Hybrid Powertrain Battery Thermal Management via Engine Heat Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In hybrid motor vehicles, the temperature management of the battery is passively linked to the heat engine's temperature without considering the driver's driving style, leading to inefficient heating and suboptimal battery performance.

Innovation Solution

A method that controls the heating system of the battery based on temperature measurements of the heat engine, synchronizing the battery's temperature rise with the heat engine's to reach optimal operating temperatures for both, using a thermal coupling element and resistive means within the battery for heating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the battery heating is passively linked to the heat engine temperature, then the battery temperature rises, but the heating efficiency is low and battery performance is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery temperatureVSAvoidheating efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the heating system controllable and adaptive rather than passive. The control unit adjusts the heating system operation dynamically based on real-time temperature measurements of both the heat engine and battery, allowing the system to respond to varying driving conditions and optimize heating efficiency throughout the warming-up phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously measuring the temperatures of the heat engine and battery, then using this information to adjust the heating system operation. The control unit receives temperature data and modifies heating intensity accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes battery heating based on actual thermal conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Temperature

If the battery heating is passively linked to the heat engine temperature, then the heating system operates continuously, but the heating control is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery temperatureVSAvoidheating control

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit uses feedback from temperature sensors to intelligently control the heating system. By continuously monitoring both heat engine and battery temperatures, the system determines the optimal heating intensity and timing, replacing continuous passive operation with intelligent, condition-based control that improves ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by activating the heating system in advance during the warming-up phase, before the battery reaches optimal temperature. The control unit proactively manages heating based on predicted thermal needs, ensuring the battery is ready for optimal performance before high-power operations are required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Temperature

If the battery heating is passively linked to the heat engine temperature, then the heat exchange is constant, but the battery performance is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery temperatureVSAvoidbattery performance

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the heat exchange dynamic by adjusting heating intensity based on real-time temperature measurements and driving conditions. Rather than constant passive heat exchange, the system actively modulates heating to match the battery's thermal needs at different operating points, improving battery performance and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes thermal parameters dynamically by adjusting heating intensity and timing based on measured temperatures. The control unit modifies heat exchange parameters (intensity, duration, timing) to optimize battery temperature within the optimal range, thereby improving battery performance and reliability under varying operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach optimizes the driving experience by ensuring the battery and heat engine reach their optimal temperatures simultaneously, enhancing performance and power delivery according to the driving mode, thus improving the vehicle's propulsion efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a thermal coupling element connecting said heat-producing member to the power supply battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the step of controlling the power supply battery heating system may include a step of charging or discharging the power supply battery to cause it to heat up by Joule effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule effect: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3235050B1Method for managing a hybrid power train of a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2018.11.21 RENAULT SA

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for managing a power train (1) of a motor vehicle, comprising a heat engine (2) and an electric motor (3) which is electrically connected to a power battery (4), said method comprising a step of controlling a system (5) for heating the power battery (4) according to at least one measurement of a temperature representative of the operation of the heat engine (2).