Battery Module Heating via Resistor Discharge and Fan Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle batteries with cold internal temperatures supply less electrical power than desired, necessitating an improved heating system to enhance performance.
Innovation Solution
A heating system for battery modules that includes a resistor and a temperature sensor, where a computer controls a switch to discharge battery cell groups through the resistor to generate heat, and a fan to distribute this heat, ensuring the battery module reaches a threshold temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the battery operates at cold internal temperatures, then the battery can function without additional heating components, but the electrical power output is lower than desired
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module uses its own stored electrical energy to generate heat through the resistor, warming itself without requiring external heating sources. The control system monitors temperature and activates the heating function only when needed, allowing the battery to self-regulate its temperature based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical resistance parameter by connecting the resistor in parallel with battery cell groups, transforming the battery's electrical energy into thermal energy. This parameter change enables temperature control to optimize power output characteristics.
2Power
If a heating system is added to increase battery temperature, then the electrical power output is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resistor serves multiple functions: it acts as a balancing resistor during normal operation and as a heating element when temperature increases are needed. The fan also serves dual purposes by providing cooling during normal operation and heat distribution when heating is required, reducing the need for separate dedicated heating components.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery module uses its own stored electrical energy to power the heating resistor, eliminating the need for an external power source for the heating function. The control system uses existing temperature sensors and processing units to monitor and manage the heating process.
3Temperature
If the battery discharges through the resistor to generate heat, then the temperature level increases, but the battery capacity is reduced due to partial discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The control system activates the heating function periodically or intermittently based on temperature monitoring, rather than continuously discharging the battery. The system checks temperature conditions and only initiates heating when the temperature falls below the threshold, allowing the battery to recharge between heating cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors the temperature of battery cell groups and uses this feedback to determine when to activate or deactivate the heating function. This closed-loop control ensures heating occurs only when necessary, minimizing unnecessary battery discharge while maintaining optimal temperature.
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
Effectively increases the temperature of the battery module, thereby enhancing its electrical power output and performance by utilizing a balancing resistor to generate and distribute heat energy.
Implementation Method 1
a resistor configured to be electrically coupled to the first and second battery cell groups when a switch has a first operational position... at least partially discharge the first and second battery cell groups through the resistor to generate heat energy in the resistor
Implementation Method 2
a fan configured to circulate air within the battery module... generate a second control signal to turn on the fan to distribute the heat energy in the battery module
Data Source
AI summary
A heating system and a method for heating a battery module are provided. The method includes determining if the temperature signal indicates that the temperature level is less than a threshold temperature level. If the temperature level is less than the threshold temperature level, then the method further includes generating a first control signal to induce the switch to have the first operational position to at least partially discharge the first and second battery cell groups through a resistor to generate heat energy in the resistor. The method further includes generating a second control signal to turn on a fan to distribute the heat energy in the battery module to increase a temperature level of the battery module.