Hybrid Battery Cooling Control for Temperature Imbalance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling systems for hybrid electric vehicle energy storage systems face confusion in determining whether to activate or deactivate due to the overlapping temperature thresholds of maximum and minimum temperature storage devices, leading to inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system with a controller that manages the temperature of energy storage devices by using a blower and cooling fluid duct to regulate the temperature of both maximum and minimum temperature devices, disconnecting devices above the maximum threshold and increasing those below it to maintain optimal operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cooling system uses fixed temperature thresholds for activation and deactivation, then the cooling system can operate with simple control logic, but temperature overlap between maximum and minimum storage devices causes confusion in determining whether to activate or deactivate the cooling system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from fixed temperature thresholds to dynamic thresholds based on the temperature difference (ΔT) between maximum and minimum temperature storage devices. The cooling system activates when ΔT exceeds a threshold and deactivates when ΔT falls below the threshold, eliminating the confusion caused by overlapping temperature ranges.
2Device complexity
If the cooling system activates based on maximum temperature threshold only, then the control logic is simple, but the minimum temperature storage devices may simultaneously fall below their minimum temperature threshold causing operational confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature control approach by focusing on the temperature difference (ΔT) between maximum and minimum temperature storage devices rather than controlling each device independently. This segmentation simplifies the control logic to a single ΔT-based activation criterion while ensuring both maximum and minimum temperature devices operate within acceptable ranges.
3Device complexity
If conventional cooling system operates with fixed temperature thresholds, then the system structure is simple, but the cooling efficiency is reduced due to simultaneous activation for maximum temperature and deactivation for minimum temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from absolute temperature thresholds to a relative temperature difference parameter (ΔT). This allows the cooling system to operate efficiently by activating only when the temperature spread between maximum and minimum storage devices exceeds a threshold, avoiding unnecessary cooling cycles and improving overall cooling efficiency.
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 effectively reduces temperature fluctuations and improves the efficiency of the cooling process by ensuring that energy storage devices operate within a stable temperature range, preventing overheating and underheating, thus enhancing the overall performance and reliability of the hybrid electric vehicle's energy storage system.
Implementation Method 1
a blower positioned within the cooling fluid duct to draw cooling fluid into the inlet and through the cooling fluid duct to pass the cooling fluid over or through the at least one energy storage device
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for cooling an energy storage system of a hybrid electric vehicle. The energy storage system includes at least one energy storage device, including a maximum temperature storage device with a maximum temperature and a minimum temperature storage device with a minimum temperature. The system includes a cooling fluid duct in flow communication with an inlet and the at least one energy storage device, and a blower positioned within the cooling fluid duct to draw cooling fluid into the inlet and through the cooling fluid duct. The system further includes a controller coupled with the at least one energy storage device to increase the temperature of the at least one energy storage device having a temperature below the maximum temperature reduced by at least a predetermined threshold. The cooling fluid duct and blower are coupled to form a common cooling system for the at least one energy storage system.