Vehicular heat exchange device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular heat exchange devices fail to effectively utilize the heat generated by the electric power storage unit, leading to inefficiencies in both the internal combustion engine and electric power storage unit operations.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular heat exchange device is designed with multiple medium flow circuits and valve portions that allow for communication and non-communication states between the electric power storage unit, internal combustion engine, and drive motor, enabling the transfer of heat from the electric power storage unit to the internal combustion engine before driving, and thermal separation to prevent overheating of the electric power storage unit and drive motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat from the internal combustion engine is supplied to the electric power storage unit, then the electric power storage unit temperature is maintained, but the electric power storage unit may overheat and cause troubles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the first valve portion to switch between communication and non-communication states based on real-time temperature conditions. When the electric power storage unit temperature reaches a predetermined threshold, the valve closes to prevent overheating; when temperature is below the threshold, the valve opens to allow heat supply. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining temperature and preventing overheating.
2Loss of energy
If heat exchange medium flows between electric power storage unit and internal combustion engine, then heat is effectively utilized, but thermal separation is lost which may cause overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where temperature detection means continuously monitors the electric power storage unit temperature, and the control means adjusts the first valve portion based on the detected temperature. When temperature exceeds the threshold, the system automatically closes the valve to stop heat flow; when temperature is within acceptable range, the valve remains open for effective heat utilization. This feedback loop resolves the contradiction between heat utilization efficiency and temperature control.
3Productivity
If the internal combustion engine is preheated using electric power storage unit heat, then combustion efficiency is improved, but the electric power storage unit may lose necessary heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by switching the thermal state of the system based on temperature thresholds. The first valve portion changes the thermal parameter (heat flow state) between communication and non-communication modes. When the electric power storage unit reaches sufficient temperature, the valve opens to transfer heat to the internal combustion engine for preheating, improving combustion efficiency while maintaining the electric power storage unit temperature above the threshold.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If thermal communication is maintained between medium flow circuits, then heat exchange is continuous, but control flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heat exchange system into separate controllable zones by introducing the first valve portion between the electric power storage unit medium flow circuit and the internal combustion engine medium flow circuit. This segmentation allows independent control of heat flow between components while maintaining continuous heat exchange within each circuit. The valve enables flexible temperature control by selectively opening or closing the inter-circuit heat path based on temperature conditions.
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 configuration enhances the combustion efficiency of the internal combustion engine by preheating it with heat from the electric power storage unit and maintains stable temperatures for both the electric power storage unit and drive motor, preventing overheating issues and improving overall efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
heat exchange with the electric power storage unit (3), and a first valve portion (71 to 74) switching between a communication state and a non-communication state between the engine side circuit (61) and the battery side circuit (62)
Implementation Method 2
a third medium flow circuit through which the heat exchange medium that exchanges heat with a drive motor (2b) driven by electric power discharged from the electric power storage unit (3) flows
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A vehicular heat exchange device includes: a first medium flow circuit (61) through which a heat exchange medium that exchanges heat with an internal combustion engine (1) flows; a second medium flow circuit (62) through which the heat exchange medium that exchanges heat with an electric power storage unit (3) that can be charged and discharged flows; and a first valve portion (71, 72, 73, 74) switching between a communication state and a non-communication state between the first medium flow circuit and the second medium flow circuit, in which the vehicular heat exchange device is configured such that the first valve portion causes the first medium flow circuit and the second medium flow circuit to be in the communication state to raise a temperature of the internal combustion engine before driving of the internal combustion engine using heat of the electric power storage unit.