Vehicle Controller Temperature Control Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control strategies for vehicles, particularly electric vehicles, waste energy by maintaining the charge storage device within a narrow optimum temperature range for charging, leading to increased energy consumption and range anxiety.
Innovation Solution
A controller that switches between two modes based on journey conditions, activating temperature control only when the device's temperature exceeds specific thresholds, reducing unnecessary energy use and optimizing the vehicle's range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature control is activated when the device temperature passes a first threshold temperature to maintain the device within an optimum temperature range, then the device temperature is maintained within the optimum range for charging, but additional cooling or heating is required which wastes energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by switching between two different temperature control modes based on journey conditions. The first mode activates temperature control when temperature passes a first threshold, while the second mode (activated when a journey condition is satisfied) activates temperature control when temperature passes a second threshold. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize energy consumption based on whether the vehicle is approaching a charging point, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable temperature control and reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature threshold parameter based on journey conditions. When the journey condition is satisfied (indicating the vehicle is approaching a charging point), the system switches from using a first threshold temperature to using a second threshold temperature. This parameter change allows the system to maintain adequate temperature control while reducing unnecessary energy consumption, thereby resolving the contradiction between temperature maintenance reliability and energy efficiency.
2Reliability
If temperature control is continuously activated to maintain optimum temperature for charging, then charging conditions are optimized, but the vehicle range is reduced due to increased energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts temperature control strategy based on journey conditions. When approaching a charging point (journey condition satisfied), the system uses the second mode with the second threshold temperature to optimize charging conditions. When not approaching a charging point, the system uses the first mode with the first threshold temperature to minimize energy consumption and preserve vehicle range. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction between optimizing charging conditions and maintaining vehicle range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by selectively activating temperature control only when necessary. In the second mode, the system allows the device temperature to reach a higher second threshold before activating cooling, rather than continuously maintaining the temperature at the lower first threshold. This partial control approach is sufficient for optimizing charging conditions while significantly reducing energy consumption and preserving vehicle range.
3Reliability
If additional cooling or heating is applied to bring the device temperature within the optimum temperature range for charging, then the device is ready for charging, but energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of journey conditions to determine whether the vehicle is approaching a charging point. When the journey condition is satisfied, the system switches to the second mode that allows temperature to reach the second threshold before activation, avoiding premature cooling or heating. This preliminary action based on journey prediction prevents unnecessary energy waste while ensuring the device is ready for charging when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent effectively uses a simpler, less energy-intensive temperature control approach (second mode with higher threshold) when charging is imminent, rather than continuously applying expensive energy-consuming cooling or heating. This approach accepts temporarily higher device temperature as a trade-off for avoiding energy waste, since the device will be cooled or heated just in time for charging. This resolves the contradiction between ensuring charging readiness and minimizing energy loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller and a control method for activating temperature control of a device of a vehicle, the controller configured to, in a first mode, activate temperature control of the device of the vehicle when a measured temperature of the device passes a first threshold temperature; determine when a condition dependent on a journey of the vehicle is satisfied, and switch from the first mode to a second mode; and, in the second mode, activate the temperature control of the device when the measured temperature of the device passes a second threshold temperature, different to the first threshold temperature, wherein in the second mode, the measured temperature of the device passes the first threshold temperature without activation of the temperature control of the device before passing the second threshold temperature activating the temperature control of the device.