Upper Body Heat Exchanger Layout for Low-Drag Vehicle Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat transfer systems in vehicles are limited in their ability to provide sufficient cooling or temperature regulation due to their impact on aerodynamic performance and packaging, especially when positioned at the front of the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
An upper body heat exchanger is mounted on the vehicle with a plurality of fins on one surface and heat transfer fluid passages on another, exposed to airflow to efficiently transfer heat from heated fluid to air, enhancing cooling and temperature regulation while minimizing drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat exchangers are positioned at the front of the vehicle to receive maximum airflow, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates and packaging becomes constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is repositioned from the conventional front position to the upper body surface of the vehicle, utilizing the vertical/dorsal dimension for heat transfer. This dimensional relocation allows the heat exchanger to access airflow from above while clearing the front aerodynamic path, thus resolving the contradiction between heat transfer efficiency and aerodynamic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper body surface of the vehicle serves dual functions: maintaining aerodynamic streamline flow and housing the heat exchanger for thermal management. By integrating the heat exchanger into the upper body structure, the vehicle surface simultaneously performs aerodynamic and thermodynamic functions, eliminating the need for separate front-mounted heat exchanger space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more vehicle systems require heat transfer systems, then temperature regulation capability is improved, but packaging space is reduced and aerodynamic performance is impacted
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple heat transfer systems are accommodated by utilizing the upper body surface dimension rather than consuming internal packaging space. The heat exchangers are positioned on the external upper surface, allowing multiple systems to be integrated without compromising internal volume for other vehicle components.
3Temperature
If conventional heat transfer systems are used, then cooling function is provided, but aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger operates in the upper airflow dimension rather than the front airflow path, allowing cooling function to be achieved without disrupting the primary aerodynamic flow along the vehicle's length. This separates the thermal management airflow path from the propulsive airflow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger is positioned at a specific location on the upper body where airflow characteristics are optimized for heat transfer while minimizing disruption to overall vehicle aerodynamics. The local airflow interaction at the upper surface provides adequate cooling without the drag penalties associated with front-mounted 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 solution provides improved cooling and temperature regulation for vehicle systems and components while maintaining aerodynamic performance by effectively transferring heat through airflow interaction with the heat exchanger's fins and fluid passages.
Implementation Method 1
heat transfer fluid passages are configured to transfer heat from heated fluid flowing through the plurality of heat transfer fluid passages to airflows interacting with the plurality of fins
Implementation Method 2
first portion comprising a plurality of fins disposed on a first surface... plurality of heat transfer fluid passages disposed on a second surface
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of an upper body heat exchanger for a vehicle. In one embodiment, an upper body heat exchanger includes a first portion having a plurality of fins disposed on a first surface. The upper body heat exchanger also includes a second portion having a plurality of heat transfer fluid passages disposed on a second surface of the upper body heat exchanger. The second portion is beneath the first portion. The upper body heat exchanger is mounted on the vehicle such that the first surface of the first portion of the upper body heat exchanger is exposed. The plurality of heat transfer fluid passages are configured to transfer heat from heated fluid flowing through the plurality of heat transfer fluid passages to airflows interacting with the plurality of fins as the vehicle is moving.