JP5754385B2 - Battery cooling system for vehicles - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle battery cooling system for cooling a battery mounted on a vehicle. More specifically, the present invention improves battery cooling performance in a vehicle battery cooling system that cools a battery mounted on a vehicle using air in the passenger compartment without impairing passenger comfort in the passenger compartment. Related to

  In this technical field, in response to the recent increase in interest in protecting the global environment, electric power sources such as electric vehicles (EV), hybrid vehicles (HV), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHV), etc. are used as power sources. Electric vehicles are spreading. An electric motor mounted on such an electric vehicle is driven by electric power supplied from a rechargeable secondary battery (hereinafter referred to as “battery”) such as a lithium ion battery. An electric vehicle equipped with such an electric motor as a drive source can continuously travel by charging a battery at a predetermined timing.

  By the way, the battery generates heat not only at the time of charging but also at the time of discharging accompanying power supply to the electric motor. Further, when the temperature rises, not only the performance of the battery is lowered, but the life of the battery is remarkably shortened. Conversely, when the temperature falls, not only the output of the battery is lowered, but also the charging efficiency of the battery is lowered. Therefore, in order to maintain the performance and output of the battery, extend the life, and increase the charging efficiency, it is desirable to control the temperature of the battery in a suitable range.

  By the way, the passenger compartment is often maintained in a temperature range (for example, 20 to 30 ° C.) in which the passenger feels comfortable by an air conditioner such as an air conditioner (hereinafter abbreviated as “air conditioner”). Generally, the temperature in the passenger compartment is lower than the temperature for using the battery in a suitable state as described above. Therefore, in this technical field, it has been conventionally proposed to control the temperature of the battery by supplying air in the passenger compartment to the vicinity of the battery (for example, the battery compartment) as needed to cool the battery. Has been. In this way, when the battery is cooled using the air in the passenger compartment, various considerations are taken so as not to impair the comfort of the passenger in the passenger compartment.

  For example, in this technical field, in a cooling device that cools a battery by sucking air in a vehicle compartment that is air-conditioned by an air conditioner into a battery compartment by a cooling fan, if the battery temperature is high, the temperature after cooling the battery High cooling air is discharged outside the vehicle without returning it to the vehicle interior, preventing a decrease in comfort in the vehicle interior and an increase in air conditioning load. If there is a large amount of cooling air sucked from the vehicle interior, the battery is cooled. It has been proposed to increase the circulation amount for returning the cooled air to the vehicle interior after the operation is performed to prevent a decrease in pressure in the vehicle interior and an increase in air conditioning load (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Furthermore, when air in the passenger compartment is sucked into the vicinity of the battery as cold air and used for cooling the battery, in order to maintain the comfort of the passenger in the passenger compartment, the temperature and pressure in the passenger compartment and In addition to maintaining the air conditioning load within an appropriate range, it is necessary to consider noise and vibration (NV: Noise and Vibration) when air in the passenger compartment is sucked into the vicinity of the battery. In particular, for passengers seated in the vicinity of the air intake for inhaling the air in the passenger compartment, in addition to the above-mentioned NV problem, the feeling of cold wind due to the flow of air taken into the air intake is also considered. Further consideration is required. Specifically, in the case where the air in the passenger compartment is sucked into the vicinity of the battery as cold air and used for cooling the battery, in order to maintain the comfort of the passenger in the passenger compartment, the problems of the NV and the feeling of cold air are It is desirable to set an upper limit on the intake amount (intake air amount) when the air in the passenger compartment is sucked into the vicinity of the battery so as not to occur.

  Therefore, in this technical field, since the occupant arrangement in the passenger compartment is not constant, the upper limit of the intake amount (intake air amount) is determined on the assumption that there are passengers seated near the intake port. . However, in reality, an occupant is not necessarily seated in the vicinity of the intake port, and a situation in which no occupant is seated in the vicinity of the intake port is also assumed. In such a situation where no occupant is seated in the vicinity of the intake port, the above-described problems of NV and the feeling of cold air are alleviated, so the upper limit of the intake amount (intake air amount) is set higher. The cooling efficiency of the battery can be increased. Therefore, ideally, the upper limit of the intake amount (intake air volume) is changed according to the arrangement of the occupants in the passenger compartment, and the upper limit of the intake amount (intake air volume) is within a range in which the problem of NV and cold wind does not occur. It is desirable to set as high as possible.

  As described above, in order to set the upper limit of the intake amount (intake air volume) when the air in the passenger compartment is inhaled in the vicinity of the battery in accordance with the passenger arrangement in the passenger compartment, the arrangement of the passenger in the passenger compartment is detected. Means are needed. In this technical field, an occupant detection means for detecting the presence or absence of an occupant in each seat in the passenger compartment is provided, and if it is determined that there is an occupant only in the driver's seat based on the detection result of the occupant detection means, The air conditioning unit is controlled so that air is sucked in from the inside air intake port provided in the room, the air-conditioning air blowout state is controlled so that the air conditioning range is centered on the driver's seat, and the rest of the air conditioner is excluded from the driver's seat A vehicle air conditioner that provides a comfortable feeling of air conditioning to an occupant according to the position and number of occupants in the occupant room by blocking the blowing of conditioned air to the seat has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). ).

