Device for controlling the temperature in an electric battery of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle provided with such a device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric vehicle batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, are sensitive to external temperatures and existing cooling systems using refrigerants harm the environment when leaked, as these refrigerants are greenhouse gases.

Innovation Solution

A closed circuit with a boiler, condenser, pressure reducer, evaporator, absorber, and pumping means using a two-phase mixture of ammonia and water, which is less toxic and energy-efficient, allowing for temperature regulation of electric vehicle batteries without compressors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a compression refrigerant circuit is used to cool the battery, then the battery temperature can be regulated, but the refrigerant may leak into the atmosphere causing environmental harm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery temperatureVSAvoidenvironmental harm from refrigerant leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical-chemical parameters of the cooling system by replacing the compression refrigerant circuit with an absorption refrigeration circuit using a two-phase mixture (ammonia and water). This fundamental parameter change eliminates the use of harmful synthetic refrigerants while maintaining the temperature regulation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical compression system with a chemical absorption system. Instead of using a compressor to circulate refrigerant, the system uses the absorption of ammonia by water in the absorber to drive the refrigeration cycle, eliminating the mechanical components that could lead to refrigerant leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Temperature

If a compressor is used in the cooling circuit, then the refrigeration effect is achieved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery temperature regulationVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes phase transitions of the two-phase mixture (ammonia and water) to achieve refrigeration. The evaporation of liquid ammonia in the evaporator absorbs heat from the battery, while the condensation of ammonia gas in the condenser releases heat to the environment, providing efficient temperature regulation through natural phase change processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively regulates battery temperature, reduces environmental impact by using less toxic refrigerants, and consumes less energy compared to traditional cooling systems, maintaining optimal battery performance while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.

Implementation Method 1

a boiler (3) comprising a two-phase mixture of a regulating gas with a liquid absorbent, a condenser (4) for condensing the regulating gas escaping from the boiler in its state of regulating liquid, means for lowering the pressure of the regulating liquid, an evaporator (6) for evaporating the regulator liquid and causing it to return to its regulator gas state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

an evaporator (6) for evaporating the regulator liquid and causing it to return to its regulator gas state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

a condenser (4) for condensing the regulating gas escaping from the boiler in its state of regulating liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 4

an absorber (7) for absorbing the regulator gas and reforming the two-phase mixture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2790264B1Device for controlling the temperature in an electric battery of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle provided with such a device

Publication Date: 2017.05.31 NOBEL PLASTIQUES

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for regulating the temperature of an electric battery (1) of a motor vehicle, the device comprising a closed circuit (2) which, in service, is in heat transfer relationship with the said battery so as to allow regulation of the temperature of the battery, the circuit comprising in series successively a boiler (3), a condenser (4), pressure lowering means (5), an evaporator (6), an absorber (7 ), pumping means (8), the circuit further comprising a channel (10) which extends in parallel with the pumping means. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle equipped with such a regulating device.