Vehicle Battery Thermal Circuit With Selective Heating and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for vehicles are not adequately adapted to handle varying operation conditions and ambient temperatures, often requiring separate heating and cooling systems that are space-demanding and inefficient in resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system with a chiller and high temperature line that can selectively connect for heat exchange with a battery line, using a working medium in a refrigeration circuit to maintain battery temperature within a specific range, and an AC circuit for cab climate control, with sensors and valves for automated regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate heating and cooling systems are used, then the system can handle different operation conditions and temperatures, but the system becomes space-demanding and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single cooling system that performs multiple functions: it can cool the battery during normal operation, heat the battery during cold conditions by redirecting coolant flow, and provide cabin climate control. The system uses a single coolant circuit with valves and pumps to route the coolant between different components (battery, cabin, heat exchangers), eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling systems while maintaining adaptability to various operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic flow control through electronically controlled valves and variable speed pumps that can redirect coolant flow in real-time based on temperature sensors and operational requirements. This dynamic routing capability allows the same cooling system to adapt to different thermal demands (cooling vs. heating) without requiring multiple fixed systems
2Device complexity
If a single cooling system is used, then the system is more compact and simpler, but it may not be fully adapted to handle different operation conditions and temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into multiple controllable segments or zones: a first cooling circuit for the battery, a second cooling circuit for the cabin, and multiple heat exchangers. Each segment can be independently controlled through valves and pumps, allowing the system to activate only the necessary segments for current operational needs, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility
3Productivity
If the chiller operates at optimal temperature, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the battery line requires a different temperature for optimal cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary heat exchanger between the chiller and the battery cooling line. The chiller cools a first coolant to an optimal low temperature for efficient operation, then this super-cooled coolant passes through the intermediary heat exchanger where it transfers heat to the battery cooling line, providing the battery with optimally tempered coolant while the chiller continues to operate at its most efficient temperature point
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 efficiently maintains battery temperature within 15-30°C by selectively heating or cooling, optimizing resource use and adapting to different conditions, while also providing cab climate control.
Implementation Method 1
a chiller and a chiller line arranged in heat exchange with said chiller, a condenser and a refrigeration circuit arranged in heat exchange with said condenser
Implementation Method 2
a working medium is arranged to in operation be circulated in said refrigeration circuit
Implementation Method 3
at least one pump, arranged to in operation convey a cooling fluid in at least one of said lines
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system is disclosed for controlling the temperature of a battery within a temperature interval, the system comprising a chiller and a chiller line arranged in heat exchange with said chiller, a heat source and a high temperature line arranged in heat exchange with said heat source, a battery line arranged in heat exchange with the battery, a pump arranged to convey a cooling fluid in at least one of said lines, a condenser and a refrigeration circuit arranged in heat exchange with said condenser, wherein a working medium is arranged to, in operation, circulate in said refrigeration circuit, wherein a valve is arranged to selectively connect the chiller line into heat exchange with the battery line so as to provide cooling of the battery, and a valve is arranged to selectively connect the high temperature line for heat exchange with the battery line to heat the battery.