Motor-Based Battery Pack Heating for Low-Temperature EV Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The discharge capacity and efficiency of battery packs in new energy vehicles are adversely affected by low working temperatures, necessitating effective heating solutions to maintain the battery pack temperature within an allowable range.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that control battery pack heating by using a motor controller to generate a magnetic field in the motor when the temperature is below a threshold, maintaining a stationary state to actively discharge power and increase the battery pack temperature, without requiring additional electrical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a battery pack is heated using traditional heating components, then the working temperature is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor controller is designed to perform dual functions: normal motor control and battery pack heating. By utilizing the existing motor and motor controller as a heating source through resistive heating of the motor windings, the patent eliminates the need for separate heating components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining heating capability
Solution Approach 2:
The motor and motor controller serve themselves by generating heat during idle or stationary states, which is then used to heat the battery pack. This self-service approach allows the system to utilize its own components for heating without requiring external heating systems
2Temperature
If additional heating components are added to the vehicle, then the battery pack temperature is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor controller is designed to perform dual functions: normal motor control and battery pack heating. By utilizing the existing motor and motor controller as a heating source through resistive heating of the motor windings, the patent eliminates the need for separate heating components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining heating capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes existing components (motor and motor controller) that would otherwise be idle or underutilized during stationary states, converting them into heating sources. This approach avoids the need for expensive dedicated heating components by repurposing existing infrastructure
3Temperature
If the motor is used to generate heat for the battery pack, then the heating effect is achieved, but the motor must remain stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between motor modes (driving mode and heating mode) based on vehicle operational requirements. During stationary states or idle periods, the motor operates in heating mode to warm the battery pack, while during driving, it returns to normal motor function, creating a flexible and adaptive thermal management system
Solution Approach 2:
The motor alternates between its primary driving function and secondary heating function based on periodic conditions such as vehicle idle states, charging periods, or when thermal management is required. This periodic switching allows the motor to serve multiple purposes at different time intervals
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
Improves battery pack working temperature and discharge efficiency, maintaining vehicle performance in low-temperature environments while reducing costs by utilizing existing motor components.
Implementation Method 1
controlling a motor controller to output a current to a motor, if the temperature of the battery pack is lower than a preset temperature threshold, so as to generate a magnetic field in the motor
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling heating of a battery pack is provided, in which, the method includes: acquiring a temperature of the battery pack; and controlling a motor controller to output a current to a motor, if the temperature of the battery pack is lower than a preset temperature threshold, so as to generate a magnetic field in the motor having a magnetic pole direction consistent with or opposite to a magnetic pole direction of a motor rotor and to enable the motor to maintain a stationary state.