Battery Thermal Flow Path Switching for In-Charge Air Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems face issues with air bubbles mixing in disconnected flow paths, leading to potential restrictions in the use of electric devices due to the need for air removal after charging.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system with a reserve tank and a processor that executes air removal processes during charging to prevent air bubbles from mixing in flow paths, including a first air removal process timed to prevent excessive duration and temperature-based controls to optimize cooling and air removal efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the first flow path and the second flow path are disconnected during charging, then the thermal management system can independently manage each flow path, but air bubbles may mix and remain in the disconnected flow paths
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs air removal operations during the charging process itself, rather than after charging is complete. The processor controls the pump to circulate the heat medium through both flow paths while charging is active, enabling air bubbles to be removed preliminarily before the flow paths are disconnected for independent management.
Solution Approach 2:
The reserve tank serves as an intermediary component that facilitates air removal from the flow paths. By connecting the first and second flow paths through the reserve tank during charging, the system creates a common chamber where air bubbles can be collected and removed from both paths simultaneously, preventing air bubble contamination while maintaining independent manageability.
2Reliability
If air removal process is executed after charging ends, then air bubbles in flow paths can be removed, but the electric device usage is restricted during this time
Solution Approach 1:
The air removal process is executed preliminarily during the charging operation rather than after charging completes. The processor initiates air removal by circulating the heat medium through both flow paths while charging is active, ensuring air bubbles are removed before the electric device needs to be used, thereby avoiding usage restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging process and air removal process are overlapped in time, allowing both operations to occur simultaneously. The processor continuously manages the pump operation to maintain heat medium circulation for both charging and air removal purposes, eliminating idle time and ensuring continuous useful action without interrupting device availability.
3Reliability
If the pump operates for extended periods to remove air bubbles, then air removal is more thorough, but the time needed for air removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the air removal operations for the first flow path and second flow path into a single coordinated process. By controlling the pump to circulate heat medium through both paths simultaneously via the reserve tank, the system achieves thorough air removal from both paths in one operation rather than requiring separate extended operations for each path.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor controls the pump to operate at optimized levels during charging, performing partial air removal continuously during the charging process. This approach removes a significant portion of air bubbles during the mandatory charging time, reducing the need for extended post-charging air removal operations while achieving sufficient air removal completeness.
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 suppresses air bubbles in flow paths, reducing post-charging air removal needs and enhancing the efficiency of power storage and drive devices by maintaining optimal temperature and pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The pump is configured to circulate the heat medium in each of the first flow path and the second flow path
Implementation Method 2
The switching device is configured to switch a connection state between the first flow path and the second flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal management system for chargeable electric device includes a first flow path and a second flow path that are configured to allow a heat medium to flow, a switching device, a pump configured to circulate the heat medium, and a processor. The processor executes, in a case where charging of the electric device is started while the first flow path and the second flow path are disconnected, an air removal process for the first flow path and the second flow path by connecting the first flow path and the second flow path by the switching device and driving the pump during execution of the charging.