Vehicle battery cooling systems and electric vehicles

Abstract

To provide a vehicle battery cooling system, etc. with which it is possible to improve efficiency of cooling batteries while improving conveniences, etc.SOLUTION: A vehicle battery cooling system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a water storage tank that is disposed near a battery in an electric vehicle, and that stores cooling water with which to cool the battery; a circulation mechanism that circulates the cooling water supplied from an external facility via the battery and the water storage tank, when electric power is supplied from the external facility to the battery; a nozzle that sprays the cooling water supplied from this circulation mechanism to prescribed points of a vehicle body in the electric vehicle; a folding type radiation fin that controls a movement of heat between the battery and the water storage tank; and a control unit that controls operations of each of the circulation mechanism and the nozzle and open / closed states of the radiation fin, respectively.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery cooling system for a vehicle and an electric vehicle equipped with such a battery cooling system for a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] As a system for cooling a battery incorporated in an electric vehicle (a battery cooling system for a vehicle), various technologies have been disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a battery cooling system for a vehicle, for example, it is required to improve convenience and the cooling efficiency of the battery. It is desirable to provide a battery cooling system for a vehicle that can improve the cooling efficiency of the battery while improving convenience and the like, and an electric vehicle equipped with such a battery cooling system for a vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A vehicle battery cooling system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a system for cooling a battery built into an electric vehicle, and is located near the battery inside the electric vehicle and comprises: a water storage tank for storing cooling water to cool the battery; a circulation mechanism that circulates the cooling water supplied from an external device through the battery and the water storage tank when power is supplied from an external device to the battery; a nozzle that sprays the cooling water supplied from the circulation mechanism to a predetermined location on the vehicle body of the electric vehicle; a foldable heat dissipation fin that controls the transfer of heat between the battery and the water storage tank; and a control unit that controls the operation of the circulation mechanism and the nozzle, and the opening and closing state of the heat dissipation fin, respectively.

[0006] An electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is equipped with a vehicle battery cooling system according to the above embodiment of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of an electric vehicle, etc., according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a vehicle battery cooling system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2B] This flowchart shows an example of the operation following Figure 2A. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The description will be in the following order. 1. Embodiment (Example of a system for charging and cooling batteries in electric vehicles) 2. Variations

[0009] <1. Embodiment> [composition] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of an electric vehicle (electric vehicle 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. This electric vehicle 1 is composed of an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).

[0010] The electric vehicle 1 comprises a vehicle body 10, a battery 11, a connection part 12, a water storage tank 13, a circulation mechanism 14, branch channels 14a to 14c, heat dissipation fins 15, nozzles 16a to 16c, temperature sensors 171 and 172, and a control unit 18. In addition, as shown in Figure 1, a charging water supply unit 9 is installed on the ground G as an external facility near the electric vehicle 1. In the electric vehicle 1, although the details will be described later, charging of the battery 11 (supply of power P) and supply of cooling water W are performed via a connection cable 90 and a plug 91 between the electric vehicle 1 and the charging water supply unit 9.

[0011] Furthermore, the water storage tank 13, circulation mechanism 14, heat dissipation fins 15, nozzles 16a to 16c, and control unit 18 correspond to one specific example of the "vehicle battery cooling system (a system for cooling a battery built into an electric vehicle)" in this disclosure. In addition, the charging water supply unit 9 corresponds to one specific example of the "external equipment" in this disclosure.

[0012] The battery 11 stores the electricity used in the electric vehicle 1 and is composed of various types of secondary batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the connection part 12 is the part to which the plug 91 is connected. Through these plugs 91 and connection part 12, power P is supplied from the charging water supply unit 9 via the connection cable 90 to the electric vehicle 1, and cooling water W is supplied from the charging water supply unit 9 via the flow path in the connection cable 90 to the electric vehicle 1.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the water storage tank 13 is located near the battery 11 inside the electric vehicle 1 and is a part that stores cooling water W for cooling the battery 11.

[0015] circulation mechanism 14 Is it a rechargeable water dispenser 9? Ra Ba This is a mechanism (circulation channel) that circulates the cooling water W through the battery 11 and the water storage tank 13 when power is being supplied to the battery 11 (when the battery 11 is being charged) (see the dashed arrow in Figure 1). 14 Specifically, the cooling water W is circulated from the connection part 12 (plug 91) through the battery 11, the heat dissipation fins 15 (described later), and the water storage tank 13 back to the connection part 12.

