In-Vehicle Battery System with Segmented Power Storage and Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lead-acid batteries in vehicles with idle stop functions degrade quickly due to frequent charging and discharging, and replacing them with high-performance batteries is costly.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle battery system comprising a lead-acid battery and a high-energy-density power storage module, electrically connected in parallel to a regenerative energy converter, with the high-energy-density module disposed in the engine room to reduce wiring resistance and temperature exposure, and optionally thermally connected to a window cleaning liquid tank or vehicle structure for cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a lead-acid battery is used for power supply in vehicles with idle stop functions, then cost is reduced, but durability deteriorates due to frequent charging and discharging
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two distinct battery units: a first power storage unit (lead-acid battery) and a second power storage unit (high-performance battery). Each battery serves specific functions based on its characteristics, allowing the system to leverage the cost advantage of lead-acid batteries while using high-performance batteries for tasks requiring durability and high output.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the power supply system use different battery technologies optimized for their specific requirements. The lead-acid battery handles tasks where cost is critical, while the high-performance battery handles tasks requiring high output and durability, creating local optimization throughout the system.
2Reliability
If a high-performance storage battery is used to replace the lead-acid battery, then durability is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of replacing the entire battery system with expensive high-performance batteries, the system is segmented so that only specific components use high-performance technology. The lead-acid battery remains in the system for applications where its cost advantage is most beneficial.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the configuration parameter from a single-battery architecture to a dual-battery architecture, allowing different battery types to coexist and serve different functions, thereby optimizing the balance between cost and durability.
3Area of stationary object
If the second power storage module is disposed close to the engine, then space is saved, but temperature increases reducing charge/discharge efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling liquid circulation system, originally designed for engine temperature control, is utilized to cool the second power storage module. The harmful thermal environment near the engine is converted into a beneficial cooling solution by directing cooling liquid flow to the battery module, thereby maintaining charge/discharge efficiency while preserving compact space arrangement.
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
Improves charge/discharge efficiency and extends the life of the power storage portion by reducing temperature and heat transfer from the engine, while maintaining cost-effectiveness by using a lead-acid battery for long-term power supply.
Implementation Method 1
The second power storage module is thermally connected to a window cleaning liquid tank in an engine room of a vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a guide member which guides an outer air which flows into the engine room from outside of the vehicle to the second power storage module
Implementation Method 3
a power generating portion which converts a regenerative energy to electric power
Data Source
AI summary
An in-vehicle battery system comprises a first power storage module including a lead-acid battery, and a second power storage module including a power storage portion having a higher energy density than that of the lead-acid battery. The lead-acid battery and the power storage portion are electrically connected in parallel to a power generating portion which converts a regenerative energy to electric power. The first power storage module and the second power storage module are provided in an engine room of a vehicle. The second power storage module is disposed more distantly than the first power storage module from an engine.