Thermal management system for vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles require a separate cooling system for controllers, which increases costs, space constraints, and complexity in the vehicle's layout due to the need for a large and heavy cooling module and complex refrigerant piping, especially in narrow engine compartments.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system that utilizes a cooling apparatus to circulate a coolant, with a main centralized energy module and a sub CE module, selectively heat-exchanging heat energy generated during refrigerant condensation and evaporation, and supplies low or high-temperature coolant to heat exchangers, and uses R152-a, R744, or R290 refrigerant to efficiently cool the controller through air exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate cooling system is added for the controller, then the controller cooling function is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the controller cooling function with the existing air conditioning system by integrating a sub-CE module that shares the refrigerant cycle and heat exchangers. The sub-CE module uses the evaporator and compressor of the air conditioning system to provide cooling to the controller, eliminating the need for a completely separate cooling system while maintaining reliable cooling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioning system is designed to serve multiple functions: cooling the vehicle interior through the main CE module and cooling the controller through the sub-CE module. The refrigerant system and heat exchangers are configured to simultaneously or selectively provide cooling to different locations based on operational requirements.
2Reliability
If a large cooling module is installed, then the controller cooling capacity is improved, but the weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling module for the controller is merged with the air conditioning system components, specifically sharing the compressor, condenser, and evaporator. The sub-CE module integrates these existing components with additional heat exchangers and piping to provide controller cooling, thereby avoiding the weight penalty of duplicating entire cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-CE module is nested within the existing air conditioning system architecture. The controller cooling function is implemented by adding heat exchangers and piping that interface with the existing refrigerant cycle, effectively nesting the controller cooling capability within the broader air conditioning infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex refrigerant piping is used to supply multiple systems, then the cooling coverage is improved, but the layout complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant distribution system is segmented into distinct circuits: a main CE module for interior cooling and a sub-CE module for controller cooling. Each module has its own heat exchangers and piping pathways, allowing independent control and simplifying the overall layout by avoiding the need for a single complex distribution network serving all functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant system is configured with local heat exchangers positioned near the cooling targets (interior space and controller). The main CE module supplies cooled refrigerant to the interior through dedicated piping, while the sub-CE module provides cooling to the controller through separate localized heat exchange pathways, reducing the need for long, complex piping runs.
4Reliability
If a separate cooling system is installed, then the controller cooling function is improved, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller cooling system is merged with the air conditioning system by sharing major components including the compressor, condenser, and evaporator. The sub-CE module integrates additional heat exchangers and piping that utilize existing mounting spaces and structural elements, thereby providing controller cooling functionality without requiring proportionally more installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioning system components serve dual purposes: the main CE module handles interior cooling while the sub-CE module provides controller cooling. This multi-functionality allows the system to deliver enhanced cooling coverage without the space penalty of completely separate systems, as the same physical infrastructure supports multiple cooling functions.
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 system simplifies the cooling system layout, reduces production costs and weight, improves space utilization, and enhances operational efficiency while preventing noise, vibration, and motion instability, achieving efficient cooling of the controller and interior temperature adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
a radiator configured to cool the coolant through heat exchange
Implementation Method 2
a cooling apparatus configured to circulate a coolant cooled in a radiator through a coolant line to cool a driving device
Implementation Method 3
selectively heat-exchanging heat energy generated during a condensation and evaporation of the refrigerant circulating the inside with a coolant
Implementation Method 4
heat energy generated during a condensation and evaporation of the refrigerant
Implementation Method 5
heat energy generated during an evaporation of the refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle thermal management system is provided. The thermal management system for includes a cooling apparatus that circulates a coolant cooled in a radiator through a coolant line to cool a driving device in the vehicle. A main centralized energy (CE) module is connected to the cooling apparatus via the coolant line, selectively heat-exchanges heat energy generated during a condensation and evaporation of the refrigerant circulating the inside with a coolant, and supplies the coolant of low temperature or high temperature to a cooling heat exchanger or a heating heat exchanger. A sub CE module is connected to the cooling apparatus through the coolant line, using the coolant received through the coolant line during the condensation of the coolant circulating the inside, and heat-exchanges heat energy generated during an evaporation of the refrigerant with an air to supply the air of low temperature to a controller in the vehicle.