Ship Battery Water-Route Switching for Temperature Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric ship propulsion devices face challenges in effectively adjusting battery temperature, leading to performance inefficiencies and potential battery deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A ship propulsion device with a temperature-adjustment-water flow path, a route switch unit, and temperature sensors that control the flow of water for heat exchange between the battery and external water, optimizing temperature regulation based on battery and water temperature readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If water flow path is simplified to only cool battery, then cooling function is improved, but temperature regulation flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The water flow path is segmented into multiple independent routes: a first route dedicated to battery cooling, a second route for motor cooling, and a third route for power converter cooling. This segmentation allows each route to be independently controlled and activated based on specific temperature requirements of different components, thereby maintaining cooling efficiency while improving temperature regulation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic route switching capability where the water flow paths can be flexibly configured based on real-time temperature conditions. The controller dynamically selects which routes to activate and adjusts flow distribution, enabling the system to adapt to varying thermal conditions of the battery, motor, and power converter, thus resolving the contradiction between simplified cooling and regulatory flexibility.
2Temperature
If heat exchange is continuously performed with external water, then battery temperature control is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and utilizes waste heat from the motor and power converter through dedicated heat exchange routes. Instead of continuously cooling all components with external water, the system selectively manages heat transfer by routing water through specific components based on their thermal states, thereby reducing unnecessary thermal energy loss while maintaining effective battery temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the thermal parameters of the cooling water dynamically by adjusting which components the water passes through based on real-time temperature conditions. When the motor or power converter requires cooling, the water flow is directed through those components to absorb their waste heat, thereby converting potential energy loss into useful heat management and improving overall thermal efficiency.
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 solution improves battery performance and extends its lifespan by maintaining optimal temperature ranges, stabilizing output and reducing deterioration risks.
Implementation Method 1
a first route which passes through a first exchanger connected to the battery in a heat exchangeable manner
Data Source
AI summary
A ship propulsion device includes: a motor; a battery; a temperature-adjustment-water flow path including a first route passing through a first exchanger capable of exchanging heat with the battery; a route switch unit switchable between a state which permits a flow of water to the first route and a state which restricts the flow of the water to the first route; a first temperature sensor which detects a temperature of the battery; a second temperature sensor which detects a temperature of the water; and a controller which controls the route switch unit. At least one of (i) when the battery temperature exceeds an upper limit value and the water temperature is lower than the battery temperature or (ii) when the battery temperature is lower than a lower limit value and the water temperature exceeds the battery temperature, the controller sets the route switch unit to the permitted state. At least one of (i) when the battery temperature exceeds the upper limit value and the water temperature exceeds the battery temperature, or (ii) when the battery temperature is lower than the lower limit value and the water temperature is lower than the battery temperature, the controller sets the route switch unit to the restricted state.