A method and device for quickly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of power batteries

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method and device for quickly alleviating the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery, which are used for a new energy vehicle provided with an electric heater in a coolant circulation system. The method at least includes the following steps: a step of receiving a trigger of a thermal event alarm signal of the power battery; a step of judging the operating state of the coolant circulation system. When at least one loop route in the coolant circulation system is operating normally, the electric heater is forcibly started to work, and the remaining power in the power battery is released in a working mode of quickly consuming heat power. By adopting the technical solution disclosed by the present invention, the consequences of thermal runaway can be quickly alleviated, thereby reducing the risks brought by thermal runaway, thermal diffusion and even complete combustion of the whole vehicle of the power battery, and reserving more sufficient escape time for the occupants. In addition, there is no need to improve the components of the new energy vehicle or add hardware devices, which is convenient to use and has a wide application range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of energy management for new energy vehicles, and more particularly, to a method and device for quickly reducing the consequences of power battery thermal runaway. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid increase in the ownership rate of new energy vehicles, the fire accident rate caused by the power batteries of new energy vehicles is also rising year by year, and the safety issues of new energy vehicles are particularly prominent. In order to reduce the consequences of power battery thermal runaway, while optimizing the safety requirements of battery cells and modules, the requirements for battery system safety, mechanical safety, electrical safety, and functional safety have been further emphasized.

[0003] Currently, the requirement for thermal runaway expansion safety events of new energy vehicles is that after a battery cell experiences thermal runaway, the battery system does not catch fire or explode within 5 minutes, leaving a safe escape time for the occupants. Therefore, in the prior art, engineering improvements and optimizations are mainly carried out starting from the power battery itself, related electronic control units, and components adjacent to energy management components. For example, in the electrochemistry field, delaying the thermal runaway of a single battery cell, and in the mechanical field, improving the chassis parts and fireproof parts to enhance heat insulation. However, the thermal runaway control methods adopted in the prior art require improvements to the components of new energy vehicles, and the component specifications of different new energy vehicles are also different, making it difficult to uniformly implement improvements and optimizations. Moreover, the existing thermal runaway control methods cannot quickly reduce the consequences of thermal runaway and cannot leave a more ample escape time for the occupants.

[0004] In view of this, in response to the above problems, it is necessary to design a method and device for quickly reducing the consequences of power battery thermal runaway, which can quickly reduce the consequences of thermal runaway, thereby reducing the risks brought by power battery thermal runaway, thermal diffusion, and even the entire vehicle burning out, and leaving a more ample escape time for the occupants. In addition, there is no need to improve the components of new energy vehicles or add hardware devices, which is convenient to use and has a wide application range. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method and device for quickly reducing the consequences of power battery thermal runaway, so as to solve the problems in the prior art that the thermal runaway control methods are difficult to uniformly implement and cannot quickly reduce the consequences, thereby reducing the risks brought by power battery thermal runaway, thermal diffusion, and even the entire vehicle burning out, and leaving a more ample escape time for the occupants.

[0006] To achieve the above purpose, the present invention provides a method for quickly reducing the consequences of power battery thermal runaway, which is used for a new energy vehicle equipped with an electric heater in the coolant circulation system. The method at least includes the following steps:

[0007] A step of receiving a trigger of a power battery thermal event alarm signal;

[0008] Steps for judging the operating state of the coolant circulation system. When at least one loop route in the coolant circulation system is operating normally, the electric heater is forced to start working to quickly consume the remaining power in the power battery in a working mode of releasing heat power.

[0009] By adopting the technical solution disclosed in the present invention, the consequences of thermal runaway can be quickly alleviated, thereby reducing the risks brought by thermal runaway, thermal diffusion of the power battery and even the complete combustion of the whole vehicle, and reserving more sufficient escape time for the occupants. In addition, there is no need to improve the components of new energy vehicles or add hardware devices, which is convenient to use and has a wide application range.

[0010] For the above method of quickly alleviating the consequences of power battery thermal runaway, while forcing the electric heater to work, the cooling function of the in-vehicle cooling air-conditioning equipment in the coolant circulation system is forced to start.

[0011] For the above method of quickly alleviating the consequences of power battery thermal runaway, the step of forcing the electric heater to work further includes:

[0012] Steps for judging the temperature inside the vehicle cabin. When the temperature inside the vehicle cabin is lower than a set temperature value, the IGBT unit of the electric heater is forced to start, and the output power of the IGBT unit is increased step by step to the maximum; wherein, the set temperature is the highest limit temperature of the calibratable value.

[0013] For the above method of quickly alleviating the consequences of power battery thermal runaway, it further includes adjusting the opening of the IGBT through the inlet and outlet water temperature sensors.

[0014] For the above method of quickly alleviating the consequences of power battery thermal runaway, when the electric heater is forced to work, the working mode of the electric heater is the dying sacrifice power output mode in which the real-time power output is much greater than the rated output power value.

[0015] For the above method of quickly alleviating the consequences of power battery thermal runaway, the control for triggering and / or turning off the forced start of the electric heater is realized through the program control of the electronic control unit of the electric heater and / or the in-vehicle thermal management electronic control unit of the new energy vehicle, and the control for triggering and / or turning off the cooling function of the forced start of the in-vehicle cooling air-conditioning equipment is realized through the program control of the electronic control unit of the in-vehicle cooling air-conditioning equipment and / or the in-vehicle thermal management electronic control unit of the new energy vehicle.

[0016] For the above method of quickly alleviating the consequences of power battery thermal runaway, it further includes: setting a step of improving the comfort of the passengers who have not escaped while ensuring safety.

