Dual-Mode Battery Thermal Management via Fluid Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid and electric vehicle traction batteries face challenges in maintaining optimal temperature and minimizing temperature deviations across cells, which affects battery performance and longevity, especially in varying ambient conditions.
Innovation Solution
A battery thermal management system with an inner and outer housing and a fluid channel, utilizing a fluid circulator to selectively circulate different thermal fluids through the housing walls to either retain heat or dissipate it, depending on the thermal needs, with a controller managing the fluid flow to switch between conducting and insulating modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single thermal management mode is used, then the system structure is simple, but the battery cannot maintain optimal temperature under varying ambient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-mode thermal management system that dynamically switches between insulation mode and conduction mode based on ambient temperature conditions. The system uses temperature sensors and control logic to activate the appropriate mode, allowing the thermal management characteristics to change dynamically rather than being fixed, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the thermal conduction parameter of the housing wall by switching between two distinct thermal management modes. In insulation mode, the wall provides thermal resistance to retain heat, while in conduction mode, it provides thermal pathways to dissipate heat. This parameter change allows the same structure to adapt to different operating conditions without requiring multiple physical housings.
2Temperature
If heat dissipation is prioritized, then battery temperature control is improved during high temperature operation, but heat retention capability is reduced during low temperature operation
Solution Approach 1:
The battery housing is designed to perform multiple thermal management functions: it can provide both thermal insulation and thermal conduction through the same structural component. The housing includes integrated thermal management features that can switch between retaining heat during cold operation and dissipating heat during hot operation, making the housing a multi-functional component rather than a passive enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on operating conditions. Control logic monitors battery temperature and ambient conditions, then activates the appropriate thermal mode - switching from heat retention to heat dissipation as needed. This dynamic adjustment ensures optimal temperature control across varying thermal environments without requiring separate systems for each condition.
3Loss of energy
If thermal insulation is enhanced, then heat retention is improved during cold conditions, but heat dissipation capability is reduced during hot conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal management system dynamically switches between insulation and conduction modes based on thermal requirements. During cold conditions, the system activates insulation mode to prevent heat loss and maintain battery temperature. During hot conditions, it switches to conduction mode to enable efficient heat dissipation. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by allowing the same structure to provide opposite thermal functions at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the effective thermal conductivity parameter of the housing wall by switching between modes. In insulation mode, the wall presents high thermal resistance to prevent heat loss. In conduction mode, it presents low thermal resistance to facilitate heat dissipation. This parameter change allows the housing to adapt its thermal characteristics to match environmental conditions, preventing heat loss when needed while enabling heat dissipation when needed.
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 regulates battery temperature, enhancing performance and longevity by optimizing heat retention or dissipation based on environmental conditions, thereby maintaining the battery within a desired operating range.
Implementation Method 1
circulating a first fluid through a battery housing wall to insulate a cavity inside the housing from an exterior environment and retain heat within the cavity
Implementation Method 2
circulating a second fluid through the battery housing wall to dissipate heat generated by a battery within the housing to the exterior environment
Implementation Method 3
circulating a first fluid through a battery housing wall to insulate a cavity inside the housing from an exterior environment and retain heat within the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A battery thermal management system includes an inner housing containing a plurality of battery cells, and an outer housing enclosing the inner housing. A fluid channel is defined between an exterior surface of the inner housing and an interior surface of outer housing. The thermal management system also includes a fluid circulator in fluid flow communication with the fluid channel to selectively circulate one of a first thermal fluid and a second thermal fluid through the fluid channel.