Battery Heating via Alternating Current Waveforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable batteries, especially lithium-based ones, face challenges in charging at low temperatures due to electrolyte freezing, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies in charging time and battery degradation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that alternates between sourcing current to and sinking current from the battery to heat it, using harmonically tuned signals to monitor and control battery temperature, ensuring safe and efficient charging by optimizing impedance responses and minimizing electrode damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional charging is attempted at low temperatures, then charging time may be reduced, but battery damage occurs due to electrode plating and electrolyte freezing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the battery before charging by alternating current flow through the battery terminals. This pre-heating action raises the battery temperature to an acceptable range (above freezing point) before conventional charging begins, preventing electrolyte freezing and electrode plating while enabling faster charging to proceed safely.
2Productivity
If heating power is increased to reduce charging time, then charging efficiency improves, but excessive heat generation and electrode damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors battery temperature during the heating and charging process using temperature sensors. Based on real-time temperature feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts the heating power and charging current parameters. When temperature reaches optimal ranges, heating is reduced or stopped; when temperature approaches dangerous levels, charging current is reduced to prevent excessive heat generation and electrode damage.
3Reliability
If battery temperature is monitored continuously to prevent damage, then battery safety improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions using a single integrated unit: it controls the alternating current heating process, monitors battery temperature through sensors, determines when charging conditions are met, and regulates charging current parameters. This multi-functional approach achieves comprehensive battery safety management without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
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
Enables safe and efficient battery charging by heating the battery to suitable temperatures, reducing degradation and charging time, while minimizing electrode damage and heat generation.
Implementation Method 1
the combination of sourcing current to the battery and sinking current from the battery heats the battery
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for heating a battery, which may be performed alone or in combination with charging or discharging a battery. In some implementations, heating involves applying an alternating current waveform, which may be sinusoidal, to a battery. In some implementations, the heating signal is applied at a frequency and/or current with little or no net charge to the battery.