[0017] The above method for rapidly alleviating the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery is, if the new energy vehicle is a hybrid vehicle, the heat generated by the electric heater and / or the vehicle-mounted cooling and air conditioning equipment is transferred to the engine or fuel cell reactor of the hybrid vehicle; or,

[0018] If the new energy vehicle is a pure electric vehicle, different control strategy modes are set according to the real-time operating status of the coolant circulation system.

[0019] The above-mentioned method for quickly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of the power battery, the control strategy modes include: normal operation of the water pump-air conditioning refrigeration forced start mode; normal operation of the water pump-air conditioning refrigeration shutdown mode; water pump not working-air conditioning refrigeration forced start mode; water pump not working-air conditioning refrigeration shutdown mode.

[0020] The above-mentioned method for rapidly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery also includes the step of setting a control program in any on-board electronic control unit of the new energy vehicle to detect whether the passengers in the cabin have safely evacuated.

[0021] The above method for rapidly alleviating the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery further includes one or more additional steps for increasing the consumption of the remaining power of the power battery, including:

[0022] Steps for releasing the over-temperature protection function provided in all or part of the electric heaters; or,

[0023] When the new energy vehicle is a hybrid vehicle, a step of forcing the drive motor to drag the engine and the gearbox to rotate at a high speed and keeping the wheels in a disengaged state; or

[0024] When the new energy vehicle is a pure electric vehicle with a clutch, the clutch is disengaged and the motor is forced to idle at the highest speed.

[0025] In order to better achieve the purpose of the present invention, the present invention also provides a device for quickly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery, which is used in a new energy vehicle provided with an electric heater in a coolant circulation system, and the device at least comprises:

[0026] A module for receiving a power battery thermal event alarm signal;

[0027] A module for judging the operating status of the coolant circulation system. When at least one circulation route in the coolant circulation system is operating normally, the electric heater is forced to start working to release the remaining power in the power battery in a working mode of quickly consuming thermal power.

[0028] The above-mentioned device for rapidly alleviating the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery forces the electric heater to start working, and at the same time forces the cooling function of the vehicle-mounted cooling and air-conditioning equipment in the coolant circulation system to start working.

[0029] The above device for quickly alleviating the consequences of thermal runaway of power batteries, the module for judging the operating state of the coolant circulation system further includes a unit for judging the temperature inside the vehicle cabin; wherein,

[0030] When the temperature inside the vehicle cabin is lower than a set temperature value, the IGBT unit of the electric heater is forcibly started, and the output power of the IGBT unit is gradually increased to the maximum level by level; wherein, the set temperature is the highest limit temperature of the calibratable value.

[0031] The above device for quickly alleviating the consequences of thermal runaway of power batteries further includes adjusting the opening degree of the IGBT through the water temperature sensors at the inlet and outlet.

[0032] When the above device for quickly alleviating the consequences of thermal runaway of power batteries forcibly starts the electric heater to work, the working mode of the electric heater is the dying sacrifice power output mode in which the real-time power output is much greater than the rated output power value.

[0033] For the above device for quickly alleviating the consequences of thermal runaway of power batteries, the control for triggering and / or turning off the forced start of the electric heater to work is realized through the program control of the electronic control unit of the electric heater and / or the in-vehicle thermal management electronic control unit of the new energy vehicle, and the control for triggering and / or turning off the cooling function of the forced start of the in-vehicle cooling air-conditioning equipment is realized through the program control of the electronic control unit of the in-vehicle cooling air-conditioning equipment and / or the in-vehicle thermal management electronic control unit of the new energy vehicle.

[0034] The above device for quickly alleviating the consequences of thermal runaway of power batteries further includes: a module for setting a module to improve the comfort of the passengers who have not yet escaped while ensuring safety.

[0035] For the above device for quickly alleviating the consequences of thermal runaway of power batteries, if the new energy vehicle is a hybrid vehicle, the heat generated by the electric heater and / or the in-vehicle cooling air-conditioning equipment is delivered to the engine or fuel cell reactor of the hybrid vehicle; or,

[0036] If the new energy vehicle is a pure electric vehicle, different control strategy modes are set according to the real-time operating state of the coolant circulation system.

[0037] The control strategy modes include: normal operation of the water pump - strong start mode of air-conditioning refrigeration; normal operation of the water pump - air-conditioning refrigeration off mode; water pump not working - strong start mode of air-conditioning refrigeration; water pump not working - air-conditioning refrigeration off mode.

[0038] The above device for quickly alleviating the consequences of thermal runaway of power batteries further includes a module for setting a control program in any in-vehicle electronic control unit of the new energy vehicle to detect whether the passengers in the vehicle cabin have safely evacuated.

[0039] The above-mentioned device for rapidly alleviating the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery is further provided with one or more additional modules for increasing the consumption of the remaining power of the power battery, including:

[0040] A module that releases the over-temperature protection function set in all or part of the electric heaters; or,

[0041] When the new energy vehicle is a hybrid vehicle, a module that forces the drive motor to drag the engine and gearbox to rotate at high speed and keeps the wheels in a disengaged state; or

[0042] When the new energy vehicle is a pure electric vehicle with a clutch, the clutch is disengaged to force the module of the motor to idle at the highest speed.

[0043] In order to better achieve the purpose of the present invention, the present invention also provides a storage medium on which a processing program is stored, and the processing program is configured to execute the method for quickly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery as described above when running.

[0044] In order to better achieve the purpose of the present invention, the present invention also provides a new energy vehicle, which is provided with the above-mentioned device for quickly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of the power battery.

