A system for temperature stabilization in electrical vehicles

Abstract

The present embodiment provides a system (100) for stabilization of temperature in electrical vehicles The temperature stabilization system (100) includes a thermostat sensing unit (106) and a cooling unit (108). The thermostat sensing unit (106) measures the temperature of lithium ion battery (104) and in turn, the cooling unit (108) stabilizes the temperature within a certain range.

Description

[0001] A SYSTEM FOR TEMPERATURE STABILIZATION IN ELECTRICAL VEHICLES

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present embodiment relates to the field of electrical vehicles, and more particularly relates to a system for temperature stabilization in the electrical vehicles.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Number of vehicles is continuously increasing on roads. This increase in number has put a strain on the fossil fuel such as diesel and petrol. Further, combustion of fossil fuels produces carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas, which may further lead to global warming.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for vehicles that can run on alternate fuels. The electrical vehicles that run on electrical energy have gained a major interest in recent times. Major component of electrical vehicles are the batteries, preferably Lithium Ion batteries.

[0007] Also, the Lithium Ion batteries are the most costly component of the electrical vehicles. Therefore, it becomes important to maintain the life of Lithium Ion batteries. The performance of lithium ion batteries is greatly affected by temperature. For example, the charge and discharge rate performance and the available capacity of the battery are greatly reduced in low temperature environment and it becomes difficult to start the battery. Similarly, the service life of the battery is rapidly reduced under high temperature environment. In some cases, the Lithium Ion batteries may be irreversibly damaged. Therefore, it is important to stabilize the temperature of the electrical batteries to increase their lifespan.

[0008] Currently available solutions include flow of fluid between cells to manage the battery temperature. However, the above solutions are not reliable as the fluid may catch fire and may lead to a cause of an accident. Recently, many cases were reported of electrical vehicles catching fire.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need of a system that stabilizes the temperature under low temperature environment and high temperature environment. There is also a need of the system that provides reliable electrical vehicles to the consumers.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In an aspect, a system for stabilization of temperature in electrical vehicles is provided. The system includes a thermostat sensing unit and a cooling unit.

[0012] The thermostat sensing unit measures temperature of lithium ion battery. The thermostat sensing unit activates the cooling unit, when the temperature of the lithium ion battery is above a first threshold value. The first threshold value is the maximum temperature allowed for the lithium ion battery. The thermostat sensing unit cuts off the power supply to the cooling unit, when the temperature of the lithium ion battery is below a second threshold value. The second threshold value is the minimum temperature allowed for the lithium ion battery.

[0013] The cooling unit stabilizes the temperature of the lithium ion battery. The cooling unit includes a thermocouple IC, two fans and two heat sinks. The thermocouple IC is configured to decrease and increase the temperature of the lithium ion battery. The fans are configured to control the air / heat inside the lithium ion battery. The heat sinks reduce the temperature of the lithium ion battery by conducting or transferring the heat from high temperature environment to low temperature environment.

[0014] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some aspects of embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.

[0015] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 illustrates a system (100) for temperature stabilization in electrical vehicles, according to an embodiment herein.

[0018] To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

[0019] DETAILED DESCRPTION

[0020] As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to.

[0021] The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and / or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and / or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

[0022] The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably.

[0023] As previously mentioned, there is a need of the system (100) that can stabilize temperature of electrical vehicles. Figure 1 illustrates the system (100) for temperature stabilization in electrical vehicles.

[0024] The system (100) stabilizes / main tains the temperature of lithium ion battery (104) within a certain range. The system (100) may be installed with the pre-existing lithium ion battery (104). In an embodiment, the lithium ion battery (104) is placed inside a battery holding unit (102). In an embodiment, the battery holding unit (102) may include plurality of lithium ion batteries (104).

[0025] In an embodiment, the system (100) may stabilize the temperature when the electrical vehicle is on charging mode. In another embodiment, the system (100) may stabilize the temperature when the electrical vehicle is running on roads.

[0026] The temperature stabilizing system (100) includes a thermostat sensing unit (106) and a cooling unit (108).

[0027] The thermostat sensing unit (106) is a temperature sensor used for measuring the temperature of the electrical vehicle. In an embodiment, the thermostat sensing unit (106) measures the temperature of the electrical vehicle in real-time. In an embodiment, the thermostat sensing unit (106) is connected to the lithium ion battery (104) through a wire cable. The thermostat sensing unit (106) works by measuring the voltage across the lithium ion battery. In an embodiment, increase in voltage leads to an increase in temperature. The thermostat sensing unit (106) indirectly measures the temperature through change in voltage.

