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Manufacturing Technology Insights | Wednesday, January 18, 2023
When the first electric vehicle came out, there was a lot of confusion regarding its maintenance and system. But recently, these confusions are lessening, and thermal energy in the electric vehicle has become a concern.
Fremont, CA: In conventional vehicles, thermal energy is used to cool down the internal combustion engine. The radiator system removes heat from the engine. In electric vehicles, thermal energy works to cool down the batteries, motor and power electronic system.
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Thermal Management in Electric Vehicles
It is vital to manage the temperature in electric vehicles powered by batteries, since it influences the vehicle's performance, reliability, and robustness. Electric vehicles need the optimum temperature to run efficiently. In addition, it is essential for the proper working of the battery pack, motor and power electronic system.
Battery Thermal Management
The cost of the battery packs, the performance, service life and the electric vehicle directly depend on each other. Optimal temperature is important for a healthy battery. If the temperature increase, the battery life, driveability, fuel economy, everything will degrade. Thermal management is crucial.
Thermal Management of Electric Motors
As the wheel moves in an electric vehicle are motor-driven, the motor's working temperature will affect the vehicle's performance. If the vehicle is loaded, the motor draws more power from the battery, which will heat up the batteries. Therefore, the cooling system of the motor is very important.
Cooling Loop in Electric Vehicle
For better efficiency of an electric vehicle, maintaining optimal temperature is necessary. The optimal temperature is maintained and regulated by the cooling system of the vehicles. In electric vehicles, radiators are used to cool down the system and release heat. The air-conditioning system cools down the system within the cooling loop, and evaporators remove heat from the cooling loop.
Thermal management adapts external-internal temperature conditions and regulates optimal temperature in battery packs, electric motors and power electronic drivers. This optimal temperature is a necessity for the electric vehicle to run efficiently. Thermal management in an electric vehicle is crucial, which can affect the overall performance of the vehicle, like its driveability and safety.
Thermal Management in Power Electronic System
Power electronic systems are in charge of controlling electric motors. This operates with the electric vehice control system and drives the electric motors according to the instructions. Power electronic systems consist of DC-DC converters, inverters, and control circuits, which are vulnerable to thermal effects.
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