[0045] Of course, the device, storage medium, and new energy vehicle for quickly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of power batteries provided by the present invention correspond to the above method, and the beneficial technical effects are the same as above.

[0046] In order to have a better understanding of the above and other aspects of the present invention, embodiments are given below and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but they are not intended to limit the scope of patent protection of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Figure 1 The present invention is a flowchart of a method for rapidly alleviating the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a coolant circulation system for a new energy vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a coolant circulation system for a new energy vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a flow chart of a method for rapidly alleviating consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 5 This is a flow chart of a method for rapidly alleviating consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 6Schematic diagram of the coolant circulation system of a new energy vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the coolant circulation system of a new energy vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention

[0054] Figure 8 Flow chart of a method for quickly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 9 Structural module diagram of a device for quickly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 10 Structural module diagram of a device for quickly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 11 Structural module diagram of a device for quickly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to another embodiment of the present invention

[0058] Figure 12 Structural module diagram of a device for quickly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Wherein, reference numerals:

[0060] 100, 100’, 100”, 100”’ - coolant circulation system

[0061] 1 - electric heater

[0062] 2 - expansion tank

[0063] 3 - water pump

[0064] 4 - heat exchanger

[0065] 5 - power battery

[0066] 6 - on-vehicle cooling air-conditioning equipment

[0067] 7 - engine

[0068] 8 - fuel cell reactor

[0069] 200, 200’, 200”, 200”’ - device for quickly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery

[0070] 201 - module for receiving a triggering power battery thermal event alarm signal

[0071] 202 - module for judging the operating state of the coolant circulation system

[0072] 203 - inlet and outlet water temperature sensor

[0073] Module for improving the comfort of passengers who have not yet escaped while ensuring safety

[0074] Module for detecting whether the passengers in the vehicle cabin have been safely evacuated

[0075] Module for increasing the power consumption of the remaining power of the power battery

[0076] Steps S1 to S5, S21 of the method for quickly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of the power battery Specific implementation manner

[0077] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the references to "one embodiment", "embodiment", "example embodiment", etc. in the specification mean that the described embodiment may include specific features, structures or characteristics, but not necessarily include these specific features, structures or characteristics. In addition, such expressions do not refer to the same embodiment. Further, when combining embodiments to describe specific features, structures or characteristics, whether or not there is an explicit description, it has been shown that combining such features, structures or characteristics into other embodiments is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0078] It should be noted that in this specification, relational terms such as first and second are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. In the specification and subsequent claims, certain terms are used to refer to specific modules, components or parts. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that technology users or manufacturers may use different nouns or terms to refer to the same module, component or part. This specification and subsequent claims do not use the difference in name as a way to distinguish modules, components or parts, but use the difference in function of modules, components or parts as the criterion for distinction. The terms "including" and "comprising" mentioned throughout the specification and subsequent claims are open-ended terms, and should be interpreted as "including but not limited to". In addition, the term "connected" herein includes any direct and indirect electrical connection means. Indirect electrical connection means include connection through other devices.

[0079] In addition, in the following specification and claims, many terms will be mentioned, which should be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms "a" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequent described event or situation may or may not occur, and the description includes the situation where the event occurs and the situation where the event does not occur.

[0080] The core of the present invention lies in providing a method and device for quickly alleviating the consequences of thermal runaway of power batteries, which can cope with various thermal runaway scenarios and quickly alleviate the consequences of thermal runaway, thereby reducing the risks brought by thermal runaway, thermal diffusion and even the complete combustion of the whole vehicle of power batteries, and reserving more ample escape time for passengers. In addition, there is no need to improve the components of new energy vehicles or add hardware devices, which is convenient to use and has a wide application range.

[0081] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 which is a flowchart of a method for quickly alleviating the consequences of thermal runaway of power batteries according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 and which is a schematic diagram of a coolant circulation system 100 of a new energy vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] The method for quickly alleviating the consequences of thermal runaway of power batteries provided by the present invention is used for new energy vehicles in which an electric heater 1 is provided in a coolant circulation system 100, and at least includes the following steps:

[0083] S1: A step of receiving a trigger signal for a thermal event alarm of a power battery;

[0084] S2: A step of judging the operating state of the coolant circulation system 100. When at least one loop route in the coolant circulation system 100 is operating normally, the electric heater 1 is forced to start working to release the remaining power in the power battery 5 in a working mode of quickly consuming thermal power.

[0085] After a power battery of a new energy vehicle fails, a thermal event alarm signal will be triggered. The thermal event alarm signal is a signal provided 5 minutes before the power battery pack or system causes thermal diffusion due to thermal runaway of a single battery, and then causes danger in the passenger compartment. After receiving the trigger signal for the thermal event alarm of the power battery, the operating state of the coolant circulation system is further judged. In a specific embodiment, the coolant circulation system 100 of the new energy vehicle is as Figure 2As shown in the figure, it includes an electric heater 1, an expansion tank 2, a water pump 3, a heat exchanger 4, and a power battery 5. The coolant circulation system 100 is composed of a single circulation route. In a new energy vehicle, the operation status of the coolant circulation system 100 is judged by a thermal management controller (TMS, thermal management system). Further, the thermal management controller judges whether the coolant circulation system 100 is operating normally based on the signals sent by the ECU controller built into the water pump 3 and the inlet and outlet water temperature values sent by the ECU controller built into the electric heater 1 via the vehicle bus, combined with the IGBT output power signal of the thermal management controller and the thermal management historical data. If one of the circulation routes in the coolant circulation system is operating normally, the electric heater 1 is forced to start working to quickly consume the remaining power in the power battery in a working mode of quickly consuming heat power. Specifically, if the rated power of the electric heater 1 is 5 kw, within 5 minutes after receiving the trigger signal of the power battery thermal event alarm, when the water pump 3 is operating normally, 0.42 kWh of battery energy can be consumed through the heat exchanger 4, 2.5 kWh of battery energy can be consumed within 30 minutes, and 5 kWh of battery energy can be consumed within 60 minutes. Among them, the electric heater 1 includes a PTC type heater and a non-PTC type heater. The coolant circulation system 100 can also have other structures, and there can be more circulation routes. The present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, step S2 further includes a step of judging that the alarm signal is a false alarm based on the temperature and voltage of the power battery 5. If the alarm signal is a false alarm, the forced start of the electric heater 1 is stopped.

