Battery Preheating via Ambient Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium-ion batteries face performance degradation and safety issues when used in low-temperature environments, as existing preheating methods are inefficient and can damage the battery, limiting charging and discharging capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A battery preheating method and apparatus that adjusts the ambient temperature of a preheating zone using a heating module and temperature sensors to ensure the battery reaches a preset temperature condition before charging or discharging, incorporating intelligent temperature control and monitoring to optimize energy usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If heating resistors are wrapped on the battery surface for preheating, then the battery can be preheated, but the cost increases and temperature control becomes difficult causing potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery temperatureVSAvoidpreheating device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a preheating chamber as an intermediary environment between the external low-temperature environment and the battery. The chamber contains the battery and provides a controlled thermal environment, separating the battery from direct contact with heating elements and external cold conditions. This mediator approach allows indirect heating through controlled air circulation and heating plates, avoiding direct heating resistor contact while maintaining precise temperature control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical wrapping of heating resistors on the battery surface with an environmental control system. Instead of direct contact heating mechanisms, the system uses a controlled chamber with heating plates and air circulation to create a favorable thermal environment. This substitution eliminates the complexity of wrapping resistors while providing more uniform and controllable heating through environmental manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Temperature

If heating resistors are used for preheating, then the battery temperature can be increased, but the temperature cannot be well controlled which can damage the battery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery temperatureVSAvoidbattery safety

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system using temperature sensors positioned within the preheating chamber to continuously monitor the thermal environment. The controller receives temperature data and adjusts the heating plate operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system. This feedback mechanism prevents temperature runaway and ensures the battery is heated only to the required extent, eliminating the uncontrolled heating problem of traditional resistor wrapping methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary temperature assessment by detecting whether the battery temperature meets charging requirements before initiating the charging process. The system checks the battery state in advance and only allows charging when temperature conditions are satisfied, preventing damage from charging at inappropriate temperatures. This preliminary verification step ensures battery safety before the main charging operation begins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Temperature

If preheating is performed without temperature monitoring, then the battery can be heated, but energy is wasted and battery life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery temperatureVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses temperature sensors and controllers to create a feedback-controlled heating system that monitors battery temperature in real-time and adjusts heating power accordingly. The system stops heating when the battery reaches the required temperature, preventing energy waste from continuous heating. This intelligent control ensures energy is used only when and where needed, significantly reducing unnecessary energy consumption compared to unmonitored preheating methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Effectively preheats batteries for safe charging and discharging in low-temperature conditions, extending battery life and improving performance while conserving energy through intelligent temperature adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

heating the preheating zone if a trigger event of preheating the battery is detected

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule Heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

heat generated by the heating member can be transferred to the accommodating space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal Conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

acquiring an ambient temperature of the preheating zone when preheating the battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermistor

Data Source

PatentUS10734691B2Battery preheating methods, devices, and apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.08.04 SZ DJI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A method for preheating a battery includes acquiring an ambient temperature of a preheating zone, determining if the ambient temperature of the preheating zone satisfies a preset temperature condition, and, if the ambient temperature does not satisfy the preset temperature condition, controlling heating of the preheating zone until the ambient temperature satisfies the temperature condition.