Battery Thermal Management via Air Conditioning Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery cooling systems in hybrid and electric vehicles require frequent activation of energy-intensive refrigeration cycles, which increases wear on complex and expensive components, and often fail to optimize the use of ambient air for cooling.
Innovation Solution
A modular battery temperature control device featuring a cooling circuit with multiple heat exchangers, including a second heat exchanger for ambient air cooling and a third heat exchanger integrated with the vehicle's air conditioning system, allowing for alternative or combined cooling methods, and a refrigeration circuit that can be activated only when necessary to maintain battery temperature within safe ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the refrigeration circuit is activated frequently to cool the battery, then the battery temperature is maintained within the desired range, but the energy consumption increases and the wear on complex and expensive components accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the vehicle's air conditioning system to provide cooling for the battery, effectively making the battery cooling self-service by leveraging an already-operating system rather than relying solely on the dedicated refrigeration circuit. This reduces additional energy consumption while maintaining battery temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioning system is designed to serve multiple functions: cooling the vehicle interior and cooling the battery. By routing the cooled air flow from the air conditioning system through the third heat exchanger, the system achieves dual-purpose cooling, reducing the need for frequent activation of the refrigeration circuit.
2Temperature
If the refrigeration circuit is activated frequently to cool the battery, then the battery temperature is maintained within the desired range, but the wear on complex and expensive components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery cooling system leverages the vehicle's air conditioning system to provide cooling, reducing the operational burden on the refrigeration circuit components. This self-service approach minimizes wear on the compressor, condenser, and expansion valve by utilizing the air conditioning system's cooling capacity when it is already running.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential refrigeration circuit failures by having alternative cooling paths through the second and third heat exchangers. This redundancy cushions against component wear and failure by providing backup cooling methods that do not rely on the refrigeration circuit's complex components.
3Power
If ambient air is used for cooling through the second heat exchanger, then the cooling capacity is improved and the refrigeration circuit activation is reduced, but the cooling effectiveness depends on ambient temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges three different cooling sources into a unified battery cooling system: ambient air cooling through the second heat exchanger, air conditioning system cooling through the third heat exchanger, and refrigeration circuit cooling through the fourth heat exchanger. This combination allows the system to adapt to different ambient temperature conditions by selectively utilizing the most effective cooling source available.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically selects and switches between different cooling sources based on real-time conditions, including ambient temperature, battery temperature, and air conditioning system operation status. This dynamic adaptation ensures optimal cooling effectiveness regardless of external temperature conditions.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the air conditioning system is used for battery cooling through the third heat exchanger, then the refrigeration circuit activation is delayed, but the cooling capacity is limited by the air conditioning system's output
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial cooling action through the air conditioning system via the third heat exchanger, using it to provide a portion of the required cooling capacity. This partial action is sufficient to delay refrigeration circuit activation during moderate cooling demands, while the system can scale up to full cooling capacity by activating the refrigeration circuit when necessary.
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 configuration reduces the frequency of refrigeration cycle activation, conserves energy, extends the life of components, and ensures effective battery cooling through redundancy and efficient use of available cooling resources, including ambient air and air conditioning airflow.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger (32) for exchanging heat with the battery (30)
Implementation Method 2
a second heat exchanger (44) which is arranged for heat exchange with an area surrounding the device (12)
Implementation Method 3
a third heat exchanger (28) which is arranged for heat exchange with the temperature-controlled air flow
Implementation Method 4
the state of aggregation of the coolant in the refrigeration circuit changes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (12) for temperature control of a battery (30) of a motor vehicle (10), in particular a traction battery of a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle. The device (12) includes an air conditioning system (60) for generating a temperature-controlled airflow (A) for temperature control of the vehicle interior of the motor vehicle (10). The device (12) also includes a cooling circuit (38) with a first heat exchanger (32) for heat exchange with the battery (30), a second heat exchanger (44) arranged for heat exchange with the surroundings of the device (12), and a third heat exchanger (28) arranged for heat exchange with the temperature-controlled airflow (A).