[0086] In the embodiment of the present invention, by using the existing electric heater in a new energy vehicle to quickly consume the residual power in the power battery, that is, through the forced operation of the electric heater, the energy that would be released by combustion in the original power battery pack is transferred to other relatively safe parts of the new energy vehicle. When the remaining power of the power battery itself is low, it can also drain the power battery, further alleviating or interrupting the combustion of the power battery, effectively improving the safety of the new energy vehicle, and quickly reducing the consequences of the thermal runaway of the power battery.

[0087] As a preferred embodiment, in step S2, it further includes:

[0088] While forcing the electric heater 1 to work, the cooling function of the in-vehicle cooling air-conditioning device 6 in the coolant circulation system 100' is forced to start.

[0089] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3Schematic diagram of the coolant circulation system 100' of a new energy vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention. Compared with the coolant circulation system 100, the difference of the coolant circulation system 100' is that an in-vehicle cooling air-conditioning device 6 is further provided, and the in-vehicle cooling air-conditioning device 6 and the electric heater 1 are connected to the same pipeline. When the electric heater 1 is forced to start working by the above method, the cooling function of the in-vehicle cooling air-conditioning device 6 is forced to start at the same time, further accelerating the consumption of the remaining energy in the power battery. The in-vehicle cooling air-conditioning device 6 includes an air-conditioning evaporator, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0090] In the embodiment of the present invention, for a new energy vehicle in which an in-vehicle cooling air-conditioning device and an electric heater are connected to the same pipeline of the coolant circulation system, by setting the step of forcibly starting the in-vehicle cooling air-conditioning device, while the electric heater is forcibly started, the in-vehicle cooling air-conditioning device is forcibly started to accelerate the consumption of the remaining energy of the power battery, which can accelerate and mitigate the consequences of thermal runaway of the power battery.

[0091] As a preferred embodiment, in step S2, the control of triggering and / or turning off the forced start of the electric heater 1 to work is realized through the program control of the electronic control unit of the electric heater 1 and / or the in-vehicle thermal management electronic control unit of the new energy vehicle, and the control of triggering and / or turning off the cooling function of the in-vehicle cooling air-conditioning device 6 is realized through the program control of the electronic control unit of the in-vehicle cooling air-conditioning device 6 and / or the in-vehicle thermal management electronic control unit of the new energy vehicle.

[0092] In the embodiment of the present invention, there is no need to add any hardware devices to existing various new energy vehicles, and only the software needs to be updated and developed on the electronic control unit capable of processing the thermal event alarm signal, that is, on the basis of the improvement of CAN / LIN vehicle communication development, adding software control logic can realize the method for quickly mitigating the consequences of thermal runaway of the power battery provided by the present invention, which is convenient to use and has a wide application range.

[0093] As a preferred embodiment, in step S2, the step of forcibly starting the electric heater 1 to work further includes:

[0094] S21: The step of judging the temperature in the passenger compartment. When the temperature in the passenger compartment is lower than a set temperature value, the IGBT unit of the electric heater 1 is forcibly started, and the output power of the IGBT unit is increased step by step to the maximum. Wherein, the set temperature is the highest limit temperature of the calibratable value, and it also includes adjusting the opening of the IGBT through the inlet and outlet water temperature sensors.

[0095] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4Flowchart of a method for quickly mitigating the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to another embodiment of the present invention. In a specific embodiment, before forcibly starting the operation of the electric heater 1 by the above method, the temperature inside the cabin of the new energy vehicle is further judged. If the temperature inside the cabin is lower than a set temperature value, the forced start of the electric heater 1 is realized by forcibly starting the IGBT unit in the electric heater 1, and the output power of the IGBT unit is increased step by step to the maximum. Specifically, the coolant circulation systems 100, 100' further include a water temperature sensor (not shown in the figure) arranged at the inlet and outlet of the electric heater 1. The water temperature at the inlet and outlet of the electric heater 1 is sensed by the water temperature sensor, and then the opening degree of the IGBT is adjusted. That is, when the water temperature at the inlet and outlet rises, the opening degree of the IGBT is increased, so that the power of the electric heater 1 is increased, and the remaining energy in the power battery is consumed more quickly. The set temperature value is the highest limit temperature of the calibratable value. Specifically, the set temperature value inside the cabin is 37 °C, and the temperature inside the cabin is detected by an on-vehicle temperature sensor, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0096] In the embodiment of the present invention, before forcibly starting the operation of the electric heater, the temperature inside the cabin is sensed and judged first. If the temperature inside the cabin is low, the electric heater is driven to work by turning on the IGBT unit, so as to avoid the presence of passengers who have not escaped inside the cabin. And when the temperature inside the cabin is high, the electric heater is started, so that the temperature inside the cabin is further increased, increasing the risk of passengers' escape.

