Thermoelectric Battery Wrap for Reversible Heating and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery thermal management systems are bulky and limited in their ability to maintain optimal temperature ranges, leading to reduced charge and discharge capacity, increased aging, and lower power output due to inefficiencies in heating and cooling mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric device system with control circuitry that adjusts voltage and polarity to maintain the battery within a desired temperature range, utilizing a thermally conductive wrap and sensors to monitor and regulate temperature, and switch between heating and cooling modes based on user input or operational modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional thermal management systems are used for battery heating and cooling, then temperature control is achieved, but the system becomes bulky and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines heating and cooling functions into a single thermoelectric device by utilizing bidirectional Peltier effect operation. The same device can switch between heating mode and cooling mode by reversing current direction, eliminating the need for separate heating elements and cooling systems, thus reducing overall system weight and volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the thermoelectric device by adjusting current direction and magnitude to achieve different thermal management modes. By varying the electrical parameters (current polarity and intensity), the system can dynamically switch between heating and cooling without physical reconfiguration, maintaining compact design.
2Temperature
If conventional thermal management systems are used, then temperature control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric device serves multiple functions: heating, cooling, and temperature maintenance, all within a single component. The control system integrates multiple control strategies (temperature-based control, charge/discharge rate-based control, and hybrid control) into a unified control architecture, simplifying the overall system design while achieving comprehensive thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the thermoelectric device operation based on real-time battery temperature, charge/discharge rate, and thermal conditions. The control method transitions between different control modes (temperature-based vs. rate-based) depending on operational requirements, providing adaptive thermal management without complex mechanical moving parts.
3Productivity
If battery operates outside optimal temperature range, then weight and volume are reduced, but charge and discharge capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring battery temperature and charge/discharge rate, then adjusting the thermoelectric device operation accordingly. The control system uses temperature sensors and current sensors to provide real-time feedback, enabling the system to maintain optimal operating conditions and maximize charge/discharge capacity through adaptive thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary thermal conditioning by activating the thermoelectric device before extreme temperature conditions develop. When the battery approaches temperature boundaries or when high charge/discharge rates are anticipated, the control system pre-adjusts thermal conditions to ensure optimal performance is maintained throughout the charge/discharge cycle.
4Power
If high charge or discharge rates are used, then power output increases, but battery aging accelerates due to temperature effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical thermal management systems (fans, heat sinks, liquid cooling loops) with an electrically-controlled thermoelectric system. This substitution enables precise, rapid response thermal control through electrical parameter adjustment, allowing the system to manage heat more effectively during high-power operations and reduce thermal stress on the battery, thereby slowing aging while maintaining high power output.
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 enables improved battery performance by maintaining optimal temperature ranges, enhancing charge and discharge capacity, reducing aging, and increasing reliability while being more compact and adaptable to various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric device configured to attach to the battery and operate in a heating mode to elevate the operating temperature of the battery and in a cooling mode to reduce the operating temperature of the battery
Implementation Method 2
a thermally conductive wrap is configured to contact against individual cells of the battery and conduct heat from the thermoelectric device to the individual cells when operating in the heating mode and conducts the heat from the individual cells to the thermoelectric device when operating in the cooling mode
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A system and method for heating and cooling a battery. The system includes a thermoelectric device configured to attach to the battery and operate in a heating mode to elevate the operating temperature of the battery and in a cooling mode to reduce the operating temperature of the battery. Control circuitry is configured to: determine a temperature of the battery; supply an input voltage and a polarity of the thermoelectric device; and adjust the input voltage and the polarity based on a temperature of the battery.