Summary
– General Motors has developed a patent for cooling EV charge ports using phase change material (PCM)
– PCM absorbs and releases heat as it goes through a phase change, providing a cooling effect
– The PCM charge port cooling system would automatically derate charging if temperatures rise above a certain threshold
– Unlike liquid cooling systems, PCM cooling is unlikely to require moving parts and is less complex
– PCM cooling has been used in heat sinks in computing and outdoor gear, but now is being applied to EV charge ports for faster charging capabilities
Article
General Motors has filed a patent application that indicates they are looking into innovative ways to cool EV charge ports using phase change material (PCM). PCM is a material that absorbs and releases heat when it changes phase, making it ideal for cooling applications. The PCM would be placed around the charge port and would transition from a solid to a liquid state as it absorbs heat generated by the flow of electricity through the port. If temperatures exceed a certain threshold, an onboard controller would automatically reduce charging to prevent overheating.
The patent application discusses the use of a heat spreader and metallic foam as a possible configuration for the PCM charge port cooling system. This approach is expected to be much simpler and less complex than liquid cooling systems that are currently being used. So far, efforts to cool off hardware for faster charging have focused on other areas, such as using phase-change methods in cables to help cool EVs. Some EVs also use the cabin cooling system to regulate battery temperature during charging, but this has not been applied to charge ports.
Heat buildup is a major concern for EV manufacturers, which is why many are transitioning to higher voltages for faster charging speeds. For example, Porsche opted for an 800-volt charging system in the Taycan instead of the typical 400-volt system. General Motors’ exploration of PCM cooling for charge ports indicates a potential shift towards more efficient cooling methods in the EV industry. This innovation could lead to faster charging speeds and improved overall performance for electric vehicles in the future.
PCM cooling technology has been widely used in heat sinks in the computing industry and is becoming increasingly common in outdoor gear. By applying this technology to EV charge ports, General Motors is looking to enhance the charging experience for EV owners by improving cooling efficiency and reducing the risk of overheating during charging. The use of PCM cooling systems in charge ports could be a game-changer for the EV industry as it continues to evolve and develop more advanced technologies to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles.
With advancements in charging technology and cooling systems, EV manufacturers are constantly seeking new ways to improve the performance and efficiency of their vehicles. General Motors’ patent application for PCM charge port cooling demonstrates their commitment to innovation and their efforts to push the boundaries of what is possible in the EV industry. By exploring new cooling methods for charge ports, GM is paving the way for faster charging speeds and more reliable performance for electric vehicles, ultimately benefiting consumers and the environment. As EV technology continues to evolve, PCM cooling systems could become more prevalent in the industry and help to address the challenges of heat buildup during charging.
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