[0097] As a preferred embodiment, in step S2, when forcibly starting the operation of the electric heater 1, the working mode of the electric heater 1 is the dying sacrifice power output mode in which the real-time power output is much greater than the rated output power value.

[0098] After the new energy vehicle receives the trigger signal for the thermal event alarm of the power battery, the vehicle is usually burned due to the thermal diffusion of the power battery. In the embodiment of the present invention, when forcibly starting the operation of the electric heater, the real-time power output of the electric heater is much greater than the rated output power value, that is, it operates in the dying sacrifice power output mode, so as to consume the remaining power of the power battery more quickly, and further achieve the effect of quickly mitigating the consequences of thermal runaway of the power battery.

[0099] As a preferred embodiment, it further includes:

[0100] S3: Set a step to improve the comfort of passengers who have not escaped while ensuring safety. Among them, if the new energy vehicle is a hybrid vehicle, the heat generated by the electric heater 1 and / or the on-vehicle cooling air-conditioning device 6 is delivered to the engine 7 or the fuel cell reactor 8 of the hybrid vehicle; or,

[0101] If the new energy vehicle is a pure electric vehicle, different control strategy modes are set according to the real-time operating state of the coolant circulation system 100'.

[0102] Please refer to Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 , Figure 5 which is a flowchart of a method for quickly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 which is a schematic diagram of the coolant circulation system 100'' of a new energy vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 which is a schematic diagram of the coolant circulation system 100''' of a new energy vehicle according to still another embodiment of the present invention. In a specific embodiment, when thermal diffusion occurs in the power battery of a new energy vehicle, in order to enable the occupants to escape smoothly, steps are further provided to improve the comfort of the occupants who have not yet escaped on the premise of ensuring safety. Specifically, for a hybrid vehicle, the coolant circulation systems 100'', 100''' further include an engine 7 or a fuel cell reactor 8 and the coolant circulation systems 100'', 100''' have multiple circulation routes. When the electric heater 1 and / or the vehicle-mounted cooling air-conditioning device 6 are forced to start working by the above method, the heat generated by the electric heater 1 and / or the vehicle-mounted cooling air-conditioning device 6 is transported to the engine 7 or the fuel cell reactor 8 of the hybrid vehicle through the control of the heat exchanger 4, so as to avoid transporting a large amount of heat generated by the forced start into the passenger compartment, making the temperature environment in the passenger compartment worse and increasing the risk for the occupants who have not yet escaped. In addition, please refer to Figure 3 again, for a pure electric vehicle, different control strategy modes are set according to the real-time operating state of the coolant circulation system 100'. Among them, controlling the heat exchanger 4 to transport heat to different positions in the passenger compartment is realized through the control program of the vehicle-mounted electronic control unit, and the present invention will not elaborate here.

[0103] As a preferred embodiment, in step S3, the control strategy modes include a water pump normal operation - air-conditioning cooling forced start mode; a water pump normal operation - air-conditioning cooling off mode; a water pump non-operation - air-conditioning cooling forced start mode; a water pump non-operation - air-conditioning cooling off mode.

[0104] In a specific embodiment, for four different control strategy modes, the power of the IGBT and the position where the heat exchanger 4 starts to convey heat also vary accordingly. In the normal operation of the water pump - strong start mode of air-conditioning refrigeration, the on-vehicle cooling air-conditioning device 6 is in a forced start state, and the refrigeration capacity in the vehicle cabin is sufficient. Therefore, the real-time power output of the electric heater 1 is much greater than the rated output power value, and the heat exchanger 4 is controlled to convey heat to any part of the vehicle cabin. The real-time power of the electric heater 1 is 100% - 120% of the rated power, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Due to the forced start of the on-vehicle cooling air-conditioning device 6 and the power output mode of the electric heater 1's ultimate sacrifice, the temperature in the vehicle cabin will not change significantly. At the same time, the windows are controlled to open to further increase power consumption.

[0105] In the normal operation of the water pump - off mode of air-conditioning refrigeration, the on-vehicle cooling air-conditioning device 6 is in a closed state, making the real-time power output of the electric heater 1 much greater than the rated output power value. The heat exchanger 4 is controlled to convey heat to the windshield or unoccupied area in the vehicle cabin, and the windows are controlled to open for heat dissipation to avoid the discomfort of the passengers who have not yet escaped due to the excessive temperature in the vehicle cabin. Among them, the real-time power of the electric heater 1 is 100% - 120% of the rated power, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0106] In the non-operation of the water pump - strong start mode of air-conditioning refrigeration, the on-vehicle cooling air-conditioning device 6 is in a forced start state. Since the water pump 3 is not working and the air-conditioning refrigeration is in progress, the density difference between the cold and hot water at the cold and hot ends of the electric heater 1 will also cause the low-speed flow of the liquid, further promoting the cooling and heat dissipation of the electric heater 1. Therefore, the real-time power output of the electric heater 1 is less than the rated output power value, and the heat exchanger 4 is controlled to convey heat to any part of the vehicle cabin. The real-time power of the electric heater 1 is 30% - 60% of the rated power, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0107] In the non-operation of the water pump - off mode of air-conditioning refrigeration, the on-vehicle cooling air-conditioning device 6 is in a closed state, that is, both the water pump 3 and the on-vehicle cooling air-conditioning device 6 are not working. The density difference between the cold and hot water at the cold and hot ends of the electric heater 1 will also cause the low-speed flow of the liquid, further promoting the cooling and heat dissipation of the electric heater 1. Therefore, when the passengers in the vehicle cabin have not yet escaped, the real-time power output of the electric heater 1 is less than the rated output power value, and the heat exchanger 4 is controlled to convey heat to any part of the vehicle cabin. The real-time power of the electric heater 1 is 30% - 60% of the rated power, but the present invention is not limited thereto. After the passengers in the vehicle cabin have escaped, the real-time power of the electric heater 1 is gradually increased. Further, judging whether the passengers in the vehicle cabin have escaped is realized through the on-vehicle electronic control unit, and the present invention is not limited to this example. Further, the working state of the water pump is obtained according to the signal of the water pump working sensor transmitted by the LIN or CAN bus, and the present invention will not elaborate herein.

