Battery Cooling via Vertical Airflow in Swing Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric construction machines with batteries installed in the rear part of the swing structure face challenges in maximizing battery cell storage due to space constraints, while heat generated during charging/discharging affects battery performance and operating time, necessitating improved cooling efficiency without enlarging the battery storage space.
Innovation Solution
An electric construction machine design featuring a battery storage room with an air flow channel and a flexible covering sheet that forces air upward to cool batteries efficiently, using a duct connected to a machine room with a cooling fan to discharge heat, allowing for increased battery installation without expanding the storage space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the battery storage space is enlarged to increase heat radiating area, then battery cooling efficiency is improved, but the available space for battery cell storage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical air flow dimension by positioning air inlets at the lower part and air outlets at the upper part of the battery storage room, creating upward convection currents that enhance heat dissipation without requiring horizontal space expansion. This three-dimensional cooling approach resolves the contradiction between cooling efficiency and storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs forced air circulation using fans to create controlled airflow through the battery storage room. The pneumatic system moves air through designated channels, providing efficient cooling without expanding the physical storage space, thereby maintaining both cooling performance and battery storage capacity.
2Quantity of substance
If more batteries are installed in the limited space, then battery capacity is improved, but heat dissipation becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery storage room into distinct zones with organized air flow paths. Multiple air inlets and outlets are strategically positioned to create segmented cooling zones, ensuring that heat from densely packed batteries is effectively removed. This segmentation allows high battery density while maintaining adequate heat dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous air circulation through the battery storage room using fans and designated flow channels. The continuous airflow ensures that heat generated by high-density battery installation is constantly removed, preventing heat accumulation and maintaining optimal operating temperatures even with increased battery capacity.
3Temperature
If air flow channel is introduced for cooling, then battery cooling is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes natural convection principles where hot air rises and cold air sinks, creating self-sustaining air circulation patterns. By positioning air inlets at the lower part and outlets at the upper part, the system leverages buoyancy-driven flow to provide cooling with minimal mechanical intervention, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective heat removal.
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 enables effective cooling of batteries, allowing for maximum battery installation without enlarging the storage room, maintaining performance and extending operating time while preventing electrical deterioration and water ingress.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible covering sheet entirely covering the top and side faces of the battery storage structure; and a duct for discharging the air, one end of which is arranged in an upper part of the covering sheet
Implementation Method 2
heat emitted by the battery during the electric charging/discharging
Data Source
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AI summary
The object of the present invention is to provide an electric construction machine capable of efficiently cooling the battery mounted on the swing structure. To achieve the object, there is provided an electric construction machine in which a battery storage room 11 is formed in the swing structure 3 and a plurality of batteries 231 as electric power sources are arranged in the battery storage room 11, comprising: a battery storage structure 23 storing the batteries 231 and having an air flow channel through which air can flow upward from a lower part of the battery storage structure 23; a covering sheet 26 entirely covering the top and side faces of the battery storage structure 23; and a duct 27 for discharging the air, one end of which is arranged in an upper part of the covering sheet 26.