Cooling heat exchange system and method of electric aviation carrier and cooling device controller

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooling heat exchange system and method of an electric aviation carrier and a cooling device controller. The cooling heat exchange system comprises a cooling liquid tank, a flow regulating valve, a cooling device controller and a plurality of temperature sensors; the cooling device controller is electrically connected with the cooling liquid tank, the flow regulating valve and the plurality of temperature sensors respectively; the plurality of temperature sensors are arranged at the cooling liquid tank, cooled equipment and a liquid supply pipeline between the flow regulating valve and the cooled equipment respectively; the cooling device controller is used for obtaining the temperature of cooling liquid in the cooling liquid box, the first temperature of the cooled equipment and the second temperature of the cooling liquid input into the cooled equipment from the multiple temperature sensors, and the valve opening degree of the flow adjusting valve and the temperature of the cooling liquid are controlled according to the comparison result of the first temperature, the second temperature and a preset threshold value. By means of the system, the flow and temperature of cooling liquid used for cooling and heat exchange can be accurately adjusted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of cooling and heat exchange technology for electric aircraft, and in particular to a cooling and heat exchange system, method, cooling device controller, computer-readable storage medium, and computer program product for an electric aircraft. Background Technology

[0002] The three key components of a new energy electric aircraft include a three-electric system consisting of a power battery, a motor, and a motor controller. The power battery is the energy source for all equipment, providing electrical energy to the motor controller and the motor. The motor controller receives commands from the host computer and delivers the required electrical energy to the motor. Upon receiving the commands and electrical energy, the motor outputs the specified speed and torque, which is converted into thrust through a ducted fan, thus propelling the electric aircraft into flight. Throughout the entire process from battery power supply to the motor converting electrical energy into mechanical energy, the three-electric system inevitably generates heat loss. The main reasons for this heat loss include: resistance at points where current flows through the three-electric system generates heat; energy loss occurs in the electronic components inside the motor controller during operation, and this energy loss is released as heat; and internal friction or collisions between the motor's stator and rotor also generate heat loss.

[0003] These heat losses inevitably cause the three-electric system (battery, motor, and controller) to heat up or even overheat, harming the battery, motor, and motor controller. Specifically, overheating reduces battery performance, affecting the range of electric aircraft and reducing battery safety and lifespan. Severe heat focusing can lead to thermal runaway, especially without cooling measures. Overheating affects the motor primarily through magnet demagnetization, reduced motor efficiency, shortened motor life, performance degradation, and deformation of mechanical components, seriously impacting flight safety. Furthermore, as temperatures rise, the motor controller experiences decreased efficiency, unstable operation, and increased power consumption, affecting the control loop's quality.

[0004] Therefore, cooling is necessary for electric aircraft. Currently in service, electric aircraft typically employ air-cooled or forced liquid-cooled cooling systems. However, existing cooling methods cannot precisely control the cooling process. The cold air or coolant used, or the heat exchanger directly flowing through the three-electric system (electric system, motor, and electronic control system), cannot have its flow rate regulated, making it a passive heat exchange mechanism. Furthermore, because existing cooling methods cannot regulate flow rate, under extremely low temperatures at high altitudes, the temperature of airborne equipment may drop excessively, exceeding its optimal operating temperature range. Simultaneously, to ensure sufficient heat exchange flow, the pump source must continuously operate at maximum power, resulting in significant unnecessary energy consumption by the aircraft.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a cooling and heat exchange solution for electric aircraft with adjustable flow rate. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a cooling heat exchange system, method, cooling device controller, computer-readable storage medium, and computer program product for an electric aircraft capable of adjusting coolant flow rate, in order to address the aforementioned technical problems.

[0007] In a first aspect, this application provides a cooling heat exchange system for an electric aircraft, the cooling heat exchange system including a coolant tank, a flow regulating valve, a cooling device controller, and multiple temperature sensors;

[0008] The coolant tank is used to supply coolant to the equipment being cooled;

[0009] The flow regulating valve is used to output a coolant flow rate to the cooled equipment that matches the current valve opening.

[0010] The cooling device controller is electrically connected to the coolant tank, the flow regulating valve, and the plurality of temperature sensors, respectively. The plurality of temperature sensors are respectively located at the coolant tank, the cooled equipment, and the supply pipeline between the flow regulating valve and the cooled equipment.

[0011] The cooling device controller is used to obtain the coolant temperature in the coolant tank, the first temperature of the cooled equipment, and the second temperature at which the coolant is input to the cooled equipment from the plurality of temperature sensors, and to control the valve opening of the flow regulating valve and the coolant temperature based on the comparison results of the first temperature, the second temperature and a preset threshold.