[0108] In the embodiments of the present invention, different control strategies are adopted for different new energy vehicles and different thermal runaway scenarios, so as to improve the comfort of passengers who have not escaped and reduce the risk of danger to passengers during the escape process while ensuring safety.

[0109] As a preferred implementation, it also includes:

[0110] S4: In any on-board electronic control unit of a new energy vehicle, a control program is set to detect whether the passengers in the vehicle cabin have been safely evacuated; and

[0111] S5: Further setting one or more additional steps to increase the consumption of the remaining power of the power battery, including:

[0112] Steps for releasing the over-temperature protection function provided in all or part of the electric heaters; or,

[0113] When the new energy vehicle is a hybrid vehicle, a step of forcing the drive motor to drag the engine and the gearbox to rotate at a high speed and keeping the wheels in a disengaged state; or

[0114] When the new energy vehicle is a pure electric vehicle with a clutch, the clutch is disengaged and the motor is forced to idle at the highest speed.

[0115] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a flow chart of a method for rapidly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery in another embodiment of the present invention. In a specific embodiment, the on-board electronic control unit of a new energy vehicle is also provided with a control program for detecting whether the passengers in the cabin have safely evacuated. If the passengers in the cabin have been determined to have safely evacuated, a step of consuming the remaining power of the power battery can be further added. Specifically, for a non-PTC electric heater 1, by releasing the over-temperature protection function set in all or part of the electric heater 1, the consumption of the remaining power of the power battery is further increased; for a hybrid vehicle, by forcing the drive motor (not shown) to drive the engine 7 and the gearbox (not shown) to rotate at high speed, and controlling the wheels (not shown) to remain in a disengaged state, the consumption of the remaining power of the power battery is further increased; for a pure electric vehicle with a clutch (not shown), by disengaging the clutch, forcing the highest speed idling motor to increase the power consumption; and, forcing the start of other high-power loads that do not drive the wheels. Among them, the control of the motor, the engine 7, the gearbox, the wheels, the clutch and other high-power load devices is realized by the on-board electronic control unit, and the present invention will not be repeated here.

[0116] In the embodiment of the present invention, when the passengers in the vehicle cabin have been safely evacuated, the remaining power in the power battery is consumed faster by starting the high-power load equipment installed on the new energy vehicle, thereby achieving the effect of quickly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway.

[0117] The method for rapidly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery provided by the present invention is based on triggering a power battery thermal event alarm signal, and according to the operating state of the coolant circulation system, by forcibly starting the existing electric heater in the new energy vehicle to work, the remaining power in the power battery is released in a working mode that rapidly consumes thermal power. In contrast, the thermal runaway control method in the prior art is to carry out engineering improvements and optimizations on the power battery itself, the related electronic control unit, and the components adjacent to the energy management components. The specifications of the components of different new energy vehicles are different, and it is difficult to uniformly implement improvements and optimizations. Furthermore, the existing thermal runaway control method cannot quickly reduce the consequences of thermal runaway, and cannot reserve more escape time for the occupants. Therefore, the method for rapidly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery provided by the present invention can quickly reduce the consequences of thermal runaway, reduce the risks of thermal runaway, heat diffusion, and even burning out of the entire vehicle, and reserve more escape time for the occupants. In addition, there is no need to improve or add hardware equipment to the components of new energy vehicles, which is easy to use and has a wide range of applications.

[0118] See also Figure 9 , Figure 9 The structure module diagram of a device for rapidly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device 200 for rapidly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery comprises at least:

[0119] A module 201 receiving a power battery thermal event alarm signal;

[0120] The module 202 for determining the operating state of the coolant circulation system forces the electric heater to start working when at least one circulation route in the coolant circulation system is operating normally, so as to release the remaining power in the power battery in a working mode of rapidly consuming heat power.

[0121] As a preferred embodiment, in the module 202 for determining the operating state of the coolant circulation system, it further includes forcibly starting the cooling function of the vehicle cooling and air conditioning equipment in the coolant circulation system while forcibly starting the electric heater.

[0122] As a preferred embodiment, the control for triggering and / or shutting down the operation of the forced-start electric heater is achieved through the program control of the electronic control unit of the electric heater and / or the in-vehicle thermal management electronic control unit of the new energy vehicle. The control for triggering and / or shutting down the cooling function of the forced-start in-vehicle cooling air-conditioning device is achieved through the program control of the electronic control unit of the in-vehicle cooling air-conditioning device and / or the in-vehicle thermal management electronic control unit of the new energy vehicle.

[0123] The specific implementation manners and beneficial technical effects of the module 201 for receiving the trigger for the power battery thermal event alarm signal and the module 202 for judging the operating state of the coolant circulation system are as described in the above steps S1 to S2, and will not be elaborated herein.

[0124] Please refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10 which is a structural module diagram of the device 200' for quickly alleviating the consequences of power battery thermal runaway according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] As a preferred embodiment, the module 202 for judging the operating state of the coolant circulation system further includes a unit for judging the temperature inside the vehicle cabin (not shown in the figure); wherein,

[0126] when the temperature inside the vehicle cabin is lower than a set temperature value, the IGBT unit of the electric heater is forced to start, and the output power of the IGBT unit is gradually increased to the maximum level by level; wherein, the set temperature is the highest limit temperature of the calibratable value, and it also includes adjusting the opening degree of the IGBT through the inlet and outlet water temperature sensor 203.

