EV Thermal Energy Storage With Selective Heat Transfer Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems in electric vehicles (EVs) are inefficient and bulky, leading to increased size, weight, and cost, and fail to maintain optimal operating temperatures for components like batteries and PV cells, especially in extreme environments, affecting mission endurance and safety.
Innovation Solution
A holistic, integrated thermal management system that includes thermal energy harvesting, storage, and dissipation, using materials like phase change materials (PCMs) and aerogels, with selective thermal conduits and interconnects to manage temperature across EV components and subsystems, allowing for passive or active control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional separate thermal management systems are used for each component, then thermal management coverage is improved, but system size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple thermal management functions (heating, cooling, thermal storage) into a single integrated system using phase change materials that can both absorb and release thermal energy, eliminating the need for separate thermal management subsystems for different components
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a thermal energy storage medium, a heat sink for hot components, and a heat source for cold components, providing universal thermal management across the entire EV system
2Reliability
If traditional separate thermal management systems are used for each component, then thermal management coverage is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates thermal management functions into a single unified system architecture, reducing the number of discrete components and interconnections that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process
3Temperature
If active thermal management systems are used, then temperature control precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material system operates passively by utilizing the natural phase transition properties of the materials, which automatically absorb thermal energy when melting and release it when freezing, eliminating the need for active pumping or mechanical actuation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful waste heat generated by high-power components into a useful resource by storing it in the phase change materials, which then release this stored thermal energy to heat other components that require thermal management, transforming a problem into a solution
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
Enhances EV performance and endurance by maintaining optimal temperatures with reduced size, weight, and power consumption, enabling efficient thermal management in varying environments.
Implementation Method 1
thermal energy storage within the frame or the battery
Implementation Method 2
using materials like phase change materials (PCMs)
Implementation Method 3
using materials like phase change materials (PCMs) and aerogels
Implementation Method 4
with selective thermal conduits and interconnects to manage temperature across EV components
Implementation Method 5
where it may be advantageous for an EV to have a net loss, or dissipation, of thermal energy to the surroundings, by conductive, convective or radiative means
Implementation Method 6
where it may be advantageous for an EV to have a net loss, or dissipation, of thermal energy to the surroundings, by conductive, convective or radiative means
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for the thermal energy management of systems of electrically powered vehicles (EVs), which enhance the mission capabilities, or performance. The method includes an approach in which thermal energy harvesting, dissipation, storage, and distribution operate in concert. The method concurrently enables, immediate and longer-term management, including storage of thermal energy for subsequent use. The apparatus, includes the multi-functional integration of thermal energy storage, for the benefit of enhanced EV form, capabilities or performances. The apparatus includes connecting elements which provide selective, thermal conduction pathways, which link the management system. The thermal conductive pathways may be actuated in response to temperature, or by other activation means. Thermally managed systems which require persistent heating, or cooling or maintenance within a specified range, are addressed