Lithium-Ion Battery Module with Integrated Cooling for Transport Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport vehicles for containers face inefficiencies in maintenance and charging due to multiple interfaces requiring decoupling and the limitations of lead batteries, which increase downtime and handling capacity constraints.
Innovation Solution
A lithium-ion battery module with integrated air-conditioning, fire-extinguishing, and management systems within a self-supporting frame, allowing for rapid exchange and autonomous operation, reducing maintenance and charging time by minimizing the need for multiple interfaces and leveraging lithium-ion batteries' shorter charging cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If lead batteries are used in transport vehicles, then the vehicle can operate with conventional battery technology, but the charging time increases and handling capacity is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from lead-acid battery chemistry to lithium-ion battery chemistry. This fundamental parameter change in the battery type enables shorter charging cycles (from hours to minutes) and reduced weight, directly resolving the contradiction between charging time and handling capacity by improving both parameters simultaneously
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interfaces are required for battery connection, then the battery can be connected to various systems, but maintenance and charging require decoupling multiple interfaces increasing downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the battery system into modular components with standardized interfaces. The battery module is designed as a self-contained unit with integrated air-conditioning and fire-extinguishing systems, allowing the entire assembly to be exchanged as one module rather than requiring disconnection and reconnection of multiple separate systems, thereby reducing maintenance downtime while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized battery module interface that can connect to multiple different transport vehicle systems through a single universal connection point. The multi-functional battery module (providing power, cooling, and fire protection) can be universally applied across different vehicle types, maintaining versatility while simplifying the exchange process
3Adaptability or versatility
If battery exchange requires decoupling multiple interfaces, then all systems can be connected to the battery, but the exchange process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple separate systems (power delivery, air-conditioning, fire-extinguishing) into a single integrated battery module. This consolidation reduces the number of separate interfaces that need to be connected and disconnected, simplifying the exchange process while maintaining the ability to connect to all necessary vehicle systems through the unified module
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 solution reduces vehicle downtime and enhances handling capacity by enabling quick battery module exchange and maintenance, utilizing lithium-ion batteries' faster charging and reduced weight, while ensuring safe and efficient temperature management and fire protection.
Implementation Method 1
at least one air-conditioner device is disposed in the support frame in addition to the battery
Implementation Method 2
a fire-extinguishing system and/or a management system for the battery is additionally disposed in support frame
Data Source
AI summary
A transport vehicle for containers, in particular a floor-bound and driverless heavy-load transport vehicle for ISO containers, has a platform for receiving at least one container to be transported, with the platform being delimited by guide elements for guiding a container when being deposited on the platform, and includes a drive unit and a battery module for supplying electric energy to the drive unit. The battery module has a support frame and a battery, with there being at least one air conditioner device arranged in the support frame together with the battery.