Battery Heating Circuit Using Transformer Current Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Batteries used in electric vehicles and electronic devices experience reduced capacity and performance under low temperature conditions due to increased resistance and polarization, which affects their service life and charge/discharge efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A battery heating circuit comprising a switch unit, a switching control module, a one-way semiconductor component, a damping component, and a transformer, where the switching control module controls the switch unit to manage current flow through the damping component to generate heat, and the transformer stores and limits energy to prevent over-current and optimize heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If direct heating current is applied to the battery, then heating effect is achieved, but battery and switch unit may be damaged due to over-current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transformer as an intermediary component between the power source and the battery. The transformer's primary winding receives heating current, and the secondary winding provides controlled current to the battery through a rectifier circuit. This intermediary transformation allows the system to achieve heating effect while limiting the current magnitude to safe levels for the battery and switch unit, preventing direct over-current damage.
2Productivity
If high current is used for heating, then heating efficiency is improved, but energy loss increases and switch unit may burn out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the current parameters through the transformer's winding ratio. By adjusting the turns ratio between primary and secondary windings, the system converts high-voltage low-current input into controlled low-voltage appropriate current output, optimizing the heating efficiency while preventing excessive current that would cause energy loss and component damage.
3Reliability
If transformer is used for energy storage and current limiting, then energy loss is reduced and battery is protected, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer in the patent serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an energy storage element during the charging phase, functions as a current limiter to protect the battery and switch unit, and provides voltage transformation for efficient power transfer. By consolidating these multiple protective and functional roles into a single transformer component, the circuit achieves reliable battery protection and energy efficiency without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
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 solution effectively maintains battery capacity and charge/discharge performance under low temperatures by controlling current flow and energy storage, reducing energy loss and protecting the battery and switch unit from damage.
Implementation Method 1
the damping component generates heat as the current flows through it, and thereby heats up the battery
Implementation Method 2
the transformer transfers the stored energy back to the battery
Data Source
AI summary
Circuit and method for heating a battery. The heating circuit includes a switch unit, a switching control module, a one-way semiconductor component, a damping component and a transformer. The switching control module is electrically connected with the switch unit. The battery, the damping component, a first winding of the transformer, and the switch unit are connected in a first loop with each other to constitute a battery discharging circuit. The battery, the damping component, a second winding of the transformer, and the one-way semiconductor component are connected in a second loop with each other to constitute a battery charging circuit.