Traction Battery Temperature Control for Lifetime-Range Tradeoffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conflict between ensuring a long lifetime and enhancing driving range of a traction battery is addressed by managing its temperature effectively, as existing thermal management systems consume energy from the battery, reducing the driving range.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling the traction battery by obtaining data on its remaining usability and target usability, setting a target temperature based on their difference, and using this to optimize thermal management, thereby saving energy and maintaining battery performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal management systems are used to control battery temperature, then battery lifetime is improved, but energy consumption increases and driving range decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic target temperature adjustment based on the battery's state of charge (SOC) level. The control system continuously adapts the target temperature according to different operating conditions: during charging, the target temperature varies with SOC to optimize both charging speed and battery longevity; during discharge, similar dynamic adjustment occurs. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve adequate battery protection without continuously maintaining aggressive cooling, thereby reducing energy consumption while preserving battery lifetime.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the target temperature parameter based on the difference between current and desired remaining usability. When the battery is in good condition, a higher target temperature is acceptable, reducing cooling energy requirements. When degradation is detected, the system adjusts the target temperature to be more conservative, prioritizing battery protection. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by making thermal management intensity contingent on actual battery needs rather than applying constant aggressive cooling.
2Reliability
If aggressive cooling is applied to extend battery life, then battery lifetime is improved, but energy for thermal control is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor battery temperature, state of charge, and estimated remaining usability. Based on this feedback, the control algorithm adjusts the target temperature dynamically. When the battery operates within acceptable parameters, the system allows higher temperatures that reduce cooling energy consumption. When degradation patterns are detected or temperature thresholds are approached, the system responds by adjusting the target temperature to protect the battery. This feedback-driven approach eliminates unnecessary aggressive cooling while maintaining battery lifetime protection only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial cooling action rather than continuous aggressive cooling. The system determines the minimum necessary cooling intervention based on the difference between current and desired remaining usability. When the battery is healthy and operating conditions are favorable, minimal or no active cooling is applied, allowing the battery to operate at higher, more energy-efficient temperatures. Cooling is applied partially and only to the extent necessary to achieve the usability target, avoiding excessive energy consumption while still protecting battery lifetime when required.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for controlling a traction battery of a vehicle. One step of the method comprises obtaining first data (Dla, Dlb) indicative of a remaining usability (51) of the traction battery. Another step of the method comprises obtaining second data (D2) indicative of a target remaining usability (49) of the traction battery. A further step of the method comprises providing third data indicative of a target temperature for the traction battery based on a difference between the first data (D1a, D1b) and the second data (D2). The disclosure also relates to a use of first data (Dla, Dlb) indicative of a remaining usability (51) of a traction battery and/or second data (D2) indicative of a target remaining usability (49) of a traction battery for providing third data indicative of a target temperature for the traction battery and for providing fourth data indicative of a time limit in which a target temperature for the traction battery is to be reached. Moreover, the disclosure relates to a data processing apparatus comprising means for carrying out the method of the disclosure.