Electric Motor Heating Control for EV Cabin Warm-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat and thermal management in vehicles, particularly electrical vehicles, is challenging due to the need for dedicated devices that increase cost and weight, affecting energy efficiency and potentially damaging electrical components at extreme temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A computer system controls an electrical motor's stator current vector to disconnect it from the drive train, allowing it to generate heat at standstill by managing current amplitude and angle, optimizing temperature control of the motor windings to reduce wear and increase efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If dedicated heating devices are added to the vehicle, then the heating capability is improved, but the vehicle cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical motor is made to serve dual functions: propulsion during vehicle operation and heating during standstill periods. By controlling the motor to rotate at specific speeds and applying controlled electrical currents, the motor generates heat that can be transferred to the cabin through the heat exchanger, eliminating the need for separate heating devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical motor utilizes its own operational characteristics to generate heat for the cabin. The motor's natural heat generation during operation is captured and redirected via the heat exchanger system, and during standstill, controlled current application enables the motor to self-generate heat without requiring external heating equipment.
2Temperature
If dedicated heating devices are added to the vehicle, then the heating capability is improved, but the vehicle weight increases leading to higher energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical motor is made to serve dual functions: propulsion during vehicle operation and heating during standstill periods. By controlling the motor to rotate at specific speeds and applying controlled electrical currents, the motor generates heat that can be transferred to the cabin through the heat exchanger, eliminating the need for separate heating devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical motor utilizes its own operational characteristics to generate heat for the cabin. The motor's natural heat generation during operation is captured and redirected via the heat exchanger system, and during standstill, controlled current application enables the motor to self-generate heat without requiring external heating equipment.
3Device complexity
If the electrical motor is used for heating at standstill, then the need for additional heating devices is reduced, but the motor windings may be damaged due to overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the temperature of the motor windings and adjusts the stator current amplitude and motor rotational speed accordingly. When the winding temperature approaches dangerous levels, the control system reduces the current or stops the heating process, preventing thermal damage to the windings while still providing effective cabin heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor operates in different dynamic states: during vehicle operation, it provides propulsion; during standstill periods, it transitions to a controlled heating mode with specific rotational speeds and current amplitudes. The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters based on the vehicle's state and thermal requirements, optimizing both heating efficiency and motor protection.
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 method reduces vehicle cost and energy consumption by eliminating the need for additional heaters and provides efficient, environmentally friendly heating, while protecting electrical components from overheating.
Implementation Method 1
control a stator current vector, indicating a stator current amplitude and stator current angle, driving the electrical motor to cause the electrical motor to accelerate to a predetermined rotational speed
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5A~5B
Figure 6~8
AI summary
A computer system (100) comprising processing circuitry (110) is presented. The processing circuitry (110) is configured to disconnect an electrical motor (12) from a drive train (18) of a vehicle (10) and to control a stator current vector ( ι‾) driving the electrical motor (12) to cause the electrical motor (12) to accelerate to a predetermined rotational speed (s*). The stator current ( ι‾) indicating a stator current amplitude ( ι‾) and stator current angle (θl). The processing circuitry (110) is further configured to, responsive to the electrical motor (12) rotating at the predetermined rotational speed (s*), control the stator current angle (θl) to maintain the predetermined rotational speed (s*) at a predetermined stator current amplitude ( ι‾∗).