Battery Thermal Management Power Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional battery systems in vehicles do not efficiently utilize electrical energy generated from regenerative braking systems, leading to energy wastage, and do not operate under optimized conditions.

Innovation Solution

A battery system comprising a battery module, a thermal management system, and a controller that determines and adjusts power distribution between the thermal management system and the battery module based on operational conditions, allowing excess energy to heat or cool the battery module and optimize power acceptance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If excess electrical energy from regenerative braking is dumped without utilization, then energy wastage occurs, but the battery system cannot be optimized for power acceptance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregenerative braking energyVSAvoidbattery power acceptance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of excess energy (which would otherwise be wasted) into a beneficial effect by using it to power the thermal management system. This enables the battery to reach optimal temperature for power acceptance, transforming energy waste into a performance enhancement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary thermal conditioning of the battery using excess regenerative energy before the battery can accept optimal power charges. By pre-heating or pre-cooling the battery to ideal temperature ranges, the system prepares the battery in advance to maximize its power acceptance capability when charging opportunities arise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the battery operates without thermal optimization, then the system is simpler, but the battery does not operate under optimized conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery performanceVSAvoidthermal management system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal management system is designed to perform multiple functions: it cools the battery during high-temperature operations, heats the battery during cold conditions to optimize power acceptance, and can operate using different power sources including excess regenerative braking energy. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive performance optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts thermal parameters (temperature, heating/cooling rates) based on real-time battery conditions and available power sources. By continuously optimizing thermal parameters, the system maximizes battery performance across varying operating conditions, thereby justifying the complexity of the thermal management infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If power is distributed without optimization, then the control system is simpler, but energy utilization efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy utilization efficiencyVSAvoidcontroller

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor battery temperature, state of charge, and available power from regenerative braking. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts power distribution to the thermal management system and battery charging, ensuring optimal energy utilization while managing system complexity through adaptive control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 enhances the utilization of regenerative braking energy by directing excess power to the thermal management system to optimize battery module temperature and charge rate, reducing energy wastage and improving overall battery performance.

Implementation Method 1

the thermal management system to heat or to cool the battery module to a calculated extent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

the thermal management system to heat or to cool the battery module to a calculated extent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Data Source

PatentEP3411263B1Battery temperature and charge adjustment system and method

Publication Date: 2023.04.12 CPS TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC

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AI summary

A battery system includes a battery module, a thermal management system, and a battery system controller. The controller is configured to receive data indicative of first operational conditions of the battery module and of second operational conditions of the thermal management system, determine a desired change to the first operational conditions of the battery module by determining an amount of power available to the thermal management system and to the battery module from one or more power sources, and to enable, to effect the desired change to the first operational conditions, the one or more power sources to provide a first quantity of power to the thermal management system and a second quantity of power to the battery module, and the thermal management system to heat or to cool the battery module to a calculated extent.