EV Battery Pack Cooling Control for Parked Temperature Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle batteries face significant challenges in maintaining performance and longevity due to temperature fluctuations, which affect their discharge capacity and overall lifespan, leading to increased replacement costs and environmental concerns related to fossil fuel combustion.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system for electric vehicles that monitors ambient and battery temperatures, controlling coolant circulation through a coolant loop to maintain optimal temperatures, using a comparator circuit, cooling system controller, and refrigeration system to prevent excessive temperature changes, thereby extending battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If coolant is circulated through the cooling system to maintain battery temperature, then battery temperature is controlled within optimal range, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system operates periodically rather than continuously. The control unit monitors battery temperature and activates coolant circulation only when temperature exceeds the optimal range, thereby maintaining temperature control while minimizing energy consumption during periods when cooling is not required
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the battery pack's own thermal characteristics and ambient temperature conditions to determine when cooling is necessary. By comparing ambient temperature with optimal battery temperature ranges, the system autonomously decides when to activate the cooling system, reducing unnecessary energy consumption
2Use of energy by moving object
If coolant circulation is suspended to reduce energy consumption, then energy consumption decreases, but battery temperature control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors battery temperature and uses this feedback to determine when coolant circulation should be activated or suspended. When temperature rises above the optimal range, the system activates cooling; when temperature is within range, it suspends cooling, thus maintaining temperature control while optimizing energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system transitions from a static on/off control to a dynamic response based on real-time temperature conditions. The system adapts its operation by continuously adjusting coolant circulation based on the relationship between ambient temperature and battery temperature, ensuring optimal temperature control with minimal energy use
3Reliability
If the cooling system operates continuously to maintain optimal battery temperature, then battery life is extended, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is pre-programmed with optimal battery temperature ranges and decision logic for activating cooling. By establishing these control parameters in advance, the system can automatically make intelligent decisions about when cooling is needed, extending battery life through proper temperature management without requiring complex real-time analysis or additional hardware
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 system effectively limits the adverse effects of temperature on battery life by maintaining optimal operating conditions, reducing battery degradation and extending the vehicle's range and reliability while minimizing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling system in thermal communication with the ESS
Implementation Method 2
a radiator coupled to the coolant loop
Implementation Method 3
a radiator coupled to the coolant loop
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for limiting the adverse effects of temperature on the electrical energy storage system (ESS) of an electric vehicle after the vehicle has been turned off are provided. In general, whether or not coolant is circulated through a coolant loop coupled to the ESS depends on the difference between the ambient temperature and a preset temperature, the preset temperature typically corresponding to the temperature of the ESS.