Drive Motor PWM Heating for Parked Vehicle Components

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle systems require additional heating devices to heat components like batteries in low-temperature environments, resulting in low heating efficiency and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A motor driving system that includes a heating controller, a motor controller, and a driving motor, where the heating controller generates PWM signals to control the motor controller to output an alternating current to the stator of the driving motor, causing it to generate heat in a static state and transfer it to the apparatus requesting heating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If an additional heating device is used to heat the low-temperature device, then the heating function is achieved, but the heating efficiency is low and the vehicle cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidvehicle system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor controller is designed to perform both motor control and heating functions. By adding a heating controller that generates PWM signals to control the motor controller's switching devices, the same power electronics hardware can operate in two modes: motor drive mode and heating mode. This eliminates the need for separate heating devices and reduces system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating function is merged with the motor control system. The heating controller integrates with the motor controller, and both share the same power semiconductor switches and DC link. The heating function utilizes the existing power conversion hardware, combining multiple functions into a unified system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Temperature

If an additional heating device is used to heat the low-temperature device, then the heating function is achieved, but the vehicle cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidvehicle cost

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The motor controller is designed to perform both motor control and heating functions. By adding a heating controller that generates PWM signals to control the motor controller's switching devices, the same power electronics hardware can operate in two modes: motor drive mode and heating mode. This eliminates the need for separate heating devices and reduces system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating function is merged with the motor control system. The heating controller integrates with the motor controller, and both share the same power semiconductor switches and DC link. The heating function utilizes the existing power conversion hardware, combining multiple functions into a unified system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of energy

If the motor controller outputs alternating current to the stator of the driving motor in a static state, then the heating efficiency is improved, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating controller generates PWM signals that create periodic switching actions in the motor controller's switching devices. This periodic switching produces alternating current in the motor stator, which generates heat through resistive losses and magnetic hysteresis. The periodic nature of PWM control enables efficient heating while utilizing existing control hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The heating controller acts as an intermediary between the control system and the motor controller. It generates the PWM signals needed for heating mode operation and interfaces with the existing motor controller hardware. This intermediary component enables heating functionality without requiring complete redesign of the control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enhances heating capability and efficiency within the vehicle, potentially eliminating the need for additional heating devices, thereby reducing volume and cost while improving performance.

Implementation Method 1

The stator and a rotor of the driving motor generate heat in a static state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

output an alternating current to a stator of the driving motor, causing it to generate heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

generate a plurality of pulse width modulation (PWM) signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulse width modulation:

Data Source

PatentUS20250119085A1Motor driving system, vehicle and driving system control method

Publication Date: 2025.04.10 BYD CO LTD

AI summary

A motor driving system includes a heating controller, a motor controller connected to the heating controller, and a driving motor connected to the heating controller and the motor controller. The heating controller is configured to: generate a plurality of pulse width modulation (PWM) signals in response to detecting that a vehicle is in a parked state and in response to receiving a heating request initiated by an apparatus, and output the PWM signals to the motor controller to control the motor controller to output an alternating current to a stator of the driving motor. The stator and a rotor of the driving motor generate heat in a static state and conduct the heat to the apparatus.