Automobile Battery Thermoelectric Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive batteries face performance degradation and reduced lifespan due to exposure to extreme temperatures, with existing temperature control systems being either expensive or inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric device with a control circuit and heat exchanger system that adjusts electrical current direction to maintain the battery temperature within a predetermined range, using airflow to thermally couple the device to both the battery and ambient atmosphere.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If insulating cases are used to isolate batteries from heat, then battery protection from extreme temperatures is improved, but trapped heat accumulates causing temperature control deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
A thermoelectric device is introduced as an intermediary between the battery and the external environment. This device actively transfers heat from the battery to the surroundings when overheating occurs, preventing trapped heat accumulation while maintaining the protective isolation provided by the insulating case.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive insulating case system is enhanced by replacing the need for active mechanical cooling systems with a solid-state thermoelectric device. This substitution eliminates the complexity of mechanical moving parts while effectively managing the trapped heat problem through electrical control.
2Temperature
If expensive compressors and refrigerant systems are used for battery cooling, then temperature control capability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical compressor and refrigerant circulation system is replaced with a solid-state thermoelectric device that uses electrical current to directly pump heat. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components, moving parts, and refrigerant handling systems while achieving effective battery cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoelectric device allows for precise temperature control by changing the electrical parameters (current direction and magnitude). By simply adjusting the electrical input, the system can switch between heating and cooling modes, providing versatile temperature management without complex mechanical adjustments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If thermoelectric devices with reversible current control are used, then temperature control flexibility is improved, but electrical current management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A temperature sensor provides continuous feedback to the control circuit, which automatically adjusts the current direction and magnitude through the thermoelectric device. This feedback loop enables flexible temperature control without requiring complex manual intervention, as the system self-regulates based on real-time temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoelectric device serves multiple functions with a single component: it can both cool and heat the battery by simply reversing the current direction. This multi-functionality is controlled through a relatively simple circuit that manages current polarity, providing versatile temperature control without requiring separate heating and cooling systems.
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 maintains battery temperature within a range of -20°C to 50°C, enhancing performance and extending battery life in an inexpensive, simple, and reliable manner.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric device having a first surface and a second surface. The thermoelectric device is configured to generate a first temperature on the first surface and a second temperature on the second surface that is greater than the first temperature if the direction of the electrical current has a first direction. In addition, the thermoelectric device is configured to generate a third temperature on the first surface and a fourth temperature on the second surface that is less than the third temperature if the direction of electrical current has a second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus maintain the temperature of a automobile battery within a predetermined temperature range even though the ambient temperature is outside of the predetermined temperature range. The apparatus and the method utilize a thermoelectric device that provides lower temperatures on one surface and higher temperature on another surface thereof in response to the direction of an electrical current passing through the device. The thermoelectric device is thermally coupled by a fan, air ducts and a heat transfer structure between the automobile battery and the ambient atmosphere. An electrical circuit having a heat sensor is thermally coupled to the automobile battery and selectively controls the current through the thermoelectric device to maintain the temperature of the automobile battery within the predetermined temperature range.