Single Refrigerated Battery and Power Electronics Unit for EV Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cooling systems for electric vehicles are inefficient, leading to energy losses and increased electrical resistance in battery packs and power electronics, which can cause overheating and reduce performance, while also being bulky, heavy, and costly, especially in high-performance vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerated unit is integrated into the vehicle, housing the battery pack and power electronics, using a centralized cooling system with Freon to maintain optimal temperatures, reducing the need for extensive cooling circuits and allowing for more efficient heat dissipation and energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If multiple cooling apparatuses are distributed on board the vehicle to cool electric devices, then the cooling effectiveness is improved, but the weight, dimensions, cost, and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cooling functions into a single centralized cooling apparatus that serves the battery pack, power electronics, and other electric devices. This consolidation reduces the total weight and complexity compared to having separate cooling systems for each component, while maintaining adequate cooling effectiveness through a unified thermal management strategy.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cooling apparatus is designed to perform multiple cooling functions simultaneously - cooling the battery pack, power electronics, and other electric devices through a centralized system. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated cooling systems for each component, reducing overall system weight and complexity.
2Temperature
If multiple cooling apparatuses are distributed on board the vehicle, then the cooling effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple cooling functions into a single centralized cooling apparatus, significantly reducing device complexity. Instead of managing multiple separate cooling systems with independent controls and circuits, the vehicle employs one unified cooling system that simplifies installation, maintenance, and thermal management coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized cooling apparatus is designed to handle multiple thermal management requirements through a single system architecture, reducing the complexity associated with coordinating multiple independent cooling systems while maintaining comprehensive cooling coverage for all electric devices.
3Temperature
If multiple cooling apparatuses are distributed on board the vehicle, then the cooling effectiveness is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cooling operations into a single centralized system that can optimize energy usage across all cooled components. By consolidating the cooling function, the system reduces redundant energy consumption that would occur with multiple separate cooling apparatuses operating independently, while maintaining effective temperature control for the battery pack and power electronics.
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
This solution enhances cooling efficiency, reduces energy consumption, minimizes weight and volume, and simplifies installation, creating a virtuous cycle where lower temperatures reduce heat generation, allowing for smaller connectors and improved performance without the need for extensive cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
using a centralized cooling system with Freon to maintain optimal temperatures
Implementation Method 2
the liquid absorbs the heat emanated by the electric devices, hence lowering the temperature thereof
Data Source
AI summary
Electric road vehicle comprising: a powertrain system comprising at least one first electric machine configured to control the motion of the drive wheels; a vehicular battery pack configured to power at least the first electric machine; a cooling system configured to cool at least the vehicular battery pack; power electronics circuitry, which is electrically interposed between the vehicular battery pack and the first electric machine and is configured to at least control the supply of electric power to at least the first electric machine; a refrigerated unit, which is cooled by said cooling system and comprises, in turn, a box-shaped case defining a housing, which is thermally insulated from the rest of the road vehicle and accommodates, on the inside and preferably side by side, both the vehicular battery pack and the power electronics circuitry.