Battery Thermal Switch With Movable Heat Bridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric batteries face performance degradation due to operating temperatures outside their optimal range, either too hot or too cold, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A heat-conducting plate system with a movable bridge section and a thermally-activated actuator that adjusts heat transfer between the battery and the environment, allowing for selective heat retention or dissipation to maintain optimal temperature through a heat-conducting mode or heat-retention mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the bridge section is in contact with the wall (second position), then heat transfer from the battery to the environment is enhanced, but heat retention capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge section is designed to be movable between two positions: contacting the wall for heat dissipation and spaced apart for heat retention. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the thermal management system to adapt to different operating conditions, switching between cooling and insulation modes as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the thermal conductivity parameter by altering the physical position of the bridge section. When the bridge section contacts the wall, thermal conductivity increases for cooling; when spaced apart, thermal conductivity decreases for heat retention. The actuator controls this parameter change based on temperature conditions.
2Loss of energy
If the bridge section is spaced apart from the wall (first position), then heat retention is improved, but heat dissipation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The movable bridge section enables dynamic switching between heat retention mode (spaced apart) and heat dissipation mode (contacting wall). This dynamic structure allows the system to optimize thermal performance based on real-time temperature requirements.
3Extent of automation
If a thermally-activated actuator is used to move the bridge section, then automated temperature regulation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermally-activated actuator operates autonomously based on temperature conditions. When the battery temperature exceeds a threshold, the actuator automatically moves the bridge section to contact the wall for cooling. When temperature is acceptable, it moves the bridge section away for heat retention. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a thermally-activated mechanical actuator. The actuator uses thermal expansion or phase change materials to convert temperature changes directly into mechanical motion, simplifying the control system while achieving automated temperature regulation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the bridge section moves between positions, then adaptability to different temperature conditions is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat-conducting plate is segmented into a fixed portion and a movable bridge section. This segmentation allows the bridge section to independently move between contacting and spaced positions, providing thermal management adaptability without requiring the entire plate to be complex or movable.
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
The system effectively regulates battery temperature within an optimal range, enhancing performance and safety by optimizing heat flux based on environmental conditions, reducing warm-up time, and minimizing thermal resistance.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator includes a thermally-activated actuator increasing in length within the enclosure from a first length to a second length greater than the first length when a temperature in the inner volume of the enclosure exceeds a given temperature threshold
Implementation Method 2
the heat-conducting plate having a bridge section movable between a first position and a second position, the bridge section being spaced apart from the wall in the first position to limit heat transfer from the battery to the environment, the bridge section being in contact with the wall in the second position to transfer heat from the battery to the environment via the bridge section
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power module for powering electric equipment includes: an enclosure having interconnected walls and defining an inner volume, a wall of the interconnected walls being in heat exchange relationship with an environment; a battery located within the inner volume; and a heat-conducting plate in heat exchange relationship with the battery. The heat-conducting plate has a bridge section movable between first and second positions, the bridge section being spaced apart from the wall in the first position to limit heat transfer from the battery to the environment, and the bridge section being in contact with the wall in the second position to transfer heat from the battery to the environment via the bridge section. An actuator is engaged with to the bridge section of the heat-conducting plate, the actuator being operable to move the bridge section of the heat-conducting plate between the first and second positions.