Vehicle Battery Cooling Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cooling rechargeable energy storage systems in vehicles are not always optimal in terms of energy efficiency and effectiveness, particularly in determining when to use passive or active cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
A control system that selectively initiates either a passive cooling system or an active cooling system for the rechargeable energy storage system based on environmental and system conditions, using a combination of sensors and a controller to determine the most energy-efficient cooling method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If passive cooling system is used when conditions are not optimal, then energy consumption is reduced, but cooling effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between passive and active cooling modes based on real-time environmental conditions and thermal requirements. The controller adjusts the cooling strategy by evaluating parameters such as ambient temperature, vehicle speed, and battery thermal state to determine the most appropriate cooling mode, ensuring both energy efficiency and cooling effectiveness are optimized under varying operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that continuously monitor battery temperature, ambient conditions, and cooling system performance. This feedback enables the controller to assess whether passive cooling is sufficient or if active cooling intervention is required, allowing the system to adapt its cooling strategy in real-time to maintain reliability while minimizing energy consumption.
2Reliability
If active cooling system is used continuously, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously operating the active cooling system, the patent applies partial action by activating it only when necessary based on thermal conditions. The system uses passive cooling as the default mode and selectively engages active cooling only when environmental conditions or battery thermal state indicate that passive cooling is insufficient, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining adequate cooling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different cooling modes based on evaluated conditions. The controller adjusts the cooling strategy by changing the state of the cooling system from passive to active mode when parameters such as ambient temperature, vehicle speed, or battery temperature exceed thresholds, optimizing the balance between cooling effectiveness and energy consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cooling system complexity is increased to handle all conditions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into two distinct modes: passive cooling and active cooling. This segmentation allows the system to handle different operating conditions using appropriately matched cooling strategies without requiring a single complex system to cover all scenarios. The passive cooling system handles normal operating conditions, while the active cooling system is reserved for extreme conditions, thereby managing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both passive and active cooling capabilities within a single integrated system. This universal design allows the same system to adapt to a wide range of operating conditions by switching between modes, providing versatility without requiring entirely separate cooling systems for different scenarios.
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 allows for more efficient cooling of rechargeable energy storage systems by conserving energy when passive cooling is effective and utilizing active cooling when necessary, thereby maintaining optimal temperature levels while minimizing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
passive cooling system for cooling the RESS
Implementation Method 2
passive cooling system for cooling the RESS
Implementation Method 3
active cooling system for cooling the RESS
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and vehicles provide for cooling of a vehicle rechargeable energy storage system (RESS). A control system is coupled to the RESS, and is configured to cool the RESS. The control system includes a passive cooling system for cooling the RESS, an active cooling system for cooling the RESS, and a controller. The controller is coupled to the passive cooling system and the active cooling system, and is configured to determine whether conditions are present for effective use of the passive cooling system, initiate cooling of the RESS using the passive cooling system if it is determined that the conditions are present for effective use of the passive cooling system, and initiate cooling of the RESS using the active cooling system if it is determined that the conditions are not present for effective use of the passive cooling system.