  Therefore, for example, an occupant detection means such as a seating sensor is provided to detect the presence or absence of an occupant in each seat in the occupant room, and based on the detection result, an intake amount (intake air) when the air in the occupant room is inhaled near the battery If the upper limit of the air volume) is set, the upper limit of the intake volume (intake air volume) can be set as high as possible within the range where the problem of NV and the feeling of cold wind does not occur, and the cooling efficiency of the battery can be increased. However, in reality, there are few vehicles equipped with the occupant detection means as described above, and newly providing occupant detection means such as a seating sensor is likely to increase the manufacturing cost of the vehicle. Actually, it has not yet been put into practical use to control the upper limit of the intake amount (intake air amount) when the air is sucked into the vicinity of the battery according to the arrangement of the passengers in the passenger compartment.

  As described above, in this technical field, vehicle battery cooling that controls the temperature of a battery by supplying air in the passenger compartment to the vicinity of the battery (for example, in the battery storage compartment) and cooling the battery as necessary. In the system, for example, the upper limit of the amount of air sucked into the passenger compartment (intake air volume) sucked in the vicinity of the battery without increasing the manufacturing cost due to the addition of an occupant detection means such as a seating sensor, for example, NV In addition, there is a continuous demand for a technique that can set the highest possible temperature and more efficiently control the temperature of the battery within a range in which problems such as a feeling of cold wind do not occur.

JP-A-10-306722 JP 2009-292293 A

  As described above, in this technical field, vehicle battery cooling that controls the temperature of the battery by supplying air in the passenger compartment to the vicinity of the battery (for example, in the battery storage compartment) and cooling the battery as necessary. In the system, for example, the upper limit of the amount of air sucked into the passenger compartment (intake air volume) sucked in the vicinity of the battery without increasing the manufacturing cost due to the addition of an occupant detection means such as a seating sensor, for example, NV In addition, there is a continuous demand for a technique that can set the highest possible temperature and more efficiently control the temperature of the battery within a range in which problems such as a feeling of cold wind do not occur.

  That is, in this technical field, in a vehicle battery cooling system that controls the temperature of a battery by supplying air in the passenger compartment to the vicinity of the battery to cool the battery, the manufacturing cost due to the addition of new equipment, etc. The temperature of the battery is controlled by setting the upper limit of the amount of air sucked into the passenger compartment (intake airflow) in the vicinity of the battery as high as possible without impairing passenger comfort in the passenger compartment. There is a continuing need for technologies that can be more efficient.

  The present invention has been made to meet such a demand. That is, one object of the present invention is due to the addition of new equipment or the like in a vehicle battery cooling system that controls the temperature of a battery by supplying air in the passenger compartment to the vicinity of the battery to cool the battery. Set the upper limit of the amount of air sucked into the passenger compartment (intake air volume) sucked into the vicinity of the battery without increasing the manufacturing cost as high as possible without compromising passenger comfort in the passenger compartment. The battery temperature control is performed more efficiently.

One object of the present invention is to
A vehicle battery cooling system for controlling the temperature of a battery mounted on a vehicle,
Intake means for sucking air in the passenger compartment of the vehicle from an air inlet provided in the passenger compartment of the vehicle and supplying the air to the vicinity of the battery to cool the battery;
An intake air volume control means for controlling the intake means to control an intake air volume that is an air volume supplied from the passenger compartment to the vicinity of the battery by the intake means;
An intake air temperature detecting means for detecting or estimating an intake air temperature, which is a temperature of air supplied from the passenger compartment to the vicinity of the battery by the intake means;
A vehicle battery cooling system comprising:
When the intake air temperature is lower than a predetermined threshold temperature (T0), it is determined that there is an occupant near the intake port, and when the intake air temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold temperature (T0), Determine that there are no passengers near the air intake,
When it is determined that there is an occupant in the vicinity of the intake port, the intake air volume is controlled so as not to exceed a predetermined first upper limit (W1), and there is no occupant in the vicinity of the intake port. If it is determined, the intake air volume is controlled so as not to exceed a predetermined second upper limit (W2) higher than the first upper limit (W1).
This is achieved by a vehicle battery cooling system.

  According to the vehicle battery cooling system of the present invention, in the vehicle battery cooling system that controls the temperature of the battery by supplying air in the passenger compartment to the vicinity of the battery to cool the battery, the addition of new equipment, etc. The upper limit of the amount of air sucked into the passenger compartment (intake air volume) sucked in the vicinity of the battery without increasing the manufacturing cost due to the vehicle is set as high as possible without impairing passenger comfort in the passenger compartment. Thus, the temperature control of the battery can be performed more efficiently.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle to which a vehicle battery cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. It is a flowchart which shows the setting flow of the upper limit of the intake air flow performed in the battery cooling system for vehicles which concerns on one embodiment of this invention.