[0012] In one embodiment, the preset threshold includes a lower temperature threshold;

[0013] The cooling device controller is used to control the valve opening degree of the flow regulating valve and the coolant temperature based on the comparison result of the first temperature, the second temperature and a preset threshold, including:

[0014] The cooling device controller is used for:

[0015] Determine the first comparison result between the first temperature, the second temperature, and the lower limit threshold;

[0016] If the first comparison result meets the first preset condition, the valve opening of the flow regulating valve is increased.

[0017] If the first comparison result meets the second preset condition, the valve opening of the flow regulating valve is reduced to zero and the temperature of the coolant is lowered.

[0018] If the first comparison result meets the third preset condition, the valve opening of the flow regulating valve is reduced to zero and the temperature of the coolant is increased;

[0019] If the first comparison result meets the fourth preset condition, the valve opening of the flow regulating valve is increased and the temperature of the coolant is raised.

[0020] In one embodiment, the preset threshold includes a temperature upper limit threshold;

[0021] The cooling device controller is used to control the valve opening degree of the flow regulating valve and the coolant temperature based on the comparison result of the first temperature, the second temperature and a preset threshold, including:

[0022] The cooling device controller is used for:

[0023] Determine a second comparison result between the first temperature, the second temperature, and the upper temperature threshold.

[0024] If the second comparison result meets the fifth preset condition, the valve opening of the flow regulating valve is increased to a preset opening threshold, thereby reducing the temperature of the coolant.

[0025] If the second comparison result meets the sixth preset condition, the valve opening of the flow regulating valve is increased to a preset opening threshold.

[0026] If the second comparison result meets the seventh preset condition, the valve opening of the flow regulating valve is reduced to zero and the temperature of the coolant is lowered.

[0027] If the second comparison result meets the eighth preset condition, the valve opening of the flow regulating valve is increased.

[0028] If the second comparison result meets the ninth preset condition, the valve opening of the flow regulating valve is reduced to zero.

[0029] In one embodiment, the cooling heat exchange system further includes a pressure pump:

[0030] The pressure pump is used to pressurize the coolant;

[0031] The cooling device controller is electrically connected to the pressure pump. The cooling device controller is also used to control the operating power of the pressure pump to decrease to a preset safe power when it detects that the valve opening of the flow regulating valve has decreased to zero.

[0032] In one embodiment, the flow regulating valve includes an internal valve and housing, a coolant inlet, a return outlet, and a supply outlet;

[0033] The flow regulating valve is used to receive the coolant through the coolant inlet, and to divert the coolant to the supply outlet based on the opening between the valve and the housing, and then output the coolant to the cooled equipment through the supply outlet. The remaining coolant after diversion is returned to the coolant tank through the return outlet.

[0034] The cooling device controller is used to determine the size of the opening based on the comparison result of the first temperature, the second temperature and a preset threshold, convert the size of the opening into the linear displacement of the valve inside the housing, and control the valve to move according to the linear displacement to adjust the valve opening of the flow regulating valve.

[0035] In one embodiment, the cooling heat exchange system further includes a filter disposed on the return line of the coolant returning to the coolant tank;

[0036] The filter is used to filter the coolant to be returned to the coolant tank.

[0037] Secondly, this application also provides a cooling heat exchange method for an electric aircraft, comprising:

[0038] The temperature of the coolant in the coolant tank, the first temperature of the cooled equipment, and the second temperature at which the coolant is input to the cooled equipment are obtained from multiple temperature sensors.

[0039] Based on the comparison results of the first temperature, the second temperature and the preset threshold, the valve opening of the flow regulating valve and the temperature of the coolant are controlled.

[0040] Thirdly, this application also provides a cooling device controller. The cooling device controller includes a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program, and the processor executing the computer program to implement the cooling and heat exchange method for the electric aircraft described in any of the embodiments of the second aspect above.

[0041] Fourthly, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the cooling and heat exchange method for the electric aircraft described in any of the embodiments of the second aspect above.

[0042] Fifthly, this application also provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the cooling and heat exchange method for an electric aircraft as described in any of the embodiments of the second aspect above.

[0043] The aforementioned cooling and heat exchange system, method, cooling device controller, computer-readable storage medium, and computer program product for electric aircraft, by installing temperature sensors at the coolant tank, the cooled equipment, and the supply pipeline between the flow regulating valve and the cooled equipment, and by electrically connecting the cooling device controller to the coolant tank, the flow regulating valve, and multiple temperature sensors, respectively, acquires the coolant temperature in the coolant tank, the first temperature of the cooled equipment, and the second temperature of the coolant input to the cooled equipment from the multiple temperature sensors, and controls the valve opening of the flow regulating valve and the coolant temperature based on the comparison results of the first temperature, the second temperature, and a preset threshold, can achieve closed-loop temperature regulation based on actual temperature sampling results, accurately control the coolant flow rate and coolant temperature during the cooling and heat exchange process, and improve the utilization rate of coolant and the cooling effect. Attached Figure Description

