Co-regulation of integrated thermal management based on refrigerant cooling for electric vehicles

Abstract

As an essential part of an electric vehicle thermal management system, collaborative regulation of power battery thermal management and AC temperature is imperative to maximize the vehicle's driving range and energy utilization effectiveness. This work proposes a joint control pattern for the compressor (Com) and variable opening valves (VOVs) with a dual-evaporator system. Specifically, the compressor rotation speed is the dominant control variable, and the battery's thermal behavior and system COP are investigated. The analytic results demonstrate that when the system is under moderate and high thermal loads, the Com-VOVB-VOVC strategy can regulate the temperature of both the battery and AC temperature. Meanwhile, the goal of low energy consumption is optimized. Nevertheless, when the thermal load is low, the Com-VOVB strategy can attain steady temperature regulation for the dual-evaporator and decrease the complexity of the system control. In addition, a Map approach to the temperature regulation is presented, enhancing the effectiveness and dynamism of thermal management control. The common control method for an integrated thermal management system can effectively confront system thermal load changes and decrease energy consumption.