DE-102024210772-A1 - Defrosting system in an electric vehicle for a heat pump

Abstract

In order to create a de-icing system (100) in an electric vehicle (29) for a heat pump, which can eliminate icing without damaging any vehicle components and increases the efficiency of a heat pump affected by icing, it is proposed that the de-icing system (100) includes at least one de-icing device (10) and at least one defrost water drain (11).

Inventors

• Stefan Lucke
• Matthias Richter

Assignees

• VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT

Dates

Publication Date

20260513

Application Date

20241108

Claims (10)

1. Defrosting system (100) in an electric vehicle (29) for a heat pump, wherein the defrosting system (100) comprises at least one defrosting device (10) and at least one defrost water drain (11).
2. De-icing system (100) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one defrost water drain (11) is arranged in a first cooling air path (12) and/or in a second cooling air path (14) of the vehicle.
3. De-icing system (100) according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the first cooling air path (12) is formed between a first cooler (15) and a fan (16), wherein preferably the first cooler (15) is a gas cooler (17).
4. De-icing system (100) according to Claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that the second cooling air path (14) is formed between the first cooler (15) and a second cooler (18), wherein preferably the second cooler (18) is a low-temperature cooler (19).
5. De-icing system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the de-icing water drain (11) comprises at least one opening (23), wherein the opening (23) is designed in the direction of an underbody (13) of the vehicle, wherein the opening (23) in particular has a rectangular, oval and/or round shape, preferably the de-icing water drain (11) comprises at least two openings (23), more preferably at least three openings (23).
6. Defrosting system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the defrosting device (10) is designed as an electric heating element (21), wherein the electric heating element (21) is arranged between the first cooler (15) and the fan (16).
7. De-icing system (100) according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the electrical heating element (21) is part of a charging device (25) for charging an electric vehicle battery.
8. De-icing system (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the defrosting device (10) is designed as a refrigerant line (27) preferably heated to at least 10 °C, wherein the refrigerant line (27) is preferably designed as a round tube and/or as an extruded profile.
9. De-icing system (100) according to Claim 5 and 8 , characterized in that the refrigerant line (27) is arranged in a defrosting zone (28), wherein the defrosting zone (28) comprises the opening (23) of the defrosting water drain (11).
10. A method for operating the de-icing system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: a) Detecting that the outside temperature has fallen below a predetermined level and/or that a predetermined period has elapsed and/or that icing has occurred b) Activating the de-icing system (10) c) Melting any ice that has formed (20) d) Conveying de-icing water (22) through a de-icing water drain (11)

Description

The invention relates to a de-icing system in an electric vehicle for a heat pump, a method for operating the de-icing system and a vehicle comprising such a de-icing system. The DE 10 2020 112 293 A1 describes a heat exchanger for a heat pump, in particular for air conditioning a vehicle interior, comprising a plurality of parallel pipes for conveying a refrigerant, wherein fins are arranged between the pipes which are thermally coupled to the pipes. From the DE 10 2020 200 079 A1 An outdoor air heat exchanger for a vehicle is known. It is designed that a manifold of the outdoor air heat exchanger is equipped with capillaries so that capillary action assists in the removal of water. The DE 10 2018 131 026 A1 This document concerns a heat exchanger for a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle. It is provided that a heat exchanger for a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle, is provided. Such a heat exchanger comprises at least a first hollow body in which a first medium is contained. Furthermore, a cooling device with at least one finned body is provided. The cooling device is designed to be permeated by a second medium and is attached to the first hollow body by means of a mounting area of the finned body, so that energy transfer between the first and the second medium is possible. The mounting area is enclosed by two respective side walls of the finned body. It is provided that the mounting area of the finned body is aligned parallel to a plane of a longitudinal side of the first hollow body facing the finned body, and the two respective side walls are aligned at an angle between 75° and 105° to a surface of the first hollow body facing the finned body. The DE 10 2021 211 228 A1 The device relates to a heat exchanger, in particular an evaporator, with a tube-fin block comprising tubes and fin elements, wherein the tubes are spaced apart in a row or in rows and arranged parallel to each other, wherein fin elements are arranged between the tubes, extending between each pair of adjacent tubes, wherein at least one collection box is provided, wherein the tube ends of the tubes of the tube-fin block are inserted into openings of the at least one collection box, wherein a drainage conveying element is provided on one of the collection boxes, which is arranged in certain areas at a defined distance from the collection box and has lugs that engage between the tubes to create at least one drainage channel between the surface of the collection box and the drainage conveying element, which facilitates the removal of a quantity of water collected on the surface of the collection box. Ensuring passenger comfort in battery-electric vehicles (EVs) presents an energy challenge. While the energy for heating in cold weather can be supplied by a primary energy source, this reduces the vehicle's range. Heat pumps can compensate for heating requirements more efficiently. Typically, energy is extracted from the environment via a heat exchanger. This energy extraction can lead to icing of the heat exchanger, which can restrict its use. During defrosting, the resulting condensate must be removed. The invention is based on the objective of proposing a de-icing system by which icing can be remedied in such a way that no vehicle components are damaged and the efficiency of a heat pump affected by icing is increased by de-icing. This problem is solved by the de-icing system claimed in claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims. According to the invention, a de-icing system is provided in an electric vehicle for a heat pump, wherein the de-icing system comprises at least one de-icing device and at least one defrost water drain. The expert understands battery-electric vehicles, electric vehicles, and/or electric hybrid vehicles to be synonymous. The advantage of the de-icing system is that if a heat exchanger of a heat pump and/or the defrost drain ices up, de-icing and drainage of the resulting defrost water can be carried out efficiently to restore full functionality. If the If icing remains, it will eventually lead to damage to the components surrounding the ice in the electric vehicle. The de-icing system is particularly advantageous in climates where freezing of defrost drains is frequent and intense. Another advantage is that the defrost water is drained away directly, making re-icing less likely immediately after the de-icing system is switched off. For example, at least one defrost water drain can be located in a primary and/or secondary cooling air path of the vehicle. Under normal and/or elevated humidity conditions, water can condense on cold surfaces and, depending on the temperature, freeze. When this water thaws, it must be drained away from the affected component to prevent re-icing or build-up of ice. Therefore, locating the defrost water drain in the primary cooling air path is advantageous. For example, the first cooling air path is formed between a prima