Battery Pack Temperature Control After EV Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle batteries face significant challenges in maintaining performance and longevity due to temperature fluctuations, which affect discharge capacity and battery life, leading to increased replacement costs and environmental concerns from fossil fuel combustion.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling the temperature of the energy storage system in electric vehicles by monitoring ambient and battery temperatures, adjusting coolant circulation based on preset and target temperatures, and using a refrigeration or heating system to maintain optimal operating ranges, even when the vehicle is turned off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coolant is circulated through the ESS cooling system continuously, then the ESS temperature is maintained within optimal range, but energy is wasted when ambient temperature is already suitable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling coolant circulation based on periodic monitoring of ambient and ESS temperatures. The system activates coolant circulation only when temperature conditions require it (when ambient temperature is below a first threshold and ESS temperature is above a second threshold) and deactivates it when conditions improve, creating a periodic on-off circulation pattern that maintains reliability while reducing energy waste
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control by continuously monitoring both ambient temperature and ESS temperature, comparing these readings against predefined thresholds, and adjusting coolant circulation accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the ESS temperature is maintained within the optimal range while avoiding unnecessary coolant circulation when ambient conditions are already suitable, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy loss
2Loss of energy
If coolant circulation is suspended when ambient temperature is high, then energy is conserved, but ESS temperature may rise above optimal range
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control mechanism monitors ESS temperature continuously and compares it against the second threshold. When ESS temperature rises above this threshold, the system automatically reactivates coolant circulation regardless of ambient temperature conditions, ensuring the ESS temperature is maintained within optimal range while still conserving energy by suspending circulation only when appropriate
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic temperature management by adjusting coolant circulation based on real-time temperature conditions. The circulation rate and activation are dynamically modified according to the relationship between ambient temperature and ESS temperature, allowing the system to conserve energy when conditions permit while preventing ESS temperature from rising above optimal ranges when necessary
3Loss of energy
If battery temperature is not controlled after vehicle shutdown, then energy consumption is reduced, but battery life is shortened due to temperature extremes
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by continuing coolant circulation for a predetermined period or until temperature conditions are satisfied after vehicle shutdown. This preliminary cooling action prevents battery temperature from reaching extreme levels that would shorten battery life, while the system is designed to minimize energy consumption by limiting the duration and intensity of post-shutdown cooling
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback control mechanism remains active after vehicle shutdown, continuously monitoring battery temperature and ambient temperature. Based on this feedback, the system intelligently determines whether to continue coolant circulation or suspend it, balancing the need to protect battery life from temperature extremes against the desire to minimize post-shutdown energy consumption
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 extends battery life by minimizing adverse temperature effects, reducing battery degradation, and maintaining performance while lowering replacement costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
circulating coolant through the coolant loop of the ESS cooling system if the current ambient temperature is lower than the preset temperature
Implementation Method 2
operating a refrigeration system if the current ESS temperature is greater than the ESS target temperature range
Implementation Method 3
operating a heater if the current ESS temperature is lower than the ESS target temperature range
Data Source
AI summary
A method for limiting the adverse effects of temperature on the electrical energy storage system (ESS) of an electric vehicle after the vehicle has been turned off is provided. In general, whether or not coolant is circulated through a coolant loop coupled to the ESS depends on the difference between the ambient temperature and a preset temperature, the preset temperature typically corresponding to the temperature of the ESS.