Battery Heating Circuit Using Drive-Device Waste Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrical apparatus such as electrified vehicles, there is a need to efficiently utilize heat generated by drive devices like inverters and motors for self-heating of electrical storage devices while effectively managing thermal energy.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system that includes a network of flow paths for a heat medium, allowing it to circulate through a heating circuit formed by connecting various components like the electrical storage device, drive device, radiator, and chiller, with a switching device to control the flow and maximize heat retention for self-heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a conventional thermal management system is used, then the electrical storage device can be heated, but the heat generated by the drive device cannot be effectively utilized for self-heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function for the electrical storage device with the heat generation from the drive device by forming a heating circuit that circulates heat medium through both components. The switching device connects the first flow path (electrical storage device) and second flow path (drive device) to share the same heat medium, allowing heat from the drive device to be utilized for heating the electrical storage device, thereby reducing energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat medium serves multiple functions: it absorbs heat from the drive device, transports it to the electrical storage device for heating, and can also be directed to the radiator or chiller device based on thermal management needs. The switching device enables this multi-functionality by dynamically configuring the flow paths to connect different components as required.
2Loss of energy
If the radiator is open to outside air, then heat dissipation occurs, but heat retention for self-heating is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The switching device dynamically configures the flow paths based on operational requirements. When self-heating is needed, it connects the first and second flow paths to form a closed heating circuit, isolating the heat medium from the radiator and outside air. When cooling is needed, it reconfigures to allow heat dissipation through the radiator. This dynamic switching enables adaptive thermal management.
3Temperature
If self-heating is performed using only the electrical storage device, then heating can be achieved, but the heat from the drive device is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the heat generated by the drive device, which would otherwise be waste heat lost to the environment, into a useful resource for heating the electrical storage device. The switching device and flow path configuration enable this heat recovery, transforming a harmful energy loss into a beneficial heating source, thereby improving overall system 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
This system enables efficient self-heating of electrical storage devices while effectively utilizing heat from drive devices, enhancing the performance and efficiency of electrified vehicles by maintaining optimal temperatures for both operation and charging.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical storage device configured to exchange heat with the heat medium in the first flow path
Implementation Method 2
a first flow path configured to allow a heat medium to flow through the flow path
Implementation Method 3
a drive device configured to exchange heat with the heat medium in the second flow path
Implementation Method 4
a second flow path configured to allow a heat medium to flow through the flow path
Implementation Method 5
a radiator located in the third flow path
Implementation Method 6
a radiator located in the third flow path
Implementation Method 7
a chiller device located in the fourth flow path
Implementation Method 8
a switching device configured to switch a connection state between the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path
Implementation Method 9
one heat medium path in which the heat medium circulates through the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A thermal management system (1) includes: an electrical storage device (173) located in a first flow path (170b); a drive device (133) located in a second flow path (130b); a radiator (122) located in a third flow path (130a), a chiller device (160) located in a fourth flow path (170a), and a switching device (180, 190). In the thermal management system (1), when heating the electrical storage device (173), the switching device (180, 190) is controlled so as to cause a heating circuit having one heat medium path in which a heat medium circulates through the first flow path (170b), the fourth flow path (170a), the second flow path (130b), and the third flow path (130a) to be formed.