Battery Cell Thermal Management Using Heaters and Heat Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery management systems struggle to efficiently manage temperature in battery cells, leading to accelerated chemical reactions, reduced capacity, and premature failure due to inadequate thermal control, especially in lithium-ion batteries, which are affected by both low and high temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A battery system comprising a plurality of battery cells connected to switches and heaters, where the heaters generate heat by dissipating power from the cells and channel it through conduits to maintain optimal temperature, thereby actively or passively balancing states of charge and extending battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If battery cells are operated at low temperatures, then chemical reaction rates decrease and capacity is reduced, but heating the cells requires additional energy consumption and system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of excess heat generated during battery charging into a beneficial heating source for cold temperature compensation. Instead of dissipating heat through traditional cooling systems, the patent redirects this waste heat to warm the battery cells when temperatures are low, thereby improving chemical reaction rates without additional energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a thermal management system that performs multiple functions: it provides cooling when battery temperature is high and heating when battery temperature is low. The same heat exchange infrastructure serves both cooling and heating purposes, eliminating the need for separate heating systems and reducing overall system complexity and energy consumption.
2Productivity
If battery cells are operated at high temperatures, then chemical reaction rates increase and capacity improves, but cell degradation accelerates and lifetime is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback control mechanism that continuously monitors battery cell temperature and adjusts the thermal management system accordingly. When cell temperature exceeds the optimal range, the system activates cooling; when temperature drops below the optimal range, the system activates heating. This closed-loop control maintains battery temperature within the optimal window, maximizing both performance and lifetime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts thermal parameters (temperature, heat transfer rate) based on real-time battery conditions. By changing the thermal management strategy from static to dynamic parameter control, the system optimizes chemical reaction rates while preventing excessive temperature that would accelerate degradation, thus balancing productivity and reliability.
3Temperature
If traditional cooling systems are used to manage battery temperature, then high temperatures are controlled, but system complexity increases and low temperature heating capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a thermal management system that uses the same heat exchange infrastructure for both cooling and heating operations. The system can switch between providing cooling to prevent overheating and providing heating for cold temperature compensation, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling systems and thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the waste heat that would normally be dissipated by traditional cooling systems into a useful heating source for cold temperature compensation. By redirecting this excess heat to warm battery cells when temperatures are low, the system reduces the need for additional heating equipment and simplifies the overall thermal management architecture.
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
The system effectively raises the temperature of battery cells, enhancing chemical reaction rates, extending battery cycle life, and preventing damage from overcharging and over-discharging, while maintaining optimal performance and reducing energy waste.
Implementation Method 1
one or more heaters electrically connected to the switches and configured to generate heat upon activation of one or more switches by dissipating power from the battery cells
Implementation Method 2
one or more heat conduits configured to channel the heat generated by the one or more heaters towards at least one of the battery cells
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology relates generally to battery management systems and more particularly to battery management systems configured for thermal management of battery cells. In one aspect, a battery system comprises a plurality of battery cells electrically connected to each other. The battery system comprises a plurality of switches each connected to one of the battery cells. The battery system additionally comprises one or more heaters electrically connected to the switches and configured to generate heat upon activation of one or more switches by dissipating power from the battery cells. The battery system further comprises one or more heat conduits configured to channel the heat generated by the one or more heaters towards at least one of the battery cells.