Regenerative Braking Thermal Capture for EV Cooling Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In electric vehicles, limited regenerative braking performance at the start of a journey due to the electrical energy storage means being at full charge and outside its optimum operating temperature range leads to inefficient use of friction braking, wasting thermal energy.
Innovation Solution
A control system that switches between two regenerative braking energy conversion modes to capture thermal energy efficiently, directing it to the vehicle's cooling system for use by other subsystems, optimizing thermal and electrical energy distribution based on demand and capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If friction braking is used to compensate for limited regenerative braking, then vehicle deceleration performance is improved, but thermal energy is wasted by being rejected to ambient air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful waste thermal energy from friction braking into a beneficial resource by capturing it through the cooling system and using it to heat temperature-controlled subsystems, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving vehicle deceleration and avoiding thermal energy waste
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is given a dual function: it continues to provide thermal management for the battery and power electronics while simultaneously serving as a heat source for temperature-controlled subsystems during friction braking operations, eliminating thermal energy waste
2Reliability
If regenerative braking is limited due to battery charge state and temperature, then electrical energy storage is preserved, but vehicle deceleration performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system acts as an intermediary energy pathway, capturing kinetic energy that would otherwise be wasted as heat during friction braking and redirecting it to useful thermal applications, thereby maintaining deceleration performance without compromising battery reliability
3Use of energy by moving object
If thermal energy from friction braking is captured and used by subsystems, then overall vehicle efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically manages the thermal energy capture and distribution process by monitoring battery state, selecting appropriate braking modes, and directing thermal energy to subsystems that need heating, eliminating the need for additional complex control mechanisms
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 overall vehicle efficiency by capturing thermal energy for use in temperature-controlled subsystems, reducing the need for friction braking and enhancing performance by bringing subsystems to their optimal operating temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
the first regenerative braking energy conversion mode is configured to provide a first proportion of total energy generated via the electric machine as thermal energy added to a cooling system of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The increased thermal energy in the cooling system can be used by other subsystems of the vehicle, for example to bring them quickly to an optimum operating temperature range
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a control system (200), a vehicle (1), a method (500), and computer software, for controlling thermal energy capture of vehicle kinetic energy of a vehicle. The control system (200) is configured to determine whether to enter a first regenerative braking energy conversion mode or a second regenerative braking energy conversion mode. The control system is configured to output a control signal (508, 510) to cause an electric machine (402, 404) of the vehicle to enter the first regenerative braking energy conversion mode or the second regenerative braking energy conversion mode in dependence on the determination. The first regenerative braking energy conversion mode is configured to provide a first proportion of total energy generated via the electric machine as thermal energy added to a cooling system (400) of the vehicle. The second regenerative braking energy conversion mode is configured to provide a second, greater, proportion of total energy generated via the electric machine as thermal energy added to the cooling system.