Battery Thermal Control for High-Performance Vehicle Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems in vehicles lack effective thermal control mechanisms to optimize performance in high-demand conditions, such as racing or extreme environmental conditions, leading to potential derating and performance limitations.
Innovation Solution
A battery temperature control system that adjusts the battery temperature to a target value based on environmental conditions and user inputs, using a heating control module to maintain optimal performance while avoiding derating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If battery temperature is increased to optimize performance in high-demand conditions, then vehicle power output is improved, but risk of battery damage and derating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the battery pack before high-demand conditions occur or at the onset of such conditions. The heating control module detects when the vehicle enters a high-performance mode and proactively heats the battery to an optimal temperature range, ensuring the battery is ready to deliver maximum power without waiting for temperature to drop or performance to degrade.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors battery temperature through temperature sensors and adjusts heating power accordingly. The heating control module receives temperature feedback and dynamically controls the heating element to maintain battery temperature within an optimal range, preventing both overheating and underheating, thus balancing performance optimization with safety.
2Power
If battery temperature is maintained at optimal level through active heating control, then vehicle performance is optimized, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating control module operates periodically rather than continuously, activating heating only when the vehicle is in or entering a high-performance mode and deactivating it when performance mode ends or optimal temperature is reached. This periodic operation minimizes energy consumption while maintaining battery performance during critical periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts heating power based on real-time battery temperature and vehicle performance mode. The heating control module modulates heating intensity to match actual performance needs, applying maximum heating only when necessary to reach optimal temperature and reducing or stopping heating once the target temperature range is achieved, thereby optimizing the balance between performance and energy consumption.
3Power
If heating control system continuously monitors and adjusts battery temperature, then battery performance is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating control module serves multiple functions: it monitors battery temperature, determines when the vehicle is in high-performance mode, controls heating element power, and adjusts heating based on feedback. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional control module, the system achieves sophisticated temperature management without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
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
Enhances vehicle performance by maintaining battery temperature at or near a target level, balancing power output with safety, allowing for increased power in high-performance modes without risking battery damage.
Implementation Method 1
controlling a heating current applied to the battery system
Data Source
AI summary
A system for thermal control of a battery system of a vehicle includes a heating control module configured to control a temperature of the battery system. The heating control module is configured to receive a request to put the vehicle into a high performance mode, and based on the request, determine the temperature of the battery system and put the vehicle into the high performance mode. The heating control module is also configured to determine a target battery temperature based on an environmental condition around the vehicle, and during operation of the vehicle in the high performance mode, automatically control the temperature of the battery system to maintain the temperature of the battery system proximate to the target battery temperature to optimize performance of the vehicle.