Battery Pack Self-Heating via Reactive Power Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Energy storage systems face challenges in maintaining stable operation in low-temperature environments due to the high sensitivity of batteries, requiring efficient and cost-effective heating solutions.
Innovation Solution
A self-heating method utilizing the electrical energy conversion apparatus in a reactive operation mode to generate thermal energy for heating the coolant, which exchanges thermal energy with the battery pack, eliminating the need for additional heating devices and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heating apparatus is provided to the liquid cooling system to heat coolant, then the battery pack can be heated to permissible operating temperature, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function into the existing liquid cooling system by utilizing the coolant circulation infrastructure. The electrical energy conversion apparatus serves dual purposes: normal power conversion and heat generation for battery heating. This eliminates the need for separate heating apparatus while maintaining effective battery temperature control in low-temperature environments
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical energy conversion apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: normal power conversion operation and reactive operation mode for heat generation. The same apparatus that converts electrical energy for power storage/release also serves as a heating source when operated in reactive mode, eliminating the need for dedicated heating equipment
2Temperature
If a heating apparatus is provided to the liquid cooling system, then the battery pack can be heated effectively, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses itself to generate the heat needed for battery heating. The electrical energy conversion apparatus, which is already operating in the system, is utilized in reactive operation mode to generate heat that warms the coolant, which in turn heats the battery pack. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external energy sources dedicated to heating
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the waste heat that would normally be dissipated during reactive operation of the electrical energy conversion apparatus into a useful heating source for the battery pack. By operating the apparatus in reactive mode, the system generates thermal energy that would otherwise be lost, and redirects it through the coolant to warm the battery, transforming a potential waste product into a beneficial resource
3Productivity
If the electrical energy conversion apparatus operates in reactive operation mode to heat coolant, then the heating time is reduced and efficiency is improved, but the power transmission circuit may be impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-charge modules that activate before the main power transmission circuit operates. These pre-charge modules prepare the circuit by charging capacitors or energy storage elements in advance, ensuring that when the electrical energy conversion apparatus switches to reactive operation mode for heating, the power transmission circuit is already prepared and can handle the transition without disruption or impact on system reliability
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 method reduces heating time, saves costs, and improves efficiency by using thermal energy generated from the electrical energy conversion apparatus, ensuring rapid temperature increase of the battery pack without impacting external power supplies.
Implementation Method 1
controlling an electrical energy conversion apparatus in the energy storage system to operate in a reactive operation mode, to heat coolant in the energy storage system
Implementation Method 2
the coolant exchanges thermal energy with the electrical energy conversion apparatus and a battery pack
Implementation Method 3
the coolant flows in the coolant transfer pipeline and flows through the pump and the valve; and the coolant transfer pipeline passes through the electrical energy conversion apparatus and the battery pack
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage system and a self-heating method therefor are provided. By means of the self-heating method for an energy storage system, when a battery temperature of the energy storage system is lower than a preset permissible operation temperature, an electric energy conversion apparatus is controlled to operate in a reactive operation mode. Since a cooling liquid of the energy storage system can heat conduction with the electric energy conversion apparatus and a battery pack, the battery pack is heated by means of the flow of the cooling liquid; and after the battery temperature reaches the preset permissible operation temperature, the electric energy conversion apparatus can be controlled to operate in a normal operation mode.