Mixed-Chemistry Battery Pack AC Heating via DC/DC Current Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery cells in electric vehicle battery packs often operate at suboptimal temperatures due to ambient conditions, leading to reduced battery life, as they tend to reach equilibrium with ambient temperature, which can be below the optimal range, especially in cold weather.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a DC/DC converter to share electrical energy between battery cells, where one cell is connected to one side of the converter and another cell to the other side, allowing for alternating current flow to heat the cells at different rates, with a processor controlling the current flow to achieve targeted temperature levels, switching between heating phases to optimize heating efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If battery cells operate in cold ambient conditions, then the battery reaches equilibrium with ambient temperature, but the operating temperature falls below the optimal temperature range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables battery cells to heat themselves by utilizing internal electrical energy and resistive heating. The system allows cells to serve their own heating needs through controlled current flow, eliminating the requirement for external heating infrastructure and enabling autonomous temperature maintenance within the optimal range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements alternating heating phases where current direction periodically reverses between cells. This periodic action ensures both cells receive adequate heating over time while managing thermal distribution across the battery pack, with each cell experiencing heating cycles that maintain optimal temperature.
2Temperature
If external heating systems are used to warm battery cells, then the battery reaches optimal temperature, but the system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables battery cells to heat themselves by utilizing internal electrical energy and resistive heating. The system allows cells to serve their own heating needs through controlled current flow, eliminating the requirement for external heating infrastructure and enabling autonomous temperature maintenance within the optimal range.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing electrical connections and DC/DC converter are utilized for dual purposes: power management and heating. This multi-functionality approach eliminates the need for separate heating elements or thermal management hardware, reducing system complexity while achieving effective cell heating.
3Ease of operation
If uniform heating is applied to all battery cells, then heating simplicity is maintained, but cells with different characteristics cannot be heated at their optimal rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different heating strategies to different cells based on their specific characteristics. By monitoring individual cell temperatures and adjusting current flow accordingly, the system provides localized heating optimization for each cell while maintaining overall system coordination through the control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system dynamically adjusts current magnitude and duration for each cell based on real-time temperature conditions and cell characteristics. This dynamic control enables the system to adapt heating parameters to match the specific needs of each cell, optimizing heating efficiency and performance.
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
Effectively heats battery cells to their optimal operating temperature, extending battery life and ensuring efficient operation by maintaining higher heating rates for cells with different characteristics, thereby improving overall battery performance and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
A first current is flowed between the first cell and the second cell through the DC/DC converter to heat the first cell and the second cell during a first heating phase. A second current is flowed between the second cell and the DC/DC converter to heat the second cell during a second heating phase.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle and a system performing a method of heating a battery of the vehicle. The vehicle includes a battery having a first cell having a first cell type and a second cell having a second cell type, a DC/DC converter having a first side and a second side, and a processor that controls flow of current. The first cell is connected to a first side of a DC/DC converter and the second cell is connected to the second side of the DC/DC converter. A first current is flowed between the first cell and the second through the DC/DC converter to heat the first cell and the second cell during a first heating phase. A second current is flowed between the second cell and the DC/DC converter to heat the second cell during a second heating phase.