  As described above, the present invention provides a vehicle battery cooling system that controls the temperature of a battery by supplying air in the passenger compartment to the vicinity of the battery to cool the battery, and is produced due to the addition of new equipment or the like. By changing the upper limit of the amount of air sucked into the passenger compartment (intake air volume) sucked into the vicinity of the battery without increasing the cost according to the arrangement of the passenger in the passenger compartment, the comfort of the passenger in the passenger compartment is improved. One object is to more efficiently control the temperature of the battery within a range where no damage is caused.

  As a result of earnest research to achieve the above object, the present inventor has found that in the vehicle battery cooling system for controlling the temperature of the battery by supplying air in the passenger compartment to the vicinity of the battery and cooling the battery, the vicinity of the battery By changing the upper limit of the amount of air in the passenger compartment (intake air volume) to be inhaled in the vicinity of the battery based on the temperature of the air in the passenger compartment (intake air temperature), the passenger comfort in the passenger compartment is improved. The present inventors have found that the battery temperature can be controlled more efficiently without damaging the present invention and have arrived at the present invention.

That is, the first embodiment of the present invention is:
A vehicle battery cooling system for controlling the temperature of a battery mounted on a vehicle,
Intake means for sucking air in the passenger compartment of the vehicle from an air inlet provided in the passenger compartment of the vehicle and supplying the air to the vicinity of the battery to cool the battery;
An intake air volume control means for controlling the intake means to control an intake air volume that is an air volume supplied from the passenger compartment to the vicinity of the battery by the intake means;
An intake air temperature detecting means for detecting or estimating an intake air temperature, which is a temperature of air supplied from the passenger compartment to the vicinity of the battery by the intake means;
A vehicle battery cooling system comprising:
When the intake air temperature is lower than a predetermined threshold temperature (T0), it is determined that there is an occupant near the intake port, and when the intake air temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold temperature (T0), Determine that there are no passengers near the air intake,
When it is determined that there is an occupant in the vicinity of the intake port, the intake air volume is controlled so as not to exceed a predetermined first upper limit (W1), and there is no occupant in the vicinity of the intake port. If it is determined, the intake air volume is controlled so as not to exceed a predetermined second upper limit (W2) higher than the first upper limit (W1).
1 is a vehicle battery cooling system.

  As described above, the vehicle battery cooling system according to the present embodiment is a vehicle battery cooling system that controls the temperature of a battery mounted on the vehicle, and the air in the passenger compartment of the vehicle is placed near the battery. An air intake means for supplying and cooling the battery; and an air intake air volume control means for controlling the air intake means to control an air intake air quantity that is an air quantity supplied from the passenger compartment to the vicinity of the battery by the air intake means. And intake air temperature detecting means for detecting or estimating an intake air temperature, which is a temperature of air supplied to the vicinity of the battery from the passenger compartment by the intake air means.

  As long as the vehicle is a vehicle equipped with a battery in which it is desired to maintain the temperature of the battery within a suitable range in order to maintain and improve battery performance, output, life, charging efficiency, and the like, for example, a specific type It is not limited to. Specific examples of such vehicles include electric vehicles that use an electric motor such as an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid vehicle (HV), and a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV) as a power source. As described above, the electric motor mounted on such an electric vehicle is driven by electric power supplied from a rechargeable secondary battery (battery) such as a lithium ion battery. That is, the battery is a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery.

  In addition, the air intake means sucks air in the passenger compartment of the vehicle through an intake port provided in the passenger compartment, for example, in order to suck air in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Etc.) to cool the battery. More specifically, the intake means sucks air in the passenger compartment of the vehicle through the intake port, and a battery is accommodated from the intake port (for example, a battery provided in a luggage space of the vehicle). The battery is cooled by supplying the air in the passenger compartment of the vehicle to the vicinity of the battery (for example, the battery storage room, etc.) through the air flow path (for example, the cooling duct) extending to the storage room, etc. It may be. Specifically, the intake means may be, for example, an intake fan.

  The intake air volume control means controls the intake air means to control an intake air volume that is an air volume supplied from the passenger compartment to the vicinity of the battery. Specifically, for example, when the intake means is an intake fan or the like, the intake air volume control means may control the intake air volume by increasing or decreasing the rotation speed of the intake fan. The intake air temperature detecting means detects or estimates an intake air temperature which is the temperature of air supplied from the passenger compartment to the vicinity of the battery by the intake air means. Specifically, the intake air temperature detection means may be, for example, a temperature sensor that directly detects the intake air temperature, or may estimate the intake air temperature from some related state quantity. . In this technical field, as described above, since the temperature control of the battery has been conventionally performed, many battery packs mounted on the vehicle have an intake air temperature detecting means.

