Vehicle heat pump system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle heat pump systems for electric vehicles are limited in reducing manufacturing costs and minimizing the number of components, particularly by requiring multiple expansion valves and additional refrigerant lines for battery cooling.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle heat pump system that incorporates a water-cooled condenser, an air-cooled outdoor heat exchanger, an evaporator, and a chiller, along with a refrigerant flow direction-changing valve that functions as a three-way valve and expansion valve, to control refrigerant flow and minimize the number of expansion valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple expansion valves and additional refrigerant lines are added for battery cooling, then the cooling function for battery is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outdoor heat exchanger is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a condenser during cooling mode and as a heat source during heating mode. Additionally, the chiller can cool both the battery and the outdoor heat exchanger, eliminating the need for separate cooling circuits. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components while maintaining comprehensive cooling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the battery cooling function with the existing chiller and outdoor heat exchanger system. The chiller cools the outdoor heat exchanger, and the cooled outdoor heat exchanger in turn cools the battery, merging multiple cooling functions into a single integrated system rather than adding separate independent cooling circuits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a refrigerant line for cooling the battery is added to the conventional system, then the battery cooling capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chiller is designed to cool multiple components including the battery and the outdoor heat exchanger through a single refrigerant circuit. This universal cooling capability eliminates the need for separate battery cooling lines, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining battery cooling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The outdoor heat exchanger serves dual purposes: it condenses refrigerant during cooling mode and provides cooling capacity to the battery during heating mode. The system uses its own components (outdoor heat exchanger and chiller) to provide battery cooling without requiring external or additional dedicated battery cooling infrastructure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the outdoor heat exchanger bypass is implemented, then the frosting problem is reduced, but the refrigerant flow control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant flow direction-changing valve dynamically adjusts refrigerant flow paths based on operating conditions. During heating mode, it can bypass the outdoor heat exchanger to prevent frosting when outdoor temperatures are low, while during cooling mode it directs refrigerant through the outdoor heat exchanger for condensation. This dynamic control prevents frosting without requiring additional permanent structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant flow direction-changing valve acts as an intermediary device that mediates between different refrigerant flow paths. It controls whether refrigerant flows through the outdoor heat exchanger or bypasses it, providing flexible control over frosting prevention while maintaining simple overall system architecture through a single multi-position valve rather than multiple control mechanisms.
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 achieves price competitiveness and realizes all air-conditioning modes with fewer valves, allowing for outdoor heat exchanger bypass and effective management of frosting and waste heat, while minimizing pressure loss and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a water-cooled condenser which is provided downstream of the indoor heat exchanger in the refrigerant flow direction, and exchanges heat with first cooling water
Implementation Method 2
an outdoor heat exchanger which is provided downstream of the water-cooled condenser in the refrigerant flow direction, and exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air
Implementation Method 3
an evaporator which is provided in the air-conditioning case, and exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the air so as to cool the interior
Implementation Method 4
a chiller which is provided downstream of the outdoor heat exchanger in the refrigerant flow direction, is provided in a refrigerant line bypassing the evaporator, and exchanges heat with second cooling water
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle heat pump system comprising a compressor for discharging a refrigerant; an indoor heat exchanger in an air-conditioning case, allowing heat exchange between air and the refrigerant; a water-cooled condenser downstream of the indoor heat exchanger in the flow direction of the refrigerant, exchanging heat with first cooling water; an outdoor heat exchanger downstream of the water-cooled condenser, allowing heat exchange between the refrigerant and outdoor air; an evaporator in the air-conditioning case, allowing heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air to cool the indoor space, and a chiller downstream of the outdoor heat exchanger exchanging heat with second cooling water. An outdoor unit bypass line allowing refrigerant to pass through the water-cooled condenser and bypass the outdoor heat exchanger, which branches off between the water-cooled condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger and is connected to the upstream side of the chiller in the flow direction of the refrigerant.