Integrated Solar-Battery Modules for Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical power systems for space and terrestrial applications face challenges in integrating solar array panels and batteries due to heating concerns and space constraints, particularly for battery technologies that benefit from elevated temperatures, such as solid-state batteries.
Innovation Solution
The integration of solar cells and rechargeable energy storage cells, including solid-state batteries, within a modular power system where the cells are thermally coupled, allowing heat transfer between them, and the use of heaters to maintain optimal operating temperatures, along with modular architectures for efficient power management and fault tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If solar array panels and batteries are separated to avoid heating the batteries, then battery temperature control is improved, but mass and volume increase due to separate thermal management systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines solar array panels and batteries into a single integrated power module, where the solar cells are thermally coupled to the batteries. This merging eliminates the need for separate thermal management systems, reducing overall system mass while maintaining proper battery temperature control through the thermal coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful heating effect into a beneficial thermal management mechanism. By thermally coupling the solar cells to the batteries, the heat generated by the solar cells during operation is transferred to the batteries, which can utilize this heat to maintain optimal operating temperatures, especially in space applications where thermal control is critical.
2Temperature
If solar array panels and batteries are separated to avoid heating the batteries, then battery temperature control is improved, but space constraints are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines solar array panels and batteries into a single integrated power module, where the solar cells are thermally coupled to the batteries. This merging eliminates the need for separate thermal management systems, reducing overall system mass while maintaining proper battery temperature control through the thermal coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power module serves multiple functions simultaneously: the solar cells generate electrical energy and also provide thermal energy to the batteries through thermal coupling. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system volume by eliminating dedicated thermal management components and achieving both power generation and thermal management in a single compact unit.
3Reliability
If modular architecture is used for integrated power modules, then fault tolerance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power system into multiple independent integrated power modules, each containing solar cells, batteries, and interconnectors. This segmentation allows individual modules to be isolated and replaced without affecting the entire system, improving fault tolerance. The modular design actually reduces overall complexity by standardizing components and enabling parallel assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables flexible configuration of integrated power modules by changing connection parameters - modules can be connected in series to increase voltage or in parallel to increase current capacity. This parameter flexibility allows the system to be adapted to different power requirements without fundamental design changes, managing complexity through standardized interfaces and connection schemes.
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 approach reduces mass and volume, enhances reliability and fault tolerance, and enables efficient energy harvesting and storage, while allowing for a wide range of power demands and temperatures, thus improving the resilience and cost-effectiveness of space components.
Implementation Method 1
one or more solar cells
Implementation Method 2
one or more heaters coupled with the one or more rechargeable energy storage cells
Implementation Method 3
one or more rechargeable energy storage cells are thermally coupled with the one or more solar cells
Data Source
AI summary
Integrated power module device, systems, and methods are provided in accordance with various embodiments. For example, some embodiments include a system that may include one or more integrated power modules. Each integrated power module may include: one or more solar cells; one or more rechargeable energy storage cells; and/or one or more circuits coupling the one or more solar cells with the one or more rechargeable energy storage cells. In some embodiments, each integrated power module is configured such that the one or more rechargeable energy storage cells of the respective integrated power module are coupled with one or more back sides of the one or more solar cells. In some embodiments, at least two of the one or more integrated power modules are coupled with each other at least in parallel or in series.