Battery Pack Preheating With Phase Change Matrix for Low-Temp Fast Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithium-ion battery packs face challenges in fast charging due to low charging rates, particularly at low temperatures, which can lead to prolonged downtime and reduced performance and cycle life.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for preheating lithium-ion battery packs using a thermal management composite matrix, such as a phase change composite, to raise the temperature to an optimal charging level before initiating fast or dynamic charging, utilizing a warming electric current through the matrix to achieve desired temperature thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fast charging is performed at low temperatures, then charging speed is improved, but battery performance and cycle life deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the battery pack before initiating fast charging when low temperature is detected. This preliminary action raises the battery temperature to an optimal range, enabling subsequent fast charging to proceed at high speeds without damaging the battery cells, thus resolving the contradiction between charging speed and battery longevity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the temperature parameter by applying heating power to the battery pack when temperature falls below the threshold. This parameter change transforms the battery from a low-temperature state (unsuitable for fast charging) to an optimal temperature state, allowing fast charging to proceed safely and effectively
2Productivity
If battery pack size is increased to mitigate downtime, then charging rate is improved, but weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter through active heating when low temperature is detected, enabling fast charging to proceed at optimal temperatures. This allows the use of appropriately sized battery packs without requiring oversized designs, as the temperature control enables efficient charging that reduces downtime without increasing weight
3Productivity
If charging rate is increased at low temperatures, then productivity is improved, but harmful effects on battery cells increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating to raise battery temperature before allowing high-rate charging. This preliminary thermal preparation eliminates the harmful effects of low-temperature fast charging on cell aging and safety, enabling high charging rates to be applied safely
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful low-temperature condition into a beneficial state by applying controlled heating. The heating process transforms the cold battery into an optimally warmed battery, turning what would be a harmful charging condition into a safe and efficient charging opportunity
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
Improves charging speed and reduces the impact on cell aging by ensuring lithium-ion batteries are charged at optimal temperatures, enhancing performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
heating the battery pack by directing a warming electric current through the thermal management composite matrix
Implementation Method 2
The method can be implemented by heating the battery pack by directing a warming electric current through the thermal management composite matrix
Implementation Method 3
A battery pack includes a plurality of electrochemical cells distributed within a thermal management composite matrix, such as a phase change composite (PCC)
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for charging a battery pack including a plurality of electrochemical cells distributed within a thermal management composite matrix, including a phase change material. The method operates upon determining that a battery pack temperature and/or voltage measurement is below a predetermined minimum threshold. The pack temperature and/or the voltage measurement is raised to the predetermined minimum threshold, such as by applying a low current rate, and then the charging rate is increased upon reaching the predetermined minimum threshold. The increased charging rate is further selected based upon a thermal state of charge of the thermal management composite matrix.