Coolant Pump Control for Power Converter Thermal Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining a target volume flow of coolant for power converters, such as those in electric vehicles, are inefficient as they do not accurately account for the temperature of intermediate circuit capacitors, leading to suboptimal cooling and unnecessary energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines a target volume flow for coolant by measuring and considering the temperature difference between the intermediate circuit capacitor and the coolant, using a characteristic map to adjust the coolant pump's operation based on current values, ensuring efficient heat dissipation and reducing energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the coolant volume flow is increased to improve cooling efficiency, then the temperature control of the power converter is improved, but the energy consumption of the coolant pump increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the coolant volume flow rate based on real-time temperature measurements of the intermediate circuit capacitor and coolant. The control unit continuously monitors temperatures and adjusts the pump operation accordingly, transitioning from static to dynamic control to optimize the balance between cooling efficiency and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the coolant pump by adjusting the volume flow rate based on temperature differences. The system modifies the flow rate parameter dynamically according to the measured temperature of the intermediate circuit capacitor and coolant temperature, optimizing cooling performance while minimizing energy consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the coolant volume flow is decreased to reduce energy consumption, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the cooling efficiency and temperature control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors the temperature of the intermediate circuit capacitor and the coolant temperature, then adjusts the coolant volume flow rate accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that the cooling performance is maintained while optimizing energy consumption by adjusting the flow rate based on actual thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static coolant flow control to dynamic control based on real-time temperature feedback. The coolant pump operation is continuously adjusted according to the measured temperature difference between the intermediate circuit capacitor and coolant, ensuring optimal cooling efficiency at each operating point while minimizing energy consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the coolant pump is switched off to save energy, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the cooling function is lost and temperature control fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by adjusting the coolant volume flow rate to the minimum necessary level based on thermal conditions rather than continuous full operation or complete shutdown. The system determines the optimal flow rate that provides sufficient cooling while minimizing energy consumption, avoiding both excessive cooling and complete shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant pump operation is dynamically adjusted between different flow rates including potential shutdown based on real-time temperature conditions. The control unit continuously evaluates the thermal state and adjusts the pump operation accordingly, ensuring the cooling function is maintained only when necessary while maximizing energy savings during low-thermal-load conditions.
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 allows for precise control of the coolant pump, optimizing cooling efficiency and potentially switching it off temporarily, thereby saving energy and reducing emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a coolant is guided along it in a coolant path to dissipate the generated heat
Implementation Method 2
a coolant pump, by means of which the coolant is pumped or guided along the coolant path
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining a target volumetric flow rate (V̇) for a coolant that is conducted through a coolant path in order to cool a power converter, wherein: the temperature (TC) of a DC-link capacitor of the power converter and the temperature (TK) of the coolant are determined, and a value for the target volumetric flow rate (V̇) is determined on the basis of the temperature (TC) of the DC-link capacitor and the temperature (TK) of the coolant.