Battery thermal management system and control method of amphibious new energy vehicle

Abstract

A battery thermal management system for an amphibious new energy vehicle includes a water-cooled pump, a compressor, a PTC heater, and a battery water pump. The battery water pump drives the coolant to circulate in the loop, continuously exchanging heat with the battery pack. The PTC heater heats the coolant to raise its temperature under low-temperature conditions. The water pump drives the water flow in the water condenser to cool the refrigerant, which exchanges heat with the coolant through the condenser. The system also includes a water temperature sensor module, a pressure sensor module, and a thermal management controller, used to monitor the coolant temperature and refrigerant pressure, respectively. Based on sensor data, the thermal management controller adjusts the operation of the water pump, compressor, and PTC heater using pulse-width modulation signals to regulate the battery pack temperature. The control method includes: after the vehicle is powered on, the controller starts the battery water pump and sets an initial duty cycle; selects a temperature control mode based on the coolant temperature, starting the PTC heater below 15°C and the compressor above 30°C; and selects either air-cooled or water-cooled condenser operation based on the vehicle's driving mode to ensure efficient and stable system operation under different environments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of thermal management systems, and specifically to a battery thermal management system and control method for an amphibious new energy vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Amphibious vehicles need to adapt to various operating conditions, including land travel and water hopping, therefore their battery cooling systems must operate stably under different environmental conditions. Our previously filed utility model patent, "A Battery Cooling System for an Amphibious New Energy Vehicle" (Application No.: CN202320868072.2), proposes a battery cooling solution, including a cooling system, a heat exchanger, a water heater, and a battery pack. This cooling system circulates the refrigerant through a compressor, condenser, and expansion valve, and facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant and coolant through the heat exchanger. Driven by a second water pump, the coolant flows sequentially through the water heater, battery pack, and expansion tank, absorbing and releasing heat. In high-temperature environments, the system cools the battery pack through a refrigeration cycle; while in low-temperature environments, the water heater heats the coolant, ensuring the battery temperature remains within a suitable range.

[0003] While the aforementioned solutions effectively address the battery cooling requirements of amphibious vehicles under various operating conditions, the limited energy resources of amphibious new energy vehicles necessitate addressing range and thermal management issues during both land and water travel in practical applications. Therefore, optimizing energy consumption and improving range while ensuring efficient operation of the battery cooling system is crucial for further optimizing battery thermal management. This invention proposes a battery thermal management system and its control method for amphibious new energy vehicles, aiming to improve the energy efficiency of the battery cooling system and ensure excellent vehicle performance under various operating conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing a battery thermal management system and control method for amphibious new energy vehicles that optimizes energy consumption and vehicle range.

[0005] One specific technical solution for a battery thermal management system for an amphibious new energy vehicle is as follows: A battery thermal management system for an amphibious new energy vehicle includes a water-cooled water pump, a compressor, a PTC heater, and a battery water pump. The battery water pump is used to drive the coolant to circulate in the cooling circuit, so that the coolant and the battery pack can continuously exchange heat. The PTC heater is used to heat the battery coolant and increase the coolant temperature at low temperatures; The water pump for the water condenser is used to drive the water flow in the water condenser to cool the refrigerant; The refrigerant and coolant exchange heat through a cooling unit; Its features are: It also includes a water temperature sensor module, a pressure sensor module, and a thermal management controller; The water temperature sensor module is used to monitor the temperature of the battery pack coolant in real time, and the pressure sensor module is used to collect the pressure of the refrigerant at the compressor inlet port in real time. The thermal management controller is used to dynamically adjust the operating status of the water condenser pump, compressor and PTC heater based on the data collected by the water temperature sensor module and the pressure sensor module through pulse width modulation signal, so as to regulate the temperature of the battery pack.

[0006] To better realize the present invention, it can be further: The thermal management controller communicates with the vehicle manager via a CAN bus.

