Battery Module With Separate Charging Terminals And Heating Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery systems for power applications, particularly in electric vehicles, face challenges in maintaining high energy density and long life due to the need for continuous connection to an external charging entity and inadequate control over heating and charging processes, leading to reduced lifespan and unsuitability for intensive use.

Innovation Solution

A battery module with rechargeable lithium-metal-polymer cells and a cell charge management circuit that includes separate charging and usage terminals, along with a heating system, allowing for controlled heating and charging processes to maintain optimal operating temperatures and prevent dendrite formation, enabling flexible use and extended autonomy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the battery is permanently connected to an external charging entity, then the cells can be heated and charged, but the battery loses autonomy and cannot function as an independent power supply

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidautonomy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system is segmented into separate charging terminals and usage terminals, allowing independent connection and disconnection. The switching means enables selective connection between charging entity and usage equipment, providing autonomy while maintaining charging capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different operational modes (charging mode and discharge mode) using switching means. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the battery to function as an independent power supply during discharge while accepting charged when connected to charging entity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If charging current flows at high rates, then power density is maintained, but dendrites form and battery life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower densityVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Temperature sensing means continuously monitor cell temperature and provide feedback to the control means. The control means adjusts charging parameters based on temperature feedback, reducing charging current when temperature rises to prevent dendrite formation while maintaining high power density during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operating parameters (charging current, temperature) dynamically based on real-time conditions. By adjusting these parameters, the system maintains high power density during normal charging while preventing harmful effects like dendrite formation when temperature becomes excessive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the battery operates at low temperature, then safety is improved, but charging efficiency decreases and dendrites form

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedendrite formationVSAvoidcharging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating means are activated before charging begins to preheat the battery cells to optimal temperature. This preliminary heating action ensures that subsequent charging occurs at efficient temperatures, preventing dendrite formation while maximizing charging efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes thermal energy storage and phase change materials to maintain optimal temperature during charging. By managing thermal phases and transitions, the system ensures charging occurs at temperatures that maximize efficiency while preventing harmful low-temperature effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

4Ease of operation

If separate charging and usage terminals are implemented, then charging and heating can be controlled independently, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging controlVSAvoidterminal configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching means serve multiple functions: they connect/disconnect charging terminals, control heating current, and isolate battery sections. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, managing complexity while enabling independent control of charging and heating operations.

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

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 allows for efficient heating and charging management, enhancing battery life and maintaining high power density even in intensive use scenarios, making it suitable for independent power supply in vehicles and other applications.

Implementation Method 1

a heating member (33)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2111670B1Power battery module, battery, method for charging the module, and vehicle with such battery
Publication Date: 2011.08.03 BATSCAP
  • EP2111670B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2111670B1 patent drawingFigure 2~9
  • EP2111670B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a power battery module that comprises rechargeable cells (10) having a charging-operation nominal temperature higher than 20°C. According to the invention, the module includes a cell-charge management circuit (50) that comprises: two external cell-charge terminals (21, 22), one of which at least, or so-called “second charge terminal”, is separate from the cell functional terminals (23, 24); first interruption/connection means (23, 24) provided between said second charge terminal (21, 22) and one of the functional terminals (23, 24); second connection means (60) between the charge terminals (21, 22) and the heating member (33) for connecting, at least in a first interruption position, the charge terminals (21, 22) to the cell heating member (33).