EV Battery Pack Thermal Switching for Faster Low-Energy Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle battery packs face inefficiencies in thermal regulation, requiring excessive energy input and slower temperature control, which can reduce the battery's charge/discharge capability and lifespan due to temperature fluctuations outside ideal ranges.
Innovation Solution
The electric vehicle battery pack incorporates a primary thermal regulation unit and an auxiliary thermal regulation unit, along with thermal switches that connect to different thermal sources based on temperature thresholds, allowing for efficient heating and cooling by distributing thermal energy and utilizing both active and passive thermal sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If active heating or cooling is used to control battery temperature, then the battery temperature can be maintained within optimal range, but excessive energy input is required and temperature control speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the primary thermal regulation unit with an auxiliary thermal regulation unit into a single integrated system. The auxiliary unit utilizes waste heat from the vehicle's exhaust system to provide supplemental heating to the battery, reducing the energy required from the primary heating system while maintaining effective temperature control within the optimal range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the waste heat from the vehicle's exhaust system, which would otherwise be discarded, into a useful thermal resource for battery heating. The auxiliary thermal regulation unit captures and transfers this waste heat to the battery, transforming a harmful waste product into a beneficial heating source that reduces overall energy consumption.
2Temperature
If active heating or cooling is used to control battery temperature, then the battery temperature can be maintained within optimal range, but the temperature control rate is slower than required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the primary thermal regulation unit with an auxiliary thermal regulation unit into a single integrated system. The auxiliary unit utilizes waste heat from the vehicle's exhaust system to provide supplemental heating to the battery, reducing the energy required from the primary heating system while maintaining effective temperature control within the optimal range.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary thermal regulation unit is designed to activate in advance or concurrently with the primary thermal regulation unit when heating is required. By utilizing readily available waste heat from the exhaust system, the auxiliary unit can begin the heating process earlier or provide immediate supplemental heating, thereby increasing the overall temperature control rate without waiting for the primary system to fully engage.
3Reliability
If thermal regulation is implemented to prevent harmful temperature levels, then battery lifespan and performance are maintained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary thermal regulation unit serves multiple functions: it provides supplemental heating to the battery, recovers waste heat from the exhaust system, and reduces the overall energy consumption of the thermal management system. By integrating these functions into a single unit, the patent reduces system complexity while maintaining battery performance and lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary thermal regulation unit utilizes waste heat from the vehicle's exhaust system, which is a byproduct already present in the vehicle. This self-service approach allows the system to utilize available thermal resources without requiring additional external energy input or complex control mechanisms, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing added complexity.
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 enhances thermal regulation efficiency, reducing energy consumption and increasing the speed of temperature control, thereby maintaining battery performance and extending its lifespan by effectively managing temperature fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
the first thermal switch (conductively) connects the auxiliary thermal regulation unit to a first thermal source for heating or cooling said battery cells
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an electric vehicle battery pack (100), comprising a battery module (107) comprising a plurality of battery cells and a primary thermal regulation unit (104) coupled to the battery module (107). The primary thermal regulation unit (104) is configured to control the cooling and/or heating of said battery cells. Further, the battery pack (100) comprises an auxiliary thermal regulation unit (110) and a first thermal switch (120), the first thermal switch (120) having an open state and a closed state, wherein at said closed state the first thermal switch (120) connects the auxiliary thermal regulation unit (110) to a first thermal source (121) for heating or cooling said battery cells.