Vehicle Heating System With Dual Independent Coolant Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat systems for vehicles, particularly electric or hybrid vehicles, often have complex interconnections and inefficiencies due to multiple coolant circuits, leading to increased construction complexity and maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A heat system with two independent cooling circuits (LT and HT) that are hydraulically coupled via two coupling points, allowing for separate operation and using a common line section with a heating heat exchanger for interior compartment heating, eliminating the need for additional valves and simplifying the design while maintaining efficient temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coolant circuits are used for temperature control of different vehicle components, then temperature control capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant circuit is segmented into two independent circuits (first coolant circuit for electrical drivetrain components, second coolant circuit for interior compartment conditioning), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows tailored temperature control for different components while maintaining operational independence, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating heat exchanger serves dual purposes: it can be activated in the second coolant circuit for interior compartment heating, and the temperature control device can operate in multiple heating modes (first heating mode using the first coolant circuit, second heating mode using the second coolant circuit). This multi-functionality improves temperature control capability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple heat exchangers and coolant circuits are integrated for comprehensive temperature control, then air-conditioning efficiency is improved, but construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independently operable coolant circuits with separate pumps, heat exchangers, and control mechanisms. The first circuit handles electrical drivetrain components while the second handles interior compartment conditioning, allowing efficient air-conditioning through specialized circuits while reducing construction complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating heat exchanger acts as an intermediary component that can receive coolant from either the first or second coolant circuit depending on operating mode. This intermediary approach enables comprehensive temperature control and improved air-conditioning efficiency while avoiding the need for entirely separate heating systems, thereby controlling construction complexity.
3Measurement precision
If separate coolant circuits with independent pumps are used for different temperature zones, then temperature control precision is improved, but system complexity and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate coolant circuits with independent pumps are implemented: the first circuit for electrical drivetrain components requiring precise temperature control, and the second circuit for interior compartment conditioning. This segmentation enables precise temperature control for each zone while maintaining manageable system complexity through clear functional separation and independent operation.
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 efficient air-conditioning with reduced complexity and maintenance, allowing for flexible heating and cooling modes, optimizing coolant flow, and reducing installation space and weight, while being cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a heating heat exchanger is arranged on the common line section for the purpose of heating an interior compartment
Implementation Method 2
The coolers are formed in particular for the purpose of heat exchange with the surroundings, that is to say as surroundings heat exchangers
Data Source
AI summary
A heating system for a vehicle includes a low-temperature circuit and a high-temperature circuit which can be operated independently of each other and in which a low-temperature cooler or a high-temperature cooler is arranged. The two cooling circuits are coupled to each other via two coupling points for the exchange of coolant, and have a common conduit section, which extends between the two coupling points and on which a heat exchanger is arranged for heating the passenger compartment. A respective heat exchanger is arranged in the two cooling circuits, namely a low-temperature heat exchanger or a high-temperature heat exchanger for receiving waste heat from a respective vehicle component. The cooling circuits can be switched between a cooling operation and a heating operation.