EV Transmission Lubricant Preheating via Thermal Energy Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 of a traction electric machine and outputs control signals to heat the transmission using thermal energy from a heat source, improving efficiency by heating the lubricant fluid within the transmission.
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 system performs preliminary heating of the transmission lubricant before the vehicle journey commences by controlling a heater to heat the lubricant when cold temperatures are detected, ensuring the lubricant reaches optimal temperature and viscosity before operation begins
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermal management system with heat exchangers and fluid circulation mechanisms as intermediaries to transfer thermal energy to the transmission lubricant, enabling controlled temperature regulation of the lubricant independent of ambient conditions
2Productivity
If heating is applied to the transmission lubricant, then the lubricant temperature increases and efficiency improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor lubricant temperature and feed this information back to the controller, which adjusts heater operation and fluid circulation accordingly to maintain optimal temperature while minimizing energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically adjusts heating parameters including heater power output, fluid circulation flow rate, and target temperature setpoints based on ambient conditions and vehicle operating state to optimize the balance between transmission efficiency and energy consumption
3Temperature
If the vehicle is stationary before journey, then there is time to preheat the transmission, but the journey commencement is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the transmission lubricant during periods when the vehicle is stationary or parked before the journey commences, utilizing this idle time to bring the lubricant to optimal temperature without extending the actual journey time
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management system operates periodically during stationary periods, cycling the heater and fluid circulation mechanisms to gradually heat the lubricant to target temperature, preparing the transmission for efficient operation before the vehicle begins moving
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, especially at startup, by utilizing thermal energy communication and controlled fluid circulation.
Implementation Method 1
fluidic communication of thermal energy from a heat source to a transmission heat exchanger for heating the transmission
Implementation Method 2
The control signal is arranged to control one or more of pumping means and/or valve means to circulate heated fluid via the transmission heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention relate to a control system (100) comprising one or more controllers (105), 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 a vehicle, output means (140) to output a control signal (145) for causing a fluidic communication of thermal energy from a heat source to a transmission heat exchanger (190) for heating the transmission, and processing means (110) arranged to control the output means to output the control signal in dependence on the temperature signal.