[0044] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this application or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of the cooling and heat exchange system of an electric aircraft in one embodiment;

[0046] Figure 2 This is a structural block diagram of a flow control valve in one embodiment;

[0047] Figure 3 This is a structural block diagram of the cooling heat exchange system of an electric aircraft in another embodiment;

[0048] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a cooling and heat exchange method for an electric aircraft in one embodiment;

[0049] Figure 5 This is an internal structural diagram of the cooling device controller in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0050] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0051] It should be noted that the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, as used in this application, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, and may refer to one or any combination of multiple embodiments. The term "multiple" as used in this application refers to two or more. The term "set up" as used in this application refers to placement, attachment, or mounting on or within a component surface or interior area. The term "electrical connection" as used in this application refers to the transmission of electrical signals or data between connected circuits, modules, units, etc. All data involved in this application (including but not limited to data used for analysis, stored data, and displayed data) are information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties, and the collection, use, and processing of related data must comply with relevant regulations.

[0052] In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, a cooling and heat exchange system for an electric aircraft is provided, including a coolant tank 102, a flow regulating valve 104, a cooling device controller 106, and multiple temperature sensors 108, for cooling and heat exchange of the equipment 110 to be cooled in the electric aircraft.

[0053] The coolant tank 102 stores coolant and supplies it to the cooled equipment 110 for cooling and heat exchange. The coolant can be an alcohol-based, glycerol-based, or glycol-based coolant, etc. Optionally, in some embodiments, the coolant in the coolant tank 102 can be pumped into the flow regulating valve 104 under pressure. Optionally, in some embodiments, the coolant tank 102 can also be connected to a heat exchange device, and the cooling device controller 106 can indirectly regulate the coolant temperature by changing the temperature of the heat exchange device.

[0054] The flow regulating valve 104 is a flow-adjustable device that can be used to output a coolant flow rate to the cooled equipment 110 that matches the current valve opening. When the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 104 changes, the coolant flow rate output by the flow regulating valve 104 to the cooled equipment 110 will also change accordingly. Optionally, in some embodiments, the flow regulating valve 104 may be an electrically controlled flow regulating valve.

[0055] The cooling device controller 106 can be used to characterize a control device with analytical and computational capabilities. The cooling device controller 106 can be electrically connected to the coolant tank 102, the flow regulating valve 104, and multiple temperature sensors 108. The cooling device controller 106 can receive temperature signals collected by the multiple temperature sensors 108, analyze and calculate the temperature signals based on preset thresholds, and generate control commands for controlling the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 104 and for controlling the coolant temperature.

[0056] Temperature sensor 108 can be used to collect temperature signals. Multiple temperature sensors 108 can be respectively installed at the coolant tank 102, at the cooled device 110, and at the liquid supply line between the flow regulating valve 104 and the cooled device 110 (e.g., near the inlet of the cooled device 110). Optionally, in some embodiments, the temperature sensor 108 installed at the cooled device 110 can also be a temperature sensor built into the cooled device 110 itself.

[0057] The cooled device 110 may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: motors, motor controllers, batteries, etc., of electric aircraft.

[0058] For example, the coolant supplied by the coolant tank 102 flows counterclockwise in the pipeline as shown by the arrow in the figure. After the coolant enters the flow regulating valve 104, only the coolant flow rate matching the current valve opening of the flow regulating valve 104 can be input to the cooled device 110 through the flow regulating valve 104. After the coolant enters the cooled device 110, it can exchange heat with the cooled device 110 through contact heat exchange or indirect contact heat exchange, thereby changing the temperature of the cooled device 110.

[0059] The cooling device controller 106 can sample each temperature sensor 108 once every preset period (e.g., 500 milliseconds), obtain the temperature of the coolant in the coolant tank 102 from the temperature sensor 108 located at the coolant tank 102, obtain the temperature of the cooled device 110 from the temperature sensor 108 located at the cooled device 110 as the first temperature, and obtain the temperature of the coolant input to the cooled device 110 from the temperature sensor 108 located at the supply line as the second temperature.

[0060] The cooling device controller 106 can store preset thresholds corresponding to the maximum and minimum permissible temperatures of the electric aircraft. A first temperature, a second temperature, and the preset thresholds are compared. Based on the comparison results of the first temperature, the second temperature, and the preset thresholds, corresponding control logic is executed to control the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 104 and the coolant temperature.

[0061] The cooling and heat exchange system of the aforementioned electric aircraft vehicle, by setting temperature sensors at multiple locations, utilizes a cooling device controller to control the valve opening and coolant temperature of the flow regulating valve based on the coolant temperature, the temperature of the equipment being cooled, and the temperature of the coolant input to the equipment being cooled, combined with preset thresholds. This enables closed-loop temperature regulation based on actual temperature sampling results, precisely controlling the coolant flow rate and coolant temperature during the cooling and heat exchange process, thereby improving the utilization rate of the coolant and the cooling effect.

