Vehicle Power Supply Synchronizing Air Conditioning and Battery Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply systems for electric vehicles face challenges in balancing battery temperature regulation and air conditioning control, leading to increased battery load and reduced cruising distance due to simultaneous consumption of electric power.

Innovation Solution

A power supply device with a control system that synchronizes air conditioning and battery temperature regulation by setting the battery temperature regulation start time based on the air conditioning start time, using a timing part to trigger both systems, and incorporating a charging determination part and communication part to optimize temperature control, thereby reducing battery burden and enhancing cruising distance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If both air conditioning control and battery temperature regulation control are carried out simultaneously with consumption of battery electric power, then both battery temperature is regulated and interior temperature is controlled, but battery load increases and possible cruising distance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery temperatureVSAvoidbattery load
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control device calculates and determines the battery temperature regulation start time in advance based on the air conditioning start time and battery temperature characteristics. This preliminary scheduling ensures that battery temperature regulation begins at the optimal moment before air conditioning starts, avoiding simultaneous operation and reducing battery load while still achieving proper temperature regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Temperature

If battery temperature regulation start time is set independently from air conditioning start time, then battery temperature can be optimized, but user operation becomes complex with multiple settings required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery temperatureVSAvoiduser settings
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device merges the setting of battery temperature regulation start time with the air conditioning start time setting. By using the air conditioning start time as a reference point and automatically calculating the battery temperature regulation start time based on battery temperature characteristics, the system combines multiple settings into one user action, simplifying operation while maintaining optimal temperature control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Temperature

If air conditioning device operates earlier to ensure interior comfort, then interior temperature is optimized, but battery power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterior temperatureVSAvoidbattery power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control device performs preliminary calculation to determine the optimal air conditioning start time based on the scheduled vehicle start time and battery temperature characteristics. This advance planning ensures that air conditioning starts at the most efficient moment, balancing interior comfort requirements with battery power conservation, rather than operating unnecessarily early.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3556587B1Power supply device for vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.11.18 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3556587B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3556587B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3556587B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power supply device for a vehicle includes a battery, an air conditioning device, a battery temperature regulating device, and a control device. The control device includes an air conditioning control part that starts operation of the air conditioning device at an air conditioning start time preset by a user, and a battery temperature control part that sets a battery temperature regulation start time at which operation of the battery temperature regulating device is started based on the air conditioning start time and a battery temperature. Therefore, not only is it possible to alleviate burden on the battery by shortening a state in which both the air conditioning device and the battery temperature regulating device are operating, but it is also possible to eliminate inconvenience for a user to set both the air conditioning start time and the battery temperature regulation start time.