  By the way, as described above, the battery generates heat not only at the time of charging but also at the time of discharging accompanying power supply to the electric motor. Further, when the temperature rises, not only the performance of the battery is lowered, but the life of the battery is remarkably shortened. Conversely, when the temperature falls, not only the output of the battery is lowered, but also the charging efficiency of the battery is lowered. Therefore, in order to maintain the performance and output of the battery, extend the life, and increase the charging efficiency, it is desirable to control the temperature of the battery in a suitable range.

  Specifically, as described above, the battery generates heat not only at the time of charging but also at the time of discharging due to power supply to the electric motor, etc., so that the temperature of the battery rises due to the heat generation of the battery or other causes. In this case, it is desirable to control the battery so as to cool the battery and keep the temperature of the battery within a suitable range. On the other hand, the passenger compartment of a vehicle is often maintained in a temperature range (for example, 20 to 30 ° C.) that the passenger feels comfortable with an air conditioner such as an air conditioner, as described above. Generally, the temperature in the passenger compartment is lower than the temperature for using the battery in a suitable state. That is, the air in the passenger compartment of the vehicle can be used as a refrigerant for cooling the battery. Therefore, as described above, the vehicle battery cooling system according to this embodiment includes the air intake unit that cools the battery by supplying air in the passenger compartment of the vehicle to the vicinity of the battery.

  In the above case, in order to improve the cooling efficiency of the battery, the intake air volume, which is the air volume supplied from the passenger compartment to the vicinity of the battery (for example, the battery storage room) by the intake means, or the occupant by the intake means is increased. It is effective to increase the difference between the battery temperature and the intake air temperature by lowering the intake air temperature, which is the temperature of the air supplied from the room to the vicinity of the battery. Incidentally, the cooling performance of the battery can be expressed by the following relational expression (1).

In the above equation, P represents the battery cooling performance [kW], α represents the battery cooling performance coefficient, Q represents the intake air volume [m ³ / h], and ΔT represents the difference between the battery temperature and the intake air temperature. [C] is expressed. The battery cooling performance coefficient α is determined by, for example, the heat capacity of the battery, the shape and area of the surface of the battery that contacts the air as the refrigerant, and the like.

  Therefore, as is clear from the relational expression (1), in order to increase the cooling performance P of the battery, the intake air volume Q is increased and the intake air temperature is lowered to reduce the difference ΔT between the battery temperature and the intake air temperature. It is desirable to increase. However, if the intake air volume Q is increased in order to improve the cooling performance P of the battery, as described above, it is generated from the intake means (for example, an intake fan) that sucks air in the passenger compartment and supplies it to the vicinity of the battery. Noise and vibration (i.e., NV) increase, and there is an increased risk of impairing passenger comfort in the passenger compartment. In particular, for passengers seated in the vicinity of an air intake for inhaling air in the passenger compartment, the influence of the NV becomes larger, and the feeling of cold wind caused by the flow of air taken into the air intake There is a risk of giving.

  In the technical field, as described above, it is still practical to control the upper limit of the intake amount (intake air amount) when the air in the passenger compartment is sucked into the vicinity of the battery according to the arrangement of the passengers in the passenger compartment. Not. Therefore, in the vehicle battery cooling system according to the prior art, since the arrangement of the occupant in the passenger compartment cannot be detected, as described above, on the assumption that there is an occupant seated near the intake port, as described above. In order to prevent the problem of NV and cool air feeling, the upper limit of the intake amount (intake air amount) when the air in the passenger compartment is sucked into the vicinity of the battery is set low to maintain the passenger comfort in the passenger compartment. ing.

  On the other hand, as a measure for improving the cooling performance P of the battery, as described above, the temperature of the battery is reduced by lowering the intake air temperature (that is, the temperature of the air in the vicinity of the air intake for inhaling the air in the passenger compartment). It is conceivable to increase the difference ΔT from the intake air temperature. However, it is not desirable to reduce the temperature in the passenger compartment considering only the cooling performance of the battery from the viewpoint of maintaining the passenger comfort in the passenger compartment, and the intake air temperature ensures the passenger comfort in the passenger compartment. There is no choice but to set the target air conditioner (for example, an air conditioner). However, the intake air temperature is greatly influenced by, for example, the setting of the wind direction adjusting means (for example, a register) of the air conditioner, and the cold air blown out from the air conditioner near the intake port for inhaling the air in the passenger compartment. May not reach. In addition, for example, in the summertime when the weather is extremely hot, the cool air blown from the air conditioner may be warmed up to reach the vicinity of the intake port for inhaling the air in the passenger compartment, and the intake air temperature may rise.

  Further, when there is no occupant seated in the vicinity of the air intake for inhaling air in the occupant compartment, a seat where the occupant is present (for example, a driver seat or a front seat when the air intake is in the vicinity of the rear seat) It is envisaged that the air conditioner is set in a mode in which the cool air is concentrated, or that the cool air outlet to the seat where there is no occupant (that is, the seat near the air inlet) is closed. Even in such a situation, the intake air temperature (that is, the temperature of the air in the vicinity of the intake port for inhaling the air in the passenger compartment) may increase.