[0062] In one exemplary embodiment, the preset threshold may include a lower temperature threshold. The lower temperature threshold can be used to characterize the minimum permissible temperature of an electric aircraft.

[0063] The cooling device controller 106 is specifically configured to: determine a first comparison result between a first temperature, a second temperature, and a lower temperature threshold. If the first comparison result satisfies a first preset condition, the controller increases the valve opening of the flow regulating valve. If the first comparison result satisfies a second preset condition, the controller decreases the valve opening of the flow regulating valve to zero and lowers the coolant temperature. If the first comparison result satisfies a third preset condition, the controller decreases the valve opening of the flow regulating valve to zero and raises the coolant temperature. If the first comparison result satisfies a fourth preset condition, the controller increases the valve opening of the flow regulating valve and raises the coolant temperature.

[0064] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first preset condition may be that the first comparison result is that the first temperature is greater than the second temperature and the second temperature is greater than the lower limit threshold. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the first preset condition may be that the first comparison result is that the first temperature is greater than the lower limit threshold and the lower limit threshold is greater than the second temperature. When any of the above first preset conditions are met, since the first temperature of the cooled device 110 is greater than the second temperature at which the coolant is input to the cooled device 110, and the first temperature of the cooled device 110 is greater than the minimum permissible temperature for electric aircraft, it is necessary to increase the coolant flow rate to improve the heat exchange efficiency of the cooled device 110. Therefore, when the first comparison result meets the first preset condition, the cooling device controller 106 can control the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 104 to increase, so that more coolant is input to the cooled device 110 to participate in cooling and heat exchange.

[0065] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second preset condition may be that the first comparison result is that the second temperature is greater than the first temperature and the first temperature is greater than the lower limit threshold. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the second preset condition may be that the first comparison result is that the second temperature is greater than the lower limit threshold and the lower limit threshold is greater than the first temperature. Since the first temperature of the cooled device 110 is lower than the second temperature at which the coolant is input to the cooled device 110 when the second preset condition is met, it is necessary to stop the input of coolant and reduce the coolant temperature to prevent the temperature of the cooled device 110 from dropping further. Therefore, the cooling device controller 106 may, when the first comparison result meets the second preset condition, control the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 104 to reduce to zero so that the valve of the flow regulating valve 104 is completely closed, and reduce the coolant temperature.

[0066] Optionally, in some embodiments, the third preset condition may be that the first comparison result is that the lower limit threshold of the temperature is greater than the first temperature and the first temperature is greater than the second temperature. Since the first temperature of the cooled device 110 is lower than the minimum permissible temperature for electric aircraft, it is necessary to stop the input of coolant. However, the first temperature of the cooled device 110 is still higher than the second temperature at which the coolant is input to the cooled device 110, so it is necessary to increase the coolant temperature. Therefore, if the first comparison result meets the third preset condition, the cooling device controller 106 can control the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 104 to be reduced to zero so that the valve of the flow regulating valve 104 is completely closed, and the coolant temperature is increased.

[0067] Optionally, in some embodiments, the fourth preset condition may be that the first comparison result is that the lower limit threshold temperature is greater than the second temperature and the second temperature is greater than the first temperature. Since the first temperature of the cooled device 110 is lower than the second temperature of the coolant input and the minimum allowable temperature of the electric aircraft, it is necessary to raise the temperature of the cooled device 110. Therefore, when the first comparison result meets the fourth preset condition, the cooling device controller 106 can control the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 104 to increase and raise the coolant temperature, so that more heated coolant is input into the cooled device 110, thereby raising the temperature of the cooled device 110 and preventing the cooled device 110 from malfunctioning under excessively low temperature conditions.

[0068] In one exemplary embodiment, the preset threshold may include a temperature upper limit threshold. The temperature upper limit threshold can be used to characterize the maximum permissible temperature of an electric aircraft.

[0069] The cooling device controller 106 is specifically configured to: determine a second comparison result between a first temperature, a second temperature, and a temperature upper limit threshold. If the second comparison result satisfies a fifth preset condition, the controller increases the valve opening of the flow regulating valve to a preset opening threshold, thereby reducing the coolant temperature. If the second comparison result satisfies a sixth preset condition, the controller increases the valve opening of the flow regulating valve to a preset opening threshold. If the second comparison result satisfies a seventh preset condition, the controller reduces the valve opening of the flow regulating valve to zero, thereby reducing the coolant temperature. If the second comparison result satisfies an eighth preset condition, the controller increases the valve opening of the flow regulating valve. If the second comparison result satisfies a ninth preset condition, the controller reduces the valve opening of the flow regulating valve to zero.

