Hybrid Drive Cooling Pump Control for Low-Loss Motor Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for electrical machines in hybrid vehicle drive trains are inefficient and require high processor performance and memory, leading to mechanical losses and suboptimal cooling.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a cooling system using a control unit to manage pump speeds based on temperature and revolution signals of electrical machines, optimizing cooling fluid flow with minimal processor and memory requirements, and optionally using dual coolant circuits with heat exchangers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cooling system for electrical machines in hybrid vehicle drive trains is implemented, then cooling efficiency is improved, but processor performance requirements and memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control method segments the cooling control into discrete pump speed steps (first pump speed, second pump speed, third pump speed) rather than requiring continuous variable control. This segmentation allows the control unit to manage cooling efficiently using simple step-based decisions based on temperature comparisons, reducing processor performance requirements while maintaining effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the pump speed based on real-time temperature conditions of the cooling fluid and electrical machine. The control unit compares current temperatures with reference temperatures and automatically selects appropriate pump speeds, enabling adaptive cooling control that responds to changing thermal conditions without requiring complex continuous control algorithms.
2Temperature
If a cooling system for electrical machines in hybrid vehicle drive trains is implemented, then cooling efficiency is improved, but memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control strategy is segmented into a finite set of pump speed levels stored in memory, rather than requiring storage of complex continuous control algorithms or large lookup tables. This segmentation reduces memory requirements while preserving the essential cooling control functionality through discrete speed steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements cooling control with a simplified approach that uses only the necessary temperature comparisons and pump speed selections required for effective cooling, without storing additional unnecessary control parameters or algorithms. This partial action approach achieves sufficient cooling efficiency with minimal memory usage.
3Temperature
If pump speed is increased to improve cooling, then cooling capacity increases, but mechanical losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump speed is dynamically adjusted based on actual cooling needs rather than operating at constant high speed. The control unit monitors temperatures and selects pump speeds adaptively, increasing pump speed only when cooling demand requires it, thereby reducing unnecessary mechanical losses during periods of lower cooling requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pump operating parameter (speed) based on thermal conditions. By varying the pump speed between different discrete levels rather than maintaining constant high speed, the system optimizes the balance between cooling capacity and mechanical energy consumption, reducing losses when full cooling capacity is not needed.
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
Achieves efficient cooling with reduced mechanical losses, increased performance availability, and simplified assembly, while maintaining safe operation of electrical machines.
Implementation Method 1
a first closed coolant circuit having a first cooling fluid and a first fluid pump for conveying the first cooling fluid through the first coolant circuit and for cooling at least the first electrical machine
Implementation Method 2
optionally using dual coolant circuits with heat exchangers
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a cooling system of a first electrical machine within a drive train of a motor vehicle is provided. The cooling system includes: i) a first closed coolant circuit having a first cooling fluid and a first fluid pump for conveying the first cooling fluid through the first coolant circuit and for cooling at least the first electrical machine, and ii) a control unit which is connected to the first fluid pump in order to control the pump speed.