Vehicle Battery Thermal Control Using State-of-Health Aging Targets
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Solution Overview
Problem
The thermal management systems in electric and hybrid electric vehicles consume significant electrical power, reducing the vehicle's driving range and accelerating battery aging, while existing control strategies do not accurately reflect the true rate of battery aging, leading to inefficient cooling that can further degrade the battery.
Innovation Solution
A control system that adjusts the thermal management apparatus based on the state of health (SoH) of the battery, using a non-linear target SoH function that accounts for cumulative energy throughput to optimize cooling performance and reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the thermal control apparatus is operated to maintain battery temperature within optimum range, then battery temperature is controlled, but electrical power consumption increases and vehicle range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the thermal control strategy by changing parameters such as cooling activation thresholds and thermal management intensity based on the battery's state of health (SoH) and cumulative energy throughput. As the battery ages, the system adapts thermal control parameters to balance temperature management with energy conservation, reducing unnecessary thermal control operations when the battery is less sensitive to temperature variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal control apparatus transitions from static temperature-based control to dynamic control that considers battery aging state. The system continuously monitors battery SoH and adjusts thermal management strategies in real-time, making the control approach adaptive to the battery's changing characteristics over its operational life.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the thermal control apparatus is reduced in use to save energy, then electrical power consumption decreases, but battery deterioration rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors battery state of health, cumulative energy throughput, and temperature conditions. Based on this feedback, the control system adjusts thermal management strategies to maintain battery health within acceptable ranges while optimizing energy consumption. The feedback loop ensures that thermal control is applied only when necessary to prevent excessive deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial thermal control action by using reduced cooling intensity or delayed activation when the battery's state of health indicates lower sensitivity to temperature. Instead of maintaining aggressive cooling at all times, the system applies just enough thermal control to prevent significant deterioration, accepting some temperature variation when it does not critically impact battery health.
3Device complexity
If a fixed target state of health is used for thermal control, then control strategy is simple, but it does not reflect the true rate of battery aging
Solution Approach 1:
The target state of health transitions from a fixed value to a dynamic parameter that evolves with cumulative energy throughput. The system models battery aging as a non-linear process and adjusts the target SoH accordingly, making the control strategy adaptive to the battery's actual aging trajectory rather than assuming a constant degradation rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the target state of health parameter based on cumulative energy throughput and observed aging patterns. Instead of using a static target, the target SoH is recalibrated as the battery ages, reflecting the changing relationship between temperature control and aging rate at different stages of battery life.
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 enhances battery durability and extends the vehicle's range by optimizing cooling strategies according to the battery's actual aging rate, reducing energy consumption and minimizing degradation.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal control apparatus is provided for cooling and/or heating the battery
Implementation Method 2
a thermal control apparatus is provided for cooling and/or heating the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A method and control system for controlling operation of a thermal control apparatus, the thermal control apparatus configured for thermal control of an energy storage means of a vehicle, the method comprising: obtaining a parameter indicative of a state of health of the energy storage means; and controlling operation of the thermal control apparatus in dependence on a difference between the parameter and a target, wherein the target is indicative of expected state of health, and wherein a rate of change of the target varies in association with cumulative energy throughput of the energy storage means.