Functionality of a thermal management system
A thermal management system optimizes the heat and cold balance in the vehicle. Heat is produced by the combustion engine in conventional vehicles or by the electric vehicle components (battery, motor, power electronics). This heat is absorbed at the heat source by the coolant circulating in the cooling circuit and dissipated at a heat sink. In a similar manner, the cold generated by the A/C compressor is directed to the components requiring cooling. Coolant pumps and valves are regulated by a superordinate control unit to provide demand-based circulation of the cold or warm coolant in any operating condition.
An engine cooling fan that combines maximum efficiency with the lowest possible noise level can be used to ensure air flow through the heat exchanger in case of insufficient driving speed and thus significantly increase the amount of heat dissipated into the ambient air. An air conditioning blower enhances the comfort in the passenger compartment that operates at a pleasant noise level and features low energy consumption.
In electric vehicles, the requirements on the thermal system step up even further since there is no waste heat available from a combustion engine. In order to attain the longest range possible, the available heat energy must be used as efficiently as possible. This is accomplished, for example, by utilizing the heat from the electric motor, the battery or the power electronics for heating the vehicle interior. Additionally, the electric vehicles's cooling circuit also has to be prepared for extreme situations, such as fast battery charging, and must be designed for a significantly longer life time (due to battery charging and preheating/precooling the passenger compartment).
Customer-specific solutions and extensive know-how
Depending on the desired functionality, Bosch develops different customer-specific system and component solutions based on a validated contruction kit for pumps, valves, fan motors and fan modules. Bosch has in-depth knowledge of the overall thermal system of vehicles as well as extensive experience of all applications. In conjunction with know-how in the areas of aerodynamics, acoustics, electro-mechanics and electronics, Bosch develops solutions, which precisely adapt the output of the cooling system in every situation to the cooling requirement of the particular type of drive.
