Autonomous Vehicle Thermal Interface Cooling System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in efficiently cooling their systems due to varying cooling requirements, which can lead to unnecessary weight, space occupation, and inefficiency when using a standalone cooling system capable of providing maximum cooling under all conditions.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system for autonomous vehicles that incorporates a thermal interface with multiple cooling sources, such as integrated power electronics, battery, internal radiator, and air-conditioning coolant loops, controlled by a processor to meet specific cooling parameters based on operational conditions, optimizing energy efficiency and service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stand-alone cooling system capable of providing maximum cooling is incorporated, then the cooling requirement under all operating conditions is met, but unnecessary weight is added and space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the vehicle's existing cooling system to serve dual purposes: cooling both the powertrain components and the autonomous driving computing system through a common thermal interface and coolant distribution network. This eliminates the need for a separate stand-alone cooling system while meeting all cooling requirements under various operating conditions
2Reliability
If a stand-alone cooling system capable of providing maximum cooling is incorporated, then the cooling requirement under all operating conditions is met, but a large volume of space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling functions by integrating the computing system's cooling requirements into the existing powertrain cooling infrastructure. The thermal interface and coolant distribution network are configured to route cooling fluid to both powertrain components and computing system heat generators, consolidating what would otherwise require separate cooling systems and reducing overall space occupation
3Reliability
If a stand-alone cooling system capable of providing maximum cooling is incorporated, then the cooling requirement under all operating conditions is met, but the system is inefficient under some operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control by using a controller to monitor thermal conditions and selectively activate or deactivate specific cooling zones and coolant flow paths based on real-time operating conditions. This allows the system to provide maximum cooling only when and where needed, rather than continuously operating at full capacity, thereby improving energy efficiency while maintaining reliability
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
This solution allows for flexible and adaptable cooling, reducing energy consumption, extending the service life of vehicle systems, and ensuring reliable operation by tailoring cooling sources to meet specific thermal demands, thereby enhancing passenger safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal interface configured to receive the respective cooling provided by each of the cooling sources and configured to provide the respective cooling received by each of the cooling sources to the one or more vehicle systems
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing cooling to vehicle systems on an autonomous vehicle from a plurality of cooling sources are provided. A cooling system can include a thermal interface configured to provide cooling to one or more vehicle systems of the autonomous vehicle, a plurality of cooling sources coupled to the thermal interface, and a controller configured to control each cooling source to provide a respective cooling to the thermal interface to meet a total cooling parameter for the one or more vehicle systems. Each cooling source can be configured to provide a respective cooling capacity to the thermal interface. The thermal interface can be configured to receive the respective cooling provided by each of the cooling sources. The thermal interface can be further configured to provide the respective cooling received by each of the cooling sources to the one or more vehicle systems to meet the total cooling parameter.