Vehicle Thermal Control Using Computing Heat for Drive Train Warm-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle thermal management systems inefficiently utilize waste heat generated by computing units, leading to increased energy consumption and reduced vehicle range, especially in electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the actual temperature of both computing units and drive trains in vehicles, optimizing data exchange with servers to generate computing heat, which is then used to preheat the drive train when its temperature is below the operating threshold, thereby reducing the need for active cooling and heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If active cooling systems are used to dissipate waste heat from processors, then the computing power and data exchange capabilities are improved, but the energy consumption increases and vehicle range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful waste heat generated by processors into a beneficial resource by using it to heat the drive train. Instead of actively cooling the processors to dissipate heat, the system allows the heat to transfer naturally to the drive train, which requires heating during cold conditions. This eliminates the need for active cooling systems while simultaneously providing heating to the drive train, thus resolving the energy consumption contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service thermal management where the processors automatically provide heat to the drive train through natural heat transfer mechanisms. The control unit monitors temperatures and regulates the thermal exchange, allowing the system to maintain optimal operating conditions without external energy input for cooling or heating operations.
2Productivity
If computations are executed continuously in the computing unit, then the data exchange with server is improved, but the waste heat generation increases requiring more cooling energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the waste heat from continuous computations into a useful resource for heating the drive train. By establishing a thermal coupling between the processors and drive train, the system converts what would be a loss (waste heat requiring active cooling) into a benefit (free heating of the drive train), thereby enabling continuous high-productivity operations without proportional increases in energy loss.
3Temperature
If the drive train is heated using active heating systems, then the lower operating temperature threshold is improved, but the energy from battery is consumed reducing vehicle range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful waste heat from processors into a beneficial heating source for the drive train. This eliminates the need for active heating systems that would consume battery energy, as the thermal energy required to raise the drive train temperature above its lower operating threshold is provided passively by the processors during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The processors serve multiple functions: they perform computational tasks for vehicle operation and data exchange, and simultaneously function as a heat source for warming the drive train. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heating systems and reduces overall energy consumption from the battery.
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
This approach enhances the efficient use of waste heat, reducing the overall energy requirement of the vehicle, optimizing energy consumption, and increasing the vehicle's range by minimizing the energy needed for cooling and heating the drive train.
Implementation Method 1
computing heat which is generated when data is processed in the computing unit
Implementation Method 2
the computing heat generated during the exchange of data is fed at least in part to the drive train
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the thermal control of a plurality of components in a vehicle is provided, wherein the vehicle includes as one component at least one computing unit which is configured to execute computations in the vehicle and the vehicle includes as a further component at least one drive train, wherein the computing unit is configured to execute computations required for the operation of the vehicle and additionally to repeatedly execute an exchange of data with a server arranged outside the vehicle, wherein in the method, the actual temperature of the computing unit and of the drive train is determined, and the exchange of data between the computing unit and the server is carried out when the actual temperature of the drive train is below a lower operating temperature threshold of the drive train. A device for performing the method and a vehicle with the device is also provided.