Battery Cooling Duct with Movable Door for Air Source Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cooling and ventilating batteries in hybrid electrical vehicles are inefficient, as they often rely on warm passenger compartment air or ambient air that may be too warm or cold, and can introduce dust and water, affecting battery performance and passenger comfort.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that selectively control air exchange between the battery environment and the ambient environment, using fresh or recirculated air based on vehicle operating conditions, temperature, and battery needs, with a duct system and fan control strategy to optimize cooling and ventilation while preventing foreign matter ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If air from the passenger compartment is used to cool and ventilate the battery, then the battery cooling system is simpler to implement, but the cooling effectiveness is reduced because the air is warm and may not adequately reduce battery temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two air source modes (passenger compartment air and fresh ambient air) based on real-time conditions. A control module monitors battery temperature and ambient conditions, then actuates a door mechanism to select the appropriate air source, optimizing cooling effectiveness while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of air source selection based on operational conditions. When the vehicle is moving and cooling is needed, fresh ambient air is selected. When the vehicle is stationary or cooling demand is low, passenger compartment air is used, thus adapting the air temperature parameter to match system needs
2Temperature
If fresh ambient air from outside the vehicle is used to cool and ventilate the battery, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but the system must take measures to inhibit the influx of dust, water and other foreign matter
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary air intake structure with integrated filtering capability. The air intake is positioned and designed to allow fresh ambient air to enter the battery compartment while the duct system and door mechanism act as intermediaries that can be closed or filtered to prevent dust and water ingress
3Ease of operation
If air is recirculated into the passenger compartment from the battery environment, then passenger comfort is maintained, but the battery ventilation effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls the door position and air flow paths based on vehicle operating conditions. When ventilation is prioritized, the door configuration directs air away from the passenger compartment. When comfort is prioritized and ventilation needs are met, recirculation is enabled, thus adaptively managing the contradiction
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 approach enhances battery cooling and ventilation efficiency, reduces the risk of dust and water ingestion, and optimizes fuel economy by minimizing battery air conditioning usage, while maintaining passenger comfort by effectively managing air exchange based on vehicle conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A fan cooperates with the duct system for moving air through at least a portion of the duct system and across the battery
Implementation Method 2
A battery evaporator coil is disposed within the duct system to cool air flowing through it
Implementation Method 3
A battery is disposed in a vehicle and includes a terminal. A control system, including at least one controller, is electrically connected to the battery
Data Source
AI summary
An environmental control system for a battery in a vehicle includes an air intake for receiving ambient air from outside the vehicle. A duct system provides communication between the air intake and the battery. The duct system includes a movable door which can facilitate or inhibit movement of air between the air intake and the battery. An air outlet facilitates air flow from the duct system to the ambient environment outside the vehicle. A fan cooperates with the duct system for moving the air through a heat exchanger in the duct system and across the battery. A control system controls operation of the fan and the movable door, and is configured to determine whether the battery environment requires fresh air or recirculated air.