Regenerative Braking Power Distribution for Battery Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid/electric vehicles face challenges in optimizing regenerative braking power distribution between electric heaters and refrigerant compressors based on battery charge capacity and ambient temperature, which affects battery temperature management and overall system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A controller is programmed to direct regenerative braking power to either the electric heater or the refrigerant compressor depending on the battery's power capacity and ambient temperature thresholds, ensuring optimal battery temperature maintenance within operational ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If regenerative braking power is directed to the electric heater when battery capacity is limited and ambient temperature is low, then battery temperature management is improved, but regenerative braking efficiency is reduced due to power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between heating and cooling modes based on real-time battery temperature and ambient conditions. The controller adjusts power distribution to the heater or compressor depending on whether the battery temperature is below or above operational thresholds, optimizing both temperature management and energy recovery efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (power direction, temperature thresholds) based on environmental conditions and battery state. By monitoring ambient temperature and battery charge capacity, the controller adapts the thermal management strategy to minimize energy loss while maintaining battery temperature within acceptable ranges
2Temperature
If regenerative braking power is directed to the refrigerant compressor when battery capacity is limited and ambient temperature is high, then battery temperature management is improved, but regenerative braking efficiency is reduced due to power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between heating and cooling modes based on real-time battery temperature and ambient conditions. The controller adjusts power distribution to the heater or compressor depending on whether the battery temperature is below or above operational thresholds, optimizing both temperature management and energy recovery efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (power direction, temperature thresholds) based on environmental conditions and battery state. By monitoring ambient temperature and battery charge capacity, the controller adapts the thermal management strategy to minimize energy loss while maintaining battery temperature within acceptable ranges
3Temperature
If the controller directs regenerative braking power to thermal management components, then battery temperature management is improved, but available power for charging is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by directing only the necessary amount of power to thermal management components based on actual temperature needs. The controller monitors battery temperature and ambient conditions to determine the minimum power required for heating or cooling, leaving maximum power available for charging the battery
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (power direction, temperature thresholds) based on environmental conditions and battery state. By monitoring ambient temperature and battery charge capacity, the controller adapts the thermal management strategy to minimize energy loss while maintaining battery temperature within acceptable ranges
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 effectively manages battery temperature, enhances regenerative braking efficiency, and prolongs battery functionality by directing power accordingly based on environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The electric machine is configured to charge a battery via regenerative braking
Implementation Method 2
The coolant circuit has an electric heater
Implementation Method 3
The refrigerant circuit has an electric compressor
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes an electric machine, a coolant circuit, a refrigerant circuit, and a controller. The electric machine is configured to charge a battery via regenerative braking. The coolant circuit has an electric heater. The refrigerant circuit has an electric compressor. The controller is programmed to, responsive to a capacity of the battery to receive power being less available regenerative braking power and ambient air temperature being less than a first threshold, direct regenerative braking power to the heater but not the compressor. The controller is further programmed to, responsive to the capacity of the battery to receive power being less available regenerative braking power and ambient air temperature exceeding a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold, direct regenerative braking power to the compressor but not the heater.