Vehicle Power Unit Temperature Regulation via Segmented Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle temperature regulation systems face inefficiencies in cooling both the power unit and battery due to the need for lengthy pipes when a radiator and capacitor, which are heat exchangers, are disposed next to each other, affecting the overall temperature regulation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle temperature regulation system is designed with a first cooling unit at the vehicle front side and a second cooling unit at the rear side, featuring separate circulation paths and a duct connecting the air conditioning unit to the battery, allowing for efficient heat exchange and temperature regulation of both the power unit and battery, with optional cooling and heating water storage tanks for enhanced temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the radiator and capacitor are disposed next to each other at the vehicle front side or rear side, then the space utilization is improved, but the pipe length increases and heat exchange efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling system into two separate cooling units: a first cooling unit with a radiator disposed at the vehicle front side, and a second cooling unit with a capacitor disposed at the vehicle rear side. Each cooling unit has its own independent circulation path, allowing the pipes to be shortened within each unit while maintaining effective heat exchange. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by sacrificing some space consolidation to achieve shorter pipes and better heat exchange efficiency.
2Device complexity
If the radiator and capacitor are disposed next to each other, then the compact layout is improved, but the temperature regulation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature regulation system into two independent cooling units with separate circulation paths. The first cooling unit handles power unit cooling at the front, while the second cooling unit handles battery cooling at the rear. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall temperature regulation efficiency despite increased system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different cooling solutions for different parts of the vehicle: the first cooling unit with radiator at the front for power unit cooling, and the second cooling unit with capacitor at the rear for battery cooling. Each circulation path is optimized for its specific cooling requirement, allowing efficient temperature regulation tailored to local needs.
3Device complexity
If a single circulation path is used for both power unit and battery cooling, then the system complexity is reduced, but the cooling efficiency for each component deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling system into two separate circulation paths: a first circulation path for power unit cooling and a second circulation path for battery cooling. Each circulation path is independently optimized for its specific component, ensuring reliable and efficient cooling performance for both the power unit and battery, despite the increased system complexity.
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 configuration allows for efficient temperature regulation of both the power unit and battery, reducing pipe lengths and improving heat exchange efficiency, while also enabling effective cooling and warming of the battery, thereby enhancing the battery's lifespan and vehicle performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first circulation path that allows refrigerant to circulate between the power unit and the first heat exchanger to perform heat exchange
Implementation Method 2
a second circulation path that allows refrigerant to circulate between the second heat exchanger, the air conditioning unit, and the compressor to perform heat exchange
Implementation Method 3
a duct that interconnects the air conditioning unit and the battery and through which cool air or warm air is supplied from the air conditioning unit to the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle temperature regulation system includes: a power unit including a motor driven by a supply of electrical power from a battery to cause wheels to rotate; a first cooling unit including a first heat exchanger disposed at a vehicle front side of the power unit, and a first circulation path that allows refrigerant to circulate between the power unit and the first heat exchanger to perform heat exchange; a second cooling unit including a second heat exchanger disposed at a vehicle rear side of the power unit, an air conditioning unit, a compressor, and a second circulation path that allows refrigerant to circulate between the second heat exchanger, the air conditioning unit, and the compressor to perform heat exchange; and a duct that interconnects the air conditioning unit and the battery and through which cool air or warm air is supplied from the air conditioning unit to the battery.