Battery Temperature Adjustment Using Phase-Change Heating Medium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery heating methods, such as using heat generated in wires or conventional heat exchangers, are inefficient and unable to quickly heat batteries at low temperatures, while high temperatures can damage battery materials, and existing systems struggle to manage temperature effectively.
Innovation Solution
A battery temperature adjustment device utilizing the heat of condensation of a heating medium, where a heating medium is circulated between an evaporator and a condenser, with a controller regulating the heat source and pressure to efficiently heat or cool the battery, using water vapor or other substances with high evaporation latent heat for rapid temperature adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat generated in wire is used to heat the battery, then the battery can be heated, but energy is wasted and heating efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heating medium (water vapor) as an intermediary to transfer thermal energy from the heat source to the battery. The heating medium circulates through a closed loop system, absorbing heat from the heat source and releasing it to the battery, thereby eliminating direct energy waste and improving heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water between liquid and vapor states to achieve efficient heat transfer. Water is heated to generate steam, which condenses on the battery surface releasing latent heat, then returns to liquid form to be reheated, creating a continuous high-efficiency heating cycle that minimizes energy loss.
2Temperature
If conventional heat exchanger is used to heat the battery, then the battery can be heated, but heating speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase transition of water vapor to liquid on the battery surface, utilizing the large latent heat of condensation to rapidly transfer thermal energy. This phase change mechanism provides much higher heat transfer coefficients compared to conventional heat exchangers, enabling fast heating speed while maintaining temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a fluid (water vapor) circulating system with controlled flow dynamics to enhance heat transfer efficiency. The vapor-phase heating medium can rapidly penetrate and distribute heat throughout the battery structure, significantly improving heating speed compared to conventional solid or liquid heat exchanger systems.
3Speed
If high temperature is applied to heat the battery quickly, then heating speed increases, but battery constituent materials may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature sensing and control mechanisms that continuously monitor battery temperature and adjust the heating medium flow rate and heat source output accordingly. This feedback control ensures rapid heating when needed while preventing temperature from exceeding safe thresholds that could damage battery materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase transition mechanism provides inherent temperature regulation - water condenses at a specific temperature (100°C at atmospheric pressure), which naturally limits the maximum temperature transferred to the battery. This physical constraint prevents overheating and thermal damage while still enabling rapid heat transfer during the condensation process.
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 solution allows for rapid and efficient heating or cooling of batteries, preventing overtemperature damage and maintaining optimal performance by leveraging the high heat transfer coefficients and low sensible heat losses of water vapor, effectively managing battery temperature across a wide range of conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A battery temperature adjustment device utilizing the heat of condensation of a heating medium, where a heating medium is circulated between an evaporator and a condenser
Implementation Method 2
By employing the present invention, it is possible to effectively heat a battery using heat of condensation of a heating medium
Implementation Method 3
a heat source 18 is thermally connected to the evaporator 16, and heat coming from the heat source 18 is used to vaporize the heating medium in the evaporator 16
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosed device effectively heats a battery. The battery (10) is housed in a battery housing (12). A condenser (14) is formed in a manner such that a heating medium is in direct contact with the surface of the battery housing (12), and the heating medium is condensed, heating the battery (10) with the battery housing (12) therebetween. The heating medium condensed in the condenser (14) is supplied to an evaporator (16) that heats and evaporates the heating medium. The gaseous heating medium evaporated by the evaporator (16) is circulated to the aforementioned condenser (14).