  In addition, when the air conditioner is set to the outside air introduction mode, since the outside air introduced from the outside of the vehicle into the passenger compartment passes through the passenger compartment and is discharged again outside the vehicle, the temperature inside the passenger compartment is increased. However, when the air conditioner is set to the inside air circulation mode, the air flow in the passenger compartment is difficult to reach the rear seat side, and the front seat side and the rear seat side in the passenger compartment And the temperature difference tends to increase. Therefore, when the air intake for sucking air in the passenger compartment is in the vicinity of the rear seat, if the air conditioner is set to the inside air circulation mode, the air flow in the passenger compartment is difficult to reach. In some cases, the temperature (that is, the temperature of the air in the vicinity of the intake port for inhaling air in the passenger compartment) increases.

  As described above, the intake air temperature, which is the temperature of the air supplied from the passenger compartment to the vicinity of the battery by the intake means, is set in an air conditioner (for example, an air conditioner) for the purpose of ensuring passenger comfort in the passenger compartment. Therefore, in various assumed situations, there is a concern that the intake air temperature (that is, the temperature of the air in the vicinity of the intake port for inhaling the air in the passenger compartment) increases.

  As described above, the vehicle battery cooling system according to the prior art is based on the premise that there is an occupant seated in the vicinity of the intake port as described above, and therefore air supplied from the passenger compartment to the vicinity of the battery. It is expected that the intake air volume, which is the air volume, cannot be sufficiently increased, and the intake air temperature, which is the temperature of the air supplied from the passenger compartment to the vicinity of the battery by the intake means, is high as described above. Thus, in the vehicle battery cooling system according to the related art, it is difficult to improve the cooling efficiency of the battery. Therefore, in order to ensure the battery life, it is necessary to limit the charging / discharging of the battery. is there. As a result, in a vehicle equipped with the vehicular battery cooling system according to the related art, it may be difficult to fully improve the fuel efficiency and power performance by fully utilizing the electric motor.

  On the other hand, in the vehicle battery cooling system according to this embodiment, as described above, when the intake air temperature is lower than the predetermined threshold temperature (T0), it is determined that there is an occupant in the vicinity of the intake port. When the intake air temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold temperature (T0), it is determined that there is no occupant in the vicinity of the intake port. Specifically, at least the vicinity of the seat where the occupant is present in the passenger compartment of the vehicle is maintained in a temperature range (for example, 20 to 30 ° C.) that the occupant feels comfortable by using an air conditioner such as an air conditioner as described above. There are many cases. Therefore, when an intake air temperature that deviates from this temperature range is detected, there is a high possibility that no occupant is present in the vicinity of the intake port, so it is determined that there is no occupant in the vicinity of the intake port. On the other hand, when the intake air temperature that falls within the above temperature range is detected, it is highly likely that there is an occupant in the vicinity of the intake port, so it is determined that there is an occupant in the vicinity of the intake port. Thus, according to the vehicle battery cooling system of the present embodiment, the intake air temperature that is the temperature of the air supplied from the passenger compartment to the vicinity of the battery without newly providing an occupant detection means such as a seating sensor, for example. Based on the above, it is possible to determine whether or not there is an occupant in the vicinity of the intake port for inhaling air in the occupant cabin.

  That is, the predetermined threshold temperature (T0) is a threshold for determining whether or not the intake air temperature deviates from the temperature range in which the passenger feels comfortable, and the threshold temperature (T0) and the intake air temperature are By comparison, it is determined whether or not there is an occupant in the vicinity of the intake port. The threshold temperature (T0) can be determined as appropriate according to, for example, the upper limit of the temperature range in which the passenger feels comfortable, the temperature detection and control accuracy in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and the like. As an example, when the upper limit of the temperature range that the occupant feels comfortable is 30 ° C. and the accuracy of temperature detection and control in the passenger compartment of the vehicle is sufficiently high, the threshold temperature (T 0) is, for example, 30 ° C. Can be set.

  As described above, when the intake air temperature is lower than the threshold temperature (T0), it is determined that there is a passenger near the intake port, and when the intake air temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature (T0), It can be determined that there is no passenger. Therefore, when the intake air temperature is lower than the threshold temperature (T0), it can be considered that there is an occupant in the vicinity of the intake port, so that the air in the occupant room is discharged from the battery as in the vehicle battery cooling system according to the prior art. By setting the upper limit of the intake amount (intake air amount) when inhaling in the vicinity of the vehicle to suppress the above-mentioned problems of NV and cold air feeling, it is possible to maintain passenger comfort in the passenger compartment . On the other hand, when the intake air temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature (T0), it can be considered that there is no occupant in the vicinity of the intake port. Since the problem is alleviated, the cooling capacity of the battery can be improved by setting the upper limit of the intake amount (intake air amount) when the air in the passenger compartment is sucked into the vicinity of the battery.

