Battery Thermal Control Using SoH-Based Aging Targets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The thermal management systems in electric vehicles require high electrical power for cooling and heating, which reduces the vehicle's driving range and can accelerate battery aging if not optimally controlled.
Innovation Solution
A control system that adjusts the thermal control apparatus' operation based on the state of health (SoH) of the energy storage means, using a nonlinear target SoH function that reflects the true rate of battery aging, thereby optimizing cooling performance and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thermal control apparatus is operated to maintain battery temperature within optimum range, then battery aging rate is reduced, but electrical power consumption increases and driving range decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic thermal management by continuously adjusting the thermal control apparatus operation based on real-time battery state of health (SoH) measurements and predicted aging rates. The system transitions from static temperature maintenance to dynamic adaptation, modifying cooling/heating intensity according to actual battery conditions and driving patterns, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining optimal battery health.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameter from fixed temperature thresholds to variable targets based on predicted battery aging rates. By calculating the expected SoH after a journey and comparing it with a target SoH, the system dynamically adjusts thermal management parameters (cooling power, activation thresholds) to optimize the balance between battery protection and energy consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the thermal control apparatus operation is reduced to increase driving range, then electrical power consumption decreases, but battery aging rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system that continuously monitors battery SoH, calculates predicted aging rates, and adjusts thermal control apparatus operation accordingly. The system measures actual battery temperature and SoH, compares predicted vs. target SoH, and modifies thermal management actions to correct deviations, ensuring battery protection is maintained while minimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations of predicted battery SoH before journeys begin. By estimating the battery's state of health trajectory in advance and comparing it with target values, the system proactively adjusts thermal management strategies to prevent excessive aging, rather than reacting after damage has occurred.
3Device complexity
If a linear target SoH function is used for thermal control, then control simplicity is maintained, but cooling efficiency decreases because it does not reflect true battery aging rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the linear target SoH function with a nonlinear function that accurately reflects the convex nature of battery aging rates. This nonlinear function adjusts the target SoH trajectory to match actual battery degradation patterns, enabling more efficient thermal control decisions that reduce unnecessary cooling while maintaining battery health protection.
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 achieves a more efficient cooling strategy, reducing energy consumption and prolonging battery lifespan by dynamically adjusting the thermal control based on the battery's aging rate, thus maintaining a balance between vehicle range and battery health.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal control apparatus is provided for cooling and/or heating the battery
Implementation Method 2
The battery temperature is dependent on the electrical power load on the battery, during charging or discharging
Data Source
Figure 1~3B
Figure 4
Figure 5~6
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.