Predictive Thermal Control for Variable-Load Power Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal management systems for electrical power systems with variable electric loads, such as electric vehicles, are inefficient and consume significant energy, leading to reduced battery life and vehicle range due to aggressive thermal management strategies that fail to predict and adapt to dynamic load conditions.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive thermal management system that utilizes a controller to regulate thermal states based on predicted thermal performance, calculated using current input signals, to optimize temperature control and reduce energy consumption by dynamically adjusting cooling or heating according to anticipated load demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If aggressive thermal management strategies are used to remove heat from electrical power systems, then temperature control is improved, but energy consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary thermal management actions by predicting future thermal conditions based on anticipated load demands. The controller calculates predicted thermal performance before the actual thermal event occurs, allowing the thermal management system to be proactively adjusted rather than reactively responding to temperature changes. This prevents the need for aggressive cooling strategies and reduces energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time load conditions and predicted thermal performance. Instead of using fixed aggressive cooling strategies, the system adapts cooling intensity to match actual thermal needs, reducing energy consumption when full cooling capacity is not required while maintaining effective temperature control when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional thermal management systems operate with fixed strategies, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to dynamic load conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller calculates predicted thermal performance in advance based on anticipated load demands, enabling the thermal management system to adapt to dynamic conditions proactively. This predictive approach allows the system to respond appropriately to varying load conditions without requiring complex real-time sensing and adjustment mechanisms, thus maintaining relatively simple system architecture while achieving high adaptability.
3Temperature
If active heat removal is used to improve system performance, then temperature regulation is improved, but available energy for system performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By calculating predicted thermal performance based on anticipated load demands before thermal events occur, the system can proactively adjust thermal management intensity. This prevents excessive heat generation in the first place and reduces the need for energy-intensive active cooling, preserving more energy for system performance while maintaining adequate temperature regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potential harm of heat generation into benefit by using predicted load demands to proactively manage thermal conditions. Instead of allowing heat to build up and then requiring aggressive cooling, the system uses the predictive information to prevent excessive heating, thereby eliminating the need for energy-intensive heat removal and converting the thermal management challenge into an energy-saving opportunity.
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
Enhances battery life and vehicle range by efficiently managing thermal conditions, reducing the need for aggressive cooling, and minimizing energy consumption through predictive thermal management.
Implementation Method 1
a coolant energizer configured to pump a coolant through the thermal management system
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger fluidly coupled to the component outlet plumbing, the heat exchanger configured to extract heat from the coolant
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to systems, devices, methods, and computer-readable storage medium for adaptive/dynamic thermal management of an electrical power system having variable electric loads, and components thereof. Thermal management may be driven at least partially by predicted/modeled thermal performance of the component to be managed, which may be calculated or modified using direct or indirect measurements. Embodiments may include adaptive thermal management of at least one of an energy storage system and an electric energy supply. Applications of this disclosure may include adaptive thermal management method for electric vehicles and non-mobility applications, particularly having variable electrical loads, which may impact performance or life of the application.