[0016] Furthermore, the reason why the circulation of the cooling water W is limited to the period during which the battery 11 is being charged is to prevent the cooling water W from freezing between the water storage tank 13 and the nozzles 16a to 16c described later (such as the branched flow paths 14a to 14c below). In other words, outside of the period during which the battery 11 is being charged, the cooling water W is collected in the water storage tank 13.

[0017] The branched channels 14a to 14c are each sections that branch off from the circulation mechanism 14 (circulation channel) and are channels that supply cooling water W to each nozzle 16a to 16c. In other words, as shown in Figure 1, branched channel 14a is a channel that supplies cooling water W from the circulation mechanism 14 to nozzle 16a. Similarly, branched channel 14b is a channel that supplies cooling water W from the circulation mechanism 14 to nozzle 16b, and branched channel 14c is a channel that supplies cooling water W from the circulation mechanism 14 to nozzle 16c.

[0018] The nozzles 16a to 16c are each a part that injects the cooling water W supplied from the circulation mechanism 14 through the respective branch channels 14a to 14c to a predetermined location of the vehicle body 10 in the electric vehicle 1. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the nozzle 16a is configured to inject the cooling water W onto the upper part of the vehicle body 10 (for example, the front window part, the roof part, etc.). Further, the nozzle 16b injects the cooling water W to the front part of the vehicle body 10, and the nozzle 16c injects the cooling water W to the lower part of the vehicle body 10. Although details will be described later, by injecting such cooling water W (the cooling water W heated as described later) to a predetermined location of the vehicle body 10, ice melting treatment, snow removal treatment, cleaning treatment, etc. of the vehicle body 10 are carried out.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the heat radiation fins 15 are arranged between the battery 11 and the water storage tank 13. The heat radiation fins 15 are collapsible heat radiation fins and are members that control the transfer (transfer speed, etc.) of heat (the heats Q1, Q2 shown in FIG. 1) between the battery 11 and the water storage tank 13. Although details will be described later, the setting of the open / closed state (switching between the open state and the closed state) of such heat radiation fins 15 is controlled by the control unit 18.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the temperature sensor 171 is a sensor that detects the temperature T1 of the battery 11. The temperature sensor 172 is a sensor that detects the temperature T2 of the cooling water W. The information on the temperatures T1 and T2 detected by the temperature sensors 171 and 172 in this way is respectively supplied to the control unit 18.

[0021] The control unit 18 controls various operations (traveling operation, charging operation to the battery 11, supply operation and circulation operation of the cooling water W, operations of various components, etc.) in the electric vehicle 1, and performs various arithmetic processes. Specifically, the control unit 18 controls, for example, the operations of the circulation mechanism 14 and the nozzles 16a to 16c, and the open / closed state of the radiation fins 15, respectively. More specifically, although details will be described later, the control unit 18 is configured to control the open / closed state of the radiation fins 15 according to the magnitude relationship between the temperature T1 of the battery 11 and the temperature T2 of the cooling water W described above.

[0022] Also, although details will be described later, the control unit 18 is configured to control the operations of the nozzles 16a to 16c according to whether information indicating the place of residence of the user (driver, etc.) of the electric vehicle 1 or the current location when the electric vehicle 1 is being charged is a cold region or a coastal area.

[0023] Such a control unit 18 includes, for example, one or more processors (CPU: Central Processing Unit) that execute a program, and one or more memories communicably connected to these processors. Also, such a memory is composed of, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores processing data, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores a program, and the like.

[0024] [Operations and Actions / Effects] Subsequently, in addition to FIG. 1, referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the operations and actions / effects in the present embodiment will be described in detail.

[0025] First, generally, during charging of the battery mounted in an electric vehicle, the temperature of the battery rises due to heat generated during charging. If the battery becomes high temperature, there is a risk that the deterioration of the battery will progress significantly.

[0026] Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, when charging is being performed from the charging water supply unit 9 to the battery 11, the battery 11 is cooled using the cooling water W, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the battery as described above.

[0027] Furthermore, electric vehicles generally have numerous components and harnesses necessary for driving the vehicle located on the underside of the vehicle body. In particular, the terminals of the harnesses and the mounting points on the vehicle body are places where dirt tends to accumulate. For example, in cold regions and coastal areas, there have been numerous reports of chloride-containing dirt accumulating near the terminals, leading to corrosion and eventual detachment.

[0028] Furthermore, especially in cold climates, electric vehicles may require tasks such as defrosting windows or removing snow from the roof, which can prevent them from departing immediately. In addition, if regular water (fresh water) is used for snow removal, it may be frozen. On the other hand, if antifreeze is used for such tasks, the chemicals in the antifreeze could lead to environmental pollution (soil contamination) if it is simply discharged. Moreover, especially in the case of HEVs, snow accumulating on the front grille of the vehicle, for example, can block the radiator, leading to engine overheating. Furthermore, increased heating usage in cold climates increases battery energy consumption, resulting in a reduced driving range.

