Abstract: A cooling system for an electric vehicle includes a cooling system loop including a refrigerant, a compressor, and a condenser. The cooling system loop is configured to receive the refrigerant after the refrigerant exits the condenser. The cooling system loop comprises a separator configured to receive liquid refrigerant, and a component located downstream from the separator. A vehicle plug monitor circuit generates a plug monitor signal when the vehicle is coupled to an external power source. A controller operates the compressor in response to the plug monitor signal to communicate liquid refrigerant to the separator.

Abstract: A two-phase cooling system for an electrified vehicle includes a condenser, a first electronic drive module (EDM), a high voltage battery, a first vapor compression loop and a second vapor compression loop. The first EDM includes a first electric motor and a first power inverter module (PIM). The high voltage battery powers the first EDM. The first vapor compression loop provides cooling to the first EDM and includes a first liquid-vapor separator and a first pump that draws subcooled liquid from the condenser through the first liquid-vapor separator and directs the cooling liquid to the first EDM. A controller: receives driver inputs indicative of a thermal limit of the cooling system; determines, based on the driver inputs, that the thermal limit will be reached in a short future timeframe; and commands, based on the determination, the first compressor to increase compressor speed.

Abstract: A refrigerant quality sensor includes an elongated sensor housing comprising a first end wall and a second end wall and at least one side wall extending between the first end wall and the second end wall. A refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet are disposed in the at least one side wall. A light source is disposed at the first end wall. A photosensor is disposed at the second end wall. The photosensor generates an electrical signal corresponding to a quality of refrigerant within the elongated sensor housing.

Abstract: A refrigerant quality sensor includes an elongated sensor housing comprising a first end wall and a second end wall and at least one side wall extending between the first end wall and the second end wall. A refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet are disposed in the at least one side wall. A light source is disposed at the first end wall. A photosensor is disposed at the second end wall. The photosensor generates an electrical signal corresponding to a quality of refrigerant within the elongated sensor housing.

Abstract: A cooling system for an electric vehicle includes a cooling system loop including a refrigerant, a compressor, and a condenser. The cooling system loop is configured to receive the refrigerant after the refrigerant exits the condenser. The cooling system loop comprises a separator configured to receive liquid refrigerant and a component located downstream from the separator. A vehicle plug monitor circuit generates a plug monitor signal when the vehicle is coupled to an external power source. A controller operates the compressor in response to the plug monitor signal to communicate liquid refrigerant to the separator.

Abstract: A thermal accumulator assembly (TAA) for a vehicle waste heat recovery system (WHRS) utilizing a two-phase coolant includes a hermetically sealed housing having a separator plate dividing an interior of the housing into a higher pressure first chamber and a lower pressure second chamber. A pressure control valve is disposed between the first and second chambers. A first inlet port is connected to the first chamber and configured to receive a first flow of coolant. A first outlet port is connected to the first chamber and configured to a second flow of liquid coolant to a heat generating component in the WHRS. A second inlet port is connected to the first chamber and configured to receive a third flow of heated coolant from the heat generating component. A second outlet port is connected to the second chamber and configured to supply a fourth flow of vapor coolant to the WHRS.

Abstract: A thermal accumulator assembly (TAA) for a vehicle waste heat recovery system (WHRS) utilizing a two-phase coolant includes a hermetically sealed housing having a separator plate dividing an interior of the housing into a higher pressure first chamber and a lower pressure second chamber. A pressure control valve is disposed between the first and second chambers. A first inlet port is connected to the first chamber and configured to receive a first flow of coolant. A first outlet port is connected to the first chamber and configured to a second flow of liquid coolant to a heat generating component in the WHRS. A second inlet port is connected to the first chamber and configured to receive a third flow of heated coolant from the heat generating component. A second outlet port is connected to the second chamber and configured to supply a fourth flow of vapor coolant to the WHRS.

Abstract: A thermal accumulator assembly (TAA) for a vehicle waste heat recovery system (WHRS) utilizing a two-phase coolant includes a hermetically sealed housing having a separator plate dividing an interior of the housing into a higher pressure first chamber and a lower pressure second chamber, and an expander generator disposed between the first and second chambers and including an expander operably coupled to a motor generator. The first chamber is configured as a reservoir for the two-phase coolant, and the expander is configured to receive a flow of vapor coolant from the first chamber to generate power via the motor generator.

Abstract: A thermal accumulator assembly (TAA) for a vehicle waste heat recovery system (WHRS) utilizing a two-phase coolant includes a hermetically sealed housing having a separator plate dividing an interior of the housing into a higher pressure first chamber and a lower pressure second chamber, and an expander generator disposed between the first and second chambers and including an expander operably coupled to a motor generator. The first chamber is configured as a reservoir for the two-phase coolant, and the expander is configured to receive a flow of vapor coolant from the first chamber to generate power via the motor generator.