Vehicle Battery Heating Control for Stable Output Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling vehicle battery heating fail to maintain consistent battery output power across varying temperatures and driving modes, leading to inefficient energy use and fluctuating driving experiences.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that adjust battery heating based on ambient temperature, battery State of Charge (SOC), maximum discharge power, and driving mode, using reference power thresholds to maintain battery output power within specific ranges, thereby reducing fluctuations and improving driving experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If battery heating is triggered only based on battery temperature and SOC thresholds, then the heating control logic is simple, but the battery output power fluctuates and driving experience degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic heating control by continuously monitoring battery temperature, SOC, and power output, and adjusting heating activation thresholds based on real-time conditions. The control logic dynamically adapts heating parameters rather than using fixed thresholds, thereby stabilizing battery output power while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by monitoring battery output power fluctuations and using this information to adjust heating control decisions. The controller receives feedback on actual battery performance and modifies heating activation thresholds accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that improves power stability.
2Reliability
If battery heating is activated at high SOC and low temperature, then battery output power stability improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter for heating activation from fixed temperature/SOC thresholds to dynamic thresholds that consider power output requirements. By adjusting the heating activation criteria based on actual power needs and battery state, the system avoids unnecessary heating at high SOC levels while maintaining power stability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial heating action by selectively activating heating only when power stability is compromised, rather than continuously heating when temperature thresholds are met. This partial action approach reduces energy consumption while maintaining adequate power stability.
3Power
If battery heating is activated at low temperature and high power demand, then battery output power meets demand, but energy is wasted when vehicle travels slowly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts heating activation based on real-time power demand and vehicle operating conditions. When the vehicle travels slowly with low power demand, the heating threshold is adjusted to prevent unnecessary heating. When high power demand is detected, heating is activated to ensure adequate power output, thereby reducing energy waste while meeting power requirements.
4Device complexity
If the same heating trigger conditions are used in all driving modes, then the control logic is simple, but driving experience becomes ambiguous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by applying different heating control strategies to different driving modes. Each driving mode (e.g., normal, sport, economy) receives customized heating thresholds and parameters tailored to its specific performance requirements. This allows the system to maintain simple overall logic while providing mode-specific optimization for improved driving experience.
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 solution effectively stabilizes battery output power, enhancing driving experience by adapting to different driving modes and temperature conditions, reducing energy waste, and preventing repetitive heating processes.
Implementation Method 1
The battery heating function is realized by the heating of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) element of an air conditioner
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and an apparatus for controlling heating of a vehicle battery, the method includes: obtaining, by a receiver, an ambient temperature of a vehicle and battery output power; determining, by a controller, whether the ambient temperature is lower than a predetermined ambient temperature threshold; when it is determined that the ambient temperature is lower than the predetermined ambient temperature threshold, determining, by the controller, whether a battery heating setting is on; and when it is determined that the battery heating setting is on, controlling, by the controller, the heating of the vehicle battery so that the battery output power is between a first reference power and a second reference power.