Battery Temperature Homogenization via Internal Resistive Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for regulating the temperature of electrochemical batteries in hybrid or electric vehicles are inefficient, leading to temperature disparities within the battery pack, reduced performance, and premature aging due to the need for external heating and cooling systems, which increase costs and size, and result in inhomogeneous cell heating and cooling.
Innovation Solution
A system that dynamically adjusts the current intensity through the battery by disconnecting and reconnecting electrochemical elements based on their temperature, location, and state of health, using internal resistors to homogenize temperature across the battery pack, thereby optimizing heating and reducing disparities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If external heating and cooling systems are used to regulate battery temperature, then temperature regulation capability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery cells serve their own heating function through internal resistive heating caused by current flow. The patent utilizes the natural electrical resistance of the battery cells to generate heat during operation, eliminating the need for external heating systems. This self-service approach reduces device complexity while maintaining temperature regulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and utilizes the internal heating capability already present in the battery cells through current flow, separating this useful heating function from the need for external heating systems. By taking out and leveraging the inherent resistive heating property of the battery cells, the system achieves temperature regulation without adding complex external heating equipment.
2Temperature
If conventional cooling circuits are used to cool battery cells, then cooling capability is improved, but temperature homogeneity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different battery cells to operate at different temperature levels based on their individual thermal states and operational requirements. Rather than forcing uniform cooling across all cells, the system permits localized temperature variations that reflect actual cell conditions, thereby maintaining temperature homogeneity while providing effective cooling where needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If battery cells are operated at extreme temperatures, then operational flexibility is improved, but battery lifespan deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor battery cell temperatures and adjust operational parameters accordingly. When cells approach extreme temperature conditions, the system provides feedback to modify current flow or activate cooling, preventing damage while maintaining operational flexibility. This closed-loop control ensures cells operate within safe temperature ranges without compromising vehicle performance requirements.
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 ensures more efficient and uniform temperature regulation, reducing battery degradation, improving performance, and extending the battery's lifespan by utilizing internal heat sources effectively, thus enhancing the overall energy potential and operational reliability of the battery.
Implementation Method 1
the value of the intensity of the current flowing through the battery is increased up to a first threshold value... using internal resistors to homogenize temperature across the battery pack
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method regulate the temperature of an electrochemical battery. The system can be incorporated in a hybrid or electric motor vehicle including at least two electrical-energy-accumulating elements, each element including at least one electrochemical cell. The system increases the intensity of the value of the current flowing through the battery up to a first threshold value and includes a module for disconnecting and connecting an electrical-energy-accumulating element.