Vehicle Cooling Control Apparatus for PCU and T/A Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cooling apparatus for vehicles experiences reduced cooling efficiency when the load applied to the power control unit increases, leading to unnecessary pump operation, as the pump continues to circulate refrigerant even when the power control unit's temperature decreases, causing inefficiency in heat transfer between the PCU and T/A cooling units.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus that includes a first pump for the T/A cooling unit and a second pump for the PCU cooling unit, with a controlling portion that drives the first pump only when the power control unit's temperature exceeds a threshold and the PCU refrigerant temperature is higher than the T/A refrigerant temperature, and adjusts pump rotational speeds based on temperature differences to enhance cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the pump is driven to circulate refrigerant when LLC temperature is higher than ATF temperature, then heat transfer from PCU cooling unit to T/A cooling unit is achieved, but cooling efficiency is reduced when power control unit temperature is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pump operation conditional rather than static. The pump is driven only when specific temperature conditions are met (PCU temperature > threshold temperature AND LLC temperature > ATF temperature), allowing the system to adapt its cooling operation to actual thermal conditions and avoid unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the pump based on temperature conditions. By monitoring PCU temperature, LLC temperature, and ATF temperature, the system adjusts pump operation status and rotational speed to optimize heat transfer efficiency while minimizing energy loss during different operating conditions.
2Reliability
If the pump operates continuously to maintain cooling, then cooling capacity is ensured, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by operating the pump only during specific periods when temperature conditions require cooling (PCU temperature > threshold temperature AND LLC temperature > ATF temperature). This conditional periodic operation ensures cooling capacity is maintained when needed while avoiding continuous operation and unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from temperature sensors monitoring PCU temperature, LLC temperature, and ATF temperature to control pump operation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the pump operates only when thermal conditions indicate cooling is necessary, optimizing the balance between cooling capacity and energy consumption.
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 improves cooling efficiency by optimizing pump operation, reducing unnecessary energy consumption, and increasing the heat transfer coefficient between the PCU and T/A cooling units, ensuring effective heat transfer and efficient cooling of the power control unit.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger for transferring heat between the PCU cooling unit and the T/A cooling unit
Implementation Method 2
the heat of the refrigerant LLC is transferred to the refrigerant ATF through the heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus for a vehicle cooling apparatus that includes: a PCU cooling unit for cooling a power control unit controlling an electric motor; a T/A cooling unit for cooling a drive-force transmitting apparatus including the electric motor; and a heat exchanger for transferring heat between the PCU cooling unit and the T/A cooling unit. The T/A cooling unit includes a first pump for circulating a refrigerant of the T/A cooling unit, while the PCU cooling unit includes a second pump for circulating a refrigerant of the PCU cooling unit. The control apparatus includes a controlling portion configured to cause the first pump to be driven when a temperature of the power control unit is higher than a threshold temperature value and a temperature of the refrigerant of the PCU cooling unit is higher than a temperature of the refrigerant of the T/A cooling unit.