Distance-Dependent Control Strategy for Electric Vehicle Battery Thermal Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems for operating electric vehicles with Li-ion batteries lack intelligent, predictive control strategies for energy management and thermal regulation, leading to inefficiencies in energy use, reduced battery life, and safety concerns due to inadequate temperature management.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a distance-dependent control strategy for electric drives that incorporates predictive load profiling and modular temperature control algorithms, allowing for pre-cooling and post-cooling to maintain optimal battery temperatures based on anticipated driving conditions, thereby extending battery life and improving energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional 2-point control is used for temperature management, then the system is simple to operate, but the battery temperature cannot be maintained optimally leading to reduced battery life and safety concerns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery safety and lifeVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary cooling of the battery before high-load driving conditions occur by monitoring predicted power requirements and advance cooling needs. This proactive approach maintains optimal battery temperature before critical thresholds are reached, improving reliability without requiring complex real-time intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system continuously monitors battery temperature, state of charge, and predicted power requirements, then adjusts cooling activation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism optimizes battery temperature management while adapting to actual operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between simple operation and reliable performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the cooling system is activated frequently to maintain battery temperature, then battery safety is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery safetyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system activates cooling in advance during low-power intervals before high-load conditions occur, as indicated by predicted power requirements. This timing strategy maintains battery safety while utilizing periods when the vehicle is already consuming power for other functions, thereby minimizing additional energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically adjusts cooling activation based on real-time battery temperature, state of charge, and predicted power requirements. This dynamic approach ensures cooling is applied only when and where needed, optimizing the balance between battery safety and energy consumption rather than using fixed on/off thresholds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If predictive control based on distance to be covered is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system determines the distance to be covered and predicts required power levels in advance, then pre-cools the battery during low-power intervals before high-load conditions occur. This predictive approach optimizes energy efficiency by proactively managing battery temperature rather than reacting to overheating, while using straightforward distance-based calculations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system integrates multiple functions including distance calculation, power requirement prediction, temperature monitoring, and cooling control into a unified battery management system. This multi-functional approach improves energy efficiency through predictive control while avoiding the complexity of separate independent systems by consolidating control logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhances energy efficiency, extends battery service life, and improves safety by proactively managing battery temperatures and energy distribution, reducing the risk of overheating and wear on components.

Implementation Method 1

Different media are currently used to cool the battery system, such as air, cooling water or refrigerants, which absorb the heat from the batteries and dissipate it to the outside

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

Different media are currently used to cool the battery system, such as air, cooling water or refrigerants, which absorb the heat from the batteries and dissipate it to the outside

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2499015B1Method and assembly for operating vehicles having an electrical drive and a corresponding computer program and a corresponding computer-readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2020.01.22 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP2499015B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2499015B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2499015B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and assembly for operating vehicles having an electrical drive and a corresponding computer program and a corresponding computer-readable storage medium, which can be particularly applied in order to provide intelligent control strategies for the electrical drive and intelligent temperature control of traction batteries, such as Li-ion batteries, in motor vehicles. According to the invention, the electrical drive is operated by a control strategy, wherein the control strategy is chosen in dependence on a route that is to be traveled.