[0029] (Example of operation) Therefore, in the electric vehicle 1 of this embodiment, various operations described in detail below are performed.

[0030] Figures 2A and 2B are flowcharts illustrating examples of operation (various control processes by the control unit 18, etc.) in the electric vehicle 1 (vehicle battery cooling system) of this embodiment.

[0031] In the series of operations shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the control unit 18 first determines whether or not plug charging is in progress (during the period when the battery 11 is being charged from the charging water supply unit 9 via the connecting cable 90 and plug 91) (step S11 in Figure 2A). If it is determined that plug charging is not in progress (step S11:N), the series of operations shown in Figures 2A and 2B ends.

[0032] On the other hand, if it is determined that the plug is charging (step S11:Y), the control unit 18 then controls the circulation mechanism 14 Determine whether or not it is operating normally (step S12). Circulation mechanism 14 If it is determined that the circulation mechanism is not functioning correctly (step S12:N), the cooling water W will not be used, charging of the battery 11 will continue, and the control unit 18 will inform the user of the electric vehicle 1 of the circulation mechanism 14 The system is notified of the malfunction (Step S13). After that, the series of operations shown in Figures 2A and 2B are completed.

[0033] On the other hand, the circulation mechanism 14 If it is determined that the system is operating normally (step S12:Y), the control unit 18 circulates the cooling water W supplied from the charging water supply unit 9 via the connecting cable 90 and plug 91 through the circulation mechanism 14 The electric vehicle 1 is then circulated using the electric vehicle 1 (step S14). Next, the control unit 18 determines whether the user of the electric vehicle 1 lives in a cold region or a coastal area (step S15). This information indicating the user's place of residence may be, for example, information pre-entered by the user, or information based on location information using GPS (Global Positioning System).

[0034] Here, when it is determined that the user's place of residence is not a cold region or a coastal area (step S15: N), next, the control unit 18 determines whether the current location when the electric vehicle 1 is being charged is a cold region or a coastal area (step S16). Note that information indicating such a current location is also, for example, information based on position information using GPS.

[0035] Here, when it is determined that the current location is also not a cold region or a coastal area (step S16: N), the control unit 18 uses the nozzle 16c to spray the cooling water W onto the lower part of the vehicle body 10, thereby performing a cleaning process on the lower part of the vehicle body 10 (step S17 in FIG. 2B). Also, the cooling water W remaining during this cleaning process is drained to the charging water supply unit 9 side via the plug 91 and the connection cable 90. Note that after that, the series of operation examples shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the current location is a cold region or a coastal area (step S16: Y), the process proceeds to step S22, which will be described later.

[0036] Also, when it is determined that the user's place of residence is a cold region or a coastal area (step S15: Y), next, the control unit 18 determines whether the temperature T2 of the cooling water W acquired from the temperature sensor 172 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold temperature Tth (T2≧Tth) (step S18).

[0037] Here, when it is determined that the temperature T2 of the cooling water W is less than the threshold temperature Tth (T2<Tth) (step S18: N), next, the control unit 18 determines whether the temperature T2 of this cooling water W is equal to or lower than 0°C (T2≦0°C) (step S19). When it is determined that the temperature T2 of the cooling water W is equal to or lower than 0°C (step S19: Y), the process proceeds to step S22, which will be described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the temperature T2 of the cooling water W exceeds 0°C (T2>0°C) (step S19: N), the process proceeds to step S23, which will be described later.

[0038] Furthermore, if it is determined that the temperature T2 of the cooling water W is equal to or greater than the threshold temperature Tth (step S18:Y), the control unit 18 then determines whether or not the user of the electric vehicle 1 has requested the use of hot water (cooling water W heated by the heat of the battery 11) (step S20). If there is no request from the user for the use of hot water (step S20:N), the process proceeds to step S22, which will be described later.

[0039] On the other hand, if the user requests the use of hot water (step S20:Y), the control unit 18 uses at least one of the nozzles 16a to 16c to supply hot water to the location where such a request is made (the location on the body 10 of the electric vehicle 1 where the use of hot water is requested) (step S21). Next, the control unit 18 stores the cooling water W in the storage tank 13 (step S22), and then determines whether or not the vehicle has traveled a predetermined distance or more in a cold region or coastal area (step S23 in Figure 2B).

