Active louver system for controlled airflow in a multi-function automotive radiator and condenser system

摘要

A vehicle thermal management system is provided that includes two or more heat exchangers configured in a non-stacked arrangement, where separate air inlets corresponding to each of the heat exchangers allow a direct intake of ambient air. Active louver systems consisting of sets of adjustable louvers and a control actuator are used to control and regulate air flowing directly into one or more of the heat exchangers, where the adjustable louvers are either adjustable between two positions, i.e., opened and closed, or adjustable over a range of positions. Air ducts may be used to couple the output from one heat exchanger to the input of a different heat exchanger.

主权项

1. A vehicle thermal management system, comprising:
at least a first heat exchanger and second heat exchanger, wherein said first and second heat exchangers are configured in a non-stacked arrangement, and wherein said first heat exchanger is in thermal communication with a first vehicle cooling subsystem and said second heat exchanger is in thermal communication with a second vehicle cooling subsystem; a first air inlet, wherein air flowing through said first air inlet flows directly into said first heat exchanger without first passing through said second heat exchanger; a second air inlet, wherein air flowing through said second air inlet flows directly into said second heat exchanger without first passing through said first heat exchanger; and an active louver system, comprising:
a plurality of adjustable louvers that control air flowing directly through said second air inlet into said second heat exchanger; andan actuator coupled to said plurality of adjustable louvers, wherein said actuator controls positioning of said plurality of adjustable louvers between at least a first position and a second position; wherein said plurality of adjustable louvers are mounted within an air inlet aperture located adjacent a bumper assembly, the bumper assembly having a fascia with a curvature; wherein at least a first adjustable louver of said plurality of adjustable louvers is configured to pivot about a pivot axis located along a front edge portion of said first adjustable louver, the pivot axis positioned adjacent the bumper assembly; and wherein the first adjustable louver is configured and shaped to continue the curvature of the fascia of the bumper assembly when the first adjustable louver is in an open position, such that the first adjustable louver is inclined downwards from the pivot axis so as to minimize disruption of the air flowing directly through the second air inlet.