Vehicle Energy Management Using Braking Air Compression Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles propelled by electric traction motors struggle with providing sufficient heat for auxiliary components due to the lack of heat generation by internal combustion engines, necessitating an efficient and environmentally friendly heating solution.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle energy management system utilizing an air compressor to generate pressurized and heated air, controlled by a system that directs the airflow to heat receiving structures based on vehicle operating modes and temperature levels, ensuring efficient heating without overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an electric traction motor is used to propel the vehicle, then environmentally friendly operation is achieved and fossil fuel consumption is reduced, but sufficient heat for auxiliary components cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful waste heat generated by the electric traction motor during braking into a useful resource for heating auxiliary components. The heat management system captures thermal energy that would otherwise be dissipated and redirects it to heat receivers, transforming an environmental advantage (energy recovery) into a thermal benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat management system serves multiple functions: it cools the electric traction motor when overheating occurs, heats auxiliary components when temperature is insufficient, and manages thermal energy during braking operations. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by making the thermal management system adaptable to different operational requirements.
2Temperature
If an air compressor is used to generate heated air for auxiliary components, then sufficient heating is provided, but additional energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the electric traction motor's own waste heat during braking to provide thermal energy for auxiliary components, rather than requiring separate energy input. The heat management system captures and utilizes the thermal energy already present in the system, making the heating process self-sufficient and avoiding additional energy consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If waste heat from electric traction motor is utilized for heating auxiliary components, then efficient energy use is achieved, but control over temperature levels becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The heat management system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time conditions of the electric traction motor and auxiliary components. The control unit continuously monitors temperature levels and operational states, adapting the heat transfer processes to maintain optimal temperatures without requiring complex manual intervention or overly sophisticated control mechanisms.
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
Provides efficient heating for vehicle components using 'free' electric energy during braking, maintaining optimal temperatures within safe limits, and avoiding fossil fuel usage, thus being environmentally friendly and compact.
Implementation Method 1
an air compressor, arranged in fluid communication with an ambient environment via a first conduit, and in fluid communication with the heat receiving structure via a second conduit
Implementation Method 2
a heat receiving structure susceptible to a flow of pressurized air
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle energy management system connectable to a vehicle and configured to control a valve arrangement to deliver a flow of pressurized air to a heat receiving structure when the vehicle is operated in a vehicle braking mode and a temperature level of the heat receiving structure is below a maximum limit of a predetermined temperature range.