[0040] If it is determined that the vehicle has not traveled a predetermined distance or longer in a cold region or coastal area (step S23:N), the process returns to step S22 described above. On the other hand, if it is determined that the vehicle has traveled a predetermined distance or longer in a cold region or coastal area (step S23:Y), the control unit 18 then determines whether the temperature T1 of the battery 11 obtained from the temperature sensor 171 is higher than the temperature T2 of the coolant W (T1>T2) (step S24). For convenience, in the determination in step S24, the case where temperatures T1 and T2 are equal (T1=T2) is excluded.

[0041] Here, when it is determined that the temperature T1 of the battery 11 is higher than the temperature T2 of the cooling water W (T1 > T2) (step S24: Y), the control unit 18 controls the opening / closing state of the collapsible heat dissipation fins 15 as follows. That is, in this case, the control unit 18 controls the heat dissipation fins 15 to open (set to the open state and stand up the heat dissipation fins 15) to promote the transfer of heat Q1 from the battery 11 to the cooling water W (step S25). Then, it proceeds to step S27 described later.

[0042] On the other hand, when it is determined that the temperature T1 of the battery 11 is lower than the temperature T2 of the cooling water W (T1 < T2) (step S24: N), the control unit 18 controls the opening / closing state of the collapsible heat dissipation fins 15 as follows. That is, in this case, the control unit 18 controls the heat dissipation fins 15 to close (set to the closed state and lay down the heat dissipation fins 15) to suppress the transfer of heat Q2 from the cooling water W to the battery 11 (step S26). Then, it proceeds to step S29 described later.

[0043] Here, in step S27 described above, the control unit 18 determines whether there is a possibility of snow accumulation on a part of the vehicle body 10 of the electric vehicle 1. When it is determined that there is a possibility of snow accumulation on a part of the vehicle body 10 (step S27: Y), the control unit 18 performs the following processing using the nozzles 16a, 16b, etc. That is, in this case, the control unit 18 injects the cooling water W to a predetermined location (a location where there is a possibility of snow accumulation) of the vehicle body 10 to perform ice melting and snow removal processing at the predetermined location of the vehicle body 10 (step S28). In this case, the series of operation examples shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B are thus completed.

[0044] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no possibility of snow accumulation on any part of the vehicle body 10 (step S27:N), the control unit 18 uses the nozzle 16c to perform the following process. In this case, the control unit 18 sprays cooling water W onto the lower part of the vehicle body 10 to perform a cleaning process on the lower part of the vehicle body 10 (step S29). In this case as well, the series of operations shown in Figures 2A and 2B are completed.

[0045] (Effects / Actions) In this embodiment, in the electric vehicle 1, when power is supplied from the charging water supply unit 9 to the battery 11, the cooling water W supplied from the charging water supply unit 9 circulates through the battery 11 and the storage tank 13 located near the battery 11 that stores the cooling water W. As a result, the battery 11 is cooled by the circulation of the cooling water W, and the deterioration of the battery 11 is suppressed. In addition, when the battery 11 is cooled, the heat from the battery 11 is transferred to the cooling water W, so there is no need to use antifreeze as the cooling water W, and fresh water can be used. Therefore, the cost of the cooling water W is reduced, and environmental pollution (soil contamination) caused by chemical substances contained in antifreeze, as mentioned above, is also avoided.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the circulation mechanism 14 Cooling water W supplied from the battery is sprayed by nozzles 16a to 16c onto the aforementioned predetermined locations on the vehicle body 10. As a result, when the battery 11 is cooled, the cooling water W (hot water) heated by the heat of the battery 11 is sprayed onto the predetermined locations on the vehicle body 10, enabling de-icing, snow removal, and cleaning of the vehicle body 10. Consequently, for example, it is possible to prevent the detachment of parts on the lower part of the vehicle body 10 due to corrosion, and to perform tasks such as defrosting windows and removing snow accumulated on the roof.

[0047] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a collapsible heat dissipation fin 15 is provided to control the transfer of heat (heat Q1, Q2) between the battery 11 and the water storage tank 13. Thereby, according to the open / closed state of the collapsible heat dissipation fin 15, the transfer of heat Q1, Q2 between the battery 11 and the water storage tank 13 can be effectively controlled.

[0048] From the above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the cooling efficiency of the battery 11 while improving convenience and the like.

