Battery Heating via Clutch Braking and Transmission Oil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery temperature-raising methods that use the battery's electric power to generate heat degrade electricity efficiency and reduce the vehicle's range.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses the vehicle's kinetic energy to heat the battery through a clutch mechanism, oil retention, and heat exchanger, without relying on the battery's electric power, thereby maintaining electricity efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the battery's electric power is used to generate heat through step-up converter operation, then the battery temperature increases, but electricity efficiency degrades and vehicle range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces transmission oil as an intermediary heat transfer medium. Instead of directly converting battery electrical energy to heat through the step-up converter, the system uses the clutch mechanism to convert kinetic energy to thermal energy, which then heats the transmission oil. The hot oil circulates through the heat exchanger to warm the battery, thus mediating the heating process and avoiding direct electrical energy consumption from the battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical heating method (step-up converter operation) with a mechanical heating method. The clutch mechanism, which normally serves for gear switching, is utilized to generate heat through mechanical friction during engagement. This mechanical energy conversion (kinetic to thermal) substitutes the electrical energy conversion, thereby improving electricity efficiency while achieving the same heating objective.
2Productivity
If the battery temperature is raised quickly to reduce charging time, then charging efficiency improves, but energy loss increases due to continuous step-up converter operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the normally wasted kinetic energy during vehicle braking or deceleration into useful thermal energy for battery heating. Instead of dissipating this energy as waste heat through conventional brakes, the system captures it through the clutch mechanism and redirects it to heat the transmission oil, which then warms the battery. This transforms a harmful energy loss into a beneficial heating source, simultaneously improving charging speed and reducing overall energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as both a gear switching component in the transmission system and a heating device for battery temperature management. The transmission oil also serves dual purposes as both a lubricant for the transmission mechanism and a heat transfer medium for battery heating. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve rapid battery heating without requiring dedicated heating components, thereby improving charging speed while minimizing additional energy loss.
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
Efficient battery heating that reduces charging time and increases output power without degrading electricity efficiency, allowing for effective temperature control without using the battery's electric power.
Implementation Method 1
the clutch is configured to brake a wheel of the vehicle through engagement... The control unit is configured to generate braking force by controlling engagement force of the clutch
Implementation Method 2
The heat exchanger includes an inlet in communication with the oil tank and an outlet in communication with the oil pan and is configured to exchange heat between the battery and the oil
Implementation Method 3
The transmission mechanism is configured to convert torque provided by the electric motor and output the converted torque
Data Source
AI summary
A battery-temperature raising apparatus includes a battery, a transmission, an oil pan, a heat-retaining oil tank, a heat exchanger, a first valve, a temperature sensor, and a control unit. The transmission includes a transmission mechanism that converts torque and a clutch capable of braking a wheel. The oil pan and the oil tank are disposed in the transmission and are in communication with the heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the battery and oil. The first valve opens and closes a path joining the oil tank and the heat exchanger. The control unit generates braking force by controlling engagement force of the clutch depending on an amount of depression of a brake pedal. The control unit supplies the oil stored in the oil tank to the heat exchanger by opening the first valve when a temperature of the battery detected by the temperature sensor is below a predetermined temperature.