Alkaline Battery Heating via Internal Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating systems for alkaline secondary batteries are inefficient in rapidly raising the battery temperature, as they rely on passive methods that do not effectively utilize the exothermic reactions occurring within the battery.
Innovation Solution
A heating system that actively manages the internal pressure of the alkaline secondary battery by controlling charging and discharging processes to induce exothermic reactions, using a controller to alternately increase and decrease internal pressure between specific thresholds to maximize heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If passive heating methods are used for alkaline secondary batteries, then the heating process is simple to implement, but the heating efficiency is low and the time required is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful gas accumulation (oxygen production during charging) into a beneficial heating mechanism. By controlling the battery to undergo secondary reactions that consume the accumulated oxygen, the system generates exothermic heat that actively warms the battery. This transforms the previously harmful pressure buildup into a useful heating source, significantly improving heating efficiency while reducing heating time compared to passive methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic charging and discharging cycles to control the internal pressure and temperature. The battery is charged to generate oxygen and increase internal pressure, then discharged to consume oxygen and generate heat through secondary reactions. This periodic operation creates repeated exothermic events that efficiently raise the battery temperature, addressing both the heating efficiency and time requirements.
2Productivity
If internal pressure is actively managed to induce exothermic reactions, then heating efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service approach where the battery system uses its own chemical reactions to generate heat. The controller simply manages the charging and discharging cycles, allowing the battery's internal chemistry to produce the necessary oxygen and subsequent exothermic reactions. This eliminates the need for external heating devices or complex thermal management systems, maintaining simplicity while achieving high heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery serves multiple functions: energy storage, self-heating, and pressure regulation. By designing the system to utilize the battery's inherent chemical properties for heating, the same battery unit performs both its primary energy function and thermal management function. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate heating components.
3Temperature
If exothermic reactions are utilized for heating, then rapid temperature increase is achieved, but internal pressure fluctuations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the battery's state of charge and internal pressure, adjusting the charging and discharging cycles accordingly. When internal pressure reaches certain thresholds, the controller modifies the operation to prevent excessive pressure buildup while maintaining the exothermic reaction cycle. This feedback system enables rapid temperature increase while keeping pressure fluctuations within safe limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the charging and discharging rates based on real-time battery conditions. The controller modifies the current and time parameters of each cycle to optimize heat generation while managing pressure. This dynamic control allows the system to achieve rapid heating when needed while adapting to pressure conditions, preventing harmful pressure spikes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for rapid and efficient heating of the alkaline secondary battery by leveraging exothermic reactions, reducing the time required for the heating process and improving temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
The side reaction at the time when the internal pressure is decreased is an exothermic reaction. Therefore, it is possible to heat the alkaline secondary battery by using the heat of reaction.
Data Source
AI summary
A heating system includes: an alkaline secondary battery and a controller. The alkaline secondary battery includes: a power generating element configured to be charged or discharged; and a battery case that accommodates the power generating element in a hermetically sealed state. The controller is configured to control charging and discharging of the alkaline secondary battery, and, when an internal pressure of the alkaline secondary battery is higher than or equal to a first threshold, execute a heating process for heating the alkaline secondary battery by decreasing the internal pressure through discharging of the alkaline secondary battery. The heating process is a process of raising a temperature of the alkaline secondary battery.