A compact and efficient heat-pump system with a preconditioning concept for electric vehicles

Abstract

DENSO has developed an innovative concept which provides efficient thermal management including
preconditioning for electric vehicles. The thermal conditioning for the cabin and powertrain offers maximum
comfort to the user and increases the driving range of the vehicle. The efficient thermal management in the
vehicle is provided by a compact water-to-water heat pump system which can harvest heat from the ambient
environment even at sub-zero temperatures and excess heat dissipated from the powertrain components, i.e.
inverter and the electric motor with possibilities to also include the battery. The system provides simultaneous
cold and warm water coolant, which with control logic is used to harvest or reject heat from the cabin and
powertrain, respectively. The overall system proves to be 30 percent more efficient compared to a PTC based
direct air heating.