EV Heat Pump Battery Thermal Control With Reversible Refrigerant Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle batteries require precise temperature control due to their narrow operating range, as temperatures outside this range can affect power release and battery life, but existing systems struggle to efficiently manage both cooling and heating effectively.
Innovation Solution
A heat pump system for electric vehicles that includes a compressor, battery cooling and heating passages, and outdoor heat exchange passages, with valves and heat exchangers to allow for both cooling and heating of the battery, enabling precise temperature control by reversing the flow of refrigerant to achieve heating or cooling based on valve positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single cooling passage is used for battery thermal management, then the cooling function is simple and reliable, but the system cannot provide heating function and cannot precisely control battery temperature within narrow operating range
Solution Approach 1:
The battery cooling passage is designed to serve dual functions: cooling mode where refrigerant flows from compressor outlet to inlet through the passage, and heating mode where hot refrigerant from compressor outlet is redirected through a heating passage to heat the battery. This multi-functionality allows precise temperature control within the narrow 20-30°C operating range without requiring separate cooling and heating systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic valve control (first valve and second valve) to switch refrigerant flow paths between cooling and heating modes. The first valve controls flow to the cooling passage while the second valve controls flow to the heating passage, enabling real-time adaptation to battery temperature requirements and achieving precise temperature management.
2Reliability
If separate cooling and heating systems are used, then cooling and heating functions are independent and reliable, but the system complexity increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges cooling and heating functions into a single integrated battery thermal management system. The battery cooling passage and battery heating passage share common connections to the compressor inlet and outlet pipelines, and both are controlled by coordinated valve operations. This consolidation reduces system complexity while maintaining reliable temperature control through unified management.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant circulation system is designed to perform both cooling and heating functions through a single system architecture. By utilizing the compressor outlet as a common source for both cooling passage and heating passage, and controlling flow distribution via valves, the system achieves reliable dual-function operation without requiring separate independent systems.
3Use of energy by moving object
If high energy density battery is used, then battery energy storage capacity is improved, but the operating temperature range becomes narrower requiring more precise temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts refrigerant flow distribution between cooling and heating passages based on real-time battery temperature conditions. The control unit monitors battery temperature and actuates the first and second valves accordingly, enabling precise temperature maintenance within the narrow 20-30°C range required for high energy density batteries like ternary lithium batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature sensing and feedback control mechanisms. The control unit receives battery temperature information and adjusts valve positions to regulate refrigerant flow, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains precise temperature control. This feedback mechanism ensures the battery operates within the optimal narrow temperature range despite varying thermal conditions.
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
The system effectively maintains the battery within an optimal temperature range, enhancing battery performance and longevity by enabling both cooling and heating, thus improving the overall efficiency and comfort of the electric vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
a battery heat exchanger is provided on the battery cooling passage
Implementation Method 2
the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant pumped from the compressor transfers heat to the battery cooling passage
Implementation Method 3
the refrigerant flowing through the battery cooling passage in the forward direction cools the battery
Implementation Method 4
the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant pumped from the compressor
Implementation Method 5
the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant pumped from the compressor
Implementation Method 6
A first throttle valve is provided on the inlet pipeline of the battery heat exchanger
Implementation Method 7
the refrigerant is expanded in the expansion valve to obtain low-temperature refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
A heat pump system of an electric vehicle, comprising a compressor (1), a battery cooling passage (4), and an outdoor heat exchange passage (5), wherein the battery cooling passage (4) and the outdoor heat exchange passage (5) are connected in parallel between an inlet pipeline (3) of the compressor and an outlet pipeline (2) of the compressor; a first valve body (33) is arranged on the outlet pipeline (2) of the compressor; a battery heat supply passage is provided between the outlet pipeline (2) of the compressor located upstream of the first valve body (33) and the downstream end of the battery cooling passage (4) in a communicating manner; and a second valve body (34) is arranged on the battery heat supply passage. The heat pump system not only can cool a battery, but also can heat the battery, so that temperature of the battery can be controlled precisely, and thus the battery is kept within a desirable working temperature range.