  That is, in the vehicle battery cooling system according to this embodiment, when it is determined that there is an occupant in the vicinity of the intake port, the intake air volume is set so as not to exceed a predetermined first upper limit value (W1). When it is determined that there is no occupant in the vicinity of the intake port, the intake air is set so as not to exceed a predetermined second upper limit value (W2) higher than the first upper limit value (W1). Control airflow. Here, the first upper limit value (W1) can be determined, for example, as the maximum intake air volume in a category in which the passengers in the vicinity of the intake port do not have the above-described problems of NV and cold wind feeling. In this case, since there is an occupant in the vicinity of the intake port, the problem of NV and the feeling of cold wind is likely to occur. Therefore, as in the vehicle battery cooling system according to the prior art, the first upper limit value (W1) is set to a low value. I have to set it. However, as described above, in this case, since the intake air temperature is lower than the threshold temperature (T0), it is determined that there is an occupant in the vicinity of the intake port, and even if the upper limit of the intake air volume is set low, There is no problem because the cooling performance of the battery can be secured by this low intake air temperature.

  On the other hand, the second upper limit value (W2) has a higher value than the first upper limit value (W1) because it is not necessary to consider the problems of NV and the feeling of cold wind in the passengers in the vicinity of the intake port. Can be set. That is, in this case, in the vehicle battery cooling system according to the present embodiment, the battery cooling performance can be further enhanced as compared with the vehicle battery cooling system according to the related art. Even when it is determined that there is no occupant in the vicinity of the intake port, it is assumed that there is an occupant in a seat other than the vicinity of the intake port, so even the second upper limit (W2) is required. It is desirable to set so as not to cause a problem of NV and cold wind feeling in the passenger.

  Here, a specific example of the vehicle battery cooling system according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle to which a vehicle battery cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied as described above. The vehicle shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, a general sedan type or wagon type passenger car. The seats in the passenger compartment include a front seat 40 including a driver seat 40D and a passenger seat 40P and a rear seat 50, and a register 60 for setting the direction of air blown from the air conditioner (air conditioner) is located in front of the front seat 40. Provided on the console.

  When the air conditioner (air conditioner) is set to the inside air circulation, the wind blown from the air conditioner (air conditioner) circulates mainly only in the vicinity of the front seat 40 as indicated by the white arrow in the figure. The rear seat 50 does not reach. Therefore, in this case, the temperature difference between the front seat 40 and the rear seat 50 tends to increase in the passenger compartment. Therefore, for example, when the cool air is not actively sent to the vicinity of the rear seat 50 by setting the air conditioner register or the like at a high temperature in summer, for example, the cool air does not reach the vicinity of the rear seat 50 and the high temperature is high. Tend to remain. On the other hand, when the air conditioner (air conditioner) is set to introduce outside air, the wind blown from the air conditioner (air conditioner) is a passenger compartment including the front seat 40 and the rear seat 50 as shown by the black arrows in the figure. Are exhausted from the exhaust ducts 70L and 70R provided at the rear of the vehicle. Therefore, in this case, the temperature in the passenger compartment tends to be made uniform through the front seat 40 and the rear seat 50.

  In the vehicle shown in FIG. 1, the air in the passenger compartment is sucked from intake ports 10L and 10R provided on both sides of the rear seat 50 by an intake fan (not shown), and is loaded through cooling ducts 20L and 20R, respectively. The battery pack 30 disposed in the space is supplied to cool the battery. As described above, when the air conditioner (air conditioner) is set to the inside air circulation and there is no occupant in the rear seat, it is not set so as to actively send the cold air to the vicinity of the rear seat 50. The neighborhood tends to remain hot. In such a situation, it is necessary to increase the intake air volume in order to ensure the cooling performance of the battery. However, as described above, in the vehicle battery cooling system according to the prior art, since the upper limit of the intake air volume is determined on the assumption that there is always a passenger seated in the vicinity of the intake port, the intake air volume is sufficiently increased. In order to ensure the battery life, it is necessary to limit the charging / discharging of the battery.

  On the other hand, in the vehicle battery cooling system according to the present embodiment, the presence / absence of an occupant in the vicinity of the air intake can be determined in a pseudo manner as described above, so as shown in the flowchart of FIG. The intake air volume can be controlled according to the presence or absence of a passenger near the intake port. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an upper limit setting flow of the intake air flow executed in the vehicle battery cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention as described above. As shown in FIG. 2, first, in step S01, an intake fan (not shown) sucks air from the inlets 10L and 10R provided on both sides of the rear seat 50, and enters the luggage space through the cooling ducts 20L and 20R, respectively. The intake air temperature, which is the temperature of the air supplied to the arranged battery pack 30, is detected or estimated.

