Internal Battery Heating via Charge-Discharge Cycling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery heating systems face inefficiencies when operating in cold temperatures, as they often require external power sources or separate heating elements, which can deplete battery energy and are not always available, especially in remote locations.

Innovation Solution

An internal battery heating system utilizing a heating circuit with electrochemical sub-cells and switches that alternately charge and discharge the core battery, generating heat through electron and ion flow, thereby warming the electrolyte without external power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a separate heating element is used to heat the battery, then the battery can be warmed to restore function, but the system requires external power sources and increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery temperatureVSAvoidheating system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the heating function with the battery's existing electrochemical sub-cells, eliminating the need for separate heating elements. The sub-cells perform dual functions: normal power generation and internal heating through controlled charge-discharge cycling, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining heating capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery system heats itself using its own internal sub-cells without requiring external power sources or separate heating devices. The controlled charge and discharge cycles of the electrochemical sub-cells generate heat internally, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Temperature

If a separate heating element is used to heat the battery, then the battery can be warmed, but external power sources are required which may not be available in remote locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery temperatureVSAvoidoperational environment adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system uses its own internal electrochemical sub-cells to generate heat through controlled charge-discharge cycles, eliminating dependence on external power sources. This self-heating capability enables operation in remote locations without external infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The electrochemical sub-cells serve multiple functions: they generate power during normal operation and provide heating capability when needed. This multi-functionality increases the system's adaptability to various operational environments, including remote locations without external power availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If external power sources are used for heating, then the battery can be warmed, but battery energy is depleted and heating efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery temperatureVSAvoidenergy loss during heating

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system generates its own heating energy internally through controlled charge-discharge cycles of the electrochemical sub-cells, avoiding energy transfer losses associated with external power sources and heating elements. This self-heating process minimizes energy loss and improves overall heating efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The heating function is merged with the battery's existing electrochemical sub-cells, eliminating energy losses associated with external power transmission and separate heating elements. The direct internal generation of heat through sub-cell cycling reduces energy loss and improves heating efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 allows for efficient self-heating of batteries by consuming a portion of the core battery's energy to reach operational temperatures, reducing energy loss and eliminating the need for external power sources, making it suitable for use in remote or cold environments.

Implementation Method 1

generating heat through electron and ion flow, thereby warming the electrolyte

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11495839B2Internal battery heating

Publication Date: 2022.11.08 TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC

AI summary

An internal battery heating system includes an electrical conversion device electrically coupled to an electrochemical sub-cell or battery modules to form a heating circuit. The electrical conversion device alternately raises and lowers a voltage of the heating circuit to drive current between the heating circuit and the electrochemical sub-cell or battery modules. A controller commands the electrical conversion device to cyclically charge and discharge the electrochemical sub-cell or battery modules for internally heating the battery modules. Alternatively, a battery module may be electrically coupled to electrochemical sub-cells via pairs of switches to form a heating circuit. The pairs of switches are adapted for switching the heating circuit alternately between a parallel arrangement and a series arrangement to alternate charging and discharging of the battery module which results in internal heating of the battery module.