Battery Pre-Conditioning Around Charging Station Queue Waits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery pre-conditioning techniques fail to maintain the target temperature during charging due to queues at charging stations, leading to increased charging times and inefficient energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A battery pre-conditioning system that adjusts warming based on estimated waiting time and location of charging stations, using a destination manager and battery manager to optimize battery temperature before charging, thereby improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If battery warming is terminated when arriving at the charging station, then the pre-conditioning control is simple, but the battery temperature drops due to queue waiting time and cannot reach the target temperature at actual charging start
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by calculating the estimated waiting time for charging in advance and using it to determine the battery warming termination time. The control unit calculates when the battery temperature will reach the target temperature based on current warming rate, then terminates warming before the vehicle arrives at the charging station, ensuring the battery maintains optimal temperature during the queue waiting period.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the warming termination time based on real-time conditions. The control unit continuously monitors battery temperature, warming rate, and calculates updated estimated waiting times, making the warming control adaptive rather than static. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize warming duration based on actual charging station queue conditions.
2Reliability
If additional control is performed to raise battery temperature after arriving at the charging station, then the target temperature is maintained during charging, but charging efficiency decreases due to additional energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the battery warming action in advance before the vehicle arrives at the charging station, rather than performing additional warming after arrival. By calculating the estimated waiting time and determining the optimal termination time, the system ensures the battery reaches and maintains the target temperature during the queue waiting period, eliminating the need for additional energy-consuming warming control after arrival.
3Loss of time
If battery warming is extended to account for queue waiting time, then the target temperature is reached at charging start, but energy is wasted by warming beyond what is necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring the actual battery temperature and comparing it with the target temperature, then adjusting the warming termination time accordingly. The control unit calculates the time required for the battery to reach the target temperature based on the current warming rate and adjusts the termination time to match the estimated waiting time, ensuring optimal energy efficiency without over-warming.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the warming control parameters dynamically by adjusting the termination time based on the calculated estimated waiting time. Instead of using a fixed warming duration, the system modifies the warming parameter (termination time) to match the actual charging queue conditions, achieving energy-efficient pre-conditioning that adapts to varying waiting times.
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
Accurately predicts charging start times and reduces unnecessary warming, enhancing charging efficiency by maintaining optimal battery temperature and minimizing energy waste.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature of the battery is appropriately raised in advance by a method or the like of circulating a fluid (e.g., water) heated by an electric heater around the battery
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment method of operating a battery pre-conditioning system includes checking charging station information including an estimated waiting time for a charging start from arrival at a charging station when an input for a destination corresponds to the charging station and starting a battery warming based on a target temperature reaching time for a battery temperature to reach a target temperature, the estimated waiting time, and a remaining time until the arrival at the charging station.