Integrated Vehicle Thermal Module With Shorter Coolant Piping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of numerous cooling pipeline connections in thermal management systems of new energy vehicles increases the length of cooling pipelines, leading to higher flow resistance and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A highly integrated thermal management system with a tank assembly and valve unit that integrates components on a shell body, incorporating pipelines within an accommodation chamber and utilizing multi-way valves to control fluid flow, reducing the number of external connections and optimizing spatial arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If components are scattered arranged to meet thermal management requirements, then thermal management functionality is improved, but the space occupied by components and pipeline length increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple thermal management components (water pump, heat exchanger, condenser, valves, and pipelines) into a single integrated module. The water pump, heat exchanger, and condenser are arranged in a compact configuration with shared piping, eliminating the need for separate dispersed components and reducing overall pipeline length while maintaining thermal management functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated module serves multiple thermal management functions simultaneously - cooling the battery pack, cooling the motor, condensing refrigerant, and circulating coolant - all within a single modular unit. This multi-functional design replaces multiple separate components with one universal thermal management system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If components are scattered arranged to meet thermal management requirements, then thermal management functionality is improved, but the space occupied by components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple thermal management components (water pump, heat exchanger, condenser, valves, and pipelines) into a single integrated module. The water pump, heat exchanger, and condenser are arranged in a compact configuration with shared piping, eliminating the need for separate dispersed components and reducing overall pipeline length while maintaining thermal management functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated module employs a nested arrangement where the water pump is positioned within or adjacent to the heat exchanger assembly, and the condenser is integrated into the same housing structure. This nesting of components within a compact modular housing significantly reduces the overall installation space compared to dispersed component arrangement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If numerous cooling pipeline connections are used, then thermal management coverage is improved, but flow resistance increases and working efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple thermal management components (water pump, heat exchanger, condenser, valves, and pipelines) into a single integrated module. The water pump, heat exchanger, and condenser are arranged in a compact configuration with shared piping, eliminating the need for separate dispersed components and reducing overall pipeline length while maintaining thermal management functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated module design ensures continuous and optimized coolant flow paths with minimal interruptions or resistance. The compact arrangement of components within the module creates direct, short flow paths that maintain continuous coolant circulation, reducing flow resistance and energy loss while ensuring all thermal management functions are continuously served.
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 integration significantly saves installation space, reduces pipeline length and flow resistance, and enhances the overall efficiency of the thermal management system.
Implementation Method 1
a first end of the pipeline communicates with a water outlet of the battery pack, and a second end of the pipeline communicates with a water inlet of the battery pack
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of pipelines for liquid circulation is disposed in the accommodation chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application provides a thermal management system, a vehicle, and a thermal management method. The thermal management system includes a tank assembly and a valve unit, the tank assembly includes a shell body and a cover plate, the shell body covers the cover plate and forms an accommodation chamber together with the cover plate, and the valve unit is installed on the shell body; the accommodation chamber is internally provided with a plurality of pipelines for liquid circulation, the shell body has a plurality of connection ports communicating with the accommodation chamber, a first end of the pipeline is correspondingly in communication with the connection port, and a second end of the pipeline and a portion of the pipeline are located outside of the accommodation chamber; and the valve unit has a plurality of valve ports correspondingly in communication with the connection ports. The thermal management system of the present application can shorten the total length of the pipelines, reduce the flow resistance in the pipelines, and enhance the working efficiency of the system.