  Next, in step S02, it is determined whether or not the intake air temperature detected or estimated in step S01 is lower than a predetermined threshold temperature (T0). When the intake air temperature is lower than the threshold temperature (T0) (step S02: Yes), it is determined in the next step S03 that there is an occupant near the intake port. Furthermore, based on the above determination, in the next step S04, the upper limit of the intake air volume, which is the volume of air supplied to the battery pack 30, is set to the first upper limit value (W1). That is, the intake air volume control means controls the intake air volume so as not to exceed the first upper limit value (W1).

  On the other hand, when the intake air temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature (T0) (step S02: No), it is determined in the next step S05 that there is no occupant near the intake port. Further, based on the above determination, in the next step S06, the upper limit of the intake air volume that is the volume of air supplied to the battery pack 30 is set to the second upper limit value (W2) that is higher than the first upper limit value (W1). Is set. That is, the intake air volume control means controls the intake air volume so as not to exceed the second upper limit value (W2). Thus, in the vehicle battery cooling system according to the present embodiment, the upper limit of the intake air volume is always set on the assumption that there is always a passenger in the vicinity of the intake port as in the vehicle battery cooling system according to the prior art. Rather than setting it low, it is possible to artificially determine the presence or absence of an occupant in the vicinity of the intake port based on the intake air temperature, and to appropriately change the upper limit of the intake air volume according to the determination result.

  Specifically, in the vehicle battery cooling system according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that there is an occupant in the vicinity of the air inlet (the rear seat 50 in FIG. 1), a predetermined first upper limit value is set. If the intake air volume is controlled so as not to exceed (W1) and it is determined that there is no occupant in the vicinity of the intake port (rear seat 50 in FIG. 1), it is higher than the first upper limit value (W1) in advance. The intake air volume is controlled so as not to exceed the determined second upper limit value (W2). Thus, according to the vehicle battery cooling system of the present embodiment, the air in the passenger compartment that is sucked into the vicinity of the battery without increasing the manufacturing cost due to the addition of new equipment such as a seating sensor, for example. Thus, the upper limit of the intake amount (intake air amount) can be set as high as possible within a range that does not impair passenger comfort in the passenger compartment, and battery temperature control can be performed more efficiently.

  In the vehicle shown in FIG. 1, the air in the passenger compartment is sucked from the intake ports 10L and 10R provided on both sides of the rear seat 50 by an intake fan (not shown), and passes through the cooling ducts 20L and 20R, respectively. Although the battery is supplied to the battery pack 30 disposed in the luggage space and the battery is cooled, the vehicle to which the vehicle battery cooling system according to this embodiment can be applied is limited to the one having such a configuration. Instead, the arrangement of the battery pack and the air inlet may be in accordance with the design specification of the vehicle to which the vehicle battery cooling system according to this embodiment is applied.

  By the way, in the vehicle battery cooling system according to the present embodiment, as described above, it is possible to artificially determine the presence or absence of an occupant in the vicinity of the intake port without adding new equipment such as a seating sensor. it can. On the other hand, information related to the layout of passengers in the passenger compartment is not limited to the battery cooling system for vehicles, but includes various systems such as an air conditioning system that controls air conditioning in the passenger compartment and a car audio system that performs acoustic control in the passenger compartment. It is very important information. Therefore, by providing the other system other than the vehicle battery cooling system with information related to the presence or absence of an occupant in the vicinity of the air inlet determined by the vehicle battery cooling system according to the present embodiment, the other system In this case, it is not necessary to provide means for acquiring occupant arrangement information in the passenger compartment, which is desirable from the viewpoint of cost reduction and system simplification.

Accordingly, the second embodiment of the present invention provides:
A vehicle battery cooling system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, comprising:
Providing the presence / absence determination result of an occupant in the vicinity of the intake port for use in a system other than the vehicle battery cooling system mounted on the vehicle,
1 is a vehicle battery cooling system.

  As described above, the vehicle battery cooling system according to the present embodiment provides a result of determination of the presence / absence of an occupant in the vicinity of the intake port for use in a system other than the vehicle battery cooling system mounted on the vehicle. . The system other than the vehicle battery cooling system in which the vehicle battery cooling system according to the present embodiment provides the determination result of the presence / absence of an occupant in the vicinity of the intake port is a system that requires information on the layout of the occupant in the passenger compartment. As long as it is not particularly limited. Specific examples of such a system include an air conditioning system that performs air conditioning control in the passenger compartment, a car audio system that performs acoustic control in the passenger compartment, and the like.

  Further, the means for transmitting the passenger presence / absence determination result in the vicinity of the air inlet to the other system from the vehicle battery cooling system according to the present embodiment is not limited to a specific method. For example, a control device (for example, an electronic control unit (ECU) etc.) provided in the vehicle battery cooling system according to the present embodiment is connected to another through a signal line or the like that electrically connects the systems of It may be transmitted as an electrical signal to a control device (for example, ECU) provided in the system. Alternatively, the presence / absence determination result of an occupant in the vicinity of the air inlet can be exchanged between these systems via some wireless network.

