each circuit. This multi-functionality reduces the overall volume of cooling system components while maintaining adequate cooling capacity for both passenger compartment and electric components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If long connection pipes are used to connect air conditioning system and electric components, then the cooling coverage is improved, but the device complexity and insulation requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into localized circuits with heat exchangers positioned close to the components they serve. The second refrigeration circuit is specifically configured to cool electric components in their immediate vicinity, minimizing the need for long connection pipes and reducing insulation requirements while maintaining effective cooling coverage.
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
This solution provides efficient and cost-effective cooling of electric components, maintaining their optimal operating temperatures while minimizing the impact on passenger compartment comfort and reducing thermal dispersion, thus enhancing the overall efficiency and performance of the vehicle's electric systems.
Implementation Method 1
uses a compression refrigeration cycle to cool the electric components
Implementation Method 2
with a control unit to manage temperature and a heat pipe network for efficient heat transfer
Implementation Method 3
a heat pipe network for efficient heat transfer
Data Source
AI summary
An electric traction vehicle having: at least one pair of driving wheels; at least one reversible electric machine which can be mechanically connected to the driving wheels; an electronic power converter which pilots the electric machine; a storage system, which is aimed at storing electric energy, is connected to the electronic power converter and comprises at least one storage device; a passenger compartment; an air conditioning system of the passenger compartment which fulfills the function of regulating the temperature inside the passenger compartment; and a cooling system, which is completely independent and separate from the air conditioning system of the passenger compartment and uses a compression refrigeration cycle to cool at least one of the electric components, i.e. the electric machine, the electronic power converter and the storage system.