[0007] One specific technical solution for a battery thermal management system for an amphibious new energy vehicle is as follows: A control method for a battery thermal management system of an amphibious new energy vehicle, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1: After the vehicle is powered on, the controller sends a command to start the battery water pump. The controller sets the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to work with a duty cycle of 25%. S2: The controller sets the battery temperature control mode according to the monitored battery coolant temperature. When the water temperature sensor detects that the water temperature in the battery cooling circuit is lower than 15°C, the controller sets the battery temperature control mode to battery heating mode and enters S4. When the water temperature sensor detects that the water temperature in the battery cooling circuit is higher than 30°C, the controller sets the battery temperature control mode to battery heat dissipation mode and enters S5. S4: The controller starts the PTC heater, while the cooler remains off; S5: The controller starts the compressor, and at the same time, the controller detects the vehicle driving mode: When the vehicle is set to land driving mode, enter S6; When the vehicle is set to water driving mode, enter S7; S6: The controller starts the air-cooled condenser, while the water-cooled condenser remains off; S7: The controller starts the water-cooled condenser, while the air-cooled condenser remains off.

[0008] Furthermore: In S2: the water temperature sensor monitors the water temperature in real time. When the water temperature sensor detects a water temperature ≥10℃ and <15℃, the controller adjusts the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to operate with a 25% duty cycle, and the PTC heater operates with 25% power. When the water temperature sensor detects that the water temperature is ≥5℃ and <10℃, the controller adjusts the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to operate with a 50% duty cycle, and the PTC heater operates with 50% power. When the water temperature sensor detects a water temperature ≥0℃ and <5℃, the controller sets the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to operate with a duty cycle of 75%, and the PTC heater to operate with 75% power. When the water temperature sensor detects At that time, the controller adjusts the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to operate at 100% duty cycle, and the PTC heater operates at 100% power.

[0009] Further: S4: The controller starts the air-cooled condenser, the water-cooled condenser remains off, and the water temperature sensor monitors the water temperature in real time. When the water temperature sensor detects a water temperature ≥30℃ and <40℃, the controller adjusts the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to operate with a duty cycle of 25%-75%, and the controller controls the compressor speed to operate at a variable speed of 2000rpm-3000rpm. When the water temperature sensor detects that the water temperature is ≥40℃, the controller adjusts the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to operate at 100% duty cycle, and the compressor operates at 3000 rpm.

[0010] Furthermore: In S7: the water temperature sensor monitors the water temperature in real time, and the pressure sensor monitors the refrigerant pressure at the compressor inlet port in real time. When the water temperature sensor detects a water temperature ≥30℃ and <40℃, the controller adjusts the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to operate with a duty cycle of 25%-75%. The controller adjusts the compressor speed to operate at a variable speed of 2000 rpm to 3000 rpm; When the pressure sensor detects a pressure <1 MPa, the controller sets the pulse width modulation signal of the condenser water pump to operate with a 25% duty cycle. When the pressure sensor detects a pressure ≥1 MPa and a pressure <1.5 MPa, the controller sets the pulse width modulation signal of the condenser water pump to operate with a 50% duty cycle. When the pressure sensor detects a pressure ≥1.5 MPa and a pressure <2.0 MPa, the controller sets the pulse width modulation signal of the condenser water pump to operate with a duty cycle of 75%. When the pressure sensor detects a pressure ≥2.0 MPa, the condenser water pump pulse width modulation signal operates at a 100% duty cycle. When the water temperature sensor detects a water temperature ≥40℃, the controller sets the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to operate with a 100% duty cycle, the compressor speed to operate at 3000 rpm, and the pulse width modulation signal of the condenser water pump to operate with a 100% duty cycle.

[0011] Furthermore: When the battery temperature control mode is set to heat dissipation mode, in land driving mode, after the controller shuts down the compressor, the controller delays for 20 seconds before shutting down the air condenser; When in water surface driving mode, after the controller shuts down the compressor, the controller then shuts down the condenser water pump after a 20-second delay.