  By the way, as described above, as a system other than the vehicle battery cooling system in which the vehicle battery cooling system according to the present embodiment provides the determination result of the presence / absence of the passenger in the vicinity of the intake port, for example, air conditioning control in the passenger compartment An air conditioning system that performs sound control, a car audio system that performs acoustic control in the passenger compartment, and the like. In an air conditioning system that performs air conditioning control in the passenger compartment, for example, the flow of air in the passenger compartment is transferred to the driver's seat or the front seat by control based on a detection signal from a seating sensor or operation of an air conditioner by a user such as a driver. Concentration or air flow in the passenger compartment is evenly distributed in the passenger compartment. Thus, in an air conditioning system that performs air conditioning control in the passenger compartment, information relating to the layout of the passengers in the passenger compartment is extremely important.

Therefore, the third embodiment of the present invention
A vehicle battery cooling system according to the second embodiment of the present invention,
A system other than the vehicle battery cooling system is an air conditioning system including an air conditioner in a passenger compartment of the vehicle,
If the air conditioning system determines that there is no occupant in the vicinity of the air intake, the air flow is concentrated in a seat other than the vicinity of the air intake in the occupant room, and the occupant is in the vicinity of the air intake. If it is determined that there is an air flow, the air flow is distributed to all seats in the passenger compartment.
1 is a vehicle battery cooling system.

  As described above, in the vehicle battery cooling system according to the present embodiment, the presence / absence determination of the occupant in the vicinity of the intake port is performed from the vehicle battery cooling system to the air conditioning system including the air conditioner in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. If the presence / absence determination result determines that there is no occupant in the vicinity of the air intake, the air conditioning system concentrates the air flow on a seat other than the vicinity of the air intake in the passenger compartment. If the presence / absence determination result determines that there is an occupant in the vicinity of the air inlet, the air flow is distributed to all seats in the passenger compartment. As a result, the vehicle battery cooling system according to the present embodiment achieves more effective and efficient air conditioning control according to the arrangement of the passengers in the passenger compartment by the air conditioning system including the air conditioner in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Can contribute.

  According to the vehicle battery cooling system of this embodiment, for example, a means for detecting the occupant arrangement in the passenger compartment by a seating sensor or the like, or a specific area (for example, a driver's seat or a front seat) in the passenger compartment is air-conditioned. Even in an air conditioning system that does not include an operation unit (for example, a “front concentration button” provided on an air conditioner) or the like for concentrating the air, the vicinity of the air intake provided from the vehicle battery cooling system according to the present embodiment Since the air conditioning can be concentrated on the seat where the occupant is present based on the determination result of the presence / absence of the occupant in the vehicle, for example, effects such as reducing the cost of a vehicle equipped with these systems and improving the fuel efficiency can be obtained. be able to.

  Although several embodiments having specific configurations have been described above for the purpose of illustrating the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these exemplary embodiments, and patents Needless to say, modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the claims and the description of the specification.

  10L, 10R ... Inlet, 20L, 20R ... Cooling duct, 30 ... Battery pack, 40 ... Front seat, 40D ... Driver's seat, 40P ... Passenger seat, 50 ... Rear seat, 60 ... Air conditioner register, and 70L, 70R ... Exhaust duct.

Claims (3)

A vehicle battery cooling system for controlling the temperature of a battery mounted on a vehicle,
Intake means for sucking air in the passenger compartment of the vehicle from an air inlet provided in the passenger compartment of the vehicle and supplying the air to the vicinity of the battery to cool the battery;
An intake air volume control means for controlling the intake means to control an intake air volume that is an air volume supplied from the passenger compartment to the vicinity of the battery by the intake means;
An intake air temperature detecting means for detecting or estimating an intake air temperature, which is a temperature of air supplied from the passenger compartment to the vicinity of the battery by the intake means;
A vehicle battery cooling system comprising:
When the intake air temperature is lower than a predetermined threshold temperature (T0), it is determined that there is an occupant near the intake port, and when the intake air temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold temperature (T0), Determine that there are no passengers near the air intake,
When it is determined that there is an occupant in the vicinity of the intake port, the intake air volume is controlled so as not to exceed a predetermined first upper limit (W1), and there is no occupant in the vicinity of the intake port. If it is determined, the intake air volume is controlled so as not to exceed a predetermined second upper limit (W2) higher than the first upper limit (W1).
Battery cooling system for vehicles. The vehicle battery cooling system according to claim 1,
Providing the presence / absence determination result of an occupant in the vicinity of the intake port for use in a system other than the vehicle battery cooling system mounted on the vehicle,
Battery cooling system for vehicles. The vehicle battery cooling system according to claim 2,
A system other than the vehicle battery cooling system is an air conditioning system including an air conditioner in a passenger compartment of the vehicle,
If the air conditioning system determines that there is no occupant in the vicinity of the air intake, the air flow is concentrated in a seat other than the vicinity of the air intake in the occupant room, and the occupant is in the vicinity of the air intake. If it is determined that there is an air flow, the air flow is distributed to all seats in the passenger compartment.
Battery cooling system for vehicles.

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