Vehicle Heat Pump Segmentation for Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle climate control systems using heat pumps face inefficiencies due to the placement of heat exchangers in the air flow path, which affects heat extraction and rejection during both heating and cooling modes, leading to suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a method of transferring thermal energy to a high temperature coolant loop during heating mode and to a low temperature coolant loop during cooling mode, allowing for the use of different heat exchangers with optimal packaging locations to improve heat pump efficiency and reduce refrigerant usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the heat pump heat exchanger is placed in front of other vehicle heat exchangers, then it can extract more heat from ambient air during passenger cabin heating mode, but it increases the temperature of air flowing to subsequent heat exchangers, reducing their heat rejection efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single heat exchanger into two separate heat exchangers: a first heat exchanger for heating mode and a second heat exchanger for cooling mode. This segmentation allows each heat exchanger to be optimally positioned in the air flow path for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between heat extraction efficiency and heat rejection efficiency that arises when a single heat exchanger must serve both purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving different heat exchangers different positions in the air flow path based on their specific functions. The first heat exchanger is positioned to maximize heat extraction during heating mode, while the second heat exchanger is positioned to maximize heat rejection during cooling mode. This localized optimization for each component's specific role resolves the efficiency trade-off.
2Loss of energy
If the heat pump heat exchanger is placed behind other vehicle heat exchangers, then it can reject heat more effectively during cooling mode, but it extracts less heat from ambient air during heating mode due to reduced ambient air exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heat exchange function into two separate heat exchangers, allowing the second heat exchanger to be positioned behind other vehicle heat exchangers for optimal cooling mode performance without compromising the first heat exchanger's heating mode performance. Each heat exchanger operates independently in its optimized position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal heat exchange system where two heat exchangers work together to provide both heating and cooling functions. The first heat exchanger handles heating mode while the second handles cooling mode, allowing the system as a whole to achieve both functions with optimal efficiency rather than compromising either function with a single heat exchanger.
3Device complexity
If a single heat exchanger is used for both heating and cooling modes, then the system structure is simpler, but the heat pump cannot operate with high efficiency in both modes simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heat exchange function into two separate heat exchangers, accepting increased system complexity as the trade-off for achieving high heat pump efficiency in both heating and cooling modes. The controller manages the two heat exchangers based on operating mode, and this control complexity is minimal compared to the significant efficiency gains achieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the controller selectively activates the first or second heat exchanger based on whether the vehicle is in heating or cooling mode. This dynamic switching allows the system to maintain optimal efficiency for the current operating condition while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through centralized control logic.
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 approach enhances heat pump efficiency, allows for better positioning of heat exchangers, and reduces the size of the external heat exchanger, while maintaining effective climate control in vehicle cabins.
Implementation Method 1
transferring thermal energy from a heat pump to a high temperature coolant loop in a first climate control mode; and transferring thermal energy from the heat pump to a low temperature coolant loop in a second climate control mode
Implementation Method 2
The heat pump heat exchanger is placed in an ambient air flow path to extract or reject heat to or from ambient air
Implementation Method 3
The heat pump may use the same heat pump heat exchanger as a condenser in a passenger compartment cooling mode
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and system for operating a vehicle climate control system comprising a heat pump and one or more coolant loops are described. In one example, the heat pump sends fluid to high and low temperature coolant loops based on operating mode. The systems and methods may be incorporated into electric, hybrid, and internal combustion engine propelled vehicles.