Adaptive EV Charging Profiles for Temperature and Aging Tradeoffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric and hybrid electric vehicle charging systems charge batteries at maximum capacity without considering factors like temperature, leading to inefficiencies and increased charge times due to the lack of coordination between thermal and electric conditions.
Innovation Solution
A control logic system that determines an optimum charging profile based on available charging power, ambient temperature, charging system constraints, and driver preferences using a cost function that balances thermal and charging power requirements, allowing for adaptive charging strategies that prioritize factors like charging time, energy efficiency, and battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the battery is charged at maximum charging limit, then the charging time is minimized, but the charging efficiency deteriorates at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The charging control system dynamically adjusts the charging rate based on real-time battery temperature conditions. When the battery temperature is low, the system automatically reduces the charging rate to prevent efficiency losses, and increases it when temperature is optimal, making the charging process adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors battery temperature and charging efficiency, using this feedback to adjust the charging rate. The controller receives temperature data from sensors and modifies the charging power accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes charging based on actual battery conditions.
2Speed
If the battery is charged at full charge current, then the charging speed is maximized, but the battery life deteriorates due to increased aging rate
Solution Approach 1:
The charging rate is dynamically adjusted based on battery state of charge and temperature conditions. The system uses a multi-stage charging approach where high current is applied when beneficial, but current is reduced as the battery approaches full charge or when temperature conditions indicate potential damage, optimizing both speed and longevity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes charging parameters (current, voltage, power) based on battery conditions. By monitoring temperature and state of charge, the controller adjusts these parameters in real-time to prevent conditions that accelerate aging while maintaining efficient charging when safe.
3Loss of energy
If thermal management power is increased to maintain optimal battery temperature, then the charging efficiency is improved, but the available power for charging is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs thermal management actions in advance of charging, such as pre-heating or pre-cooling the battery before the charging process begins. This preliminary thermal conditioning ensures the battery is at optimal temperature for efficient charging, reducing or eliminating the need for continuous thermal management power during charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous thermal management only when necessary, using sensors to monitor battery temperature and activating thermal control systems only when the battery temperature deviates from the optimal charging range. This continuous monitoring and selective activation ensures thermal management power is used only when it directly benefits charging efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes at least one electric motor configured to convert electric power to rotational motion, a battery system electrically connected to the at least one electric motor, and a controller coupled to the battery system. The controller includes a non-transitory computer readable memory and a processor. The memory stores a charging control software module configured to cause the processor to perform the method of: determining an optimum charging profile based at least partially on an available received charging power, an ambient temperature of the battery system, charging system constraints, and at least one driver preference.