Actively-switched direct refrigerant battery cooling
US9673492B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 17, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jun 6, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 21, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A thermal management system for a battery pack having a conductive cooling plate and battery cells includes a compressor, flow control valves, temperature sensor(s), and a controller. The compressor circulates refrigerant through the plate to cool the cells. The temperature sensor measures a temperature of the battery pack. The controller is programmed to receive the temperature from the temperature sensors and selectively transmit switching control signals to the valves to command a change in direction or flow of the refrigerant through the cooling plate. This limits a temperature variance between the battery cells over time. A vehicle includes a transmission, an electric traction motor, a battery pack, and the thermal management system noted above. A method includes receiving the temperature, transmitting switching control signals to the valves, and controlling a flow of refrigerant through the plate via the valves in response to the switching control signals.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.