EV Battery Pack Thermal Path Switching for Cell Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle battery packs face performance degradation and reduced longevity due to temperature-related issues, as high heat can lead to thermal runaway and low temperatures decrease driving range and recharging capacity.
Innovation Solution
A selectable thermal regulation system that includes a thermally regulated member movable between contact and isolation positions relative to the battery cells, allowing for active heating or cooling and thermal isolation, maintained within a controlled temperature range of 40-45°C using a drive mechanism and thermal isolation fan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the thermally regulated member is in constant contact with the battery cells, then thermal conditioning (heating or cooling) is maintained, but the battery pack cannot be thermally isolated when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The thermally regulated member is made movable relative to the battery pack, transitioning between a contact position for thermal conditioning and an isolation position for thermal isolation. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between different thermal management modes as needed
2Loss of energy
If the battery pack is thermally isolated, then energy efficiency is improved, but active heating or cooling cannot be applied when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The movable thermally regulated member enables dynamic switching between thermal isolation (reducing energy loss) and thermal contact (enabling active heating or cooling), allowing the system to optimize both energy efficiency and temperature control as conditions require
3Device complexity
If a fixed thermal regulation system is used, then the structure is simple, but the system cannot adapt to varying thermal conditions (heating vs. cooling vs. isolation)
Solution Approach 1:
By making the thermally regulated member movable rather than fixed, the system achieves multiple thermal regulation modes (contact for heating/cooling, isolation for thermal separation) without requiring multiple separate systems, thus balancing complexity with versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The single thermally regulated member serves multiple functions by moving between positions: it can provide heating, cooling, or thermal isolation as needed, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each function
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 system effectively maintains optimal battery performance by regulating temperature, preventing thermal issues and improving driving range and battery longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally regulated member movably coupled to the plurality of battery cells, wherein the thermally regulated member is configured to move between a contact position in which the thermally regulated member is in contact with at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells
Implementation Method 2
In one embodiment, the electric vehicle battery pack further includes a thermal isolation fan configured to force air through a space defined between the thermally regulated member and the plurality of cells
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vehicle battery pack with a selectable thermal regulation path, including a plurality of battery cells, and a thermally regulated member movably coupled to the plurality of battery cells, wherein the thermally regulated member is configured to move between a contact position in which the thermally regulated member is in contact with at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells, and an isolation position, in which the thermally regulated member is spaced apart from the plurality of battery cells.