Selective Thermal Management for Battery Groups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery systems are inadequate for operating at low temperatures, as most batteries struggle to function effectively below 0°C and can degrade quickly at high temperatures, leading to inefficient thermal management and reduced performance in electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A battery system comprising a first battery group and a second battery group, where the first group provides energy for initial operation and heating of the second group, which has a higher capacity and operates at a higher temperature, using a heating module and thermal path to selectively heat segments of the second group, allowing for efficient charging and discharging in parallel configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single battery group is used to power the vehicle, then the device complexity is reduced, but the battery cannot function effectively at low temperatures and degrades quickly at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into two distinct battery groups: a first battery group configured to operate at lower temperatures and a second battery group configured to operate at higher temperatures. Each group can independently power the vehicle or work in parallel, providing temperature-specific functionality while maintaining system manageability through modular segmentation.
2Reliability
If the battery is heated to operating temperature, then the battery performance is improved, but energy is consumed for heating
Solution Approach 1:
The first battery group, which operates at lower temperatures, is used to power the heating of the second battery group. This self-service approach allows the system to prepare the second battery group for operation without requiring external energy sources, reducing overall energy consumption while improving battery performance.
3Speed
If the second battery group is heated using energy from the first battery group, then the startup speed is improved, but the first battery group capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The first battery group is used to pre-heat the second battery group before the vehicle startup. This preliminary action ensures that the second battery group reaches optimal operating temperature in advance, enabling faster startup while the first battery group temporarily supplies the necessary energy.
4Productivity
If both battery groups operate in parallel, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each battery group is equipped with dedicated heating modules and thermal paths tailored to its specific temperature requirements. The first battery group has heating components optimized for low-temperature operation, while the second battery group has components optimized for high-temperature operation, allowing parallel operation with localized thermal management strategies.
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 configuration enables faster vehicle startup, reduces energy consumption for heating, and maintains battery performance within a safe temperature window, ensuring efficient operation and extending battery life.
Implementation Method 1
the first battery group provides electrical energy to a heating module that selectively heats up selected one or more segments of the second battery group
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is directed to battery systems. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a battery system having a first battery group and a second battery group. The first battery group and the second battery group can share a single housing, or be positioned within separate housings. The first battery group and the second battery group can each have a plurality of cells configured in parallel, and the two groups can be electrically integrated. When operating at a low temperature, the first battery group is configured to provide electrical energy to a heating module that selectively heats up one or more segments of the second battery group. In addition, the first battery group also provides energy for initial operation of an electric vehicle or equipment. Once the selected segments of the battery group are heated up to an operating temperature, the selected segments supply electrical power to the vehicle or equipment and charge the first battery group. In addition, the selected segments of the second battery group provide electrical energy for heating other segments of the second battery group. There are other embodiments as well.