EV Refrigeration Pre-Cooling Using Traction Battery Charge Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration units for battery electric vehicles require connection to a mains power source for extended periods to pre-cool the refrigerated compartment, leading to redundant energy consumption and increased electrical architecture complexity.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration apparatus that utilizes the traction battery's power during charging to pre-cool the compartment by monitoring the battery's charge level and authorizing power supply only when the charge exceeds a predetermined threshold, allowing power to be drawn from the traction battery for pre-cooling without needing a direct mains connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the refrigeration unit is connected to a dedicated mains power source for pre-cooling, then the pre-cooling function is reliable, but the electrical architecture complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pre-cooling power supply with the existing traction battery system. Instead of creating a separate mains power connection for the refrigeration unit, the system uses the vehicle's existing battery to supply power during pre-cooling operations, thereby eliminating redundant electrical architecture while maintaining reliable pre-cooling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The traction battery serves multiple functions: it powers the vehicle's propulsion system and also provides power for the refrigeration unit's pre-cooling operation. This multi-functional use of the battery eliminates the need for dedicated pre-cooling power infrastructure, reducing system complexity while ensuring reliable pre-cooling capability.
2Reliability
If the refrigeration unit is connected to mains power for extended periods, then pre-cooling is ensured, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically manages power supply timing by monitoring battery charge levels. Power to the refrigeration unit is authorized only when the battery charge exceeds a predetermined threshold, allowing the system to flexibly utilize available energy resources and avoid unnecessary energy consumption during extended connection periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors the battery's charge level and uses this feedback to determine when to authorize power supply to the refrigeration unit. This feedback mechanism ensures that pre-cooling operations are timed to coincide with periods when sufficient energy is available, optimizing energy utilization and preventing waste.
3Productivity
If the refrigeration unit draws power continuously from the traction battery, then pre-cooling is achieved quickly, but vehicle operation is impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power delivery timing based on real-time battery charge level monitoring. By authorizing power draw only when charge thresholds are exceeded, the system enables rapid pre-cooling when energy is available while preventing power depletion that would impact vehicle operation, thus balancing speed with operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements periodic monitoring of battery charge levels and authorizes power supply in discrete intervals when thresholds are met. This periodic authorization approach allows the refrigeration unit to receive power in controlled bursts, achieving effective pre-cooling while ensuring the battery maintains sufficient charge for vehicle operation.
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
Reduces electrical architecture complexity and energy consumption by utilizing the traction battery's power efficiently, minimizing the need for additional electrical components and enabling pre-cooling with minimal impact on vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigeration unit (3) for cooling a refrigerated compartment (5)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A refrigeration apparatus 20 for use in a battery electric vehicle 1 having a traction battery 4 for driving the electric vehicle and a refrigerated compartment 5 that, in use, is cooled by the refrigeration apparatus, the refrigeration apparatus comprising: a power supply system 26 for powering a refrigeration unit of the refrigeration apparatus, the power supply system comprising a controller 28; wherein the power supply system is configured to be connected to the traction battery and the controller is configured to monitor a charge level of the traction battery; wherein the power supply system is configured to draw power for the refrigeration unit from the traction battery; wherein the controller is configured with a pre-cooling mode to be used during a period of charging of the traction battery from a mains power source; and wherein the pre-cooling mode comprises authorising the power supply system to supply power to the refrigeration unit from the traction battery in response to the charge level of the traction battery exceeding a predetermined threshold for pre-cooling of the refrigerated compartment of the electric vehicle. A method of operating the refrigeration apparatus is also provided.