Independent Cooling Fan Control for Electric Vehicle Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electric vehicles, the cooling module faces challenges in efficiently controlling cooling fans to meet varying cooling temperature requirements of different components, leading to increased power consumption and reduced vehicle range due to unnecessary cooling and limited mounting space.
Innovation Solution
A method of independently controlling the operation speeds of cooling fans in a cooling module based on the running state and air conditioner operation by comparing required speeds of each component, optimizing fan speeds to minimize power consumption and ensure efficient cooling without increasing fan capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling fan capacity is increased to ensure improved cooling performance, then cooling performance is improved, but mounting space becomes insufficient due to limited engine compartment space
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fan system is segmented into a first cooling fan and a second cooling fan that operate independently. Each fan is controlled based on specific cooling requirements of different components (stack radiator and condenser), allowing optimized cooling performance without requiring a single oversized fan that would consume excessive mounting space.
2Reliability
If cooling fans are operated at maximum cooling temperature to ensure all components are cooled, then cooling reliability is improved, but power consumption increases and vehicle travel distance is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fan system dynamically adjusts the operation of each fan based on real-time cooling requirements. The control unit determines whether to operate the first cooling fan, second cooling fan, or both, based on temperature conditions of the stack radiator and condenser. This dynamic control ensures reliable cooling when needed while minimizing power consumption during normal operation, thereby extending vehicle travel distance.
Solution Approach 2:
Each cooling fan is assigned to specific cooling tasks based on local requirements. The first cooling fan primarily serves the stack radiator while the second cooling fan serves the condenser. This localized control allows each fan to operate at optimal power levels for its specific function, avoiding the energy waste of running both fans at maximum capacity when only one component requires cooling.
3Device complexity
If a single cooling fan system is used for all components, then device complexity is reduced, but it becomes difficult to control cooling fans to meet the required cooling temperature of each constituent element
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling control system is segmented into independent control units for the first cooling fan and second cooling fan. The control unit receives temperature information from both the stack radiator and condenser, and independently determines the operation state of each fan. This segmentation enables precise temperature control for each component while maintaining relatively simple control logic, as each fan's control decision is based on its own component's temperature requirements.
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 minimizes power consumption and enhances the travel range of the vehicle while improving the performance and operability of the cooling module within limited space, ensuring efficient cooling of all components.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling module including cooling fans are disposed in front of the vehicle... The cooling module efficiently cools the fuel cell or the battery and the electrical equipment depending on a running state of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling cooling fans for a vehicle is configured to control operation speeds of first and second cooling fans depending on a running state and operation of an air conditioner of the vehicle in a cooling module including a stack radiator, an electrical equipment radiator disposed in front of the stack radiator, a condenser disposed in parallel with reference to a width direction of the electrical equipment radiator and the vehicle, and the first and second cooling fans being provided at positions respectively corresponding to the electrical equipment radiator and the condenser in the rear of the stack radiator, including: independently controlling operation of each cooling fan by comparing required speeds of the cooling fans of constituent elements when operating the cooling fans provided as a pair in the cooling module depending on the running state and the operation of the air conditioner in the electric vehicle.