EV Battery Preconditioning Using HVAC for Faster Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle batteries often have temperatures similar to their surroundings, which can hinder efficient charging, and existing systems lack effective methods to control battery temperature optimally during charging.
Innovation Solution
A preconditioner system that detects the battery's state of charge and temperature, prompting users to connect the battery to a charger and using a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system to adjust the battery temperature within a targeted range, while also considering outside conditions like air temperature and window clarity to optimize charging capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the battery is charged at ambient temperature, then the charging process can start immediately, but the charging capacity and efficiency are reduced due to suboptimal temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary temperature adjustment of the battery before charging begins. The preconditioner is activated to heat or cool the battery to the optimal temperature range (20°C-40°C) before the charging process starts, ensuring maximum charging capacity without extending overall charging time
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the battery to an optimal range (20°C-40°C) before charging. By adjusting the temperature parameter beforehand, the battery achieves optimal electrochemical conditions for charging, increasing charging capacity while minimizing time loss through efficient preconditioning
2Temperature
If the cabin defroster is used to heat the battery, then the battery temperature increases toward the optimal range, but the window may remain frosted reducing visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the airflow paths by using separate vents: one for directing heated air to the battery and another for directing air to the windshield defroster. This allows independent control of battery heating and window defrosting functions, achieving both temperature control and visibility maintenance simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the HVAC system as an intermediary to transfer thermal energy to both the battery and the windshield. The HVAC system acts as a mediator that can distribute heated air through different pathways, simultaneously achieving battery temperature optimization and window clarity without direct conflict between the two functions
3Productivity
If the battery temperature is adjusted to the optimal range before charging, then the charging capacity increases, but additional energy is consumed for temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing HVAC system for dual purposes: cabin climate control and battery preconditioning. By making the HVAC system multi-functional, the patent avoids adding dedicated battery heating/cooling equipment, thereby minimizing additional energy consumption while achieving optimal charging efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the vehicle's existing thermal management infrastructure (HVAC system) to service the battery's temperature needs. The HVAC system, already running for cabin comfort, is utilized to also condition the battery, making the battery self-service through available resources and avoiding extra energy expenditure on dedicated battery thermal management
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 reduces the time spent charging the battery by ensuring it operates within an optimal temperature range, enhancing charging efficiency and capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system configured to direct an air flow toward at least one of a window and the battery
Implementation Method 2
a first temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A preconditioner system for a battery for a vehicle, the preconditioner system including detecting a state of charge of the battery. The system including determining the state of charge is below a first threshold. The system including prompting a user to connect the battery to a charger and detecting a temperature of the battery. The system including determining the temperature of the battery is outside a targeted battery temperature range and determining the charging capacity of the charger is below a second threshold at the temperature. The system including detecting a condition for a cabin defroster being deactivated and deactivating the cabin defroster in response to determining that the condition for the cabin defroster being deactivated is met. The system changing the temperature of the battery toward the targeted battery temperature range.