Power storage device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power storage devices face issues with uneven temperature distribution and humidity-induced condensation, which can affect the operation and longevity of storage batteries and inverters.

Innovation Solution

A power storage device configuration where the storage battery, battery management unit, and inverter are housed in a liquid storage container filled with an insulating liquid, such as a fluorine-based liquid, with a temperature adjustment unit and heat insulating material to maintain uniform temperature and prevent condensation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If air is used as the surrounding medium in the casing, then the device structure is simple, but uneven temperature distribution and condensation occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidtemperature uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces air with a liquid medium (coolant) to surround the storage battery and inverter. This liquid medium provides superior thermal conductivity compared to air, enabling uniform heat distribution and eliminating temperature gradients. The liquid circulation system ensures consistent cooling across all components, preventing the uneven temperature distribution that occurs with air-based systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an inert liquid environment that prevents condensation on component surfaces. The liquid medium displaces air and moisture, eliminating the conditions necessary for dew condensation to occur on the storage battery and inverter surfaces, thereby preventing humidity-related operational issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Device complexity

If air is used as the surrounding medium, then the device structure is simple, but condensation occurs affecting inverter operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidcondensation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a liquid coolant to completely surround and replace air in the casing environment. This liquid medium has the effect of preventing moisture condensation on component surfaces, as the liquid environment maintains uniform temperature and eliminates the temperature differentials that cause dew point condensation. The inverter and storage battery operate in a condensation-free liquid-surrounded environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Temperature

If coolant circulation is used to cool components, then temperature control is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature controlVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cooling function with the structural housing by forming the coolant flow paths directly within the housing walls. This integration eliminates the need for separate external cooling systems and components, as the housing itself serves as the heat exchange structure. The coolant circulation system is combined with the structural elements, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective temperature control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 ensures long-term operation of the power storage device by maintaining uniform temperatures and reducing the impact of external air temperature and humidity, thereby extending the device's lifespan and reducing maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

Heat is exchanged between the temperature adjustment unit and the storage battery etc. due to heat conduction through the above described liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

since the liquid storage container is surrounded by the heat insulating material, temperature fluctuations in the liquid storage container due to the influence of outside air temperature may be further suppressed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

a temperature adjustment unit that performs heat transfer between the liquid and outside air to adjust a temperature of the liquid to a particular target temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS11038222B2Power storage device

Publication Date: 2021.06.15 DENSO CORP

AI summary

A power storage device includes a storage battery that stores electric power, a battery management unit that monitors and protects the storage battery, an inverter configured to convert DC power outputted from the storage battery into AC power and outputting the AC power, and convert externally supplied AC power into DC power and supplying the DC power to the storage battery, a liquid storage container that houses therein the storage battery, the battery management unit, and the inverter in a state where surroundings of the storage battery, the battery management unit, and the inverter are filled with a liquid, a temperature adjustment unit that performs heat transfer between the liquid and outside air to adjust a temperature of the liquid to a particular target temperature, and a heat insulating material arranged to surround the liquid storage container.