Integrated Battery Thermal Control Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery temperature control systems for electric and hybrid vehicles rely on separate pumps, valves, and sensors, which are cumbersome and require complex connections, limiting efficiency and compactness.
Innovation Solution
A compact control module integrating a coolant control valve, temperature sensor, and pump, allowing for open-loop or closed-loop control of coolant flow, with a heating element and a single electrical interface for autonomous operation, eliminating the need for separate hoses and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate pumps, valves, and sensors are used for battery temperature control, then the system can perform temperature management functions, but the device complexity and number of connections increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pump, control valve, and temperature sensor into a single integrated control module. The pump housing incorporates the control valve with shared fluid passages, eliminating the need for separate connections and reducing system complexity while maintaining temperature control reliability through integrated sensing and actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module serves multiple functions within a single device: the pump provides fluid circulation, the integrated control valve regulates flow direction and rate, and the temperature sensor monitors thermal conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the battery cooling system.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple separate components are used, then each component can be optimized independently, but the overall system size and connection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the pump, control valve, and temperature sensor into one compact module with shared housing and fluid passages, the overall volume is reduced compared to separate components requiring additional connectors and mounting hardware. The integrated design simplifies installation to a single unit attachment.
3Device complexity
If separate pumps and valves are used, then the system can provide independent control functions, but the number of connection hoses increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of pump and control valve with shared fluid passages eliminates intermediate connection hoses and potential leakage points. The direct internal fluid paths maintain cooling efficiency while reducing connection complexity to just the inlet and outlet ports of the integrated module.
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 solution provides efficient, compact, and autonomous thermal management for batteries, enhancing temperature control and reducing the number of connection hoses, allowing for direct integration with the battery and simplified control signals.
Implementation Method 1
The control module has a coolant pump (4) which drives a coolant flow (Fk) through cooling channels (Kk) of the battery (12)
Implementation Method 2
The coolant cools or heats the battery
Implementation Method 3
The control module has a coolant temperature sensor (3) which enables the temperature of the coolant to be measured
Data Source
AI summary
In order to realize temperature control of a battery in a simplified manner, a control module having a coolant control valve, a coolant temperature sensor and a coolant pump is provided. The coolant control valve, the coolant temperature sensor and the coolant pump are integrally assembled to form the control module.