[0127] The specific implementation manners and beneficial technical effects of the unit for judging the temperature inside the vehicle cabin are as described in the above step S21, and will not be elaborated herein.

[0128] As a preferred embodiment, when the electric heater is forced to start working, the working mode of the electric heater is the dying sacrifice power output mode in which the real-time power output is much greater than the rated output power value.

[0129] The specific implementation manners and beneficial technical effects of the dying sacrifice power output mode are as described in the above step S2, and will not be elaborated herein.

[0130] Please refer to Figure 11 , Figure 11 which is a structural module diagram of the device 200'' for quickly alleviating the consequences of power battery thermal runaway according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0131] As a preferred embodiment, the device 200" for rapidly mitigating the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery further includes: providing a module 204 for improving the comfort of passengers who have not escaped while ensuring safety. If the new energy vehicle is a hybrid vehicle, the heat generated by the electric heater and / or the vehicle-mounted cooling and air-conditioning equipment is transferred to the engine or fuel cell reactor of the hybrid vehicle; or,

[0132] If the new energy vehicle is a pure electric vehicle, different control strategy modes are set according to the real-time operating status of the coolant circulation system.

[0133] As an optimal implementation mode, the control strategy mode includes water pump normal operation-air conditioning refrigeration forced start mode; water pump normal operation-air conditioning refrigeration shutdown mode; water pump not working-air conditioning refrigeration forced start mode; water pump not working-air conditioning refrigeration shutdown mode.

[0134] The specific implementation and beneficial technical effects of the module 204 for improving the comfort of passengers who have not yet escaped while ensuring safety are as described in the above step S3 and will not be repeated here.

[0135] See also Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is a structural module diagram of a device 200'' for rapidly alleviating the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] As a preferred embodiment, the device 200'' for rapidly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery also includes a module 205 in any on-board electronic control unit of a new energy vehicle, which is configured with a control program to detect whether the passengers in the vehicle cabin have safely evacuated.

[0137] As a preferred embodiment, the device 200'' for rapidly alleviating the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery is further provided with one or more additional modules 206 for increasing the consumption of the remaining power of the power battery, including:

[0138] A module that releases the over-temperature protection function set in all or part of the electric heaters; or,

[0139] When the new energy vehicle is a hybrid vehicle, a module that forces the drive motor to drag the engine and gearbox to rotate at high speed and keeps the wheels in a disengaged state; or

[0140] When the new energy vehicle is a pure electric vehicle with a clutch, the clutch is disengaged to force the module of the motor to idle at the highest speed.

[0141] The specific implementation and beneficial technical effects of the module 205 for detecting whether the passengers in the cabin have safely evacuated, and the module 206 for increasing the consumption of the remaining power of the power battery are as described in the above steps S4 to S5, and will not be repeated here.

[0142] Since the embodiments in the apparatus part correspond to those in the method part, for the embodiments in the apparatus part, please refer to the descriptions of the embodiments in the method part, which will not be elaborated here. It should be noted that the above-mentioned apparatus can also be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the above module division is only a logical function division, and there can be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple modules can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed.

[0143] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a storage medium, on which a processing program is stored, and the processing program is set to execute the method for rapidly reducing the consequences of power battery thermal runaway as described above when running. Specifically, the processing program includes the electronic controller software and the electronic control software applied to new energy vehicles, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0144] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a new energy vehicle, which is provided with the devices 200, 200’, 200”, 200”’ for rapidly reducing the consequences of power battery thermal runaway as described above.

[0145] The method, apparatus, storage medium and new energy vehicle for rapidly reducing the consequences of power battery thermal runaway have been introduced in detail above. The embodiments in the specification are described in a progressive manner, and the key points of each embodiment are the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts among the embodiments can be referred to each other. For the apparatus, storage medium and new energy vehicle disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the method disclosed in the embodiments, the descriptions are relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the description in the method part.

[0146] Of course, the present invention can also have many other embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and deformations according to the present invention, but these corresponding changes and deformations should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for quickly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of power batteries, which is used in new energy vehicles equipped with electric heaters in the coolant circulation system, characterized in that, The method comprises at least the following steps: The step of receiving a power battery thermal event alarm signal that triggers the power battery thermal event alarm signal; The step of judging the operating state of the coolant circulation system, when at least one circulation route in the coolant circulation system is operating normally, forcibly starting the electric heater to work, so as to release the remaining power in the power battery in a working mode of rapidly consuming heat power; The method further includes setting a control program in any on-board electronic control unit of the new energy vehicle to detect whether passengers in the vehicle cabin have safely evacuated; as well as, One or more additional steps of increasing the consumption of the remaining power of the power battery are further provided, including: a step of releasing all or part of the over-temperature protection function provided in the electric heater; or When the new energy vehicle is a hybrid vehicle, a step of forcing the drive motor to drive the engine and the gearbox to rotate at a high speed and keeping the wheels in a disengaged state; or When the new energy vehicle is a pure electric vehicle with a clutch, the clutch is disengaged and the motor is forced to idle at the highest speed.

2. The method for rapidly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to claim 1, wherein When the electric heater is forcibly started, the cooling function of the vehicle-mounted cooling and air-conditioning equipment in the coolant circulation system is forcibly started.

