Low-Temperature Battery Charging Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Battery charging efficiency is reduced at low temperatures due to excessive energy consumption by temperature-increasing devices, leading to increased charging time and decreased charge amount in eco-friendly vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A method that optimizes battery charging by determining the appropriate operation time of the temperature-increasing device based on the comparison of charging current and temperature-increasing consumption current with the charger's supply current, estimating insufficient charging temperatures, and calculating the required charging time to minimize energy wastage and enhance charging efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the temperature-increasing device is used to increase battery temperature to improve charging efficiency, then battery charging performance is improved, but energy consumed by the temperature-increasing device increases and charging speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery charging performanceVSAvoidenergy consumed by temperature-increasing device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the temperature-increasing device operable in a dynamic manner based on real-time battery temperature and state of charge conditions. The controller dynamically adjusts whether to operate the temperature-increasing device or directly charge the battery, optimizing the balance between temperature management and energy consumption throughout the charging process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing a decision-making mechanism that adjusts the operating state of the temperature-increasing device based on battery temperature and state of charge. This parameter-based control optimizes energy distribution between heating and charging functions, resolving the contradiction between improving charging performance and reducing energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the temperature-increasing device operates continuously to maintain optimal battery temperature, then charging efficiency is improved, but charging time increases due to power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidcharging time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by operating the temperature-increasing device only during specific periods when battery temperature falls below the optimal range. The controller periodically monitors temperature and state of charge, activating heating only when necessary and switching to direct charging when temperature conditions are favorable, thereby optimizing both efficiency and charging time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically transitions between two operational modes: temperature increase mode and direct charging mode. This dynamic switching based on real-time conditions allows the system to maximize charging efficiency during suitable temperature conditions while minimizing unnecessary heating operations that would extend charging time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the temperature-increasing device is used excessively to ensure optimal charging conditions, then battery charging performance is maintained, but the energy available for charging the battery is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery charging performanceVSAvoidenergy available for charging battery
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring battery temperature and state of charge, then using this information to determine the optimal operational state of the temperature-increasing device. This feedback mechanism ensures that heating is applied only when necessary to maintain charging performance, maximizing the energy available for actual battery charging while preventing excessive energy consumption by the heating device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 effectively reduces battery charging time and prevents delays by optimizing the operation of the temperature-increasing device, ensuring efficient charging even at low temperatures by determining the optimal turn-off time and maintaining sufficient charging current.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature-increasing device configured to generate heat using the power provided from the charger to increase a temperature of the battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11296530B2Method for charging battery at low temperature
Publication Date: 2022.04.05 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US11296530B2 patent drawing
  • US11296530B2 patent drawing
  • US11296530B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for charging a battery at a low temperature in a battery system is provided. The system includes a charger that provides power for charging the battery and a temperature-increasing device that generates heat using the power provided from the charger to increase a temperature of the battery.