Drive System Temperature Control With Dynamic Thermal Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive system temperature control methods are inefficient, leading to increased energy consumption and friction losses, as they rely on static temperature limits and do not dynamically adjust heating and cooling processes based on changing operational conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method that dynamically adjusts the upper and lower temperature limits of the drive unit's cooling system based on changing target temperatures, allowing for efficient heating of the drive unit before transferring thermal energy to the transmission, thereby minimizing friction losses and optimizing energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If static temperature limits are used for heating the transmission, then the control system is simple, but energy consumption increases and friction losses are not minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static temperature limits to dynamic temperature limits that adapt in real-time. The control unit continuously adjusts the upper and lower temperature limits based on actual drive unit temperature, transmission temperature, and operating conditions, enabling the system to respond dynamically to changing thermal states and minimize energy consumption while reducing friction losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using temperature sensors to continuously monitor the actual temperature of the drive unit and transmission, then feeding this information back to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback and adjusts the temperature limits and heating/cooling operations accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If the drive unit temperature is kept low to save energy, then energy consumption decreases, but friction losses in the transmission increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts temperature limits based on real-time conditions. When the transmission requires heating to reduce friction losses, the control unit raises the upper temperature limit and activates heating. When the transmission is adequately heated, the limit is lowered to prevent excessive energy consumption, creating an adaptive balance between friction reduction and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed value. The control unit adjusts both upper and lower temperature limits based on the thermal states of the drive unit and transmission, allowing the system to optimize the balance between reducing friction losses and minimizing energy consumption under varying operating conditions.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If thermal energy is transferred to the transmission continuously, then friction losses are minimized, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by activating the heating operation only when necessary, based on dynamic temperature limit comparisons. The control unit periodically assesses whether the actual drive unit temperature exceeds the dynamic upper limit and whether the transmission temperature is below the dynamic lower limit, activating heating only during these specific periods rather than continuously, thus reducing energy consumption while still minimizing friction losses when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the waste thermal energy from the drive unit to heat the transmission when needed, rather than requiring external energy input. The control unit monitors when the drive unit temperature is sufficiently high and automatically transfers this thermal energy to the transmission through the heat exchanger, allowing the system to self-regulate and reduce overall energy consumption while maintaining optimal transmission temperature.
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 reduces energy consumption by ensuring that thermal energy is primarily used for heating the drive unit until it reaches a specific upper limit temperature, then adjusts to dissipate heat efficiently, thereby minimizing friction losses and optimizing energy use.
Implementation Method 1
a first device (3) for temperature control of the transmission (2)... a fluid (20) can be routed from the water jacket through a heat exchanger, so that a fluid used for the first device (3) can be temperature-controlled
Implementation Method 2
a fluid (20) can be routed from the water jacket through a heat exchanger... Thermal energy is transported from the drive unit to the gearbox via this component
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A method for regulating temperature control of a drive system (1), wherein: the drive system (1) has at least one transmission (2) having a first device (3) for controlling the temperature of the transmission (2), and a drive unit (4); the first device (3) is operated according to a changing target temperature (5, 6) of the drive unit (4); the first device (3) is put into operation and therefore the transmission (2) is heated when an actual temperature (7) of the drive unit (4) has reached at least a first upper limit temperature (8); operation of the first device (3) is stopped when the actual temperature (7) of the drive unit (4) corresponds at most to a first lower limit temperature (9); and at least the first upper limit temperature (8) changes to a second upper limit temperature (12) or the first lower limit temperature (9) changes to a second lower limit temperature (13) according to the change in the target temperature (5, 6).