Battery Module Thermal Management for Vehicle Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery systems in vehicles face efficiency variations due to temperature fluctuations, necessitating rapid attainment of a desirable operating temperature to minimize power supply inefficiencies across sub-freezing and hot conditions.
Innovation Solution
A battery system with a heat transfer assembly that selectively heats or cools battery modules based on their temperature and the required capacity, using a controller to determine which modules to heat or cool and how to connect them to the terminal for optimal energy supply, ensuring each module operates within its efficient temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the battery system operates in a broad temperature range, then the vehicle can function in various environmental conditions, but the battery cell efficiency varies significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter of battery modules dynamically by activating heating or cooling circuits based on detected temperature conditions, thereby maintaining optimal efficiency across varying environmental temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The battery system transitions from static operation to dynamic temperature management by selectively activating heating or cooling functions based on real-time temperature detection and journey requirements, allowing the system to adapt its thermal state continuously
2Reliability
If the battery system heats or cools all battery modules, then all modules reach optimal temperature, but energy is wasted heating/cooling modules not needed for the desired capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple independently controllable modules, allowing selective thermal management of only those modules needed for the current capacity requirement rather than managing the entire battery system uniformly
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies thermal management partially by heating or cooling only the necessary number of battery modules required to meet the desired capacity, avoiding the excessive action of conditioning all modules regardless of need
3Reliability
If the battery system takes time to reach desirable operating temperature, then power supply efficiency is reduced during the warming/cooling period
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary thermal conditioning by heating or cooling battery modules before they are electrically connected to provide power, ensuring modules are at optimal temperature prior to operation rather than allowing efficiency loss during warm-up/cool-down
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 solution ensures battery modules operate within their optimal temperature range, enhancing energy efficiency and extending vehicle range by dynamically adjusting thermal energy levels and module connections according to the vehicle's journey demands.
Implementation Method 1
A heat transfer assembly 160 is provided for selectively heating or cooling one or more of the battery modules 110, 120, 130
Data Source
AI summary
A method for a battery system for a vehicle is provided. The battery system can include a plurality of battery modules and a heat transfer assembly. Each of the battery modules can include one or more cells. The battery modules are selectively electrically connectable to a terminal of the battery system in order to provide electrical power to the vehicle. The heat transfer assembly can selectively adjust thermal energy levels of one or more of the battery modules. The method can include determining a desired capacity of the battery system, determining a number of the battery modules to have thermal energy levels adjusted by the heat transfer assembly according to the desired capacity of the battery system, and operating the heat transfer assembly to adjust thermal energy levels of the determined number of battery modules.