EV Battery Thermal Management via External Preconditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage traction batteries in electric vehicles face performance and efficiency issues due to temperature variations, as existing thermal management systems rely on battery energy for heating and cooling, which can reduce vehicle range and battery life.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for thermal management that uses a controller to regulate the battery temperature within specific ranges by connecting to an external charger and power source, preconditioning the battery and cabin to optimal temperatures, and utilizing a thermal cycle with a thermal source and sink to manage temperature effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If battery energy is used to regulate battery temperature and operate HVAC system, then thermal management is achieved, but vehicle range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system preconditions the battery to optimal temperature ranges before charging or operation by utilizing external power sources. This preliminary thermal preparation ensures the battery is ready for efficient energy storage and delivery without depleting vehicle range during actual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
An external charger and power source act as intermediaries to provide the energy needed for thermal management. Instead of using battery energy directly for heating/cooling, the system draws power from external sources through the charger, preserving battery energy for propulsion.
2Power
If battery temperature is not regulated, then more battery energy is available for propulsion, but battery performance and cycle life deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors battery temperature and state of charge, using this feedback to dynamically adjust thermal management strategies. The controller optimizes the balance between maintaining battery temperature for performance and preserving available energy for propulsion based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as charging rate and thermal management intensity based on battery temperature and state of charge. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system maintains battery reliability while maximizing available energy for vehicle operation.
3Productivity
If battery is preconditioned to optimal temperature before operation, then energy efficiency is improved, but additional energy is required for preconditioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs battery preconditioning as a preliminary action before the vehicle is operated. By preparing the battery in advance using external power sources during charging, the system eliminates the need to use battery energy for thermal management during operation, thereby improving overall energy efficiency and extending vehicle range.
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 allows for more efficient energy storage and usage, extending vehicle range by reducing the energy needed for thermal management and increasing battery performance, while also improving cabin comfort and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal cycle connected to the battery and having a thermal source and a thermal sink
Data Source
AI summary
A method for thermal management of an electric vehicle and the vehicle are provided. A controller is configured to regulate the temperature of a traction battery to within an operating temperature range when the vehicle is operating. The temperature of the battery is regulated to within a charging temperature range when the battery is connected to the charger and power source and the ambient temperature is outside an environmental temperature range. The battery is preconditioned to a battery drive temperature when the ambient temperature is outside the environmental temperature range and the battery is connected to the charger and power source. The cabin in the vehicle is preconditioned to a cabin temperature when the vehicle is connected to the charger and power source and the ambient temperature is outside the environmental temperature range.