BEV Refrigeration Precooling Using Traction Battery Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration units for battery electric vehicles require a dedicated electrical architecture to connect to a mains power source for pre-cooling, leading to redundant power usage and increased complexity and costs, as they need to be plugged in for extended periods despite only requiring 1-4 hours of power for pre-cooling.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration apparatus with a power supply system connected to the traction battery, featuring a controller that monitors the charge level and authorizes power draw from the traction battery during charging, allowing pre-cooling without a direct mains power connection, thus reducing electrical complexity and energy consumption by using stored power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the refrigeration unit is connected to a dedicated mains power source for pre-cooling, then the pre-cooling function can be achieved, but the electrical architecture complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pre-cooling power supply with the existing traction battery system. The refrigeration unit draws power from the traction battery during pre-cooling operations, eliminating the need for a separate mains power connection architecture. This integration reduces electrical complexity while maintaining the pre-cooling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The traction battery is designed to serve multiple functions: providing power for vehicle operation and providing power for pre-cooling the refrigeration unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated pre-cooling power infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the refrigeration unit is connected to mains power source for extended periods, then pre-cooling can be performed, but redundant power usage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's own traction battery to provide power for pre-cooling operations, rather than relying on external mains power. This self-service approach eliminates redundant power usage by utilizing already-acquired energy stored in the battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The traction battery is charged in advance (before the vehicle journey), and this pre-stored energy is then used to power the pre-cooling operation. This preliminary charging action eliminates the need for redundant mains power connection during pre-cooling.
3Device complexity
If the refrigeration unit draws power from the traction battery during charging, then pre-cooling can be achieved without mains connection, but the charge level management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the charge level of the traction battery and uses this feedback to automatically control when pre-cooling operations should occur. The system only authorizes power draw when sufficient charge is available, managing complexity through intelligent control rather than complex hardware.
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
Enables efficient pre-cooling of the refrigerated compartment using the traction battery's power, minimizing energy consumption and eliminating the need for additional electrical architecture, while maintaining the ability to operate continuously during driving.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigeration unit (3) of the refrigeration apparatus (20), in use, cooling the refrigerated compartment (5)
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration apparatus for use in a battery electric vehicle having a traction battery for driving the electric vehicle and a refrigerated compartment that, in use, is cooled by the refrigeration apparatus, the refrigeration apparatus including: a power supply system for powering a refrigeration unit of the refrigeration apparatus, the power supply system comprising a controller; wherein the power supply system is configured to be connected to the traction battery and the controller is configured to monitor a charge level of the traction battery; wherein the power supply system is configured to draw power for the refrigeration unit from the traction battery; wherein the controller is configured with a pre-cooling mode to be used during a period of charging of the traction battery from a mains power source.