Vehicle Thermal Circuit Layout Without an Outdoor Heat Exchanger
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Solution Overview
Problem
New energy vehicles require complex thermal management systems with separate circuits for cooling and heating processes, necessitating an outdoor heat exchanger in addition to indoor condensers and evaporators, which complicates the structure and increases energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system with a refrigerant circuit and separate first and second spaces, where the evaporator and condenser are disposed in different spaces, allowing a single circuit to function for both cooling and heating by controlling air and refrigerant flow through valves and flaps, eliminating the need for an outdoor heat exchanger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate circuits for cooling and heating are used with outdoor heat exchanger, then cooling and heating functions are achieved, but system structure becomes complex and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling and heating circuits into a single integrated refrigerant circuit. The evaporator and condenser are positioned to serve dual purposes: the evaporator in the first space (outdoor) and condenser in the second space (indoor) can function in reverse depending on operational mode, eliminating the need for separate outdoor heat exchangers and reducing system complexity while maintaining both cooling and heating capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant circuit components are designed with multi-functionality. The evaporator and condenser can switch roles based on operational requirements - during cooling mode, the evaporator cools indoor air while the condenser releases heat outdoors; during heating mode, the cycle reverses. This universal design allows a single circuit to perform both cooling and heating functions without requiring additional dedicated outdoor heat exchanger equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate circuits for cooling and heating are used, then cooling and heating functions are achieved, but assembly time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining cooling and heating functions into a single refrigerant circuit with strategically positioned evaporator and condenser, the patent reduces the number of components that need to be assembled. The evaporator in the first space and condenser in the second space are integrated into one system, eliminating the need to install separate outdoor heat exchangers and reducing assembly time and associated costs while maintaining full functional capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If outdoor heat exchanger is added, then cooling and heating efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal refrigerant circuit where the evaporator and condenser switch functions based on operational mode. During cooling, the evaporator absorbs heat from indoor air and the condenser releases it outdoors; during heating, the cycle reverses with the condenser absorbing heat from outdoor air and the evaporator releasing it indoors. This multi-functional approach maintains high efficiency for both cooling and heating without requiring additional outdoor heat exchanger equipment that would increase energy consumption.
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
Simplifies the system structure, reduces assembly time and cost, lowers energy consumption, and extends operating temperature range by using a single circuit for both cooling and heating, enhancing the vehicle's performance in various environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the evaporator is disposed in the first space, the condenser is disposed in the second space
Implementation Method 2
refrigerant circuit, including an evaporator, a condenser, a first control valve, and a compressor
Implementation Method 3
the compressor includes an air inlet and an air outlet
Implementation Method 4
one end of the evaporator is connected to the first control valve, the other end of the evaporator is connected to the air inlet
Data Source
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AI summary
A thermal management system and a new energy vehicle. The thermal management system includes a refrigerant circuit (11), and a first space (12) and a second space (13) disposed separately. The first space (12) is in communication with at most one of an outdoor space (14) and an indoor space (15), and the second space (13) is in communication with at most one of the outdoor space (14) and the indoor space (15). The refrigerant circuit (11) includes an evaporator (16), a condenser (17), a first control valve (18), and a compressor (19). The evaporator (16) is disposed in the first space (12), and the condenser (17) is disposed in the second space (13). The compressor (19) includes an air inlet (24) and an air outlet (25). One end of the evaporator (16) is connected to the first control valve (18), and the other end of the evaporator (16) is connected to the air inlet (24). One end of the condenser (17) is connected to the air outlet (25), and the other end of the condenser (17) is connected to the first control valve (18).