Battery Thermal Management via Reversible Coolant Pumping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicle batteries require a complex arrangement for maintaining optimal temperature, as air in the engine space is polluted and cannot be used directly for cooling, and existing cooling systems consume significant energy.
Innovation Solution
A simple cooling system with a reversible pump and a secondary AC circuit featuring a condenser and evaporator within a containerized battery setup, allowing coolant to circulate for both cooling and warming, minimizing energy consumption by using the AC installation only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the battery is placed in the engine space, then space utilization is improved, but the air quality deteriorates due to pollution and moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The engine space is segmented into two zones: the battery container is isolated from the polluted engine air, while a separate air channel allows fresh air from the cab space to flow through the battery container for cooling. This segmentation protects the battery from harmful factors while maintaining space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
A container acts as an intermediary structure between the battery and the engine space environment. The container provides physical isolation from polluted air while incorporating a dedicated air channel that mediates the cooling function by directing clean air from the cab space to the battery.
2Temperature
If a fan is used to generate cooling air flow through the battery, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system utilizes the vehicle's existing air conditioning system and natural air flow from the cab space to cool the battery. The container design with integrated air channels allows the battery to be cooled by the vehicle's own air circulation, eliminating the need for dedicated cooling fans or complex active cooling mechanisms.
3Temperature
If an AC installation is used to cool the battery, then temperature control is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's air conditioning system is designed to serve multiple functions: cooling the cab space and cooling the battery. By routing air from the cab space through the battery container, the same AC installation performs dual cooling functions, reducing overall energy consumption compared to having separate dedicated cooling systems.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the battery is placed in the cab space, then air quality for cooling is improved, but space availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container acts as an intermediary structure that allows the battery to access high-quality air from the cab space without actually occupying cab space. The container is positioned in the engine space but incorporates air channels that draw cool, clean air from the cab space, providing both location benefits and air quality benefits.
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
Effectively maintains the battery's desired operating temperature with reduced energy consumption by using a circulating coolant system and selectively activating the AC installation, while protecting the battery from pollutants and moisture.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling system with a circulating coolant... capable of both warming and cooling the battery
Implementation Method 2
The second condenser may be used to effect warming of the coolant in the cooling system and hence warming of the battery
Implementation Method 3
The second evaporator in the second circuit may be used to provide extra cooling of the coolant in the cooling system and hence extra cooling of the battery
Implementation Method 4
the cooling system comprises circulation means capable of circulating the coolant in two different directions through the cooling system. The circulation means has the form of a reversible pump
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an arrangement for maintaining a desired operating temperature of a battery (8) in a vehicle (1). The arrangement comprises a cooling system (12) with a circulating coolant. The cooling system comprises a radiator (14) in which the coolant is intended to be cooled, and a heat-transfer region (12a) in which the coolant is in contact with the battery (8). The arrangement comprises also an AC installation with a circulating refrigerant. The AC circuit comprises a first circuit with a first evaporator (21) in which a refrigerant is intended to cool air in a driving cab space (2) of the vehicle (1), and a first condenser (17) in which the refrigerant is intended to release thermal energy. The AC installation comprises a second circuit with a second evaporator (26) in which the refrigerant is intended to cool the coolant in the cooling system (12), and a second condenser (24) in which the refrigerant is intended to warm the coolant in the cooling system (12).