Vehicle Thermal Management with Separated Heat Transfer Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems for electric vehicles inefficiently utilize waste heat for temperature control, leading to high electrical energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system integrating a temperature control system and a transfer system via connecting heat exchangers, allowing for fluid separation and independent control of temperature control circuits, utilizing a transfer fluid for optimal thermal energy transfer and reducing active heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a thermal management system uses active electrical heat generation for temperature control, then temperature control capability is improved, but electrical energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures waste heat from functional components that would otherwise be discarded and redirects it to heat the interior space or other components that require heating. This converts a harmful waste product into a useful resource, achieving temperature control without consuming additional electrical energy for active heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management system uses the heat generated by the functional components themselves to provide heating to other parts of the vehicle. The system essentially heats itself by utilizing the waste heat already present in the system, eliminating the need for separate electrical heating elements.
2Loss of energy
If waste heat is not effectively utilized, then temperature control simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal management system is divided into separate temperature control circuits, each with its own heat exchanger and control mechanisms. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each circuit for waste heat recovery while maintaining overall system manageability and clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
Heat exchangers serve as intermediary components that facilitate thermal energy transfer between functional components and interior spaces without requiring direct fluid or thermal contact. These intermediaries enable efficient waste heat utilization while keeping the system architecture clear and manageable.
3Device complexity
If a single integrated thermal management system is used, then system simplicity is improved, but temperature control precision for different components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple independent temperature control circuits, each dedicated to specific functional components or interior zones. This segmentation enables precise temperature control for each circuit while maintaining an integrated system architecture that facilitates waste heat sharing between circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
Each temperature control circuit is optimized for its specific function with dedicated heat exchangers and control mechanisms tailored to the thermal requirements of the served components. This local optimization ensures precise temperature control while the overall integrated system enables efficient waste heat utilization.
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
Enhances temperature control of functional components and vehicle interior with reduced electrical energy consumption by effectively utilizing waste heat, enabling flexible and efficient temperature regulation.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal management system comprises, on the one hand, a temperature control system into which at least a plurality of functional components to be temperature-controlled, an ambient heat exchanger, and a (first) heating heat exchanger
Data Source
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AI summary
A thermal management system of a motor vehicle 1 comprises a temperature control system 3, into which a plurality of functional components 2 to be temperature-controlled, an ambient heat exchanger 5, and a heating heat exchanger 4, through which air 21, which is to be supplied to an interior of the motor vehicle 1, can be temperature-controlled, are integrated. Each of the functional components 2 and the heating heat exchanger 4 can be alternately connected by means of a distribution system to both a first connecting heat exchanger 6 and a second connecting heat exchanger 7 to form temperature control circuits in each of which a temperature control fluid can be conveyed, wherein the ambient heat exchanger 5 can be integrated into at least one temperature control circuit comprising the first connecting heat exchanger 6.Furthermore, the thermal management system comprises a transfer system 15, fluidically separated from the temperature control system 3, which integrates the first connecting heat exchanger 6 and the second connecting heat exchanger 7 in at least one transfer circuit. The thermal management system enables advantageous temperature control of the functional components 2 and the interior of the vehicle 1, which is ensured by the provided connection between the temperature control system 3 and the transfer system 15 via the two connecting heat exchangers 6 and 7, which thermally couple these systems.