Vehicle Battery Cooling Control for Predicted High-Load Routes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cooling systems lack capacity to maintain battery temperature within a desired range during high load conditions, leading to potential degradation and compromised passenger comfort.
Innovation Solution
Adjusting the temperature set point and flow rate of the cooling system based on navigational data to maintain device temperature below a threshold, while prioritizing passenger compartment cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the cooling system capacity is increased to maintain battery temperature during high load conditions, then battery temperature control is improved, but passenger compartment cooling capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system dynamically adjusts refrigerant distribution between the battery and passenger compartment based on real-time operating conditions. The system transitions from static capacity allocation to dynamic control, allowing the battery cooling capacity to be increased during high load conditions while temporarily reducing passenger compartment cooling, and vice versa during normal conditions. This resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (refrigerant flow rates, compressor speed, valve positions) based on battery load conditions. During high load conditions, the system modifies these parameters to prioritize battery cooling, accepting temporary degradation in passenger compartment cooling. This parameter adjustment strategy allows the system to handle extreme conditions without requiring permanently oversized cooling capacity.
2Reliability
If the cooling system prioritizes battery cooling during high load conditions, then battery performance is maintained, but passenger comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-cools the battery before high load conditions occur by monitoring predicted power demands and road conditions. This preliminary cooling action allows the battery to be maintained at optimal temperature during anticipated high load periods without requiring excessive cooling capacity during the actual high load event, thereby preserving some passenger comfort while maintaining battery performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors battery temperature, power demand, and passenger compartment temperature, adjusting refrigerant distribution in real-time based on feedback from these sensors. This closed-loop control allows the system to dynamically balance battery cooling needs against passenger comfort, prioritizing battery cooling only when absolutely necessary while minimizing impact on passenger comfort.
3Temperature
If the cooling system operates at high capacity continuously, then battery temperature is maintained during high load, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system operates in periodic cycles, providing high-capacity battery cooling only during intervals when high power demand is detected or predicted. During normal operating conditions, the system reduces cooling capacity to minimal levels required for maintenance. This periodic high-capacity operation maintains battery temperature control during critical periods while dramatically reducing average energy consumption compared to continuous high-capacity operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary cooling of the battery based on predicted power demands from navigational data and driving patterns. By pre-cooling the battery before high load conditions occur, the system avoids the need for continuous high-capacity cooling operation, thereby maintaining effective battery temperature control while minimizing energy consumption during normal operating periods.
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
Improves vehicle performance and maintains desired temperatures for both battery and passenger compartment during high load conditions, reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The battery temperature may be maintained within the particular temperature range by removing waste heat from the battery via a cooling system
Implementation Method 2
The cooling system may include a refrigerant to move heat from a first location to a second location
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for cooling an electric energy storage device are described. In one example, a temperature set point of a cooling system is reduced before a vehicle reaches a location along a travel route where load on the electric energy storage device is expected to be greater than a threshold load. By lowering the temperature set point, it may be possible to maintain a temperature of the electric energy storage device below a threshold temperature.