Vehicle Heat Pump Cooling With Centralized Energy Exchange
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle heat pump systems for electric and hybrid vehicles are complex, leading to noise, vibration, and reduced ride comfort due to frequent valve operations, and they inefficiently manage thermal energy for optimal battery performance.
Innovation Solution
A heat pump system with a centralized energy module that selectively exchanges thermal energy using low-temperature or high-temperature coolant through a network of pumps, valves, and heat exchangers to efficiently manage thermal energy for both cooling and heating, simplifying the layout and improving battery performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate battery cooling system with multiple valves is provided, then optimal battery performance is achieved, but noise and vibration increase due to frequent valve operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery cooling system with the air conditioner system by integrating the battery into the existing coolant circulation path. The battery is positioned to be cooled by the coolant flowing from the radiator, eliminating the need for separate cooling circuits and multiple valves. This merging approach maintains optimal battery temperature while reducing the number of moving parts that generate noise and vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant circulation system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it cools the engine through the radiator, cools the battery through integrated cooling channels, and provides air conditioning. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated systems, reducing overall system complexity and the number of operational valves required.
2Reliability
If a separate battery cooling system with multiple valves is provided, then optimal battery performance is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the battery cooling function into the existing air conditioner coolant circulation system. The battery is integrated into the coolant flow path between the radiator and the air conditioner components, eliminating the need for separate cooling circuits, pumps, and multiple control valves. This integration significantly simplifies the overall system layout while ensuring optimal battery cooling.
3Use of energy by moving object
If frequent valve operations are performed to manage thermal energy, then heating efficiency is improved, but noise and vibration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic flow control through strategically positioned valves that automatically adjust coolant distribution based on real-time thermal demands of the engine, battery, and air conditioner. This dynamic adjustment allows efficient thermal energy management without requiring frequent full-system valve operations, thereby reducing noise and vibration while maintaining heating efficiency.
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 enhances heating efficiency, reduces noise and vibration, and increases travel distance by optimizing battery performance through efficient thermal energy management, while also simplifying the system layout and reducing weight and manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
selectively heat-exchanging thermal energy generated from a refrigerant with a coolant upon condensing and evaporation of the refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
selectively heat-exchanging thermal energy generated from a refrigerant with a coolant upon condensing and evaporation of the refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
heat-exchanging thermal energy generated from a refrigerant with a coolant
Data Source
AI summary
A heat pump system for vehicle including a cooling apparatus, the cooling apparatus comprising a radiator and a first water pump connected to a coolant line, a battery module provided in a battery coolant line selectively connectable to the coolant line through a first valve, an air conditioner connected to the battery coolant line through a third valve, a second water pump and a cooler provided at the first connection line, a heating device connected to the battery coolant line through a fourth valve, a third water pump and a heater provided at the second connection line, and a centralized energy (CE) module connected to the coolant line and the first and second connection lines to supply coolant of low temperature to the air conditioner, to supply coolant of high temperature to the heating device, and to selectively heat-exchanging thermal energy generated upon condensing and evaporation of a refrigerant circulating inside the CE module with the coolant.