EV Transmission Lubricant Heating With Temperature Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles exhibit reduced efficiency at cold temperatures, particularly when first operated, due to inefficient transmission lubricant heating.
Innovation Solution
A control system that receives temperature signals from the transmission associated with a traction electric machine and outputs control signals to heat the transmission using thermal energy from a heat source, improving lubricant fluid heating efficiency and accuracy through temperature threshold comparisons and hysteresis control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the vehicle operates at cold temperatures, then the transmission lubricant remains cold and viscous, but the transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system activates heating elements before the vehicle journey commences to pre-heat the transmission lubricant to an optimal temperature range, ensuring efficient operation from the start of the journey rather than allowing the transmission to operate inefficiently in cold conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors transmission temperature through temperature sensors and dynamically adjusts heating element activation and intensity based on real-time temperature feedback, maintaining the lubricant within the optimal temperature range for efficient transmission operation
2Temperature
If heating is activated continuously, then the transmission is always at optimal temperature, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system activates heating elements periodically based on temperature thresholds and journey conditions rather than continuously, turning heating on when temperature drops below optimal levels and off when optimal temperature is achieved, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The control system adjusts heating parameters (activation timing, intensity, duration) based on ambient temperature, journey length, and real-time transmission temperature, optimizing the balance between maintaining optimal transmission temperature and minimizing energy consumption during different operating conditions
3Productivity
If temperature control is activated early, then transmission efficiency is improved at journey start, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is configured to automatically activate heating elements at predetermined times before journey commencement based on received journey information, pre-heating the transmission lubricant to optimal temperature without requiring complex real-time decision-making during the journey
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses simple threshold-based temperature monitoring and automatic heating activation without requiring complex algorithms or continuous manual intervention, allowing the system to self-regulate transmission temperature based on pre-programmed temperature thresholds and journey parameters
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 heats the transmission lubricant fluid, enhancing the efficiency of the electric vehicle's transmission and traction battery, ensuring optimal performance at start-up and maintaining efficiency during journeys.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission heat exchanger for heating the transmission
Implementation Method 2
In some embodiments, hysteresis is employed in the comparison
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention relate to a control system, comprising one or more controllers, for an electric vehicle, the control system comprising input means (130) to receive a temperature signal (135) indicative of a temperature of a transmission (160) associated with a traction electric machine (150) of the vehicle, output means (140) to output a flow control signal (145) for controlling a flow control means to control a flow of lubricant fluid associated with the traction electric machine and the transmission through a heat exchanger, and processing means (110) arranged to control the output means to output the flow control signal in dependence on the temperature signal.