Battery Pack Cooling Monitoring via Thermal Model Error Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cooling systems in vehicles cannot accurately determine how they are performing specifically with respect to the battery pack, leading to potential malfunctions and thermal issues.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that dynamically models the temperature of the battery pack and compares it to measured values, using processing circuitry to determine if the cooling system is functioning correctly and identifying potential errors such as coolant leaks or blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cooling system is provided for the vehicle as a whole or subsection, then the cooling system can cool various components, but it is not possible to accurately determine how the cooling system is performing with respect to the battery pack specifically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring function into separate segments: a thermal model specifically for the battery pack, separate temperature sensors for battery cells, and independent error probability calculation for the cooling system. This segmentation allows specific monitoring of battery pack cooling performance while maintaining the overall cooling system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermal model as an intermediary between the cooling system and the battery pack. This model dynamically calculates expected battery cell temperatures based on cooling system inputs and compares them with actual measurements, enabling indirect but accurate assessment of cooling system performance specific to the battery pack.
2Reliability
If temperature monitoring is implemented without dynamic modeling, then the system is simpler, but the system cannot detect malfunctions or thermal runaway early
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously comparing modeled temperature expectations with actual temperature measurements from sensors. The error probability ratio provides feedback on cooling system health, enabling early detection of malfunctions such as coolant leaks or pump failures without requiring complex additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical monitoring devices with a computational thermal model that uses standard sensors and processing. Instead of installing specialized monitoring hardware, the system uses software-based thermal modeling and probability calculations to achieve reliable malfunction detection.
3Measurement precision
If convective heat transfer modeling is included, then the temperature modeling becomes more accurate, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates convective heat transfer parameters into the thermal model, using coolant flow rate, temperature differential, and heat transfer coefficients to dynamically adjust temperature predictions. This parameter-based approach improves accuracy without requiring complex structural changes to the monitoring system.
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
Enables accurate monitoring of the cooling system's performance relative to the battery pack, allowing for early detection of malfunctions and thermal runaway, thereby ensuring safe and efficient vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
the processing circuitry is configured to dynamically determine the modelled value, Tcalc, of the temperature by modelling convective heat transfer from the at least one battery cell
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system for monitoring a cooling system associated with a battery pack in a vehicle, the computer system comprising processing circuitry configured to dynamically determine a modelled value, Tcalc, of the temperature of at least one battery cell of the battery pack, determine a measured value, Tmeas, of the temperature of the at least one battery cell of the battery pack, determine an error probability ratio based on the modelled value, Tcalc, and the measured value, Tmeas, and if the ratio is above a threshold, determine that an error is present in the cooling system.