Mechatronics design and experimental verification of an electric-vehicle-based hybrid thermal management system

Abstract

In this study, an electric-vehicle-based thermal management system was designed for dual energy sources. An experimental platform developed in a previous study was modified. Regarding the mechanical components, a heat exchanger with a radiator, proportional valve, coolant pipes, and coolant pump was appropriately integrated. Regarding the electric components, two heaters emulating waste heat were controlled using two programmable power supply machines. A rapid-prototyping controller with two temperature inputs and three outputs was designed. Rule-based control strategies were coded to maintain optimal temperatures for the emulated proton exchange membrane fuel cells and lithium batteries. To evaluate the heat power of dual energy sources, driving cycles, energy management control, and efficiency maps of energy sources were considered for deriving time-variant values. The main results are as follows: (a) an advanced mechatronics platform was constructed; (b) a driving cycle simulation was successfully conducted; and (c) coolant temperatures reached their optimal operating ranges when the proportional valve, radiator, and coolant pump were sequentially controlled. The benefits of this novel electric-vehicle-based thermal management system are (a) highefficiency operation of energy sources, (b) low occupied volume integrated with energy sources, and (c) higher electric vehicle traveling mileage. This system will be integrated with real energy sources and a real electric vehicle in the future.

Research on the energy efficiency and sustainability

“…Consequently, this leads to improved fuel efficiency and reduced reliance on conventional fuel sources. [7] Additionally, waste gas heat recovery is instrumental in these vehicles. Waste gases contain hightemperature waste heat that can serve various thermal energy needs, particularly in generators or motors.…”

“…The outcome is an increase in available power and an enhancement in overall vehicle performance. [7] Furthermore, heat storage technology plays a vital role. This technology enables precise control over the storage and release of heat within hybrid electric vehicles through mechatronics systems.…”

A Real-Time Simulator for an Innovative Hybrid Thermal Management System Based on Experimental Verification

“…Similarly, the multiwalled carbon nanotube nanofluids were used for heat dissipation system in a hybrid heat source system, and 5% efficiency was improved [19]. The mechatronics design and experimental verification of an electricvehicle-based hybrid thermal management system was developed [20]. A proportional valve distributed the coolant for governing the operation temperatures of dual energy sources to approach the efficient working areas.…”

Development of an Integrated Cooling System Controller for Hybrid Electric Vehicles

“…Studies on HEV thermomanagement system have been extensive but widely spread in different areas, such as whole vehicle thermomanagement [2][3][4][5], pumps and thermostats adjustment [6,7], and battery thermomanagement issues. Within vehicle thermomanagement strategies, cooling fan speed adjustment is a specific topic and often relates to analysis of radiator, flow, and the air.…”