Vehicle Thermal Loop Layout for Brake Heat Recovery in Cold Starts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle braking energy recovery systems waste kinetic energy and cause thermal degradation due to inefficient heat dissipation, especially in low temperature environments, where battery charging is risky and kinetic energy conversion is limited.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system with a main path and branches that allows a fluid medium to flow through the braking system, battery, and electric motor assemblies, enabling heat transfer and energy utilization, with optional radiators and bypasses controlled by valves to optimize heat distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If kinetic energy is converted to thermal energy and dissipated into air during braking, then the braking system is simple to operate, but energy is wasted and thermal degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful thermal energy that would otherwise be wasted into useful electrical energy by directing heat from the braking system through a fluid medium to the battery, which charges during the braking process, thereby transforming energy waste into energy recovery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the braking system with the energy recovery system by integrating the fluid medium flow path that connects the braking system's thermal output directly to the battery's charging input, allowing simultaneous braking and energy recovery operations
2Use of energy by moving object
If battery charging is carried out in low temperature environment, then kinetic energy can be recovered, but lithium deposition causes short circuit and thermal runaway risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary heating action by using the fluid medium to transfer heat to the battery before charging occurs in low temperature environments, ensuring the battery reaches a safe operating temperature range that prevents lithium deposition and thermal runaway
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluid medium as an intermediary between the braking system and the battery, which not only transfers thermal energy but also acts as a temperature control mechanism that regulates the battery's thermal state during charging operations
3Quantity of substance
If state of charge of battery is high, then battery is well charged, but more kinetic energy cannot be converted and thermal degradation of braking system occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by enabling the battery to charge during braking operations even when state of charge is high, utilizing the fluid medium's thermal energy transfer capability to provide heating while charging occurs, thereby converting what would be wasted thermal energy into beneficial heat for the battery
4Power
If heavy vehicles are electrified, then power increases, but weight increases and kinetic energy that cannot be recovered increases causing thermal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the increased thermal load from heavier vehicle mass into a beneficial resource by using the fluid medium to capture and transfer this excess thermal energy to the battery, transforming what would be harmful thermal degradation into useful charging energy
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
Reduces energy waste and thermal degradation by fully utilizing heat generated during braking, improving the efficiency of energy recovery and protecting the battery and electric motor components, especially in low temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid medium from the main path can be driven by the first power source to flow through at least one of the first branch and the second branch
Implementation Method 2
the main path can be selectively in fluid communication with at least one of the first branch and the second branch, such that a fluid medium from the main path can be driven by the first power source to flow through at least one of the first branch and the second branch
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal management system for a vehicle is provided that includes a main path, a first branch and a second branch. A braking system and a first power source, which are connected in series to each other, are provided in the main path. A battery is provided in the first branch, and electric motor assemblies are provided in the second branch. The main path can be selectively in communication with at least one of the first branch and the second branch, such that a fluid medium from the main path can be driven by the first power source to flow through at least one of the first branch and the second branch and then return to the main path. Therefore, heat generated by a braking system of a vehicle can be fully utilized, and the waste of energy during the braking process of the vehicle is reduced.