Peltier Thermal Management for Electric Vehicle Battery and Power Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
The adoption of zero tailpipe emission electric vehicles is hindered by performance issues related to rechargeable battery cells and power converter circuitry, which are affected by temperature and ambient conditions, leading to inefficient energy storage and conversion.
Innovation Solution
A power system for electric vehicles that includes a traction electric motor, main electrical energy storage devices, temperature adjustment devices like Peltier effect devices, and a control circuit that manages temperature based on sensed conditions to optimize the performance of energy storage and conversion components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If rechargeable battery cells and power converter circuitry are used in electric vehicles, then zero tailpipe emission and higher fuel economy are achieved, but temperature sensitivity and ambient condition effects reduce performance and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary thermal conditioning of battery cells and power converter circuitry before main operation. The control circuit activates heating or cooling mechanisms in advance to bring components to optimal temperature ranges, ensuring reliable performance when the vehicle operates under varying ambient conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Thermal management components serve as intermediaries between the battery/power converter system and the ambient environment. These components mediate heat transfer, isolating sensitive electrical components from direct environmental temperature effects and maintaining stable operating conditions.
2Reliability
If thermal management systems are added to manage battery and power converter temperature, then performance and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit performs multiple functions: it monitors temperature of both battery cells and power converter circuitry, determines thermal management needs for different components, and controls heating or cooling mechanisms. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines thermal management for battery cells and power converter circuitry into a single integrated system. The control circuit unifies temperature monitoring and control functions, and heating/cooling mechanisms serve both components, reducing overall system complexity compared to separate thermal management systems.
3Productivity
If electrical power is used to adjust temperature of energy storage devices, then charging and discharging efficiency are enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts waste heat generated during braking and power conversion into useful thermal energy for heating battery cells. During braking, the power converter generates heat that would otherwise be wasted; this heat is redirected to warm cold battery cells, improving their efficiency and converting a harmful thermal byproduct into a beneficial resource.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit activates heating or cooling mechanisms periodically based on real-time temperature monitoring rather than continuously. When battery or power converter temperatures are within optimal ranges, thermal management is suspended, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining efficiency when 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
The system effectively manages thermal conditions to enhance the performance and efficiency of electric vehicles, improving battery charging and discharging, and power conversion processes, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies in densely populated areas with limited resources.
Implementation Method 1
temperature adjustment devices like Peltier effect devices
Data Source
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AI summary
Thermal management of various components such as electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, super- or ultracapacitors), power converters and/or control circuits, in electrically powered vehicles may employ active temperature adjustment devices (e.g., Peltier devices), which may advantageously be powered using electrical energy generated by the traction electric motor during regenerative braking operation. Temperature adjustment may include cooling or heating one or more components. The adjustment may be based on a variety of factors or conditions, for instance sensed temperature, sensed current draw, sensed voltage, sensed rotational speed.