Vehicle Battery Cooling System with Dynamic Air Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle battery cooling systems generate noise due to the continuous operation of the cooling fan, which reduces occupant comfort, and often fail to cool the battery efficiently during low-speed driving or when the battery temperature is within a certain range, leading to prolonged fan operation and noise.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle battery cooling system that includes a battery temperature sensor, a vehicle cabin temperature sensor, a discharge path, a circulation path, and a controller, which switches between the discharge and circulation paths based on temperature differences and cabin pressurization conditions to optimize air flow and reduce fan operation frequency, thereby improving cooling performance and reducing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the cooling fan operates continuously to cool the battery, then the battery cooling performance is improved, but the noise level increases and occupant comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between circulation mode and discharge mode based on real-time temperature conditions. The switching damper adjusts the air flow path dynamically, and the cooling fan speed is adjusted dynamically based on battery temperature, resolving the contradiction between continuous cooling and noise reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic temperature monitoring and switches between cooling modes periodically rather than maintaining continuous high-speed fan operation. The control unit periodically evaluates battery temperature and adjusts fan speed and damper position accordingly, reducing noise while maintaining cooling effectiveness
2Productivity
If the cooling fan operates at high speed to improve cooling efficiency, then the battery cooling performance is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fan speed is dynamically adjusted based on battery temperature conditions. The control unit increases fan speed only when battery temperature exceeds the high-temperature threshold, and reduces or stops fan operation when temperature is within acceptable ranges, optimizing the balance between cooling efficiency and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (fan speed, damper position) based on temperature thresholds. By setting different temperature thresholds (high-temperature threshold and low-temperature threshold), the system adjusts cooling intensity to match actual cooling needs, improving energy efficiency while maintaining cooling performance
3Productivity
If the discharge mode is used to improve external air introducing effect, then the air circulation efficiency is improved, but the internal pressure of vehicle cabin decreases causing increased load on air conditioner
Solution Approach 1:
The switching damper dynamically adjusts the air flow path between circulation mode and discharge mode based on temperature conditions. The system transitions to discharge mode only when high-speed fan operation is required and battery temperature exceeds the high-temperature threshold, minimizing the impact on cabin pressure and air conditioner load
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains circulation mode as the default state to continuously recycle cabin air, improving energy efficiency. Discharge mode is activated only when necessary for high-temperature battery cooling, ensuring continuous useful action while minimizing energy loss
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
The system enhances battery cooling performance while minimizing the frequency and duration of cooling fan operation, thereby reducing noise and improving occupant comfort by selectively using cabin air for cooling and discharging air when necessary.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling fan that supplies air in a vehicle cabin to the battery chamber
Implementation Method 2
a circulation path that circulates air between the vehicle cabin and the battery chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle battery cooling system includes a battery temperature sensor, a vehicle cabin temperature sensor, a discharge path via which a vehicle cabin, a battery chamber, and outside of a vehicle communicate with each other, a circulation path that circulates air between the vehicle cabin and the battery chamber, a switching unit that switches between the discharge path and the circulation path, and a controller. When a pressurization condition is satisfied, the controller operates the switching unit to select one of the discharge path and the circulation path based on measurement results of the battery temperature sensor and the vehicle cabin temperature sensor. The pressurization condition includes a condition that an air pressure in the vehicle cabin is higher than atmospheric pressure. When temperature of a battery is in a low cooling range and is higher than temperature in the vehicle cabin, the controller selects the discharge path.