Vehicle Battery Heating System with Sensor-Controlled Circuitry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle batteries face challenges in maintaining optimal operating temperatures, especially in cold weather, which affects their performance and charging ability, particularly in electric vehicles where low temperatures can inhibit discharging and charging.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a heat source within the battery housing that is activated by a temperature sensor-controlled circuitry to maintain the electrochemical cells at a minimum operating temperature, with the ability to deactivate when the temperature exceeds this threshold and to limit heating time to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heat source is added to the battery housing to maintain operating temperature, then the battery performance in cold weather is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system integrates multiple components (heat source, temperature sensor, circuitry) into a unified control system within the battery housing. The circuitry combines temperature monitoring and heating control functions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable cold-weather operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor provides continuous feedback to the circuitry, which automatically activates or deactivates the heat source based on measured temperature. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable temperature maintenance without requiring complex manual control systems.
2Power
If the heat source is activated to warm the electrochemical cells, then the battery power supply capability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat source operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when the temperature sensor detects temperatures below the minimum operating threshold and deactivating when the threshold is reached. This periodic operation maintains battery power capability while minimizing energy consumption during normal operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery system uses its own internal resources (power from the battery itself) to heat the electrochemical cells when needed. The circuitry automatically manages the heating process without external intervention, allowing the system to self-regulate temperature while conserving energy through automatic deactivation at target temperatures.
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
Ensures the battery can supply ample power for starting and propulsion in low temperatures by maintaining the cells within an operational range, enhancing the vehicle's performance and reliability in cold conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A heat source may be disposed within the battery housing. The heat source may be configured to increase the temperature of the plurality of electrochemical cells when activated.
Implementation Method 2
A temperature sensor may be disposed within the housing. The sensor may be configured to measure the temperature of at least one of the plurality of electrochemical cells.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are battery systems for electric vehicles. An electric vehicle may include a first battery. The first battery may be configured to power various low voltage systems. For example, the first battery may provide the power to start the vehicle. The vehicle may include a second battery. The second battery may be configured to power one or more electric motors for propelling the vehicle. The first battery may supply power necessary to engage and/or access the power stored in the second battery. The first battery may include a heater to ensure that the first battery can supply ample power to initiate a start sequence in low temperatures.