[0012] The specific technical solution for a control method of a battery thermal management system for an amphibious new energy vehicle is as follows: The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By introducing a water temperature sensor, a pressure sensor module, and a thermal management controller, the system can monitor the temperature of the battery coolant and the pressure of the refrigerant in real time, ensuring dynamic adjustment of the battery's thermal management. The sensors, combined with the thermal management controller, can use pulse-width modulation (PWM) signals to regulate the operating status of the water pump, compressor, and PTC heater, forming a closed-loop control system. This dynamic adjustment method effectively responds to temperature changes, preventing the battery from overheating or overcooling and ensuring that the battery maintains its optimal operating temperature under any conditions. Simultaneously, through a finely controlled temperature control algorithm, the switching between battery heat dissipation mode and temperature control mode not only ensures the normal operation of the battery but also effectively prevents damage caused by excessively high or low battery temperatures. By controlling the PWM signal of the battery water pump and the power output of the PTC heater, temperature regulation becomes more precise and efficient, avoiding the impact of temperature fluctuations on battery performance. Compared with traditional fixed-mode control methods, this solution's dynamic adjustment is more flexible, capable of optimizing adjustments according to the environment and the actual needs of the battery, significantly improving the efficiency and stability of the battery cooling system. Meanwhile, through precise digital range selection and dynamic adjustment of water temperature and pressure, this solution enables efficient battery temperature control and cooling system management across different temperature ranges, ensuring the battery maintains optimal operating conditions in both low and high temperature environments, thus improving system energy efficiency and stability. Furthermore, it employs multiple control strategies adapted to different operating conditions. Specifically, in low-temperature environments, the system gradually increases the coolant temperature by increasing the duty cycle of the battery water pump and the power of the PTC heater. This allows for rapid temperature increases in cold environments, preventing battery performance degradation or damage due to excessively low temperatures. At this time, the controller operates with a lower duty cycle and power consumption, saving energy and maintaining a low temperature rise, making it suitable for slightly cold environments. At the same time, the increased power and duty cycle ensure that the system heats the coolant more effectively to cope with lower temperatures. At this time, the system operates at full capacity, providing heating at maximum power to prevent the coolant from freezing and ensure that the battery can continue to operate in extremely cold environments. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the system control principle of the present invention; The attached diagram shows the following components: 1. Water condenser; 2. Air condenser; 3. Water-cooled water pump; 4. Compressor; 5. PTC heater; 6. Battery-powered water pump; 7. Water temperature sensor module; 8. Pressure sensor module; 9. Battery pack; 10. Cooler. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0015] like Figure 1 As shown: The structural part of this invention adopts a previously disclosed utility model patent filed by our company: a battery cooling system for an amphibious new energy vehicle, application number: CN202320868072.2. The device structure of this technical solution is described in detail in that patent, and will not be repeated here. Only the control structure relevant to this invention will be described.

[0016] The specific technical solution for a battery thermal management system for an amphibious new energy vehicle is as follows: A battery thermal management system for an amphibious new energy vehicle includes a water condenser 1, an air condenser 2, a water-cooled water pump 3, a compressor 4, a PTC heater 5, and a battery water pump 6.

[0017] The battery water pump 6 is used to drive the coolant to circulate in the cooling circuit, so that the coolant and the battery pack 9 can continuously exchange heat. The PTC heater 5 is used to heat the battery coolant and increase the coolant temperature at low temperatures; The water pump of the water condenser 1 is used to drive the water flow of the water condenser 1 to cool the refrigerant; The refrigerant and coolant exchange heat through the cooler 10.

[0018] like Figure 2 As shown, a water temperature sensor module, a pressure sensor module, and a thermal management controller are added to the above structure. The thermal management controller communicates with the vehicle manager via a CAN bus.

[0019] The water temperature sensor module is used to monitor the temperature of the battery pack coolant in real time, and the pressure sensor module is used to collect the pressure of the refrigerant at the compressor inlet port in real time. The thermal management controller is used to dynamically adjust the operating status of the water condenser pump, compressor and PTC heater based on the data collected by the water temperature sensor module and the pressure sensor module through pulse width modulation signal, so as to regulate the temperature of the battery pack.

