Electric Drive Heating Control Using Motor Losses in EV Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle heating systems using independent heating devices like PTC heaters are inefficient, energy-inefficient, costly, and limited by space constraints, with inflexible mounting options.
Innovation Solution
Utilize the vehicle's electric drive system, specifically the motor controller and motor, to generate heat by adjusting current and carrier frequencies during normal travel, allowing the drive system to operate in a high-loss state and function as a heater without additional devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an independent heating device such as a PTC heater is arranged in the electric vehicle to heat the power battery, then the heating efficiency is improved and the battery can quickly reach operating temperature, but the cost of parts increases, the volume space is consumed, and the mounting flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The motor controller is designed to perform both its original function of controlling motor operation and an additional function of generating heat for the power battery. By utilizing the existing motor controller hardware and its capability to generate heat through high-frequency switching losses, the system eliminates the need for separate heating devices while reducing overall system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The motor controller serves itself by generating heat during normal operation through its switching losses. The heat that would otherwise be wasted is now utilized to heat the power battery, making the system self-sufficient for heating without requiring external heating devices
2Ease of operation
If an independent heating device is used to heat the power battery, then the heating function is achieved, but the volume space of the vehicle is consumed and the mounting manner becomes inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The motor controller is designed to perform both its original function of controlling motor operation and an additional function of generating heat for the power battery. By utilizing the existing motor controller hardware and its capability to generate heat through high-frequency switching losses, the system eliminates the need for separate heating devices while reducing overall system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The heating function is merged with the motor controller by utilizing its switching losses. The heat generation capability is integrated into the existing control device, combining multiple functions into a single component and eliminating the need for separate heating devices that would consume volume space
3Temperature
If an independent heating device is configured to heat the power battery or interior of carriage, then the heating capability is provided, but the heating is not energy-saving and the cost of parts is relatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The high-frequency switching losses in the motor controller, which are typically considered waste energy and heat, are converted into a useful resource for heating the power battery. By utilizing these losses during normal motor operation, the system transforms what would be discarded energy into a beneficial heating source, improving overall energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The motor controller serves itself by generating heat during normal operation through its switching losses. The heat that would otherwise be wasted is now utilized to heat the power battery, making the system self-sufficient for heating without requiring external heating devices
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
Improves heating efficiency of the power battery and interior by generating sufficient heat without additional heating devices, reducing costs and space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting a control signal of the motor controller based on at least one of the second current instruction value or the second carrier frequency; and controlling the motor to operate based on the adjusted control signal, so that the electric drive system generates heat
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling heating of an electric drive system of a vehicle, the electric drive system includes a motor controller and a motor, and the method includes: determining that the vehicle is in a travelling state; obtaining a rotation speed value and a torque control value of a motor and obtaining a carrier instruction value of a motor controller when receiving a heating instruction; obtaining a first current instruction value based on the rotation speed value and the torque control value, and obtaining a second current instruction value based on the torque control value and the first current instruction value; adjusting a control signal of the motor controller based on at least one of the second current instruction value or a second carrier frequency; and controlling the motor to operate based on the adjusted control signal, so that the electric drive system generates heat.