External Battery Coolant Circulation for EV Charging Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle high voltage batteries face inefficiencies in thermal management, particularly during charging, where overheating can damage the battery and reduce power efficiency, and charging efficiency is compromised at low ambient temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A coolant circulation system with a supply unit outside the vehicle connected to the battery's coolant line through a connecting unit, utilizing a cooling tank with an evaporation core and a heating tank with a condensing core, along with temperature measurement and control valves to regulate coolant flow, ensuring efficient heating or cooling of the battery based on temperature and charging mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rapid charging is performed on the high voltage battery, then charging speed is improved, but heat generation increases causing battery deterioration and reduced charging efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling of the battery before rapid charging begins, and continues cooling during charging. The cooling pump activates in advance to circulate coolant through the battery coolant line, ensuring the battery is pre-cooled to an optimal temperature range before high-current charging starts, thereby preventing excessive heat accumulation
Solution Approach 2:
A coolant circulation system acts as an intermediary between the battery and the external environment. The coolant flows through the battery coolant line, absorbing heat generated during rapid charging from the battery, and transports it to the cooling tower where heat is dissipated to the atmosphere, thereby mediating the thermal management during high-speed charging
2Productivity
If the high voltage battery is charged at low ambient temperature, then charging can proceed, but charging efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the battery before charging begins when ambient temperature is low. The heating element activates in advance to warm the battery and coolant to an optimal temperature range, ensuring the battery is ready for efficient charging even in cold environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant circulation system serves as a thermal intermediary that can transfer heat to the battery during cold conditions. The coolant is heated by the heating element and circulated through the battery coolant line, transferring thermal energy to the battery to raise its temperature to an optimal charging range, thereby mediating the effect of low ambient temperature on charging efficiency
3Temperature
If a cooling tower is provided outside the vehicle, then battery cooling capability is improved, but system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling tower is extracted from the vehicle interior and placed outside the vehicle. Only the essential cooling function is retained in the external cooling tower, while the vehicle interior contains only the minimal necessary components (coolant line connections, control units), thereby reducing internal space requirements and simplifying the in-vehicle system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The external cooling tower is designed to serve multiple functions: it cools the battery during rapid charging, maintains optimal temperature during normal operation, and can potentially serve other thermal management needs. This multi-functionality consolidates several thermal control functions into a single external unit, reducing overall system complexity
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 system effectively manages battery temperature during charging, enhancing charging efficiency by preventing overheating and ensuring optimal thermal conditions, thereby extending battery life and improving energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The cooling tank may include an evaporation core
Implementation Method 2
the heating tank may include a condensing core
Data Source
AI summary
In a coolant circulation system of a vehicle, a connecting unit is connected to a coolant line of a vehicle circulating through a battery of the vehicle. When connected to the coolant line, the connecting unit allows coolant to be discharged from the vehicle or be introduced into the coolant line. A supply unit includes a cooling tank in which the coolant is stored or circulates and a heating tank. The cooling tank includes an evaporation core, and the heating tank includes a condensing core. The evaporation core and the condensing core are connected to the coolant line on which a compressor, an expansion valve, and an external condenser are provided. When the connecting unit is connected to the coolant line, the supply unit is configured to supply the coolant from the cooling tank or the heating tank to the coolant line of the vehicle, cooling or heating the battery.