[0020] One specific technical solution for a battery thermal management system for an amphibious new energy vehicle is as follows: A control method for a battery thermal management system of an amphibious new energy vehicle includes the following steps: S1: After the vehicle is powered on, the controller sends a command to start the battery water pump. The controller sets the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to work with a duty cycle of 25%. S2: The controller sets the battery temperature control mode according to the monitored battery coolant temperature. When the water temperature sensor detects that the water temperature in the battery cooling circuit is lower than 15°C, the controller sets the battery temperature control mode to battery heating mode and enters S4. When the water temperature sensor detects that the water temperature in the battery cooling circuit is higher than 30°C, the controller sets the battery temperature control mode to battery heat dissipation mode and enters S5. S4: The controller starts the PTC heater, while the cooler remains off; Specifically, when the water temperature sensor detects a water temperature ≥10℃ and <15℃, the controller adjusts the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to operate with a duty cycle of 25%, and the PTC heater operates with 25% power. When the water temperature sensor detects that the water temperature is ≥5℃ and <10℃, the controller adjusts the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to operate with a 50% duty cycle, and the PTC heater operates with 50% power. When the water temperature sensor detects a water temperature ≥0℃ and <5℃, the controller sets the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to operate with a duty cycle of 75%, and the PTC heater to operate with 75% power. When the water temperature sensor detects At that time, the controller adjusts the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to operate at 100% duty cycle, and the PTC heater operates at 100% power.

[0021] S5: The controller starts the compressor, and at the same time, the controller detects the vehicle driving mode: When the battery temperature control mode is set to heat dissipation mode, in land driving mode, after the controller shuts down the compressor, the controller delays for 20 seconds before shutting down the air condenser. When in water surface driving mode, after the controller shuts down the compressor, the controller then shuts down the condenser water pump after a 20-second delay.

[0022] When the vehicle is set to land driving mode, enter S6; When the vehicle is set to water driving mode, enter S7; S6: The controller starts the air-cooled condenser, while the water-cooled condenser remains off; Specifically, when the water temperature sensor detects a water temperature ≥30℃ and a water temperature <40℃, the controller adjusts the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to operate with a duty cycle of 25%-75%, and the controller controls the compressor speed to operate at a variable speed of 2000rpm-3000rpm. When the water temperature sensor detects that the water temperature is ≥40℃, the controller adjusts the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to operate at 100% duty cycle, and the compressor operates at 3000 rpm.

[0023] S7: The controller starts the water-cooled condenser, while the air-cooled condenser remains off.

[0024] Specifically, the water temperature sensor monitors the water temperature in real time, and the pressure sensor monitors the refrigerant pressure at the compressor inlet port in real time. When the water temperature sensor detects a water temperature ≥30℃ and <40℃, the controller adjusts the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to operate with a duty cycle of 25%-75%. The controller adjusts the compressor speed to operate at a variable speed of 2000 rpm to 3000 rpm; When the pressure sensor detects a pressure <1 MPa, the controller sets the pulse width modulation signal of the condenser water pump to operate with a 25% duty cycle. When the pressure sensor detects a pressure ≥1 MPa and a pressure <1.5 MPa, the controller sets the pulse width modulation signal of the condenser water pump to operate with a 50% duty cycle. When the pressure sensor detects a pressure ≥1.5 MPa and a pressure <2.0 MPa, the controller sets the pulse width modulation signal of the condenser water pump to operate with a duty cycle of 75%. When the pressure sensor detects a pressure ≥2.0 MPa, the condenser water pump pulse width modulation signal operates at a 100% duty cycle. When the water temperature sensor detects a water temperature ≥40℃, the controller sets the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to operate with a 100% duty cycle, the compressor speed to operate at 3000 rpm, and the pulse width modulation signal of the condenser water pump to operate with a 100% duty cycle.

[0025] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0026] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A battery thermal management system for an amphibious new energy vehicle, comprising a water-cooled water pump, a compressor, a PTC heater, and a battery water pump; The battery water pump is used to drive the coolant to circulate in the cooling circuit, so that the coolant and the battery pack can continuously exchange heat. The PTC heater is used to heat the battery coolant and increase the coolant temperature at low temperatures; The water pump for the water condenser is used to drive the water flow in the water condenser to cool the refrigerant; The refrigerant and coolant exchange heat through a cooling unit; Its features are: It also includes a water temperature sensor module, a pressure sensor module, and a thermal management controller; The water temperature sensor module is used to monitor the temperature of the battery pack coolant in real time, and the pressure sensor module is used to collect the pressure of the refrigerant at the compressor inlet port in real time. The thermal management controller is used to dynamically adjust the operating status of the water condenser pump, compressor and PTC heater based on the data collected by the water temperature sensor module and the pressure sensor module through pulse width modulation signal, so as to regulate the temperature of the battery pack.

