Vehicle Thermal Management Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current integrated thermal management systems in vehicles fail to efficiently control engine coolant temperature and air conditioner refrigerant pressure, leading to a rise in refrigerant pressure and deterioration in cooling performance, especially during high ambient temperatures and increased cooling loads.
Innovation Solution
A control method that adjusts the coolant flow rate based on air conditioner refrigerant pressure, using an integrated flow control valve to increase coolant flow to the radiator when refrigerant pressure exceeds predetermined levels, thereby preventing excessive engine coolant temperature rises and maintaining optimal refrigerant pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If coolant flow rate is increased to prevent engine overheating, then engine cooling performance is improved, but air conditioner refrigerant pressure rises due to radiator temperature increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated flow control valve dynamically adjusts coolant flow distribution between engine cooling and radiator based on real-time operating conditions. The valve transitions between different flow patterns (engine priority, radiator priority, balanced mode) to optimize system performance under varying thermal loads and ambient conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the coolant flow rate parameter dynamically based on ambient temperature, engine load, and refrigerant pressure conditions. By adjusting the flow rate from high (engine cooling priority) to low (radiator cooling priority) or balanced, the system resolves the contradiction between preventing engine overheating and maintaining acceptable refrigerant pressure.
2Stress or pressure
If coolant flow to radiator is increased to lower refrigerant pressure, then air conditioning performance is improved, but engine coolant temperature may rise
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated flow control valve dynamically adjusts coolant flow distribution between engine cooling and radiator based on real-time operating conditions. The valve transitions between different flow patterns (engine priority, radiator priority, balanced mode) to optimize system performance under varying thermal loads and ambient conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the coolant flow rate parameter dynamically based on ambient temperature, engine load, and refrigerant pressure conditions. By adjusting the flow rate from high (engine cooling priority) to low (radiator cooling priority) or balanced, the system resolves the contradiction between preventing engine overheating and maintaining acceptable refrigerant pressure.
3Productivity
If integrated flow control valve is used to control coolant flow, then thermal management efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to motor and position sensor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated flow control valve performs multiple functions: controlling coolant flow to engine, radiator, and heater core through a single device. The valve body includes multiple outlets and internal passages that enable centralized control of the entire cooling system, replacing what would otherwise require multiple separate control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the flow control functions for engine cooling, radiator cooling, and heater operations into a single integrated valve assembly. By combining these functions, the system reduces the number of separate control devices needed while maintaining comprehensive thermal management capability.
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 approach enhances cooling efficiency and performance, reduces energy consumption, and improves air conditioning efficiency by preventing refrigerant pressure increases, thus maintaining vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
heat absorbed by the coolant from the engine is released in a radiator while the coolant circulates between the engine and the radiator
Implementation Method 2
the coolant heated in the engine is cooled in the radiator, and then the coolant cooled in the radiator cools the engine again
Implementation Method 3
the integrated flow control valve is used to control the coolant temperature to the optimum temperature by controlling coolant flow based on a driving state of a vehicle
Implementation Method 4
a valve opening ratio of each port is controlled by controlling the rotation angle of a DC motor
Implementation Method 5
accurate information on a hardware position of the motor is required for precise control of coolant temperature, and a position sensor is provided for this purpose
Implementation Method 6
The actual output obtained through combustion in the engine is about 30% of the theoretical thermal efficiency, which is due to losses occurring in the engine
Data Source
AI summary
A control method for an integrated thermal management system of a vehicle includes: comparing an engine coolant temperature with a predetermined first set temperature after vehicle start; when the engine coolant temperature is greater than the first set temperature, comparing an ambient temperature with a set ambient temperature and comparing an air conditioner refrigerant pressure with a set pressure; and when the ambient temperature is greater than the set ambient temperature and the air conditioner refrigerant pressure is greater than the set pressure, controlling opening and closing operations of an integrated flow control valve based on the air conditioner refrigerant pressure so as to increase a flow rate of coolant that is supplied to a radiator through the integrated flow control valve.