[0070] Optionally, in some embodiments, the fifth preset condition may be that the second comparison result is that the first temperature is greater than the second temperature and the second temperature is greater than the upper temperature threshold. Since the first temperature of the cooled device 110 exceeds the maximum permissible temperature of the electric aircraft, and the second temperature of the coolant input also exceeds the maximum permissible temperature of the electric aircraft, it is necessary to reduce the coolant temperature and increase the coolant flow rate input to the cooled device 110. Therefore, the cooling device controller 106 may, when the second comparison result meets the fifth preset condition, control the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 104 to increase to a preset opening threshold (i.e., the maximum opening value), while simultaneously reducing the coolant temperature. Optionally, in other embodiments, when the second comparison result meets the fifth preset condition, the operating power of the cooled device 110 may also be reduced to accelerate the cooling rate of the cooled device 110.

[0071] Optionally, in some embodiments, the sixth preset condition may be that the second comparison result is that the first temperature is greater than the upper temperature threshold and the upper temperature threshold is greater than the second temperature. Since the first temperature of the cooled device 110 exceeds the maximum permissible temperature of the electric aircraft, while the second temperature of the coolant input is lower than the maximum permissible temperature of the electric aircraft, the cooling rate of the cooled device 110 can be accelerated by increasing the coolant input flow rate. Therefore, the cooling device controller 106 can control the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 104 to increase to a preset opening threshold (i.e., the maximum opening value) when the second comparison result meets the sixth preset condition. Optionally, in other embodiments, when the second comparison result meets the sixth preset condition, the pressurization intensity of the coolant can also be increased to accelerate the speed of coolant input to the cooled device 110 and increase the coolant flow rate of the input flow regulating valve 104.

[0072] Optionally, in some embodiments, the seventh preset condition may be that the second comparison result is that the second temperature is greater than the first temperature and the first temperature is greater than the upper temperature threshold. Since both the second temperature of the coolant input and the first temperature of the cooled equipment 110 exceed the maximum permissible temperature of the electric aircraft, it is necessary to reduce the coolant temperature and prevent the high-temperature coolant from exchanging heat with the cooled equipment 110. Therefore, if the second comparison result meets the seventh preset condition, the cooling device controller 106 may control the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 104 to be reduced to zero to close the flow regulating valve 104 and reduce the coolant temperature. Optionally, in some embodiments, the operating power of the cooled equipment 110 may also be reduced to accelerate the cooling rate of the cooled equipment 110.

[0073] Optionally, in other embodiments, the seventh preset condition may also be that the second comparison result is that the second temperature is greater than the upper temperature threshold and the upper temperature threshold is greater than the first temperature. Since the second temperature of the coolant input is too high at this time, the cooling device controller 106 can control the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 104 to be reduced to zero to close the flow regulating valve 104 and reduce the coolant temperature.

[0074] Optionally, in some embodiments, the eighth preset condition may be that the second comparison result is that the upper temperature threshold is greater than the first temperature and the first temperature is greater than the second temperature. At this time, the first temperature of the cooled device 110 is still higher than the second temperature of the coolant input. Therefore, the cooling device controller 106 can control the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 104 to increase, or it can maintain the current valve opening to ensure that the coolant is input into the cooled device 110 for cooling and heat exchange.

[0075] Optionally, in some embodiments, the ninth preset condition can be that the second comparison result is that the upper temperature threshold is greater than the second temperature and the second temperature is greater than the first temperature. In this case, since the second temperature of the coolant input is higher than the first temperature of the cooled device 110, it is necessary to stop inputting high-temperature coolant into the cooled device 110. Therefore, the cooling device controller 106 can control the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 104 to be reduced to zero, so as to close the flow regulating valve 104.

[0076] In the above embodiments, by utilizing the comparison results of the first temperature of the cooled device 110, the second temperature of the coolant input, the upper temperature threshold, and the lower temperature threshold, the cooling device controller 106 performs different cooling heat exchange operations and controls the valve opening of the flow regulating valve or the coolant temperature, the flexibility of cooling heat exchange can be improved, and the cooling heat exchange requirements under various different operating conditions can be met.

[0077] In one exemplary embodiment, the cooling heat exchange system of the electric aircraft may also include a pressure pump.

[0078] The pressure pump can be used to pressurize the coolant so that the pressurized coolant is pumped into the flow regulating valve 104. Optionally, in some embodiments, the cooling device controller 106 can increase the speed of the pressure pump when the second comparison result meets the sixth preset condition, so as to increase the pressurization intensity of the coolant.

[0079] For example, the cooling device controller 106 can be electrically connected to the pressure pump. The cooling device controller 106 can also be used to control the operating power of the pressure pump to decrease to a preset safe power (i.e., the minimum power for stable operation of the pressure pump) when it detects that the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 104 has decreased to zero. That is, as the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 104 gradually decreases, the operating power of the pressure pump gradually decreases. Until the flow regulating valve 104 is completely closed, the pressure pump operates at the minimum preset safe power to reduce power consumption.

