Battery Drying Device with Valved Desiccant Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery drying technologies do not reliably maintain low moisture levels within battery enclosures, risking critical faults like fires or explosions, especially in lithium-ion batteries.
Innovation Solution
A drying device with a housing containing a desiccant and valve elements that manage fluid connections to and from the battery, allowing for controlled dehumidification and regeneration of the desiccant using waste heat from vehicle systems, ensuring moisture is either absorbed or released based on operational states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a desiccant is used to absorb moisture from the battery, then moisture levels are reduced, but the desiccant requires periodic regeneration which complicates the system operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between absorption and regeneration modes by controlling valve elements based on operational conditions. The first valve element connects the desiccant to the battery for absorption, while the second valve element connects it to the environment for regeneration, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on moisture levels and heat availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The desiccant operates in periodic cycles of absorption and regeneration. During battery operation, the desiccant absorbs moisture continuously. When the battery is not in use or when heat is available, the system switches to regeneration mode to restore the desiccant's moisture-absorbing capacity, creating a rhythmic operational pattern.
2Reliability
If the desiccant is regenerated using external heating, then moisture is removed from the desiccant, but additional energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts waste heat from the battery or vehicle thermal management system into a useful resource for desiccant regeneration. Instead of discarding excess heat, it is utilized to drive the regeneration process, transforming a potentially harmful thermal byproduct into a beneficial energy source that reduces overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery system serves dual purposes: it not only stores electrical energy but also provides thermal energy for desiccant regeneration. The battery essentially regenerates its own moisture protection system using its own operational byproducts, creating a self-sustaining cycle that minimizes external energy requirements.
3Reliability
If the drying device is continuously connected to the battery, then moisture absorption is continuous, but fluid leakage risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid connection system is segmented into distinct controllable paths. The first connection is activated during battery operation for moisture absorption, while the second connection is activated during regeneration or idle periods. This segmentation allows the system to maintain continuous moisture protection while isolating potential leakage sources through valve control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors to monitor moisture levels, valve positions, and potential leakage conditions. This feedback mechanism allows the control unit to adjust valve states dynamically, closing connections when not needed and alerting operators to potential leakage issues, thereby maintaining safety while enabling continuous operation.
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 maintains low moisture levels within batteries, reducing the risk of faults and utilizing existing vehicle heat sources for desiccant regeneration, thus ensuring reliable and energy-efficient dehumidification.
Implementation Method 1
a desiccant (9) for storing moisture is accommodated in the housing (7)
Implementation Method 2
a heating device (16) set up to generate heat for regenerating the desiccant (9)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a drying device for a battery, in particular a lithium-ion battery, comprising a housing (7) in which a desiccant (9) is contained for storing moisture, and the housing (7) having a first connection (12) designed to provide a fluid-conducting connection with the battery (2) and a second connection (13) designed to allow fluid to flow out into the environment (5) of the housing (7), wherein the drying device (1) further comprises a first valve element (14) designed to close or open the first connection (12) in a fluid-tight manner and a second valve element (15) designed to close or open the second connection (13) in a fluid-tight manner.