Battery Thermal Loop Valve Routing for Multi-Mode Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical systems with battery modules face performance and lifetime challenges due to varying temperature conditions, requiring effective thermal management to optimize system performance and extend battery life.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management apparatus with a heater, radiator, and vapor compression-based chiller, controlled by an actuator, dynamically adjusts fluid flow through these components based on temperature sensors to maintain optimal battery temperatures, using a four-way valve to switch between modes for heating or cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If thermal management is implemented with multiple heating and cooling components, then battery temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution system uses a single actuator-controlled valve assembly that routes fluid to multiple heating and cooling components (first heater, second heater, first cooler, second cooler) based on operational requirements. This multi-functional routing system replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate control valves, reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive temperature control capability across all battery modules.
2Use of energy by moving object
If dynamic fluid flow control is implemented, then energy consumption is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs an actuator that dynamically adjusts the position of the valve assembly to control fluid flow distribution in real-time based on battery temperature conditions and operational state. This dynamic control enables the system to redirect fluid only to components that currently require thermal management, minimizing energy consumption by avoiding continuous operation of all heating and cooling components while managing the complexity through a unified control mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operating modes are implemented for different climate conditions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is designed with multiple openings and configurable positions that enable a single device to implement multiple operating modes for different climate conditions (e.g., heating mode, cooling mode, idle mode). By configuring the valve assembly to route fluid to different combinations of heating and cooling components based on its position, the system achieves climate adaptability without requiring separate dedicated valve assemblies for each mode, thereby managing operational complexity through a multi-functional design.
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 maintains battery temperature within an optimal range, extending battery life by 70% capacity retention over 10 years, minimizing energy consumption, and improving performance by adapting to ambient climate conditions.
Implementation Method 1
vapor compression-based chiller
Implementation Method 2
cool the fluid through one or more heat exchange components
Implementation Method 3
heater to heat the fluid
Implementation Method 4
radiator
Implementation Method 5
radiator
Implementation Method 6
actuator to control a flow of fluid through one or more pipes
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus. The apparatus can include an actuator having a plurality of openings. Each of the plurality of openings can couple with a thermal management loop. The thermal management loop can couple with a battery module cold plate. The actuator can select, based on a parameter, one fluid channel of the thermal management loop to control fluid distribution through the plurality of openings and through the thermal management loop to regulate a temperature of the battery module.