Actuated Battery Heat Transfer for Adaptive Thermal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery cooling systems promote inefficient heat exchange with the environment, leading to impaired performance and lifespan due to direct physical connections between battery cells and external environments.
Innovation Solution
A heat-transfer system with a first and second heat-conducting element, controlled by an actuator, allows variable heat transfer between battery units and external environments, featuring a modular design and adaptive insulation/cooling mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If direct physical connections are made between battery cells and external environment for heat exchange, then heat transfer capability is improved, but heat transfer efficiency deteriorates due to environmental temperature exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer system is divided into two distinct heat-conducting elements: a first heat-conducting element that contacts the battery cell and a second heat-conducting element that contacts the external environment. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally without direct exposure of the battery to environmental conditions, thereby maintaining heat transfer capability while improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The first heat-conducting element acts as an intermediary between the battery cell and the second heat-conducting element. It transfers heat from the battery cell to the second element, which then dissipates it to the external environment. This intermediary structure prevents direct thermal exposure of the battery to environmental temperature fluctuations, resolving the contradiction between heat transfer capability and efficiency.
2Temperature
If fixed thermal connection is maintained between battery units and external environment, then cooling capability is improved, but adaptability to varying thermal conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates an actuator that enables dynamic adjustment of the first heat-conducting element's position between a first position (connected to both battery unit and second heat-conducting element) and a second position (disconnected). This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying thermal conditions by adjusting the thermal connection as needed, maintaining cooling capability while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator changes the positional parameter of the first heat-conducting element, thereby changing the thermal connection parameter of the system. By transitioning between connected and disconnected states, the system can adjust its thermal characteristics to match varying operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between fixed cooling capability and adaptability.
3Reliability
If variable heat transfer control is implemented, then battery performance is improved, but system complexity increases due to actuator and position control
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components (first heat-conducting element, second heat-conducting element, actuator) with clearly defined roles. This segmentation makes the complexity manageable by localizing control functions to specific components rather than requiring complex integrated control, thereby improving battery performance while keeping system complexity reasonable.
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
Optimizes heat transfer by dynamically adjusting to thermal conditions, preventing overheating or excessive cooling, thus maintaining optimal battery performance and extending lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
the first heat-conducting element being configured to receive heat from the battery unit and transfer it to the second heat-conducting element
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to heat-transfer for a battery. The battery can comprise at least one battery unit. The heat-transfer system can comprise a first heat-conducting element for thermal connection to the at least one battery unit, a second heat-conducting element for thermal connection to a battery external environment, and an actuator configured to alter a position of the first heat-conducting element between a first position for connecting the first heat-conducting element to at least one of the second heat-conducting element and the at least one battery unit and a second position for disconnecting the first heat-conducting element from at least one of the second heat-conducting element and the at least one battery unit. The first heat-conducting element can be configured to receive heat from the at least one battery unit and transfer the heat to the second heat-conducting element in the first position.