[0049] Also, in the present embodiment, when the temperature T1 of the battery 11 is higher than the temperature T2 of the cooling water W, the heat dissipation fin 15 is controlled to open, and when the temperature T1 of the battery 11 is lower than the temperature T2 of the cooling water W, the heat dissipation fin 15 is controlled to close. Thus, the following occurs. That is, in the former case (T1 > T2), by opening the heat dissipation fin 15, the transfer of heat Q1 from the battery 11 to the cooling water W can be promoted. On the other hand, in the latter case (T1 < T2), by closing the heat dissipation fin 15, the transfer of heat Q2 from the cooling water W to the battery 11 can be suppressed. Therefore, the transfer of heat Q1, Q2 between the battery 11 and the water storage tank 13 can be controlled more effectively, and as a result, the cooling efficiency of the battery 11 can be further improved.

[0050] <2. Modified Example> The present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications are possible.

[0051] For example, the configuration (type, shape, arrangement, number, etc.) of each component in the electric vehicle 1 is not limited to those described in the above embodiment. That is, the configuration of each of these components may be of a different type, shape, arrangement, number, etc. Specifically, for example, the number of nozzles may not be multiple (3) as described in the above embodiment, but may be just one, or two or four or more. Also, the arrangement position of each nozzle is not limited to the arrangement position described in the above embodiment, and may be arranged in other locations on the vehicle body 10.

[0052] Furthermore, the values, ranges, and magnitude relationships of the various parameters described in the above embodiments are not limited to those described in the above embodiments, and other values, ranges, and magnitude relationships may also be used.

[0053] Furthermore, although the above embodiment specifically described examples of the operation of the vehicle battery cooling system (examples of various control processes by the control unit, etc.), the system is not limited to these examples of operation (examples of control processes, etc.). In other words, for example, other methods may be used to perform the control processes, etc.

[0054] In addition, the series of processes described in the above embodiment may be performed by hardware (circuits) or by software (programs). If performed by software, the software consists of a group of programs that cause the computer to execute each function. Each program may, for example, be pre-installed in the computer or installed on the computer from a network or recording medium.

[0055] Furthermore, the various examples described so far may be applied in any combination.

[0056] Furthermore, the effects described herein are merely illustrative and not limiting, and other effects may also occur. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1...Electric vehicle, 10...Vehicle body, 11...Battery, 12...Connection part, 13...Water storage tank, 14...Circulation mechanism (circulation channel), 14a~14c...Branching channel, 15...Heat dissipation fins, 16a~16c...Nozzle, 171,172...Temperature sensor, 18...Control unit, 9...Charging water dispenser, 90...Connection cable, 91...Plug, P...Power, W...Cooling water, T1,T2...Temperature, Tth...Threshold temperature, Q1,Q2...Heat, G...Ground.

Claims

1. A system for cooling the battery built into an electric vehicle, A water storage tank is located near the battery within the electric vehicle and stores cooling water for cooling the battery, A circulation mechanism that, when power is supplied from the external equipment to the battery, circulates the cooling water supplied from the external equipment through the battery and the water storage tank, A nozzle that sprays the cooling water supplied from the circulation mechanism onto a predetermined location on the body of the electric vehicle, A foldable heat dissipation fin controls the transfer of heat between the battery and the water storage tank, A control unit that controls the operation of the circulation mechanism and the nozzle, and the opening and closing state of the heat dissipation fins, respectively. A vehicle battery cooling system equipped with [specific features / features].

2. The control unit, Depending on the relative magnitudes of the battery temperature and the cooling water temperature, Controlling the open / closed state of the heat dissipation fins The vehicle battery cooling system according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, If the temperature of the battery is higher than the temperature of the coolant, the heat dissipation fins are controlled to open. If the temperature of the battery is lower than the temperature of the coolant, the heat dissipation fins are controlled to close. The vehicle battery cooling system according to claim 2.

4. The control unit, Depending on whether the information indicating the user's place of residence or the current location while the electric vehicle is being charged is in a cold region or a coastal area, Controlling the operation of the nozzle A vehicle battery cooling system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. Equipped with a vehicle battery cooling system that cools the battery built into the electric vehicle, The aforementioned vehicle battery cooling system is A water storage tank is located near the battery within the electric vehicle and stores cooling water for cooling the battery, A circulation mechanism that, when power is supplied from the external equipment to the battery, circulates the cooling water supplied from the external equipment through the battery and the water storage tank, A nozzle that sprays the cooling water supplied from the circulation mechanism onto a predetermined location on the body of the electric vehicle, A foldable heat dissipation fin controls the transfer of heat between the battery and the water storage tank, A control unit that controls the operation of the circulation mechanism and the nozzle, and the opening and closing state of the heat dissipation fins, respectively. A sharp electric vehicle.

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