Implementing Neural Networks in Model Predictive Controller for Battery Thermal Management System of Electric Vehicles

Interest in electric vehicles is rapidly increasing as the environmental regulations on internal combustion engine vehicles become more stringent. However, electric vehicles still have disadvantages in driving range and safety compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. The driving range and safety of electric vehicles are closely related to battery temperature. Therefore, a battery thermal management system is necessary for electric vehicles to maintain the battery temperature within optimal operating range. However, the battery thermal management system consumes considerable energy during operation. Consequently, this paper presents model predictive controller design for battery thermal management system of electric vehicles which minimizes the energy consumption while maintaining the battery temperature in proper operating range. Additionally, an artificial neural network-based control model of battery thermal management system has been developed for reducing computational load and enhance model accuracy.