Battery Energy Control Module Thermal Conditioning via PTC Resistive Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle battery systems face challenges in delivering current at extreme low ambient temperatures, as conventional thermal conditioning methods often require external interfaces and additional components, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) with positive temperature coefficient (PTC) devices, such as thermistors or silistors, within the battery pack to provide thermal conditioning by utilizing existing charge-balance circuitry and generating heat through I^2R power loss, allowing for self-regulation and efficient heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If external heating methods are used to warm the battery pack, then thermal conditioning is achieved, but device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating function with the existing battery management circuitry by integrating PTC devices into the charge-balancing circuit. This merging eliminates the need for separate external heating components while achieving thermal conditioning through the I²R heating effect in the integrated circuit elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge-balancing circuit is designed to serve dual purposes: maintaining charge equilibrium among battery cells and providing thermal conditioning when needed. The PTC devices within this circuit can function as both charge-balancing resistors and heating elements, reducing overall system complexity.
2Temperature
If separate heater and PTC resistive elements are used for each battery cell, then thermal conditioning is provided, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple heating functions into a single integrated circuit board that can serve multiple battery cells. The PTC devices are mounted on the circuit board in positions that allow them to heat adjacent battery cells through conduction and radiation, eliminating the need for separate heater assemblies for each cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board serves multiple functions: electrical connection for charge balancing, thermal conditioning through PTC devices, and structural support. The PTC resistive elements serve dual purposes as both charge-balancing components and heating elements, reducing overall component count and weight.
3Temperature
If charge-balancing circuitry with PTC devices is used, then thermal conditioning and self-regulation are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines charge-balancing resistors and heating elements into a single PTC device integration on the circuit board. This merging simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of discrete components that need to be assembled and wired, while maintaining both charge-balancing and heating functions.
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 more effective thermal conditioning of vehicle traction batteries at low temperatures, reducing the need for external heating methods and providing rapid heating and self-regulating protection, while also simplifying the component count and reducing weight.
Implementation Method 1
generating heat through I^2R power loss
Implementation Method 2
circuitry having at least one positive temperature coefficient component, such as a thermistor or silistor
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle traction battery includes a plurality of battery cells and a battery energy control module (BECM) for charge-balancing the plurality of battery cells. The BECM is disposed within the vehicle traction battery and includes circuitry having at least one positive temperature coefficient component, such as a thermistor or silistor, connected to at least one of the plurality of battery cells for thermal conditioning of the plurality of battery cells.