2. The battery thermal management system for an amphibious new energy vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thermal management controller communicates with the vehicle manager via a CAN bus.

3. The control method for the battery thermal management system of an amphibious new energy vehicle as described in claim 2, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1: After the vehicle is powered on, the controller sends a command to start the battery water pump. The controller sets the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to work with a duty cycle of 25%. S2: The controller sets the battery temperature control mode according to the monitored battery coolant temperature. When the water temperature sensor detects that the water temperature in the battery cooling circuit is lower than 15°C, the controller sets the battery temperature control mode to battery heating mode and enters S4. When the water temperature sensor detects that the water temperature in the battery cooling circuit is higher than 30°C, the controller sets the battery temperature control mode to battery heat dissipation mode and enters S5. S4: The controller starts the PTC heater, while the cooler remains off; S5: The controller starts the compressor, and at the same time, the controller detects the vehicle driving mode: When the vehicle is set to land driving mode, enter S6; When the vehicle is set to water driving mode, enter S7; S6: The controller starts the air-cooled condenser, while the water-cooled condenser remains off; S7: The controller starts the water-cooled condenser, while the air-cooled condenser remains off.

4. The control method for the battery thermal management system of an amphibious new energy vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that: In S2: the water temperature sensor monitors the water temperature in real time. When the water temperature sensor detects a water temperature ≥10℃ and <15℃, the controller adjusts the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to operate with a 25% duty cycle, and the PTC heater operates with 25% power. When the water temperature sensor detects that the water temperature is ≥5℃ and <10℃, the controller adjusts the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to operate with a 50% duty cycle, and the PTC heater operates with 50% power. When the water temperature sensor detects a water temperature ≥0℃ and <5℃, the controller sets the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to operate with a duty cycle of 75%, and the PTC heater to operate with 75% power. When the water temperature sensor detects At that time, the controller adjusts the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to operate at 100% duty cycle, and the PTC heater operates at 100% power.

5. The control method for the battery thermal management system of an amphibious new energy vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that: S4: The controller starts the air-cooled condenser, the water-cooled condenser remains off, and the water temperature sensor monitors the water temperature in real time. When the water temperature sensor detects a water temperature ≥30℃ and <40℃, the controller adjusts the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to operate with a duty cycle of 25%-75%, and the controller controls the compressor speed to operate at a variable speed of 2000rpm-3000rpm. When the water temperature sensor detects that the water temperature is ≥40℃, the controller adjusts the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to operate at 100% duty cycle, and the compressor operates at 3000 rpm.

6. The control method for the battery thermal management system of an amphibious new energy vehicle as described in claim 5, characterized in that: In S7: the water temperature sensor monitors the water temperature in real time, and the pressure sensor monitors the refrigerant pressure at the compressor inlet port in real time. When the water temperature sensor detects a water temperature ≥30℃ and <40℃, the controller adjusts the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to operate with a duty cycle of 25%-75%. The controller adjusts the compressor speed to operate at a variable speed of 2000 rpm to 3000 rpm; When the pressure sensor detects a pressure <1 MPa, the controller sets the pulse width modulation signal of the condenser water pump to operate with a 25% duty cycle. When the pressure sensor detects a pressure ≥1 MPa and a pressure <1.5 MPa, the controller sets the pulse width modulation signal of the condenser water pump to operate with a 50% duty cycle. When the pressure sensor detects a pressure ≥1.5 MPa and a pressure <2.0 MPa, the controller sets the pulse width modulation signal of the condenser water pump to operate with a duty cycle of 75%. When the pressure sensor detects a pressure ≥2.0 MPa, the condenser water pump pulse width modulation signal operates at a 100% duty cycle. When the water temperature sensor detects a water temperature ≥40℃, the controller sets the pulse width modulation signal of the battery water pump to operate with a 100% duty cycle, the compressor speed to operate at 3000 rpm, and the pulse width modulation signal of the condenser water pump to operate with a 100% duty cycle.

7. The control method for the battery thermal management system of an amphibious new energy vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the battery temperature control mode is set to heat dissipation mode, in land driving mode, after the controller shuts down the compressor, the controller delays for 20 seconds before shutting down the air condenser. When in water surface driving mode, after the controller shuts down the compressor, the controller then shuts down the condenser water pump after a 20-second delay.

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