A heat storage device for electric vehicles that is based on the washer tank of a car.
The main problem with electric cars is their short range, which is caused by their small batteries. This is made worse by low temperatures, when the battery loses its power and extra heating uses a lot of electricity, cutting the range by up to 40%. On the other hand, any extra heat that is made while the battery is being used or charged is usually sent out into the environment. The Thermal Storage Tank (TST) stores heat using the thermal mass of the washer tank, which is already on every vehicle. The heat made by the vehicle while it is running is stored on board and released when the vehicle is started from cold, adding to the electric heating that is already there. It could also act as a heat sink when the temperature is high, like when the phone is in fast charging mode. Because driver assistance devices need to be cleaned more often, washer tanks are getting bigger. In short, the TST recovers thermal energy while the electrical powertrain recovers kinetic energy.
Positive facts about Thermal Storage Tank (TST)
A 10 ltr tank can store up to 1 kWh of thermal energy, equivalent of 5.5 km of electrical range in city mode, which can be used for warming of the passenger cabin or for windscreen de-icing. The benefits increase with lower temperature, in contrary to bat
A water mass allows to absorb heat peaks and preserve battery and other components life. During ultra fast charge, a full 10 liter tank may adsorb 5 kW of heat during 12 minutes, assisting the active cooling process and allowing faster charging.,
Increases efficiency for electrified vehicle operation in cold conditions, in the order of 72 kWh/year (approx. 21.6 kgCO2e/year) per vehicle in cold northern regions.
Provides longer component life, in particular for the battery, due to enhanced thermal management and lower drain at cold. Potential reduction of battery material (1-2kg) and downsizing of heating devices.
Extends vehicle range and reduces operational cost due to better electric efficiency in colder regions, approx. 36 Eur/year per vehicle.
Allows to reduce vehicle cost and weight through downsizing of battery, heaters or other thermal management devices. Saving up to 70 Eur if battery is downsized.
Thermal Storage Tank (TST) website : https://cebi.com/en/innovation
