Battery Heating Current Modulation by SOC for Low-Temperature Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery heating systems lack flexibility and efficiency, particularly in low temperature environments, as they require external heating devices and offer limited control over heating methods, leading to reduced performance and increased energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A battery heating system that modulates current between direct and alternating current based on the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery, using direct current for low SOC to reduce power consumption and alternating current for high SOC to enhance heating efficiency, thereby improving flexibility and energy management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If external heating devices are used to heat the battery, then the battery can be heated in low temperature environment, but the system complexity increases and flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery temperatureVSAvoidheating system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system uses its own internal components (inverter, motor windings, DC link capacitor) to generate heat for heating the battery, eliminating the need for external heating devices. The control unit switches between different heating modes (resistive heating via inverter switches, induction heating via motor windings, capacitive heating via DC link capacitor) based on temperature requirements, achieving self-service heating while reducing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The inverter and motor windings serve dual purposes: driving the motor during normal operation and generating heat for battery heating when needed. The DC link capacitor also serves as an energy storage component and a heating source. This multi-functionality eliminates dedicated external heating devices and improves system flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If singular heating method is used throughout the heating process, then the heating system is simple to control, but the flexibility and heating efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating control simplicityVSAvoidheating method flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system dynamically switches between different heating modes (resistive heating, induction heating, capacitive heating) based on real-time temperature requirements and operational conditions. The control unit adjusts the heating method and intensity dynamically, allowing simple control through automated mode switching while achieving high flexibility and efficiency through adaptive heating strategy selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by switching between different heating mechanisms with distinct characteristics. Each heating mode has different efficiency, heating rate, and适用 conditions. The control unit monitors temperature and automatically adjusts the heating parameters by selecting appropriate modes, achieving both ease of operation through automated control and flexibility through parameter variation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If alternating current is used for battery heating, then heating efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases when battery power is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit monitors battery temperature and state of charge, then dynamically switches between heating modes. When battery power is sufficient and rapid heating is needed, induction heating with alternating current is used for high efficiency. When battery power is insufficient, the system switches to resistive heating with direct current to reduce energy consumption. This adaptive parameter change optimizes both heating efficiency and energy consumption based on real-time conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach enhances heating efficiency and reduces energy consumption by adapting to the battery's power state, ensuring effective battery heating with improved flexibility and performance in low temperature conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a first current flowing into the motor windings is modulated into a direct current, so that heat generated from the direct current at the inverter switches is used to heat the battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResistive heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a second current flowing into the motor windings is modulated into an alternating current, so that heat generated from the alternating current at the motor windings is used to heat the battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 3

a second current flowing into the motor windings is modulated into an alternating current, so that heat generated from the alternating current at the DC link capacitor is used to heat the battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric heating: Dielectric Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4033587B1Current modulation module, parameter determination module, battery heating system, as well as control method and control device therefor
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 JIANGSU CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECH LTD
  • EP4033587B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4033587B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4033587B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The embodiments of the present application provide a current modulation module, a parameter determination module, a battery heating system, as well as a control method and a control device thereof, and relate to the field of battery. The control method includes determining a state of charge, SOC, of the battery, modulating a first current flowing into windings of a motor into an alternating current when the SOC is greater than a first SOC threshold, so as to use heat generated by the alternating current in a first target module to heat the battery, and modulating a second current flowing into the windings of the motor into a direct current when the SOC is less than or equal to the first SOC threshold, so as to use heat generated by the direct current in a second target module to heat the battery. The solution according to the embodiments of the present application take both heating efficiency and energy consumption into account, and improve flexibility of the battery heating system.