EV Propulsion Lubricant Composition for Cooling and Low Flammability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lubricating compositions for electric or hybrid vehicle propulsion systems face challenges in simultaneously providing effective lubrication and cooling, as fluids with high lubrication properties often lack cooling efficiency, and vice versa, while also needing to address safety concerns such as reduced flammability and increased flammability temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A lubricating composition comprising a diester of formula (I) combined with a base oil, which provides both lubrication and cooling properties through direct contact with the propulsion system components, enhancing thermal conductivity and capacity, and increasing the flammability temperature of the base oil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional lubricating compositions are used, then lubrication properties are provided, but cooling efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by formulating a single lubricating composition that simultaneously provides both lubrication and cooling functions. The base oil is selected and configured to deliver adequate lubrication while the added cooling additives enhance thermal conductivity and heat dissipation, allowing one composition to serve multiple purposes in the electric motor propulsion system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by creating a lubricating composition that combines a base oil with specific cooling additives. This composite formulation integrates components with complementary properties: the base oil provides lubrication film formation while the cooling additives contribute high thermal conductivity and heat capacity, resulting in a synergistic material that achieves both lubrication and cooling functions.
2Temperature
If cooling efficiency is enhanced, then temperature control improves, but flammability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully selecting and optimizing the thermal properties of the base oil and additives. The base oil is chosen to have a flash point above 150°C, and cooling additives are selected to enhance thermal conductivity without compromising flammability. This parameter optimization allows the composition to achieve improved cooling efficiency while maintaining acceptable flammability characteristics for safety.
3Reliability
If lubrication properties are enhanced with high viscosity, then friction reduction improves, but cooling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a lubricating composition with optimized viscosity characteristics that provide adequate lubrication film formation at contact surfaces while maintaining sufficient fluidity for heat transport. The base oil viscosity is selected to ensure proper lubrication at bearing and gear interfaces, while the addition of cooling additives compensates for the reduced cooling efficiency that would result from higher viscosity, achieving localized optimization of both functions.
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 composition effectively cools and lubricates electric motors, power electronics, and batteries, while extending the lifespan of the lubricant by reducing volatility and increasing the drain interval, thus optimizing the performance and safety of the propulsion system.
Implementation Method 1
A lubricating composition comprising a diester of formula (I) combined with a base oil, which provides both lubrication and cooling properties through direct contact with the propulsion system components, enhancing thermal conductivity and capacity
Implementation Method 2
enhancing thermal conductivity and capacity
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to the use, for cooling and lubricating a propulsion system of an electric or hybrid vehicle, of a composition comprising at least: (i) at least one base oil; and (ii) at least one diester of formula Ra-C(O)-O-([C(R)2]n-O)s-C(O)-Rb (I), different from the base oil (i). The invention also relates to a process for cooling and lubricating a propulsion system of an electric or hybrid vehicle comprising at least one step of bringing at least one mechanical part of said system into contact with a composition as defined above.