3. The method for rapidly alleviating the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The step of forcibly starting the electric heater to work further includes: The step of judging the temperature in the vehicle cabin is as follows: when the temperature in the vehicle cabin is lower than a set temperature value, the IGBT unit of the electric heater is forcibly started, and the output power of the IGBT unit is gradually increased to a maximum; wherein the set temperature is the maximum limit temperature of the calibrable value.

4. The method for rapidly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to claim 3, characterized in that, It further includes adjusting the opening of the IGBT through inlet and outlet water temperature sensors.

5. The method for rapidly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the electric heater is forcibly started, the working mode of the electric heater is a dying sacrificial power output mode in which the real-time power output is much greater than the rated output power value.

6. The method for rapidly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to claim 2, wherein The control of triggering and / or turning off the forced start of the electric heater is achieved through program control of the electric control unit of the electric heater and / or the on-board thermal management electric control unit of the new energy vehicle, and the control of triggering and / or turning off the forced start of the cooling function of the on-board cooling and air-conditioning equipment is achieved through program control of the electric control unit of the on-board cooling and air-conditioning equipment and / or the on-board thermal management electric control unit of the new energy vehicle.

7. The method for rapidly alleviating the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further comprises: setting a step for improving the comfort of passengers who have not yet escaped while ensuring safety.

8. The method for quickly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to claim 7, characterized in that, If the new energy vehicle is the hybrid vehicle, the heat generated by the electric heater and / or the vehicle-mounted cooling and air-conditioning equipment is transported to the engine or fuel cell reactor of the hybrid vehicle; or, If the new energy vehicle is the pure electric vehicle, different control strategy modes are set according to the real-time operating status of the coolant circulation system.

9. The method for quickly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to claim 8, wherein The control strategy modes include: normal operation of the water pump - forced start mode of air conditioning refrigeration; normal operation of the water pump - closed mode of air conditioning refrigeration; non-operation of the water pump - forced start mode of air conditioning refrigeration; non-operation of the water pump - closed mode of air conditioning refrigeration.

10. A device for quickly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of power batteries, which is used in new energy vehicles equipped with electric heaters in the coolant circulation system, is characterized in that, The device at least comprises: A module for receiving a power battery thermal event alarm signal; a module for judging the operating state of the coolant circulation system, and forcibly starting the electric heater to work in a working mode of rapidly consuming heat power to release the remaining power in the power battery when at least one circulation route in the coolant circulation system is operating normally; It also includes a module in any on-board electronic control unit of the new energy vehicle, which is used to set a control program to detect whether the passengers in the cabin have safely evacuated; and One or more additional modules for increasing the consumption of the remaining power of the power battery are further provided, including: A module for removing the over-temperature protection function provided in all or part of the electric heater; or, When the new energy vehicle is a hybrid vehicle, a module that forces the drive motor to drive the engine and the gearbox to rotate at high speed and keeps the wheels in a disengaged state; or When the new energy vehicle is a pure electric vehicle with a clutch, the clutch is disengaged to force the module of the motor to idle at the highest speed.

11. The device for rapidly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to claim 10, wherein When the electric heater is forcibly started, the cooling function of the vehicle-mounted cooling and air-conditioning equipment in the coolant circulation system is forcibly started.

12. The device for quickly mitigating the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The module for determining the operating state of the coolant circulation system further includes a unit for determining the temperature in the vehicle cabin; wherein, When the temperature in the vehicle cabin is lower than a set temperature value, the IGBT unit of the electric heater is forcibly started, and the output power of the IGBT unit is gradually increased to the maximum; wherein the set temperature is the maximum limit temperature of the calibrable value.

13. The device for rapidly mitigating the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to claim 12, characterized in that, It further includes adjusting the opening of the IGBT through inlet and outlet water temperature sensors.

14. The device for rapidly alleviating the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to claim 13, wherein When the electric heater is forcibly started, the working mode of the electric heater is a dying sacrificial power output mode in which the real-time power output is much greater than the rated output power value.

15. The device for rapidly alleviating the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to claim 11, wherein, The control of triggering and / or turning off the forced start of the electric heater is achieved through program control of the electric control unit of the electric heater and / or the on-board thermal management electric control unit of the new energy vehicle, and the control of triggering and / or turning off the forced start of the cooling function of the on-board cooling and air-conditioning equipment is achieved through program control of the electric control unit of the on-board cooling and air-conditioning equipment and / or the on-board thermal management electric control unit of the new energy vehicle.

16. The device for rapidly alleviating the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to claim 11, wherein It also further includes: setting a module for improving the comfort of passengers who have not yet escaped while ensuring safety.

17. The device for rapidly mitigating the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to claim 16, characterized in that, If the new energy vehicle is the hybrid vehicle, the heat generated by the electric heater and / or the vehicle-mounted cooling and air-conditioning equipment is transported to the engine or fuel cell reactor of the hybrid vehicle; or, If the new energy vehicle is the pure electric vehicle, different control strategy modes are set according to the real-time operating status of the coolant circulation system.

18. The device for quickly reducing the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery according to claim 17, characterized in that, The control strategy modes include: normal operation of the water pump - forced start mode of air conditioning refrigeration; normal operation of the water pump - closed mode of air conditioning refrigeration; non-operation of the water pump - forced start mode of air conditioning refrigeration; non-operation of the water pump - closed mode of air conditioning refrigeration.

19. A storage medium, on which a processing program is stored, characterized in that, The processing program is configured to execute the method for rapidly alleviating consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 when running.

20. A new energy vehicle, characterized in that, An apparatus for quickly alleviating the consequences of thermal runaway of a power battery as described in any one of claims 10-18 is provided.

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