Battery Pack Heat Transfer Structure for Subzero Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery packs face challenges in being easily charged at subzero temperatures, as existing designs struggle to maintain optimal charging conditions in extreme outdoor environments.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a heat transfer portion on the battery pack's housing, made from metallic materials like nickel or copper alloys, which is partially exposed to increase internal temperature through external heat transfer, and a heat supply portion on the charging unit to facilitate efficient charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a battery pack is used in extreme outdoor environments such as subzero-temperature environments, then the battery pack can be used anywhere without being limited to places equipped with power outlets, but it becomes difficult to charge the battery pack at an appropriate charge temperature
Solution Approach 1:
A heat transfer portion is introduced as an intermediary component between the battery unit and the external environment. This heat transfer portion includes a heat transfer plate and heat transfer fins that facilitate thermal energy transfer from the external environment to the battery unit, enabling charging at appropriate temperatures even in cold outdoor conditions without requiring external heating devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the thermal parameters of the battery pack by incorporating a heat transfer portion with specific thermal conductivity properties. The heat transfer portion changes the temperature parameter of the battery unit by transferring heat from the external environment, allowing the battery to operate within appropriate temperature ranges for charging despite external subzero conditions
2Reliability
If the battery pack is designed with improved heat transfer capability, then charging can be achieved at subzero temperatures, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer portion is segmented into distinct functional components: a heat transfer plate that contacts the battery unit and heat transfer fins that extend toward the external environment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific thermal function efficiently while keeping the overall design modular and manageable
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active heating elements to warm the battery from the inside out, the patent inverts the approach by using passive heat transfer structures that conduct heat from the external environment into the battery unit. This inversion simplifies the design by eliminating the need for complex active heating systems
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
Enables easy charging of battery packs at subzero temperatures without the need for external heat sources, ensuring safe and efficient operation by maintaining internal temperatures conducive to charging.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transfer portion which is arranged on the first surface of the housing and is at least partially exposed to outside of the housing through the opening, the heat transfer portion increasing an inside temperature of the housing by receiving heat from the outside
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a battery pack configured to be easily charged even at a subzero temperature and an electronic device including the battery pack. The battery pack includes: a housing which includes a first surface including an opening and forms an exterior of the battery pack; a battery unit which is accommodated in the housing; and a heat transfer portion which is arranged on the first surface of the housing and is at least partially exposed to outside of the housing through the opening, the heat transfer portion increasing an inside temperature of the housing by receiving heat from the outside.