Electric Drive Waste Heat Control for Cabin Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles with long periods of travel face insufficient heat generation from the electric drive train to warm the interior, leading to increased costs, weight, and reduced service life due to temperature fluctuations of electric components.
Innovation Solution
A method to control waste heat in electric vehicles by determining the thermal load of components and adjusting the electric drive's operation to optimize waste heat distribution, using techniques such as varying switching frequencies and current ratios to manage temperature fluctuations and generate additional heat without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an additional electric heating device is installed to heat the interior, then the heating capability is improved, but the installation space, cost, and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful waste heat from the electric drive train components into a beneficial resource for heating the vehicle interior. By capturing and directing heat from the battery, electric machine, and power electronics toward the cabin, the system eliminates the need for separate heating devices, thereby reducing weight while maintaining heating capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the electric drive train components serve multiple functions: their primary function of propelling the vehicle is combined with a secondary function of generating heat for interior heating. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated heating equipment, reducing overall system weight and complexity
2Temperature
If an additional electric heating device is installed to heat the interior, then the heating capability is improved, but the installation space and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electric drive train components serve multiple functions: their primary function of propelling the vehicle is combined with a secondary function of generating heat for interior heating. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated heating equipment, reducing overall system weight and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the heating function with the existing electric drive train system by integrating heat capture and transfer mechanisms with the battery, electric machine, and power electronics. This consolidation eliminates separate heating systems and reduces overall system complexity
3Temperature
If the electric drive operates outside the optimum operating point to increase heat loss, then the interior heating capability is improved, but the service life of electric components decreases due to temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control system that continuously monitors the thermal load of electric drive components and adjusts their operation accordingly. By using feedback from temperature sensors and thermal models, the system optimizes waste heat generation to meet heating demands while maintaining component temperatures within safe operating ranges, thus preserving service life
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts operating parameters of the electric drive components, such as switching frequency and current ratios, to control waste heat generation. By changing these parameters in response to thermal conditions, the system achieves interior heating while preventing excessive temperature fluctuations that would reduce component service life
4Temperature
If waste heat is increased in one component, then the heating capability is improved, but the thermal load distribution among components becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different thermal management strategies to different components of the electric drive train based on their individual thermal loads and characteristics. By determining the thermal load of at least two components and selectively increasing waste heat in the cooler component, the system achieves balanced thermal management across the entire system
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 efficient interior heating without additional components, reducing production effort and mass while extending the service life of electric components by maintaining consistent temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
the heat loss of the electric drive train, for example the rechargeable battery (high voltage battery), the electric machine, the power electronics
Implementation Method 2
The method can also include the step of increasing the switching frequency of at least one of the transistors of the control device if more waste heat is to be generated in the drive control device and less waste heat is to be generated in the electric machine
Implementation Method 3
controlling the temperature of the interior of the motor vehicle with the waste heat generated by the components of the electric drive
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system are provided for controlling waste heat generated by a motor vehicle having an electric drive including a rechargeable battery and an electric machine for driving the motor vehicle. The method includes determining the thermal load on at least two components of the electric drive; if a first electric component of the electric drive has a lower thermal load than a second electric component, actuating the electric drive such that the generation of waste heat in the first electric component increases and the generation of waste heat in the second electric component does not increase; and if the second electric component has a lower thermal load than the first electric component, actuating the electric drive such that the generation of waste heat in the second electric component increases and the generation of waste heat in the first electric component does not increase.