Battery Charging Control for Thermal Propagation Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
High energy density batteries like lithium-ion batteries face challenges with strong exothermic reactions that generate high temperatures and pressures, leading to potential thermal propagation and reduced power density due to weight increases from shielding and heat-absorbing materials.
Innovation Solution
A system with sensors and a battery charging controller dynamically adjusts the state of charge and end-of-charge voltage of battery cells to mitigate thermal propagation, ensuring enhanced safety and performance while maintaining energy levels, thereby reducing the need for heavy shielding and maximizing power density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal-based shielding is used to contain venting during exothermic reactions, then safety is improved, but weight significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for heavy metal shielding by extracting the harmful thermal energy through controlled exothermic reactions that consume excess heat, thereby eliminating the requirement for protective metal enclosures while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the battery system by introducing materials with specific heat capacities and thermal conductivities that actively manage temperature, transforming the thermal management approach from passive containment to active regulation
2Reliability
If thick heat-absorbing material is placed between cells, then thermal propagation is reduced, but battery module weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing heat-absorbing materials specifically at critical locations between cells where thermal propagation risk is highest, rather than uniformly throughout the battery module, thereby providing targeted protection with minimal weight addition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials that combine heat-absorbing properties with structural support functions, eliminating the need for separate protective layers and reducing overall weight while maintaining thermal protection
3Reliability
If thick heat-absorbing material is used between cells, then thermal protection is improved, but cell packing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by integrating heat-absorbing materials within the existing cell structure and spacing, embedding them in available gaps without requiring additional external space, thereby maintaining high cell packing efficiency while providing thermal protection
4Use of energy by moving object
If battery is charged to high state-of-charge, then energy capacity is maximized, but thermal release during exothermic reactions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by charging the battery to a state-of-charge that is sufficient for most operational needs but deliberately limited to avoid the thermal risks associated with full charging, thereby achieving a balance between energy capacity and thermal safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal management materials as intermediaries between the battery cells and the environment, which absorb and dissipate excess thermal energy generated during charging and operation, enabling higher state-of-charge operation without proportionally increasing thermal release risks
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 enhances battery safety and performance by reducing thermal release during exothermic reactions, maintaining energy levels, and allowing for more efficient packing of cells, thus improving power density without compromising safety.
Implementation Method 1
A battery charging controller dynamically adjusts the state of charge and end-of-charge voltage of battery cells
Implementation Method 2
during operation of a lithium-ion battery, strong exothermic reactions may occur and might generate high temperatures and pressures
Data Source
AI summary
An example method includes receiving, from one or more sensors of a battery module, sensor information indicative of a health status of the battery module; determining, based on sensor information, battery health parameters of the battery module; determining, based on the battery health parameters, a target state-of-charge (SoC) indicating a target battery capacity to which the battery module is to be charged; determining an end-of-charge voltage (EOCV) to be attained at an end of charging the battery module to achieve the target SoC; and commanding a battery charger to charge the battery module until the EOCV is achieved.