Converter Reactor Heat Transfer for Battery Warming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power supply systems with reactors and switching elements face inefficiencies in rapidly increasing the temperature of electric power storage apparatuses, particularly in low temperature states, as they rely solely on internal Joule heat for temperature elevation, which limits energy efficiency and rapid temperature increase.
Innovation Solution
An electric power supply system incorporating a converter with a first and second reactor, where the second reactor has a heat transfer path with the electric power storage apparatus, and an electronic control unit manages switching elements to utilize heat generated by the second reactor for efficient and rapid temperature increase, allowing for alternating current ripple control to enhance temperature elevation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If current is supplied to increase temperature of electric power storage apparatus using only internal Joule heat, then temperature increase is achieved, but energy efficiency is poor and temperature increase is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two heat sources (internal Joule heat from the electric power storage apparatus and external heat from the reactor) into a unified heating system. The reactor is positioned to transfer heat to the electric power storage apparatus, merging external and internal heating mechanisms to achieve faster and more energy-efficient temperature increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The reactor serves as an intermediary heat transfer device between the power supply system and the electric power storage apparatus. It generates heat through current flow and transfers this heat to the electric power storage apparatus, acting as a mediator that improves overall heating efficiency by reducing direct energy waste.
2Reliability
If current is restricted to prevent excessive heating of switching elements, then switching elements are protected, but temperature increase of electric power storage apparatus is slowed
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor acts as an intermediary that decouples the relationship between high current flow and direct heating of switching elements. By positioning the reactor to transfer heat to the electric power storage apparatus rather than allowing heat to directly affect switching elements, the system can use higher currents for faster heating while protecting the switching elements from excessive temperature.
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 configuration enables efficient and rapid temperature increase of the electric power storage apparatus in low temperature states by leveraging both internal and external heat sources, improving energy efficiency and maintaining stable converter operation.
Implementation Method 1
amount of heat generated in the second reactor due to the current
Implementation Method 2
the second reactor so disposed as to have a heat transfer path between the second reactor and the electric power storage apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A converter can selectively use reactors through an ON-OFF control on relays by an electronic control unit. The first reactor is disposed as a component of the converter separately from a main battery. On the other hand, the second reactor is so disposed as to have a heat transfer path between the second reactor and the main battery. At least based on the output from the temperature sensor, in a low temperature state of the main battery, the electronic control unit turns off the first relay, and turns on the second relay, thereby configuring a reactor of the converter by using the second reactor.