Fuel Tank Surrounding Battery for Thermal Management

Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile electronic devices with fuel cells face challenges in managing heat generated by energy storage devices, which can reduce battery life, decrease efficiency, and pose safety concerns due to high temperatures during peak power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A configuration where the fuel tank surrounds and is in thermal contact with the energy storage device, facilitating heat transfer through conduction, radiation, and convection, using fuels with high heat capacity and endothermic properties to absorb excess heat and manage temperature effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the energy storage device operates at high power consumption, then the power output is improved, but the temperature increases causing reduced battery life and efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful heat generated by the energy storage device into a beneficial cooling mechanism by using phase change material that absorbs excess heat through phase transition. The harmful thermal energy is transformed into a useful cooling effect that maintains battery temperature within optimal ranges during high power consumption operations.

Inventive Principle:

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a thermal management system with phase change material as an intermediary between the energy storage device and the environment. This intermediary absorbs and dissipates heat, mediating the thermal interaction to prevent temperature buildup while allowing continuous high power operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of moving object

If the energy storage device operates continuously, then the power supply duration is improved, but heat accumulation occurs reducing efficiency and creating safety concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs phase transition of thermal management material to continuously absorb heat during prolonged operation. As the material transitions between phases, it maintains a constant temperature while absorbing large amounts of heat energy, enabling continuous power supply without dangerous heat accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the thermal parameters of the system by introducing phase change material with specific heat capacity and transition temperature characteristics. This parameter change allows the system to operate continuously by dynamically adjusting heat absorption capacity based on operational thermal load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If conventional thermal management methods are used, then the design complexity is reduced, but the battery life and efficiency are reduced due to inadequate heat management

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service thermal management where the phase change material automatically absorbs and dissipates heat without requiring external control systems or active cooling mechanisms. This passive self-regulating approach maintains battery temperature and extends life while keeping the design relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 reduces battery temperature, increases efficiency, prolongs battery life, and enhances safety by effectively managing heat, allowing for improved performance and reduced risk of damage or discomfort.

Implementation Method 1

facilitating heat transfer through conduction, radiation, and convection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

facilitating heat transfer through conduction, radiation, and convection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

facilitating heat transfer through conduction, radiation, and convection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 4

using fuels with high heat capacity and endothermic properties to absorb excess heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEndothermic reaction: Endothermic Reaction

Data Source

PatentEP2587578B1Mobile electronic device having fuel cell with fuel tank surrounding a battery

Publication Date: 2018.03.21

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AI summary

According to one aspect, a mobile electronic device having a fuel cell configured to receive fuel and generate therefrom electrical power for the mobile electronic device, a fuel tank adapted to store fuel and provide fuel to the fuel cell, and an energy storage device configured to provide power to the mobile device. The fuel tank is sized and shaped to at least partially surround the energy storage device. The fuel tank and the energy storage device may be in thermal contact