Life cycle climate performance evaluation of electric vehicle thermal management system under Chinese climate and driving condition

Abstract

Electric vehicles have become an effective alternative to traditional fuel vehicles due to their environmental friendship and energy security. Unlike mobile air conditioning, electric vehicle thermal management systems are responsible for the temperature of both the cabin and the electrical system. This paper discusses how the life cycle climate performance of a thermal management system can be evaluated to reflect its environmental performance and guide the direction of development. The GREEN-EVTM-LCCP model is developed to assess greenhouse gas emissions over the life cycle of the EVTM systems and to standardize the calculation of energy consumption based on vehicle end-of-life mileage. For efficient management and wide temperature coverage, the Amesim simulation platform is centered on refrigerant injection heat pump systems. The results show that urban climate has the greatest impact on the greenhouse gas emissions of thermal management systems at 54.80% in China, followed by refrigerant type, energy efficiency, and driving conditions. Under typical Chinese climate and driving conditions, the thermal management system has a life cycle equivalent emission of 18,664 kg. The use of more environmentally friendly refrigerants and improved system cycle efficiency is now effective measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.