Two-Phase Valve Layout for Battery Cooling Phase Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cooling of electrical batteries in electric vehicles is challenging due to the need for efficient heat management, particularly in systems using immersed cooling systems based on latent heat of evaporation of a working fluid.
Innovation Solution
A two-phase valve system is introduced, comprising a valve body that can be partially immersed in a liquid phase of a working fluid, with specific valve arrangements to control the flow of vapor and liquid phases, ensuring effective recirculation and phase management within the cooling system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an immersed cooling system based on latent heat of evaporation is used, then cooling efficiency is improved, but control over vapor and liquid phase recirculation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into separate vapor recirculation and liquid recirculation pathways, each controlled by dedicated valve arrangements. The vapor phase is redirected to the condenser through a first valve arrangement, while the liquid phase is managed separately through a second valve arrangement, allowing independent control of each phase's recirculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve arrangements dynamically respond to phase accumulation conditions, automatically opening or closing flow paths based on real-time system state. When vapor accumulates in the condenser, the first valve arrangement opens to redirect it; when liquid accumulates, the second valve arrangement activates to manage liquid recirculation, creating a dynamic adaptive control system.
2Temperature
If vapor phase recirculation is enabled continuously, then cooling performance is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vapor recirculation operates periodically rather than continuously. The first valve arrangement remains closed during normal operation and only opens periodically when vapor accumulation is detected in the condenser, creating an on-demand recirculation pattern that reduces energy consumption while maintaining cooling performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor phase accumulation in the condenser and automatically trigger valve activation. When vapor or liquid reaches certain accumulation thresholds, the corresponding valve arrangements open to redirect the phase, creating a feedback-controlled system that activates recirculation only when necessary.
3Reliability
If liquid phase recirculation is prevented when flooded, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is segmented into two independent arrangements: a first valve arrangement for vapor phase control and a second valve arrangement for liquid phase control. This segmentation allows each arrangement to be optimized for its specific phase without interfering with the other, improving reliability while managing complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The second valve arrangement serves multiple functions: it prevents liquid phase recirculation when the system is flooded, enables liquid recirculation when vapor accumulates, and can be actuated by either float mechanism or pressure differential. This multi-functionality improves system reliability without requiring additional dedicated components.
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 two-phase valve system effectively manages the recirculation of vapor and liquid phases, preventing recirculation of liquid when flooded and ensuring vapor recirculation only when necessary, thereby optimizing the cooling process for electrical batteries in electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the first float member being configured for floating with respect to the liquid phase of the working fluid
Implementation Method 2
the second float member being configured for floating with respect to the liquid phase of the working fluid
Implementation Method 3
one proposed solution is an immersed cooling system based on latent heat of evaporation of a working fluid in direct contact with the batteries
Data Source
AI summary
A two-phase valve is provided, including a valve body configured for being at least partially immersible in a liquid phase of a working fluid. The valve body includes a first valve arrangement and a second valve arrangement. The first valve arrangement defines a first flow path for enabling venting vapor phase of the working fluid therethrough when the first valve arrangement is open, and the first valve arrangement is configured for selectively closing the first flow path when the liquid phase of the working fluid has a liquid level not less than a first threshold value. The second valve arrangement defines a second flow path for enabling passage of the liquid phase of the working fluid therethrough when the second valve arrangement is open, and the second valve arrangement is configured for selectively closing the second flow path when the liquid level of the liquid phase of said working fluid is not less than a second threshold value. The second threshold value is lower than the first threshold value.