Battery Current Collector Eddy Heating for Thermal Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical devices, such as lithium-ion batteries, face performance degradation and heat distribution issues due to external heating methods that result in energy loss and inefficient thermal management, especially in varying environmental temperatures.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical device with an internal eddy current heating system using an inductor coil to generate a magnetic field that induces heat in conductive components, such as current collectors, eliminating the need for external heating sources and enhancing thermal efficiency by retaining heat within the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If external heating methods are used, then heating function is provided, but energy loss increases and thermal efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional external heating approach by implementing internal heating through eddy current generation within the electrochemical device itself. The heating element is integrated inside the device, allowing heat to be generated from the interior outward, which eliminates heat transfer losses across the device boundary and significantly improves thermal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochemical device uses its own internal components (conductive materials within the device structure) to generate heat through eddy currents induced by an external magnetic field. This self-heating capability eliminates the need for separate external heating systems and reduces energy loss by generating heat directly where it is needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If internal eddy current heating is used, then thermal efficiency improves and energy loss reduces, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function with existing structural components of the electrochemical device. Conductive materials that are already part of the device architecture (such as current collectors or structural elements) are utilized as the heating elements, combining multiple functions into single components and avoiding the addition of separate complex heating systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or electrical heating systems with electromagnetic induction-based eddy current heating. This substitution uses a magnetic field to induce currents within conductive materials, eliminating the need for direct contact heating elements, wires, or complex thermal management mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.
3Temperature
If external heating methods are used, then heating is provided, but heat distribution becomes inefficient and temperature control is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables localized heating by controlling the spatial distribution and intensity of the magnetic field applied to different regions of the electrochemical device. By adjusting the magnetic field parameters, specific areas within the device can be heated to different temperatures, achieving uniform heat distribution and precise temperature control across various components.
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
The internal heating system improves energy density and rapid heat generation, reducing energy loss to the environment, and allows for controlled temperature management, making the device less dependent on environmental temperatures for performance.
Implementation Method 1
The inductor coil is configured to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field is configured to induce an eddy current in the current collector to generate heat in the current collector.
Implementation Method 2
The inductor coil is configured to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field is configured to induce an eddy current in the current collector to generate heat in the current collector.
Implementation Method 3
The inductor coil is configured to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field is configured to induce an eddy current in the current collector to generate heat in the current collector.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical device according to various aspects of the present disclosure includes an electrochemical cell and an inductor coil. The electrochemical cell includes a current collector. The current collector includes an electrically-conductive material. The inductor coil is configured to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field is configured to induce an eddy current in the current collector to generate heat in the current collector. In various aspects, the present disclosure also provides a method of internally heating an electrochemical cell. In various aspects, the present disclosure also provides a method of controlling heating of an electrochemical cell.