Battery Temperature Control via Inverter Inductor Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Batteries in energy storage systems experience significantly reduced power output at low temperatures, and traditional heating methods to increase temperature pose a fire risk and complicate the system.
Innovation Solution
A temperature controlling system for batteries in energy storage systems, which includes a switch to control the charging/discharging current path, using an inductor in the inverter to generate current and increase battery temperature when low temperatures are detected, without requiring a complex circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heater or heat generated by a resistor or electronic load is used to increase battery temperature, then the power output of the battery at very low temperatures is improved, but the risk of fire increases and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of battery power consumption into a beneficial heating effect. By controlling the battery to operate in a discharge state at very low temperatures, the internal resistance heating naturally warms the battery without requiring external heaters, thus eliminating fire risk while improving temperature
2Temperature
If a heater or heat generated by a resistor or electronic load is used to increase battery temperature, then the power output of the battery at very low temperatures is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the battery serve multiple functions: it not only stores energy but also generates heat through controlled discharge operation at very low temperatures. This eliminates the need for separate heating devices and reduces system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The battery heats itself through controlled discharge operation at very low temperatures. The internal resistance of the battery generates heat during discharge, warming the battery without requiring external heating components, thus simplifying the system
3Adaptability or versatility
If the battery is operated at very low temperatures, then the system can operate in cold environments, but the power output is only about 16% of that at normal operating temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary heating action by controlling the battery to discharge at very low temperatures before normal operation. This preliminary discharge generates heat that raises the battery temperature to an acceptable range, ensuring subsequent normal power output in cold environments
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 prevents batteries from being left in a low-temperature state and increases their temperature efficiently, allowing for easy conversion between basic operation and temperature control without adding complexity to the energy storage system.
Implementation Method 1
charging/discharging current is generated in the battery using an inductor of an inverter
Implementation Method 2
the use of a heater or heat generated by a resistor or electronic load so as to increase the temperature of a battery
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a temperature controlling system for a battery in an energy storage system, the temperature controlling system including: a converter comprising a plurality of switches and a converter inductor, the converter being configured to increase or decrease a voltage of the battery; a DC linker comprising first and second capacitors that are coupled in series and configured to stabilize an output voltage of the converter; and an inverter comprising a plurality of switches and an inductor, the inverter being configured to invert an input voltage, wherein the inverter further comprises a switch coupled between a terminal of the inductor and a first node between the first and second capacitors of the DC linker to provide a current from the inductor to the battery.