Battery Thermal Medium Control Using Electronic Waste Heat

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Solution Overview

Problem

Batteries used in electronic devices face reduced capacity and lifespan due to temperature fluctuations, especially in remote locations with unreliable power infrastructure and extreme temperatures, where traditional cooling and heating methods consume additional power and are inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize heat generated by an electrically coupled electronic device to manage battery temperature through a thermal medium, employing machine learning agents to predict and control heat transfer actions based on operational parameters, reducing the need for dedicated heating and cooling elements and minimizing energy waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If electrically powered fans or heaters are used to control battery temperature, then battery temperature is maintained within prescribed ranges, but additional power is consumed which reduces battery capacity and life

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery temperatureVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device serves the battery's thermal management needs by transferring its own generated heat to the battery when the battery temperature is below the prescribed range. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate heating elements, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining battery temperature within optimal ranges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The waste heat generated by the electronic device, which would otherwise be dissipated into the environment, is converted into a beneficial resource for heating the battery when needed. This transforms a harmful thermal byproduct into a useful heating source, reducing the need for additional power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

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

2Temperature

If liquid cooling or dedicated thermal management systems are implemented, then battery temperature control is improved, but device complexity and power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery temperature controlVSAvoidthermal management system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal management functions for both the electronic device and the battery are merged into a single integrated system. The thermal medium serves both to cool the electronic device and to heat the battery simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate cooling and heating systems and thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal medium and associated control system perform multiple functions: cooling the electronic device when overheated and heating the battery when too cold. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated systems, reducing complexity while improving temperature control for both components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If special electrolyte or insulation materials are used in battery construction to address temperature issues, then battery performance within temperature ranges is improved, but battery cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery operating temperature rangeVSAvoidbattery cost

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the battery temperature and the electronic device's heat generation levels, using this feedback to dynamically control the transfer of thermal energy. When the battery temperature drops below the prescribed range and the electronic device generates sufficient heat, the system activates heat transfer; otherwise, it remains inactive. This feedback-driven approach eliminates the need for expensive special materials while maintaining optimal battery performance through active thermal management.

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 approach optimizes battery performance and life by reusing waste heat from electronic devices, dynamically managing temperature based on operational modes, and reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the battery within prescribed temperature ranges.

Implementation Method 1

performing a battery heat transfer action in a thermal medium coupled between the battery and the electronic device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20240413425A1Managing heat transfer to a battery

Publication Date: 2024.12.12 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and apparatus for managing heat transfer to a battery. In one embodiment there is provided a method for managing heat transfer to a battery (105) electrically coupled to an electronic device. The method comprises determining a battery temperature of the battery (210) and a predicted heat source parameter associated with the electronic device (215). A battery heat transfer action (220) in a thermal medium (120b, 320hc) coupled between the battery and the electronic device is performed dependent on the predicted heat source parameter (453h) and a difference between a prescribed wanted battery temperature (453w) and the determined battery temperature (453b).