Battery Cooling Control with Natural-Cooling Stop Threshold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery cooling systems do not consider ambient influences, leading to high power consumption and reduced durability due to continuous operation even when atmospheric temperature is lower than the battery temperature.
Innovation Solution
A battery apparatus with a processing circuitry that determines an estimated naturally-decreasing temperature based on the difference between the battery module and atmospheric temperatures, and adjusts the cooling device's stop temperature accordingly, stopping the cooling operation when the battery temperature falls below this threshold, taking into account the vehicle's speed when applicable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the cooling system operates until the battery temperature falls below a specified temperature without considering ambient influences, then the battery temperature control is simple, but power consumption is high and durability of the cooling system is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from a fixed temperature threshold to a dynamic threshold that varies based on ambient temperature and vehicle speed. The stop temperature is calculated as T_stop = T_reference + T_naturally_decreasing, where T_naturally_decreasing is determined by ambient conditions. This allows the cooling system to stop earlier when ambient conditions favor natural cooling, reducing power consumption while maintaining battery temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring ambient temperature and vehicle speed to adjust the stop temperature threshold. The processing circuitry calculates the estimated naturally-decreasing temperature based on real-time ambient conditions and uses this information to dynamically adjust when the cooling system should stop operating, optimizing power consumption based on actual environmental feedback.
2Device complexity
If the cooling system operates until the battery temperature falls below a specified temperature without considering ambient influences, then the control logic is simple, but durability of the cooling system is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the control parameter from a static temperature threshold to a dynamic threshold that accounts for ambient temperature and vehicle speed. By calculating T_stop based on ambient conditions and the estimated naturally-decreasing temperature, the system reduces unnecessary cooling operations, thereby decreasing wear on the cooling system components and improving durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the battery cooling system to utilize natural convection and ambient conditions for cooling when applicable. By determining when natural cooling is sufficient based on ambient temperature and speed, the system allows the battery to cool itself passively, reducing the workload on the active cooling system and extending its operational life.
3Ease of operation
If the cooling operation stops only when battery temperature falls below a fixed threshold, then the system is easy to operate, but power consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fixed stop temperature parameter to a dynamic parameter that adapts to ambient conditions. The processing circuitry automatically calculates the appropriate stop temperature based on ambient temperature and vehicle speed, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while optimizing power consumption. The system remains easy to operate as the adjustment is automated, but now avoids unnecessary power consumption by considering environmental factors.
4Device complexity
If the cooling system does not consider ambient temperature and vehicle speed, then the control system is simple, but cooling efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic parameter adjustment based on ambient temperature and vehicle speed to optimize cooling efficiency. The stop temperature is no longer fixed but is calculated as T_stop = T_reference + T_naturally_decreasing, where T_naturally_decreasing is determined by ambient conditions and speed. This allows the system to leverage favorable ambient conditions for more efficient cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the cooling control system dynamic by continuously adapting the stop temperature threshold based on real-time ambient conditions and vehicle speed. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize cooling efficiency by stopping the cooling operation at the most appropriate moment based on environmental factors, rather than using a static threshold.
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 reduces power consumption and increases the durability of the cooling device by optimizing the cooling operation based on ambient conditions and vehicle speed, allowing for efficient cooling without unnecessary operation.
Implementation Method 1
In a situation where a vehicle is driving and atmospheric temperature is lower than the battery temperature, a cooling effect of the battery can be expected due to convection.
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery apparatus may measure a temperature of the battery apparatus, determine an estimated naturally-decreasing temperature based on information including a difference between the temperature of the battery apparatus and an atmospheric temperature in response to the temperature of the battery apparatus being higher than the atmospheric temperature, determine a stop temperature based on a reference temperature of the stop temperature and the estimated naturally-decreasing temperature, and stop a cooling operation of the battery apparatus in response to the temperature of the battery apparatus being lower than the stop temperature.