Adaptive Battery Thermal Control for Variable Electric Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal management systems for electrical power systems with variable electric loads, particularly in heavy-duty applications like electric vehicles, are inefficient, leading to reduced performance, increased energy consumption, and potential battery degradation due to unpredictable heat generation and the need for constant active cooling.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive thermal management system that predicts and models thermal performance using current inputs to dynamically regulate the temperature of energy storage systems, minimizing the need for constant active cooling by optimizing coolant flow and setpoints based on anticipated load demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If active cooling is continuously applied to remove heat from electrical power systems, then thermal management effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic thermal management by continuously adjusting coolant flow rates and cooling system operation based on real-time monitoring of current draw, temperature sensors, and predictive models of heat generation. This allows the system to provide active cooling only when and where needed, rather than continuous operation, thereby maintaining thermal effectiveness while reducing parasitic energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses predictive algorithms that calculate anticipated heat generation based on requested current draw and operational conditions before the heat is actually generated. This allows the thermal management system to pre-position coolant flow and prepare cooling capacity in advance, ensuring optimal thermal control while avoiding unnecessary continuous cooling operation.
2Reliability
If conservative thermal management approaches are used to ensure safety, then reliability is improved, but system performance deteriorates due to reduced power availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system that continuously monitors actual temperatures via sensors, compares them against predicted temperatures from thermal models, and adjusts cooling system operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain reliable thermal safety margins while dynamically optimizing power availability, as the system responds to actual conditions rather than operating conservatively at fixed limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts thermal management parameters such as coolant flow rates, temperature setpoints, and cooling activation thresholds based on real-time operational conditions including current draw, ambient temperature, and state of charge. This allows the system to maintain safety while maximizing performance by adapting thermal constraints to actual system needs rather than applying fixed conservative limits.
3Device complexity
If simple thermal management control is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to variable loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating thermal management system where the controller automatically adjusts cooling parameters based on inputs from temperature sensors and current measurements without requiring complex external control intervention. The system uses embedded predictive models and control algorithms that autonomously adapt to varying load conditions, maintaining high adaptability while keeping the control architecture relatively simple and self-contained.
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
Enhances battery life and vehicle range by efficiently managing thermal conditions, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing hardware requirements for thermal management.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal management system for a component of an electrical power system... regulate a thermal state of the component
Implementation Method 2
Active heat removal typically requires energy to operate... heat must typically be removed from the system
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to systems, devices, methods, and computer-readable storage medium for adaptive/dynamic thermal management of an electrical power system having variable electric loads, and components thereof. Thermal management may be driven at least partially by predicted/modeled thermal performance of the component to be managed, which may be calculated or modified using direct or indirect measurements. Embodiments may include adaptive thermal management of at least one of an energy storage system and an electric energy supply. Applications of this disclosure may include adaptive thermal management method for electric vehicles and non-mobility applications, particularly having variable electrical loads, which may impact performance or life of the application.