EV Emergency Heating Control Under Low Battery Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles running low on power may face dangerous conditions due to limited resources for emergency services, especially in extreme weather, as existing systems do not effectively provide heating to maintain a safe temperature while waiting for assistance.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method in electric vehicles determines when the charge is below a threshold and routes remaining power to the heating system to maintain a temperature above a certain level, shutting down other components if necessary, and may send notifications to emergency services, while also causing the vehicle to pull over to a safe location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the EV continues normal operation with remaining charge, then other components can function, but the heating system cannot maintain safe temperature in extreme weather
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of charge levels and weather conditions, then proactively switches to emergency heating mode before the temperature becomes dangerous. The processor monitors battery charge level and outdoor temperature, and when both conditions indicate risk (low charge below threshold and temperature below freezing point), it automatically activates emergency heating by shutting down non-essential components in advance.
2Temperature
If the EV shuts down all components to conserve power for heating, then temperature can be maintained, but the vehicle loses operational functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial shutdown action by selectively disabling only non-essential components (infotainment, climate control, seat heating/cooling, windshield wipers, power windows) while maintaining essential functions (heating system, processor, communication module). This partial action provides sufficient power to the heating system to maintain safe interior temperature without completely sacrificing vehicle reliability, as essential safety and communication functions remain operational.
3Loss of time
If emergency services are dispatched quickly, then occupants can be rescued sooner, but emergency services have limited resources and cannot respond immediately
Solution Approach 1:
The system sends emergency notifications automatically when dangerous conditions are detected (low charge combined with freezing temperatures), initiating the rescue process in advance before occupants are in immediate danger. Additionally, the system performs preliminary self-rescue actions by activating emergency heating and shutting down non-essential components to maintain safe temperature, reducing the time occupants need to wait for external rescue while ensuring their safety during the wait.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the EV uses remaining charge for heating, then occupants are protected from hypothermia, but the charge depletes faster reducing time until shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and isolates the heating function from the general power distribution system, dedicating remaining battery charge exclusively to the heating system when emergency conditions are detected. By shutting down all non-essential components and redirecting their power consumption to heating, the system concentrates available energy on the critical life-saving function, protecting occupants from hypothermia while maximizing the duration that safe temperature can be maintained with limited remaining charge.
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 method ensures the vehicle maintains a safe temperature for occupants during emergencies, reducing the risk of hypothermia or other health issues until assistance arrives, even in extreme weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
routing, by the one or more processors, the remaining amount of charge to power a heating system in the EV to maintain a temperature in the EV above a threshold temperature level
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for providing emergency heating in an electric vehicle (EV) running out of power are described herein. An on-board computer or mobile device in an EV may determine that an amount of charge remaining for powering the EV is below a threshold charge level. The on-board computer or mobile device may then route the remaining amount of charge to power a heating system in the EV to maintain a temperature in the EV above a threshold temperature level, and shut down power to other components within the EV.