Battery Charging Assisted by Integrated Heating Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable lithium ion batteries face inefficiencies in the charging process due to overpotential and temperature limitations, which slow down charge rates and require near-room-temperature charging, inconvenient for various applications.
Innovation Solution
An integrated heating and charging system that rapidly heats the battery to a predetermined temperature before charging, using a heating element powered by the charger, allowing for faster charging across a range of temperatures, including subfreezing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If charging is performed at low temperatures, then battery safety is maintained, but charge rate is significantly reduced and charge time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the battery before charging begins. A heating element is activated to raise the battery temperature to an optimal range (above freezing point) before the charging process starts, ensuring that subsequent charging occurs at temperatures that enable faster charge rates without compromising safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the temperature parameter during the charging process. By controlling the heating element and monitoring battery temperature, the system maintains temperature within an optimal range that balances safety requirements with enhanced charge kinetics, allowing faster charging than conventional low-temperature charging
2Productivity
If heating is applied to improve charge kinetics, then charge rate increases, but system complexity increases due to additional heating devices
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element serves dual functions: it acts as both a heating device to improve charge kinetics and as a thermal management component for the battery. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by combining heating and thermal management into a single integrated component rather than requiring separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the heating function with the existing battery structure and thermal management system. The heating element is integrated into the battery assembly, and its control is combined with the battery management system, eliminating the need for separate heating control circuits and reducing overall system complexity
3Device complexity
If conventional charging is performed without heating, then device simplicity is maintained, but charge time is extended and charging is limited to near-room-temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the battery before charging begins. A heating element is activated to raise the battery temperature to an optimal range (above freezing point) before the charging process starts, ensuring that subsequent charging occurs at temperatures that enable faster charge rates without compromising safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the temperature parameter during the charging process. By controlling the heating element and monitoring battery temperature, the system maintains temperature within an optimal range that balances safety requirements with enhanced charge kinetics, allowing faster charging than conventional low-temperature charging
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 method reduces charge overpotential, increases energy efficiency, and enables faster charging by improving electrochemical and transport properties within the battery, extending cycle life and allowing charging at various temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element in thermal contact with the at least one battery cell and electrically connected in series to a switch to form a switch-heater assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A rapid heating-charging process for charging a rechargeable battery is disclosed. Such a process can be implemented by an integrated heating and battery system can include a rechargeable battery and a heating element in thermal contact with the at least one cell of the battery and electrically connected in series to a switch wherein the heating element and switch form a switch-heater assembly. The switch-heater assembly can be electrically connected in parallel with the battery to form a battery-switch-heater circuit. Advantageously, the battery-switch-heater circuit is configured to be directly electrically engaged with a charger so that the heating element is powered mainly by the charger and electrically connected to the battery when the heating element is powered by the charger. Such a system can be used in a charging operation to pre-heat the battery to a predetermined charging temperature which advantageously improves charge kinetics and reduce charge overpotential, thereby enabling fast charging and charging at a variety of temperatures.