Predictive Thermal Conditioning for Vehicle Energy Storage Buffers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle thermal conditioning methods often result in unnecessary energy consumption and potential component damage due to inefficient timing and frequency of conditioning processes, particularly in rechargeable energy storage systems and fuel cell systems, as they are not aligned with actual power utilization needs.
Innovation Solution
A method for predictive thermal conditioning of thermal buffers in vehicle systems, where the conditioning is adjusted based on predicted power utilization over time to maintain the thermal buffer within a dynamic operating window, reducing unnecessary conditioning and energy consumption by varying the degree and type of conditioning in response to anticipated power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If periodic thermal conditioning is performed to ensure the thermal buffer is ready for operation, then the reliability of the energy storage system is improved, but unnecessary energy consumption occurs and component wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary thermal conditioning actions based on predicted future power utilization needs. The control unit forecasts when high power demand will occur and conditions the thermal buffer in advance of that predicted demand, rather than using fixed periodic intervals. This ensures the thermal buffer is ready when needed while avoiding unnecessary conditioning during periods of low expected demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The conditioning strategy transitions from static periodic scheduling to dynamic prediction-based scheduling. The control unit continuously monitors and predicts power utilization patterns, adjusting the timing and intensity of thermal conditioning dynamically. This allows the system to adapt conditioning actions to actual operational needs, reducing energy waste while maintaining reliability.
2Productivity
If thermal conditioning is performed frequently to maintain optimal temperature, then the operational efficiency of the thermal buffer is improved, but energy consumption and component wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit predicts future power utilization and performs thermal conditioning preliminarily before high-demand periods occur. By forecasting when the thermal buffer will be needed and pre-conditioning it to the appropriate temperature range, the system ensures optimal operational efficiency is achieved only when actually needed, rather than maintaining constant optimal conditions through frequent conditioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the timing parameter of thermal conditioning from fixed periodic intervals to variable intervals based on predicted power utilization. The control unit adjusts when conditioning occurs and at what temperature target based on forecasted demand, optimizing the balance between operational efficiency and energy consumption by conditioning only when and where it will be beneficial.
3Reliability
If thermal conditioning is performed in advance to ensure readiness, then the reliability for future operation is improved, but the conditioning may not be optimal when actually needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary conditioning actions based on predicted future scenarios. The control unit forecasts power utilization and pre-conditions the thermal buffer accordingly. When the predicted high-demand period actually occurs, the thermal buffer is already optimally conditioned, achieving both advance preparation and adaptability to actual needs through accurate prediction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from actual power utilization data to refine its predictions and improve future conditioning decisions. The control unit compares predicted versus actual power usage patterns, learning from deviations to improve the accuracy of its forecasts. This feedback mechanism enhances both the reliability of advance conditioning and the adaptability to actual operational needs over time.
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 thermal conditioning by aligning it with predicted power utilization, reducing energy waste and minimizing component wear, while ensuring the thermal buffer operates within optimal temperature ranges, thus enhancing operational efficiency and extending component lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
conditioning the thermal buffer in response to the predictive power utilization, such that the thermal buffer is thermally conditioned to be within the operating window
Implementation Method 2
conditioning the thermal buffer in response to the predictive power utilization, such that the thermal buffer is thermally conditioned to be within the operating window
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for thermal conditioning at least one thermal buffer of a thermal system of a vehicle, the thermal system being a rechargeable energy storage system, RESS, and/or an energy transformation system comprising fuel cells, the thermal buffer having an operating window defined by the preferred operating temperature of the thermal buffer. The method comprises: - providing predictive power utilization of the thermal buffer as a function of time, - conditioning the thermal buffer in response to the predictive power utilization, such that the thermal buffer is thermally conditioned to be within the operating window of the thermal buffer. The operating window is varying as a function of the predictive power utilization over time.