Vehicle Thermal Management Technology
A car is an intelligent system composed of thousands of parts with different functions and materials, and there are certain differences in the operating temperature and material resistance temperature of different parts. The main heat source of traditional fuel vehicles during operation comes from the engine and its systems. The heat source of the new energy vehicle has changed from the traditional engine to components such as power batteries, drive motors and related electronic control systems. The main function of the automobile thermal management system is to make different components work at appropriate temperatures through heating, insulation, heat dissipation, etc., to ensure the functional safety and service life of the automobile.
(1) Thermal management of traditional fuel vehicles
Thermal management of traditional fuel vehicles includes power system thermal management and cabin air-conditioning thermal management. Its energy utilization rate is mainly determined by engine performance. The structure of the thermal management system equipped is relatively simple, and its operating energy consumption accounts for a limited proportion of the vehicle's total energy consumption.
Power system thermal management: The engine's cooling system uses air cooling or liquid cooling to release the heat generated during engine operation.
Cabin air-conditioning thermal management: When heating the cabin, the waste heat generated by the engine operation is used, and the thermal management system is used to perform thermal cycle management of the cabin at low temperatures. The cabin refrigeration uses the refrigeration of the air-conditioning refrigerant to realize the cooling function of the cabin to provide a comfortable environment for the passengers.
(2) Thermal management of new energy vehicles
The thermal management system of new energy vehicles can ensure that the temperature of the powertrain system is within the allowable range. It can not only prevent the power battery, drive motor and motor controller from shortening their service life due to excessive temperature, but also allow the drive motor to run Improve the vehicle's cruising range in the high-efficiency range. Thermal management of new energy vehicles mainly includes three parts: motor/electronic control system thermal management, battery thermal management, and cabin air-conditioning thermal management.
Motor/electronic control thermal management system: The motor/electronic control system of an electric vehicle is prone to generating heat during high power output and needs to be cooled by a liquid cooling or air cooling system to prevent the system from overheating.
Battery thermal management system: The battery is one of the core components of new energy vehicles and the main energy source of new energy vehicles. It plays a decisive role in vehicle endurance and safety. The battery thermal management system usually includes a coolant circulation system, heating system and temperature sensors and other components.
Cabin air conditioning thermal management: New energy vehicles are usually equipped with seat heating, air conditioning systems and other equipment to improve driving comfort. The air conditioning compressor of new energy vehicles needs to use new technologies such as PTC (positive temperature coefficient thermistor) heating or heat pump air conditioning.
