Battery Thermal Management via Predictive Temperature Profiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing the temperature of traction batteries in motor vehicles are inefficient, leading to increased energy consumption and reduced vehicle range due to excessive heating and cooling, especially when the vehicle is not connected to an external energy source, and do not effectively prevent rapid aging or damage from extreme temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A method that predicts the temperature progression of the battery based on anticipated environmental conditions and operating parameters, using ambient air and energy from the vehicle operation to minimize heating and cooling, setting the battery temperature within optimal ranges to reduce energy consumption and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the battery is heated or cooled to maintain optimal temperature range, then the battery operates efficiently within the temperature range, but the energy consumption increases and vehicle range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating or cooling of the battery before the vehicle journey begins, using the stationary period (when the vehicle is parked) to adjust battery temperature. This preliminary action ensures the battery is at optimal temperature when driving starts, avoiding the need for energy-intensive heating/cooling during actual driving when energy is needed for propulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the vehicle's own thermal energy - specifically the heat from the drive motor and exhaust system - to heat the battery during operation. This self-service approach converts waste heat into useful thermal energy for battery temperature maintenance, eliminating the need for separate heating energy input.
2Reliability
If the battery is cooled regularly to prevent overheating, then the battery is protected from damage, but the energy consumption increases and vehicle range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's own thermal management infrastructure - specifically the heat exchanger connected to the drive motor cooling system and exhaust system - to cool the battery. This self-service approach utilizes existing cooling capacity that would otherwise be wasted, eliminating the need for separate cooling energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the battery thermal management function with the existing vehicle thermal management systems (drive motor cooling and exhaust system). By combining these functions, the battery cooling is achieved using infrastructure already present in the vehicle, avoiding additional energy consumption dedicated solely to battery cooling.
3Productivity
If the battery temperature is held within optimal range during operation, then the battery efficiency is maximized, but the heating and cooling system operation increases energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs heating or cooling operations periodically during stationary periods (when the vehicle is parked) rather than continuously during operation. This periodic action allows the battery to be temperature-adjusted when energy is abundant (during charging or idle time) and maintains optimal temperature through thermal inertia during driving, reducing continuous energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the battery temperature setpoint based on operating conditions, ambient temperature, and drive cycle requirements. By changing the target temperature parameter adaptively rather than maintaining a fixed optimal temperature, the system reduces unnecessary heating/cooling operations while still ensuring battery efficiency when needed.
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 optimizes energy efficiency by reducing the operation of the heating and cooling system, preventing battery damage, and maintaining optimal temperature ranges, thereby enhancing the vehicle's range and battery longevity.
Implementation Method 1
In the case of charging the battery, stored chemical energy is converted into electrical energy by means of an electrochemical reaction
Implementation Method 2
the apparatus can be electrically coupled to a heating/cooling arrangement for heating or cooling the battery arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method (40) for operating a battery arrangement (14) of a motor vehicle (10), in particular a traction battery of the motor vehicle (10), wherein expected environmental conditions and/or use parameters of the motor vehicle (10) are determined (42), wherein an expected withdrawal of energy from an electrical energy store of the battery arrangement (14) is determined (44), wherein a heat loss of the battery arrangement (14) is calculated (46) on the basis of the expected withdrawal of energy, wherein a temperature profile (30) of the battery arrangement (14) is predicted (48) on the basis of the calculated heat loss and the expected environmental conditions and/or use parameters, and wherein a temperature of the battery arrangement (14) is set (54) on the basis of the predicted temperature profile (30).