EV Battery Pack Thermal Control via Ambient-Triggered Coolant Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited battery lifetime and high replacement costs in electric vehicles are exacerbated by temperature fluctuations, which existing temperature management systems fail to effectively address, particularly when the vehicle is turned off.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system for electric vehicles that includes a cooling system, a temperature control system, and a method to monitor and control coolant circulation based on ambient and battery pack temperatures, ensuring optimal temperature maintenance within a target range to extend battery life without incurring excessive costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If coolant circulation is continuously maintained to cool the battery pack, then battery temperature is controlled within target range, but energy consumption increases and battery lifetime is reduced due to unnecessary cooling when ambient temperature is already low
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system dynamically adjusts coolant circulation based on real-time comparison between ambient temperature and battery pack temperature. The system transitions from static continuous cooling to dynamic conditional cooling, activating coolant pumps only when temperature differential exceeds predetermined thresholds, thereby optimizing energy consumption while maintaining temperature control effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (coolant flow rate, pump activation) based on temperature conditions. By monitoring ambient temperature and battery pack temperature as varying parameters, the system adjusts cooling intensity accordingly, reducing energy consumption during low-temperature conditions while maintaining adequate cooling when temperatures rise.
2Use of energy by moving object
If coolant circulation is suspended to save energy when ambient temperature is low, then energy consumption is reduced, but battery temperature may rise above target range compromising battery lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of both ambient temperature and battery pack temperature. This feedback mechanism enables the control system to detect when battery temperature approaches target range limits and immediately react by activating coolant circulation, ensuring battery lifetime is protected while avoiding unnecessary cooling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by continuously monitoring temperatures and activating cooling before battery temperature exceeds critical thresholds. By anticipating temperature rise trends and preemptively engaging coolant circulation when ambient temperature conditions suggest potential overheating, the system protects battery lifetime without requiring continuous high-energy cooling operation.
3Reliability
If existing temperature management systems are used, then basic cooling function is provided, but they fail to effectively address temperature management when vehicle is turned off, limiting battery lifetime extension
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature management system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it operates both during vehicle operation and after vehicle shutdown. By integrating ambient temperature monitoring with battery pack temperature monitoring and implementing conditional cooling control, the system provides comprehensive temperature management coverage across all vehicle states, extending battery lifetime protection beyond what existing systems offer.
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
The system effectively limits temperature-related battery degradation, maintaining battery health and extending its lifespan by optimizing cooling strategies based on ambient and battery pack conditions, even when the vehicle is turned off, thereby reducing replacement costs.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling system in thermal communication with the ESS
Implementation Method 2
a coolant pump
Implementation Method 3
a radiator coupled to the coolant loop
Implementation Method 4
a radiator coupled to the coolant loop
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A method and apparatus for limiting the adverse effects of temperature on the electrical energy storage system (ESS) of an electric vehicle after the vehicle has been turned off are provided. In general, whether or not coolant is circulated through a coolant loop coupled to the ESS depends on the difference between the ambient temperature and a preset temperature, the preset temperature typically corresponding to the temperature of the ESS.