[0080] In this embodiment, by reducing the operating power of the pressure pump during the process of reducing the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 104 to zero, the power consumption of the cooling device pressure pump can be reduced when the cooled equipment is not exchanging heat, thereby reducing the power consumption of the airborne battery.

[0081] In one exemplary embodiment, the flow control valve 104 includes an internal valve and housing, a coolant inlet, a return outlet, and a supply outlet. The flow control valve 104 is connected to the coolant tank 102 via a return line.

[0082] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the flow regulating valve 104 receives coolant through the coolant inlet 202, and diverts the coolant to the supply outlet 208 based on the opening between the valve 204 and the housing 206, and then outputs it to the cooled device 110 through the supply outlet 208. The remaining coolant after diversion returns to the coolant tank 102 through the return outlet 210. That is, the flow regulating valve 104 controls the flow rate through the opening between the valve 204 and the housing 206, which is the flow rate of coolant entering the supply outlet 208. The opening size can be converted into the linear displacement of the valve 204 inside the housing 206. For example, if the valve 204 moves backward, the opening becomes smaller; if the valve 204 moves forward, the opening becomes larger.

[0083] The cooling device controller 106 can refer to the valve opening control method described in the above embodiments, determine the size of the opening between the corresponding valve 204 and the housing 206 based on the comparison result of the first temperature, the second temperature and the preset threshold, convert the size of the opening into the linear displacement of the valve 204 inside the housing 206 based on the preset data processing logic, and control the valve 204 to move according to the linear displacement to adjust the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 104.

[0084] Optionally, in some embodiments, the movement of the valve 204 can be controlled by a screw connected to the tail of the valve 204 outside the housing 206. The screw can be connected to a micro motor. The cooling device controller 106 can control the valve 204 to move forward or backward inside the housing 206 by controlling the forward or reverse rotation of the micro motor, thereby adjusting the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 104.

[0085] In this embodiment, by using the linear displacement of the valve 204 inside the housing 206 to adjust the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 104, the complex flow control logic can be simplified to the linear displacement control of the valve, thereby improving the valve control accuracy and reducing the data processing load of the cooling device controller 106.

[0086] In one exemplary embodiment, the cooling heat exchange system of the electric aircraft may further include a filter. The filter may be installed on the return line of the coolant to the coolant tank. The filter may be used to filter the coolant to be returned to the coolant tank 102. Optionally, in some embodiments, the coolant filtered by the filter may include the coolant output through the return outlet of the flow regulating valve 104 and the coolant output after cooling and heat exchange with the cooled equipment 110.

[0087] In this embodiment, by setting a filter to filter the coolant before it enters the coolant tank 102, the utilization rate of the coolant can be improved and impurities can be prevented from entering the coolant tank 102.

[0088] In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, a cooling and heat exchange system for an electric aircraft is also provided, including: a coolant tank 102, a pressure pump 302, a flow regulating valve 104, a cooling device controller 106, a temperature sensor 108, a device to be cooled 110, and a filter 304.

[0089] For example, the pressure pump 302 can be driven by a motor. The pressure pump 302 can pump the coolant in the coolant tank 102 into the flow regulating valve 104. The flow regulating valve 104 can control the flow rate of coolant entering the cooled device 110 through the opening between the internal valve and the housing, while the coolant not entering the cooled device 110 will enter the filter 304 through the return outlet. The coolant after cooling and heat exchange with the cooled device 110 also enters the filter 304. The filter 304 filters the coolant and enters the filtered coolant into the coolant tank 102.

[0090] The cooling device controller 106 can acquire the coolant temperature, the first temperature of the cooled device 110, and the second temperature at which the coolant enters the cooled device 110 from each temperature sensor 108. It compares the first temperature and the second temperature with an upper temperature threshold and a lower temperature threshold. Referring to the control logic for valve opening and coolant temperature provided in the above embodiments, based on preset conditions satisfied by the first comparison result between the first temperature, the second temperature, and the lower temperature threshold / the second comparison result between the first temperature, the second temperature, and the upper temperature threshold, it executes corresponding control operations to achieve precise adjustment of the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 104 and the coolant temperature.

[0091] In this embodiment, flow control in the airborne heat exchange pipeline can be achieved by controlling the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 104 based on temperature, and temperature control in the airborne heat exchange pipeline can be achieved by controlling the coolant temperature based on temperature. As the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 104 gradually decreases to zero, more coolant enters the return pipeline, and the operating power of the pressure pump gradually decreases, thereby reducing the consumption of airborne electrical energy. By using motor control to adjust the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 104, a fast response speed and high position control accuracy can be achieved. By setting a filter, the cleanliness of the liquid in the cooling circuit can be ensured.

