Vehicle Heat Pump Control for Battery-Saving Cabin Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioning systems in electric vehicles increase battery charge depletion by excessively using electric heaters during heating modes, leading to inefficient battery management and reduced travel distance.
Innovation Solution
A control method for a heat pump system that selectively recovers thermal energy from electrical components and external heat sources to minimize electric heater usage, optimizing battery management by efficiently using recovered heat in heating modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an electric heater is used to heat the vehicle interior during heating mode, then the heating effect is improved, but the battery charge amount is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers waste heat from the motor and power electronics that would otherwise be dissipated as harmful thermal energy, converting it into useful heating for the vehicle interior. This eliminates the need for battery-powered electric heaters while maintaining comfortable cabin temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's powertrain components (motor and power electronics) serve a dual function: propulsion and heating. The waste heat generated during motor operation is captured and utilized for cabin heating, allowing the vehicle to heat itself without consuming additional battery power.
2Use of energy by moving object
If thermal energy from electrical components is recovered, then battery power consumption is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pump system integrates multiple functions into a single apparatus: it operates as a heater during cold conditions, a cooler during hot conditions, and automatically manages thermal energy transfer between the cabin and powertrain components. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by eliminating separate heating and cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters based on real-time conditions, switching between heating and cooling modes, and modulating the direction of heat transfer. The controller continuously monitors temperature differentials and adjusts system operation accordingly, optimizing performance while managing complexity through adaptive control.
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 method reduces electric heater usage, conserves battery power, increases travel distance, and lowers battery charging costs, thereby enhancing the marketability of electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger which are connected to the first and second coolant lines respectively... detecting a temperature of a first coolant circulated in the first cooling apparatus and a temperature of a second coolant in the second cooling apparatus
Implementation Method 2
a first cooling apparatus including a first radiator, a first water pump, an electrical component... which are connected by a first coolant line and circulate a first coolant by the first water pump to the electrical component
Implementation Method 3
a compressor... which are connected by a refrigerant line circulated with a refrigerant... condensing a high-temperature high-pressure gas-phase refrigerant compressed from the compressor
Implementation Method 4
condensing a high-temperature high-pressure gas-phase refrigerant compressed from the compressor by the condenser
Implementation Method 5
passing the refrigerant through the receiver drier and the expansion valve
Implementation Method 6
evaporating the refrigerant in the evaporator in a cooling mode in summer
Data Source
AI summary
A heat pump system for a vehicle includes a first cooling apparatus having a first radiator, a first water pump, an electrical component, a valve, and a branch line, which are connected by a first coolant line and circulate a first coolant by the first water pump to the electrical component; a second cooling apparatus including a second radiator and a second water pump connected by a second coolant line; and an air conditioning apparatus including a compressor, a heater, an expansion valve, and a heat exchanger which are connected by a refrigerant line circulated with a refrigerant.