Battery Thermal Control via Predictive Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion batteries in vehicles face operational safety risks and performance degradation due to temperature-related issues, particularly during charging and discharging at low temperatures, leading to potential damage and delayed vehicle start-ups in cold conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling battery temperature by specifying a minimum temperature threshold (Tmin) and determining cooling behavior, applying heat if necessary to maintain the battery temperature above Tmin during loading, and adapting cooling based on usage patterns and load profiles using fuzzy logic for optimal thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the battery is charged or discharged at low temperatures, then the charging or discharging process can continue, but the battery performance degrades and damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the battery before charging or discharging operations at low temperatures. The control unit activates heating elements to raise the battery temperature to a safe operating range (above -10°C or 0°C) before allowing charge/discharge current to flow, preventing performance degradation and damage while enabling continued operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the battery through active heating control. By monitoring battery temperature and adjusting heating power dynamically, the system maintains the battery within safe temperature parameters during cold conditions, allowing charging/discharging to proceed without compromising reliability
2Reliability
If the battery is heated to maintain minimum temperature, then the battery can operate safely at low temperatures, but energy is consumed and charging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial heating action by providing just enough heat to raise the battery temperature to the minimum safe operating threshold (above -10°C or 0°C) rather than heating to optimal temperature. This partial action enables charging to start promptly while consuming less energy and time compared to full heating to ideal operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The heating is performed preliminarily and only until the minimum temperature threshold is reached, allowing charging to begin without excessive delay. The system monitors temperature continuously and stops heating once the threshold is met, balancing safety requirements with time efficiency
3Reliability
If the cooling system operates continuously to prevent overheating, then the battery is protected from thermal damage, but energy is consumed and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system operates dynamically based on real-time temperature conditions rather than continuously. The control unit activates cooling only when battery temperature exceeds safe thresholds during charging or discharging, and deactivates it when temperatures are acceptable, reducing system complexity and energy consumption while maintaining protection from overheating
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback control by continuously monitoring battery temperature and adjusting cooling activation accordingly. Temperature sensors provide feedback to the control unit, which decides whether to activate the cooling system based on current thermal conditions, achieving reliable overheating protection with minimal energy use and simplified control logic
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
Ensures safe and efficient battery operation by preventing overheating and overcooling, maintaining performance, and extending the battery's service life by regulating temperature effectively during charging and discharging, especially in cold conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one battery element is subjected to heat, e.g. B. by a heating element
Implementation Method 2
The cooling behavior preferably describes a cooling of the at least one battery element when the at least one battery element is not under load
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for controlling the temperature of at least one battery element, a battery and a motor vehicle with such a battery, these being useful in particular in order to avoid damage to the at least one battery element during charging and discharging of the at least one battery element. According to the invention, in the method for controlling the temperature of the at least one battery element a temperature value (Tmin) is specified, and the cool-down behaviour of the at least one battery element, beginning at a first temperature (T(0)), is determined. A first point in time (tmin), at which the battery temperature (T) will have reached or fallen below the temperature value (Tmin) is determined by evaluating the cool-down behaviour. Subsequently a second point in time (t_end) for a beginning of the charging or discharging of the at least one battery element is determined. If tmin < t_end, heat is applied to the at least one battery element in such a manner that the battery temperature (T) at the second point in time (t_end) is higher than or equal to the temperature value (Tmin).