[0092] In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, a cooling heat exchange method for an electric aircraft is provided, applied to the cooling device controller 106 in the above embodiments, including the following steps S402 to S404. Wherein:

[0093] Step S402: The temperature of the coolant in the coolant tank, the first temperature of the cooled equipment, and the second temperature at which the coolant is input to the cooled equipment are obtained from multiple temperature sensors.

[0094] Step S404: Based on the comparison results of the first temperature, the second temperature and the preset threshold, control the valve opening of the flow regulating valve and the coolant temperature.

[0095] The specific implementation methods of steps S402 and S404 can be referred to the control logic of the cooling and heat exchange system of the electric aircraft provided in the above embodiments, and will not be elaborated here.

[0096] In an exemplary embodiment, the preset threshold includes a lower temperature threshold. Step S404 may further include: determining a first comparison result between a first temperature, a second temperature, and the lower temperature threshold; if the first comparison result satisfies a first preset condition, controlling the valve opening of the flow regulating valve to increase; if the first comparison result satisfies a second preset condition, controlling the valve opening of the flow regulating valve to decrease to zero and lowering the coolant temperature; if the first comparison result satisfies a third preset condition, controlling the valve opening of the flow regulating valve to decrease to zero and raising the coolant temperature; if the first comparison result satisfies a fourth preset condition, controlling the valve opening of the flow regulating valve to increase and raising the coolant temperature.

[0097] In an exemplary embodiment, the preset threshold includes a temperature upper limit threshold. Step S404 may further include: determining a second comparison result between the first temperature, the second temperature, and the temperature upper limit threshold; if the second comparison result satisfies a fifth preset condition, controlling the valve opening of the flow regulating valve to increase to a preset opening threshold, thereby reducing the coolant temperature; if the second comparison result satisfies a sixth preset condition, controlling the valve opening of the flow regulating valve to increase to a preset opening threshold; if the second comparison result satisfies a seventh preset condition, controlling the valve opening of the flow regulating valve to decrease to zero and reducing the coolant temperature; if the second comparison result satisfies an eighth preset condition, controlling the valve opening of the flow regulating valve to increase; and if the second comparison result satisfies a ninth preset condition, controlling the valve opening of the flow regulating valve to decrease to zero.

[0098] In one exemplary embodiment, the cooling and heat exchange method for an electric aircraft further includes: when the valve opening of the flow regulating valve is detected to have decreased to zero, controlling the operating power of the pressure pump to decrease to a preset safe power.

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, step S404 may further include: determining the size of the opening between the valve and the housing inside the flow regulating valve based on the comparison result of the first temperature, the second temperature and the preset threshold, converting the size of the opening into the linear displacement of the valve inside the housing, and controlling the valve to move according to the linear displacement to adjust the valve opening of the flow regulating valve.

[0100] In one exemplary embodiment, the cooling heat exchange method for an electric aircraft further includes filtering the coolant to be returned to the coolant tank.

[0101] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the above embodiments are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the above embodiments may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages in other steps. It is understood that the steps in different embodiments can be freely combined as needed, and all non-contradictory solutions formed by such combinations are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0102] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a cooling device controller, including a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to implement the steps in the above-described method embodiments.

[0103] In one exemplary embodiment, a cooling device controller is provided. This cooling device controller may be a computer device, and its internal structure diagram may be as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the cooling device controller includes a processor, memory, input / output (I / O) interfaces, and a communication interface. The processor, memory, and I / O interfaces are connected via a system bus, and the communication interface is also connected to the system bus via the I / O interfaces. The processor provides computational and control capabilities. The memory includes non-volatile storage media and internal memory. The non-volatile storage media stores the operating system, computer programs, and a database. The internal memory provides the environment for the operating system and computer programs stored in the non-volatile storage media. The database stores data such as coolant temperature, a first temperature of the cooled equipment, a second temperature at which the coolant enters the cooled equipment, and preset threshold values. The I / O interfaces are used for information exchange between the processor and external devices. The communication interface is used for communication with external terminals via a network connection. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements a cooling heat exchange method for an electric aircraft.

[0104] Each module in the aforementioned cooling device controller can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in the processor of the cooling device controller in hardware form or independent of it, or they can be stored in the memory of the cooling device controller in software form, so that the processor can call and execute the operations corresponding to each module.

[0105] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 5 The structure shown is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the cooling device controller to which the present application is applied. A specific cooling device controller may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0106] In one exemplary embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in the above-described method embodiments.

[0107] In one exemplary embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in the above-described method embodiments.

