Vehicle Thermal Pre-Conditioning Using External Power for EV Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high-voltage battery in battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) is a limiting factor due to its weight, design space requirements, cost, and limited service life, which affects vehicle efficiency and range.
Innovation Solution
Thermal pre-conditioning of vehicle components using an external electrical energy source to store thermal energy, which can be utilized during operation to maintain optimal temperatures and increase the electrical range by reducing the load on the high-voltage battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the high-voltage battery capacity is increased to extend electrical range, then the vehicle range is improved, but the vehicle weight and design space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by thermally pre-conditioning the high-voltage battery before driving operations using external power sources. This pre-heating or pre-cooling of the battery ensures optimal operating temperature is achieved in advance, improving battery efficiency and extending usable electrical range without requiring additional battery capacity or weight.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the high-voltage battery capacity is increased to extend electrical range, then the vehicle range is improved, but the design space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary thermal conditioning of the battery using external power sources before driving operations. This allows the battery to operate at optimal temperatures throughout the driving range, effectively extending the usable electrical range without increasing battery capacity or design space requirements.
3Temperature
If thermal pre-conditioning is performed using the high-voltage battery, then the component operating temperature is improved, but the usable electrical range decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces external power sources as intermediaries to perform thermal pre-conditioning of the battery. These external sources (such as wall outlets or portable chargers with heating elements) serve as mediators that can heat or cool the battery without consuming the vehicle's high-voltage battery capacity, thus maintaining optimal battery temperature while preserving usable electrical range.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle operates in extreme ambient temperatures, then the vehicle can function in diverse environments, but the high-voltage battery efficiency and service life are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary thermal conditioning of the high-voltage battery before driving operations in extreme ambient temperatures. By pre-heating or pre-cooling the battery using external power sources, the battery is brought to optimal operating temperature in advance, ensuring efficient operation and extended service life when the vehicle is driven in hot or cold environmental conditions.
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
Enhances the usable electrical range of the vehicle by utilizing stored thermal energy to manage cabin and battery temperatures, reducing the need for high-voltage battery power during operation and extending its service life.
Implementation Method 1
the method comprises at least the following step: (a) the thermal pre-conditioning of a component of the vehicle while the electrical energy reservoir of the vehicle is connected to the external electrical energy supply
Implementation Method 2
The thermal energy stored in this way can be drawn on during operation of the vehicle, in particular while driving the vehicle, thus discharging the electrical energy reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the thermal pre-conditioning of a vehicle having an electric drive unit and an electrical energy reservoir. The method includes at least the following step: the thermal pre-conditioning of a component of the vehicle while the electrical energy reservoir of the vehicle is connected to the external electrical energy supply.