[0028] The thermostat sensing unit (106) activates the cooling unit (108), when the temperature of the lithium ion battery rises above a first threshold value. In an embodiment, the thermostat sensing unit (106) restricts the temperature of the lithium ion battery close to the outside temperature of the environment.

[0029] In an embodiment, the first threshold value is the maximum temperature allowed for the lithium ion battery (104). In an embodiment, the first threshold value is the outside temperature of the environment. In a preferred embodiment, the first threshold value is close to 35 degree Celsius.

[0030] As soon as the temperature of the lithium ion battery reaches above the outside temperature, the thermostat sensing unit (106) activates the cooling unit (108).

[0031] The cooling unit (108) further includes a thermocouple IC, two fans and two heat sinks.

[0032] The thermocouple IC is used for increasing and decreasing the temperature of the lithium ion battery. In an embodiment, one fan and one heat sink is placed below the thermocouple IC. In an embodiment, other fan and heat sink is placed above the thermocouple IC. The fans control the air / heat inside the lithium ion battery. In an embodiment, the fan placed below the thermocouple IC is used to throw cold air towards the first heat sink. In an embodiment, the fan placed above the thermocouple IC is used to throw hot air towards the second heat sink.

[0033] The heat sinks are used for reducing the temperature of the lithium ion battery by conducting heat from high temperature to low temperature environment. In an embodiment, the first heat sink is for the cold air and the second heat sink is for the hot air.

[0034] In an embodiment, the thermocouple IC, the two fans and the two heat sinks collectively works to reduce the temperature of the lithium ion battery. In an embodiment, the thermocouple IC, the two fans and the two heat sinks are placed in a sandwich format inside the cooling unit.

[0035] In an embodiment, the cooling unit (108) may stabilize the highest temperature of up to 100 degree Celsius. In an embodiment, the cooling unit (108) may reduce the temperature of the lithium ion battery up to 16 degree Celsius.

[0036] As soon as the temperature reaches a second threshold value, the thermostat sensing unit (106) cuts off the power supply to the cooling unit, thereby stabilizing the temperature within a certain range. In an embodiment, the second threshold value is the minimum temperature allowed for the lithium ion battery. In a preferred embodiment, the second threshold value is close to 16 degree Celsius.

[0037] In an embodiment, driver / user may pre-set the first threshold value and the second threshold value as per the geographical location. For example, the driver in colder region may set the second threshold value below 16 degree Celsius.

[0038] In an embodiment, the cooling unit (108) may be placed inside the battery holding unit (102). In an embodiment, fireproof polymer plastic is placed between the lithium ion battery and the cooling unit inside the battery holding unit.

[0039] In an embodiment, the present system (100) is capable of stabilizing temperature in extreme conditions. The present system (100) does not require much space and can be fit within pre-existing electrical vehicles.

[0040] The foregoing discussion of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to limit the present invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description, for example, various features of the present invention are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspects may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention the present invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Moreover, though the description of the present invention has included description of one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the present invention, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and / or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and / or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A system (100) for stabilization of temperature in electrical vehicles, the system (100) comprises: a thermostat sensing unit (106) for measuring temperature of lithium ion battery (104), wherein the thermostat sensing unit (106):• activates a cooling unit (108), when the temperature of the lithium ion battery (104) is above a first threshold value,• cuts off the power supply to the cooling unit (108), when the temperature of the lithium ion battery (104) is below a second threshold value; the cooling unit (108) stabilizes the temperature of the lithium ion battery (104), wherein the cooling unit (108) includes:• a thermocouple IC for decreasing and increasing the temperature of the lithium ion battery (104),• two fans for controlling the air / heat inside the lithium ion battery (104), and• two heat sinks for reducing the temperature of the lithium ion battery (104) by conducting heat from high temperature to low- temperature environment.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lithium ion battery (104) is placed inside a battery holding unit (102).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery holding unit (102) includes plurality of lithium ion batteries (104).

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first threshold value is the maximum temperature allowed for the lithium ion battery (104).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second threshold value is the minimum temperature allowed for the lithium ion battery (104).

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cooling unit (108) is placed inside the battery holding unit (102).

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one fan and heat sink is placed below the thermocouple IC and other fan and heat sink is placed below the thermocouple IC.

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thermocouple IC, the two fans and the two heat sinks are placed in a sandwich format inside the cooling unit (108).

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cooling unit (108) stabilizes the highest temperature of up to 100 degree Celsius.

10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cooling unit (108) reduces the temperature of the lithium ion (104) battery up to 16 degreeCelsius.

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