Nikola Corporation
VEHICLE THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Abstract:

An electric vehicle has a thermal management system that comprises a common radiator, a brake resistor loop, and an electric power source loop. The brake resistor loop comprises a brake resistor and a brake resistor controller that are coupled to the common radiator. The electric power source loop comprises an electric power source coupled to the common radiator. When the brake resistor loop is determined to be in operation, the common radiator is utilized by the brake resistor loop to absorb heat generated by the brake resistor loop. When the brake resistor loop is determined to not be in operation, the common radiator is utilized by the electric power source to absorb heat generated by the electric power source loop.