Battery Electrolyte Heating for Low-Temperature Fast Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery technologies face challenges in fast charging at low temperatures without damaging the batteries, as existing methods either reduce battery life or require significant modifications to charging systems and platforms.
Innovation Solution
The development of high-frequency AC current direct electrolyte heating technology, which rapidly heats the battery electrolyte to optimal operating temperatures using externally powered or self-powered high-frequency AC currents, allowing for safe and efficient fast charging of batteries like Lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries at rates up to 4C-6C without causing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fast charging is performed at low temperatures using conventional methods, then charging speed is improved, but battery damage and reduced battery life occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the battery electrolyte using high-frequency AC currents before initiating fast charging. This preliminary action raises the battery temperature to optimal levels, preventing damage during subsequent high-rate charging operations and enabling fast charging without compromising battery life
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the battery electrolyte by applying high-frequency AC currents that generate heat through dielectric heating. This parameter change enables the battery to operate within optimal temperature ranges during fast charging, resolving the contradiction between charging speed and battery durability
2Temperature
If external heating methods (heating blankets or integrated heaters) are used to warm batteries at low temperatures, then battery temperature is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the battery's own electrical characteristics to generate heat through high-frequency AC currents. The electrolyte and electrode materials themselves serve as the heating medium, eliminating the need for separate heating elements, blankets, or complex thermal management systems while reducing overall energy consumption
3Use of energy by moving object
If high-frequency AC currents are used for direct electrolyte heating, then heating efficiency is improved, but integration into existing charging systems becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the heating function with the existing charging system by integrating high-frequency AC current generation into the charging infrastructure. The heating and charging processes are combined into a single coordinated operation, allowing efficient electrolyte heating without requiring separate heating equipment or complex modifications to existing charging platforms
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 technology enables rapid and efficient charging of batteries at low temperatures, extending their life cycle and integrating seamlessly into existing charging systems and platforms, ensuring optimal performance and energy availability in cold environments.
Implementation Method 1
The methods and devices are based on direct heating of the battery electrolyte using appropriately formed high frequency AC currents
Implementation Method 2
The developed electrolyte heating units are externally powered at extremely low temperatures at which the battery is unable to provide a significant amount of power
Data Source
AI summary
A charging heating device for charging and temperature maintenance of an energy storage device having a core with an electrolyte, with one input having characteristics of a frequency-dependent resistor and inductor series coupled to a voltage source, the device including: a coupling coupled to the one input; an exciter coupled to the coupling, the exciter provides a positive and negative input current at the one input, the exciter operates a heating mode where a current frequency is set at or close to a maximum heating rate to internally heat the electrolyte, and an ionic-excitation mode where the current frequency is set above the maximum heating rate to generate ionic-excitation of the electrolyte ions; an input coupled to a charger; a switch coupling the device input and the coupling; and a controller controlling the exciter and switching of the modes.