Thermal Insulation Battery Box for Ambient Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lift gate batteries are affected by ambient temperatures, leading to reduced performance, longer charging times, and shorter battery life due to varying chemical reaction rates and internal resistance, especially in cold conditions.
Innovation Solution
A controlled battery box with a housing made of thermal insulation material and a temperature control element, either passive or active, to maintain battery temperature within a selected range, using a controller that compares temperature and voltage signals to optimize battery operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batteries are placed in a standard battery box without temperature control, then the device complexity is low, but the battery performance and life are reduced due to ambient temperature effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces thermal insulation material as an intermediary between the battery and the ambient environment. This mediator reduces direct thermal interaction, protecting the battery from extreme temperatures while maintaining a relatively simple box structure. The insulation layer acts as a buffer that slows heat transfer without requiring complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the battery box by incorporating insulation materials with specific thermal conductivity properties. This passive parameter change modifies the heat transfer characteristics of the system, creating a more stable thermal environment for the battery without adding complex control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If thermal insulation material is added to the battery box housing, then the battery is protected from ambient temperature, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction for the battery box housing, combining structural metal or plastic materials with thermal insulation materials. This composite approach provides both mechanical strength and thermal protection in a single integrated structure, simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving dual functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation material is applied as a layer or coating on the interior or exterior surfaces of the battery box housing. This thin-film approach provides effective thermal insulation without significantly increasing the overall size or complexity of the housing construction, making it easier to manufacture and assemble.
3Productivity
If active temperature control elements are added to regulate battery temperature, then the battery operates optimally, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary thermal protection by pre-insulating the battery box housing with thermal insulation material. This preliminary passive protection reduces the magnitude and frequency of temperature fluctuations, thereby reducing the workload and energy consumption of any active temperature control elements that may be added later.
Solution Approach 2:
The active temperature control element operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when temperature thresholds are exceeded. This periodic operation maintains optimal battery temperature while minimizing energy consumption by keeping the control element dormant during normal operating conditions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the battery box location is subject to various ambient temperatures, then the installation flexibility is high, but the battery run times and charging times are dramatically affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery from the direct influence of ambient temperature variations by enclosing it in a thermally insulated box. This separation creates a buffered thermal environment that decouples battery performance from external temperature conditions, allowing flexible installation in various locations without compromising run time or charging time.
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
The controlled battery box maintains battery efficiency and capacity by regulating temperature, reducing the impact of ambient conditions on battery performance and extending battery life.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the housing comprises a thermal insulation material for insulating the interior of the enclosure against ambient temperature
Implementation Method 2
the temperature control element reduces the rate of heat transfer between the ambient and the interior of the enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
A battery container for battery temperature control comprises a housing including an enclosure for receiving a battery, wherein at least a portion of the housing comprises a thermal insulation material for insulating the interior of the enclosure against ambient temperature. The battery container further comprises a temperature control element disposed within the enclosure, wherein the temperature control element reduces the rate of heat transfer between the ambient and the interior of the enclosure. The temperature control element comprises an active temperature control element. The battery container further comprises a controller that in response to a signal indicating battery temperature, controls the active temperature control element for reducing the rate of heat transfer between the ambient and the interior of the enclosure.