Battery Circuit Low-Efficiency Heating for Cold-Start Runtime
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Solution Overview
Problem
Batteries used in portable devices experience performance degradation and reduced lifetime at lower temperatures due to high impedance, leading to potential device inoperability and reduced usage time, especially in harsh environments like those faced by first responders.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a portable device with a battery cell, a temperature measurement device, and a controller that determines the battery's impedance and temperature, allowing the device to enter a low efficiency mode to draw an auxiliary current and heat the battery cell without the need for a dedicated heater, thereby reducing impedance and extending usage time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a dedicated battery heater is used to heat the battery cell, then the battery impedance is reduced and usage time is extended, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating function with the existing electrical circuit by operating it in a low efficiency mode that generates heat as a byproduct. Instead of adding a separate heater component, the electrical circuit serves dual purposes: maintaining device functionality while simultaneously heating the battery cell to reduce impedance and extend usage time.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical circuit is made multi-functional by utilizing its heat generation capability for battery heating. The same circuit that performs the device's primary function is also used to warm the battery cell, eliminating the need for dedicated heating components and reducing overall device complexity.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a dedicated battery heater is used to heat the battery cell, then the battery impedance is reduced and usage time is extended, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating function with the existing electrical circuit by operating it in a low efficiency mode that generates heat as a byproduct. Instead of adding a separate heater component, the electrical circuit serves dual purposes: maintaining device functionality while simultaneously heating the battery cell to reduce impedance and extend usage time.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical circuit is made multi-functional by utilizing its heat generation capability for battery heating. The same circuit that performs the device's primary function is also used to warm the battery cell, eliminating the need for dedicated heating components and reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the electrical circuit operates in normal efficiency mode, then the device provides full functionality, but the battery impedance remains high and usage time is reduced in low temperature environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the electrical circuit's operating mode based on battery temperature conditions. When the battery is cold and impedance is high, the circuit operates in a low efficiency mode that generates heat to warm the battery. As the battery warms up and impedance decreases, the circuit can transition to normal efficiency mode, optimizing both heating effectiveness and device functionality throughout the operating cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching between low efficiency heating mode and normal efficiency operating mode. The controller monitors battery temperature and impedance, alternating between heating phases that extend usage time and functional phases that provide full device capability, achieving an optimal balance between battery warming and device performance over time.
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 solution effectively extends the operational time of portable devices in low-temperature environments by reducing battery impedance through controlled heating, ensuring the device remains functional and usable for first responders without the need for additional heating components.
Implementation Method 1
controlling the at least one electrical circuit to draw an auxiliary current from the battery cell to heat the battery cell
Data Source
AI summary
Device, system and method to control at least one electrical circuit to enter a low efficiency mode to heat a battery cell is provided. A temperature measurement device and battery cell parameter determination device respectively determine a temperature and impedance of a battery cell of a device. When the temperature of the battery cell is below a threshold temperature and the impedance of the battery cell is above a threshold impedance, a controller of the device controls at an electrical circuit of the device to enter a low efficiency mode by controlling the electrical circuit to draw an auxiliary current from the battery cell to heat the battery cell, the auxiliary current being below a given functional operating current of the electrical circuit, the electrical circuit having reduced functionality, relative to a given functionality when drawing a given functional operating current from the battery cell, while drawing the auxiliary current.