Temperature-Controlled Battery Pack Charger for Safe Cold Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery chargers do not effectively manage temperature variations of battery packs, leading to inefficient charging and potential damage due to extreme temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A temperature controlled enclosure with a temperature control device and controller that regulates the internal cavity temperature, allowing battery packs to warm up before charging if they are below zero degrees Celsius.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If battery packs are charged immediately without temperature control, then charging speed is improved, but battery safety and performance deteriorate due to extreme temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary temperature assessment and conditioning before charging. The controller checks battery temperature upon insertion and activates heating or cooling elements to bring the battery to an optimal temperature range before charging begins, preventing thermal damage while enabling safe charging
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature control elements (heating and cooling) act as intermediaries between the battery pack and charging process. These elements mediate the thermal state of the battery, creating optimal conditions for charging by eliminating extreme temperature conditions that would otherwise prevent safe charging
2Reliability
If temperature control is implemented during charging, then battery safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control elements (heating and cooling) and charging circuitry are integrated into a single enclosure unit. The controller combines temperature monitoring, heating control, cooling control, and charging management into one unified system, reducing overall system complexity despite adding temperature control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The charging device performs multiple functions: charging, heating, cooling, and temperature monitoring, all within a single unit. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise be separate devices into one integrated system, managing complexity through functional integration
3Productivity
If battery packs are kept in temperature controlled enclosure, then charging performance is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control elements operate periodically rather than continuously. The controller monitors battery temperature and activates heating or cooling only when temperature deviations occur, then deactivates them when the optimal range is achieved, reducing energy consumption while maintaining charging performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature feedback from the battery pack to control heating and cooling elements. The controller continuously monitors battery temperature and adjusts temperature control element operation accordingly, activating them only when needed to correct temperature deviations, thereby minimizing energy consumption while optimizing charging performance
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
Ensures safe and efficient charging of battery packs by maintaining a predetermined temperature, preventing damage and optimizing charging performance.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature control device configured to modify an ambient temperature within the enclosure
Implementation Method 2
a temperature control device configured to modify an ambient temperature within the enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature controlled enclosure that includes a temperature control device for controlling the temperature within an internal cavity of the temperature controlled enclosure. The temperature controlled enclosure also includes one or more charging ports for receiving and charging a battery pack. A controller within the temperature controlled enclosure controls the temperature within the internal cavity to a predetermined or desired temperature (e.g., 20° C.). When a battery pack is received in the one or more charging ports, the temperature of the battery pack can be determined. If, for example, the temperature of the battery pack is below 0° C., the battery pack is allowed to warm up inside the temperature controlled enclosure before the battery pack is charged.