Method for optimizing battery pack temperature
First Claim
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1. A method of controlling the temperature of an electrical energy storage system (ESS) coupled to an electric powertrain of an electric vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) monitoring an operational condition of said electric vehicle, wherein said operational condition is either in a first state of operation or a second state of operation, wherein said first state of operation corresponds to said electric vehicle being turned on, and wherein said second state of operation corresponds to said electric vehicle being turned off, wherein when said electric vehicle is in said second state of operation the method further comprises the steps of;
b) determining a current ambient temperature;
c) comparing said current ambient temperature with a preset temperature;
d) circulating coolant through a coolant loop in thermal communication with said electrical ESS and through a radiator coupled to said coolant loop if said current ambient temperature is lower than said preset temperature;
e) suspending circulation of said coolant through said coolant loop if said current ambient temperature is greater than said preset temperature; and
f) repeating steps b) through e).
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Abstract
A method for limiting the adverse effects of temperature on the electrical energy storage system (ESS) of an electric vehicle after the vehicle has been turned off is provided. In general, whether or not coolant is circulated through a coolant loop coupled to the ESS depends on the difference between the ambient temperature and a preset temperature, the preset temperature typically corresponding to the temperature of the ESS.
26 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method of controlling the temperature of an electrical energy storage system (ESS) coupled to an electric powertrain of an electric vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:
a) monitoring an operational condition of said electric vehicle, wherein said operational condition is either in a first state of operation or a second state of operation, wherein said first state of operation corresponds to said electric vehicle being turned on, and wherein said second state of operation corresponds to said electric vehicle being turned off, wherein when said electric vehicle is in said second state of operation the method further comprises the steps of; b) determining a current ambient temperature; c) comparing said current ambient temperature with a preset temperature; d) circulating coolant through a coolant loop in thermal communication with said electrical ESS and through a radiator coupled to said coolant loop if said current ambient temperature is lower than said preset temperature; e) suspending circulation of said coolant through said coolant loop if said current ambient temperature is greater than said preset temperature; and f) repeating steps b) through e). - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. The method of controlling the temperature of an electrical energy storage system (ESS) coupled to an electric powertrain of an electric vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:
a) monitoring an operational condition of said electric vehicle, wherein said operational condition is either in a first state of operation or a second state of operation, wherein said first state of operation corresponds to said electric vehicle being turned on, and wherein said second state of operation corresponds to said electric vehicle being turned off, wherein when said electric vehicle is in said second state of operation the method further comprises the steps of; b) determining a current ambient temperature; c) determining a first section ESS temperature corresponding to a first section of said electrical ESS; d) comparing said current ambient temperature with said first section ESS temperature; e) circulating coolant through a first portion of a coolant loop in thermal communication with said first section of said electrical ESS and through a radiator coupled to said coolant loop if said current ambient temperature is lower than said first section ESS temperature; f) suspending circulation of said coolant through said first portion of said coolant loop if said current ambient temperature is greater than said first section ESS temperature; g) determining a second section ESS temperature corresponding to a second section of said electrical ESS; h) comparing said current ambient temperature with said second section ESS temperature; i) circulating coolant through a second portion of said coolant loop in thermal communication with said second section of said electrical ESS and through said radiator coupled to said coolant loop if said current ambient temperature is lower than said second section ESS temperature; j) suspending circulation of said coolant through said second portion of said coolant loop if said current ambient temperature is greater than said second section ESS temperature; k) repeating steps b) through j). - View Dependent Claims (12)
Specification