Battery Power Calculation Under Thermal Limits and Target Time

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery management systems struggle to efficiently manage energy in vehicles by limiting power when the battery reaches its maximum temperature, leading to inefficient energy use and poor temperature control.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that calculate an optimum power value for battery cells based on temperature and resistance, using a thermal model to determine the optimal current value without exceeding the threshold temperature, thereby maintaining appropriate battery temperatures and enhancing energy management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If power is used to the maximum until the limit temperature of the battery is reached and then power is rapidly limited, then the battery can provide maximum power output, but the vehicle cannot efficiently manage energy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery power outputVSAvoidenergy management efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary cooling actions before the battery reaches its limit temperature. By predicting the temperature rise based on current power usage and cooling conditions, the system activates cooling in advance, allowing the battery to maintain higher power output for longer periods without exceeding temperature limits, thus improving overall energy management efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors battery temperature, cooling conditions, and power usage, then uses this feedback to dynamically adjust power limits. Rather than rapid on/off power limiting, the system smoothly adjusts power constraints based on real-time thermal state, optimizing both power output and energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Temperature

If power is collectively limited to a prescribed value when the battery reaches the limit temperature, then the battery temperature is controlled, but the vehicle energy management becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery temperature controlVSAvoidenergy management efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts power limits based on real-time battery temperature and cooling conditions rather than applying a fixed prescribed power limit. The power constraint is continuously modified to match the battery's actual thermal state, maintaining temperature control while maximizing energy utilization efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power limit parameter dynamically based on temperature conditions. Instead of a single prescribed power value, the power limit is adjusted as a variable parameter that responds to changing thermal conditions, allowing optimal balance between temperature control and energy efficiency

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 allows for efficient energy management by maintaining batteries within safe temperature limits during target times, ensuring optimal power usage and preventing power limitations, thus improving vehicle energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

when the battery reaches the limit temperature while using the maximum power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

in consideration of heating and cooling conditions of a battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3992650B1Apparatus and method for calculating battery power
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3992650B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3992650B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3992650B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus for calculating battery power including a time setting unit that sets a target time for using a battery cell, a temperature sensor unit that measures temperature of the battery cell, a resistance calculation unit that calculates resistance of the battery cell, and a power calculation unit that calculates an optimum current value usable without exceeding threshold temperature of the battery cell during the target time, based on the temperature and resistance of the battery.