Battery Pack Cooling Control via Load-Dependent Fluid Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-voltage battery packs generate significant heat during charging or discharging, leading to performance degradation and reduced lifespan, and existing cooling systems struggle to maintain consistent temperatures across battery cells due to temperature differences and varying load states.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine the load state of a battery pack based on temperature and selectively control the supply of cooling fluid to different cooling paths, including a first cooling path and a second cooling path, to efficiently manage heat distribution across the battery cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cooling fluid is supplied identically to all cooling paths, then the cooling system is simple to operate, but temperature difference among battery cells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by supplying cooling fluid at different flow rates to different cooling paths based on their specific thermal conditions. The controller adjusts the cooling fluid flow rate to each cooling path individually, matching the heat generation characteristics of battery cells in different regions, thereby reducing temperature differences while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the cooling fluid supply adaptive and variable rather than static. The controller dynamically adjusts the cooling fluid flow rate to each cooling path based on real-time temperature data and load state, allowing the cooling system to respond to changing thermal conditions and maintain optimal temperature distribution across battery cells.
2Loss of energy
If cooling fluid flow is reduced in low load state, then energy consumption decreases, but temperature difference among battery cells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the cooling fluid flow rate parameter based on the load state of the battery pack. In low load states, the controller reduces the cooling fluid flow rate to decrease energy consumption, while in high load states, it increases the flow rate to maintain effective cooling, thereby optimizing the balance between energy efficiency and temperature management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the cooling fluid supply adaptive and variable rather than static. The controller dynamically adjusts the cooling fluid flow rate to each cooling path based on real-time temperature data and load state, allowing the cooling system to respond to changing thermal conditions and maintain optimal temperature distribution across battery cells.
3Temperature
If multiple cooling paths are used, then temperature distribution among battery cells improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cooling system into multiple independent cooling paths, each serving specific regions of the battery pack. This segmentation allows targeted cooling of high-temperature areas while reducing complexity compared to a fully customized cooling system, as each cooling path can be independently controlled with simple flow rate adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a control system that can manage multiple cooling paths using a unified control strategy. The controller applies the same control logic across all cooling paths, adjusting flow rates based on temperature feedback, thereby maintaining temperature distribution effectiveness while avoiding the complexity of entirely separate control systems for each cooling path.
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 ensures effective heat management by adjusting cooling fluid supply based on load state, maintaining optimal temperatures and extending battery life by minimizing temperature differences among battery cells.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling apparatus may be applied to externally transmit the heat
Implementation Method 2
supply of a cooling fluid to cooling paths disposed among battery cells
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for controlling cooling of a battery pack are disclosed, in which the method includes determining a load state of the battery pack and selectively controlling a supply of a cooling fluid to cooling paths disposed among battery cells included in the battery pack.