EV Battery Charging via Dynamic Air Conditioner Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles, particularly plug-in electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, face challenges in efficiently charging their batteries within a given time before traveling, as the operation of accessories like air conditioners consumes significant power, prolonging the charging process.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that adjusts the set temperature of the air conditioner to reduce its operational power consumption during battery charging, calculating a new set temperature based on available supply power and scheduled departure time to minimize charging time, while ensuring the battery is fully charged before travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the air conditioner operates at normal power consumption during battery charging, then the air conditioner can maintain comfortable temperature, but the charging time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the air conditioner's set temperature parameter based on the charging stage and power availability. During fast charging, the set temperature is adjusted to reduce the temperature difference between inside and outside the vehicle, thereby reducing the cooling load and power consumption. This allows the air conditioner to maintain adequate comfort while consuming less power, enabling faster battery charging.
2Loss of time
If the air conditioner reduces power consumption during battery charging, then the charging time is shortened, but the air conditioner comfort performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic control of the air conditioner during battery charging by continuously adjusting operational parameters based on real-time conditions. The control unit monitors charging power, battery state of charge, and ambient temperature to dynamically optimize the set temperature and operating mode. This dynamic adjustment ensures adequate comfort performance is maintained while minimizing power consumption and charging time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-cools or pre-heats the vehicle interior before battery charging begins, or during the initial stage when power is abundant. This preliminary action reduces the thermal load during the main charging phase, allowing the air conditioner to operate at lower power consumption levels while still maintaining comfort performance throughout the charging process.
3Productivity
If the battery charges at maximum power rate, then the charging speed is maximized, but the available power for air conditioner operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial cooling or heating action during battery charging by adjusting the air conditioner to provide only the minimum necessary comfort maintenance rather than full capacity operation. The set temperature is adjusted to create a smaller temperature differential, reducing the cooling load to a partial level that still maintains adequete comfort while freeing up power for faster battery charging.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of charging the battery of the vehicle includes starting charging of the battery; starting operation of an air conditioner using power supplied from the battery; and reducing an operation amount of the air conditioner while charging the battery and operating the air conditioner, thereby shortening the time required for charging the battery.