[0108] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Any references to memory, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile memory and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take many forms, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The databases involved in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one type of relational database and non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, blockchain-based distributed databases. The processors involved in the embodiments provided in this application may be general-purpose processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, quantum computing-based data processing logic devices, artificial intelligence (AI) processors, etc., and are not limited to these.

[0109] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this application.

[0110] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cooling heat exchange system for an electric aircraft, characterized in that, The cooling heat exchange system includes a coolant tank, a flow regulating valve, a cooling device controller, and multiple temperature sensors. The coolant tank is used to supply coolant to the equipment being cooled; The flow regulating valve is used to output a coolant flow rate to the cooled equipment that matches the current valve opening. The cooling device controller is electrically connected to the coolant tank, the flow regulating valve, and the plurality of temperature sensors, respectively. The plurality of temperature sensors are respectively located at the coolant tank, the cooled equipment, and the supply pipeline between the flow regulating valve and the cooled equipment. The cooling device controller is used to obtain the coolant temperature in the coolant tank, the first temperature of the cooled equipment, and the second temperature at which the coolant is input to the cooled equipment from the plurality of temperature sensors, and to control the valve opening of the flow regulating valve and the coolant temperature based on the comparison results of the first temperature, the second temperature and a preset threshold.

2. The cooling and heat exchange system for an electric aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset threshold includes a lower temperature threshold; The cooling device controller is used to control the valve opening degree of the flow regulating valve and the coolant temperature based on the comparison result of the first temperature, the second temperature and a preset threshold, including: The cooling device controller is used for: Determine the first comparison result between the first temperature, the second temperature, and the lower limit threshold; If the first comparison result meets the first preset condition, the valve opening of the flow regulating valve is increased. If the first comparison result meets the second preset condition, the valve opening of the flow regulating valve is reduced to zero and the temperature of the coolant is lowered. If the first comparison result meets the third preset condition, the valve opening of the flow regulating valve is reduced to zero and the temperature of the coolant is increased; If the first comparison result meets the fourth preset condition, the valve opening of the flow regulating valve is increased and the temperature of the coolant is raised.

3. The cooling and heat exchange system for an electric aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset threshold includes a temperature upper limit threshold; The cooling device controller is used to control the valve opening degree of the flow regulating valve and the coolant temperature based on the comparison result of the first temperature, the second temperature and a preset threshold, including: The cooling device controller is used for: Determine a second comparison result between the first temperature, the second temperature, and the upper temperature threshold; If the second comparison result meets the fifth preset condition, the valve opening of the flow regulating valve is increased to a preset opening threshold, thereby reducing the temperature of the coolant. If the second comparison result meets the sixth preset condition, the valve opening of the flow regulating valve is increased to a preset opening threshold. If the second comparison result meets the seventh preset condition, the valve opening of the flow regulating valve is reduced to zero and the temperature of the coolant is lowered. If the second comparison result meets the eighth preset condition, the valve opening of the flow regulating valve is increased. If the second comparison result meets the ninth preset condition, the valve opening of the flow regulating valve is reduced to zero.

4. The cooling and heat exchange system for an electric aircraft according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The cooling heat exchange system also includes a pressure pump: The pressure pump is used to pressurize the coolant; The cooling device controller is electrically connected to the pressure pump. The cooling device controller is also used to control the operating power of the pressure pump to decrease to a preset safe power when it detects that the valve opening of the flow regulating valve has decreased to zero.

5. The cooling and heat exchange system for an electric aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow regulating valve includes an internal valve and housing, a coolant inlet, a return outlet, and a supply outlet; The flow regulating valve is used to receive the coolant through the coolant inlet, and to divert the coolant to the supply outlet based on the opening between the valve and the housing, and then output the coolant to the cooled equipment through the supply outlet. The remaining coolant after diversion is returned to the coolant tank through the return outlet. The cooling device controller is used to determine the size of the opening based on the comparison result of the first temperature, the second temperature and a preset threshold, convert the size of the opening into the linear displacement of the valve inside the housing, and control the valve to move according to the linear displacement to adjust the valve opening of the flow regulating valve.

6. The cooling and heat exchange system for an electric aircraft according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cooling heat exchange system also includes a filter, which is installed on the return line of the coolant back to the coolant tank; The filter is used to filter the coolant to be returned to the coolant tank.

7. A cooling and heat exchange method for an electric aircraft, characterized in that, The method, applied to a cooling heat exchange system for an electric aircraft vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprises: The temperature of the coolant in the coolant tank, the first temperature of the cooled equipment, and the second temperature at which the coolant is input to the cooled equipment are obtained from multiple temperature sensors. Based on the comparison results of the first temperature, the second temperature and the preset threshold, the valve opening of the flow regulating valve and the temperature of the coolant are controlled.

8. A cooling device controller, comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, characterized in that, When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the steps of the method described in claim 7.

9. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the method described in claim 7.

10. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the method described in claim 7.

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