Mixed-Chemistry Battery Pack Heating With Adaptive Power Split
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion batteries, particularly those with mixed chemistries like NCM and LFP, face performance degradation at low temperatures, necessitating adaptive heating to maintain optimal operation in vehicles and other applications.
Innovation Solution
A method for adaptively heating a mixed-chemistry battery system by monitoring temperature and state-of-charge (SoC) of two battery modules with different chemistries, dynamically allocating heating power based on temperature differences and current loads, and switching power provision between modules when SoC thresholds are reached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heating system is activated to heat the battery module at low temperatures, then the battery performance is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating power allocation is dynamically adjusted based on temperature parameters and state of charge. The system changes heating parameters (power distribution to different battery modules) according to real-time temperature conditions and SoC levels, providing adaptive heating that optimizes the balance between performance and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system applies different heating powers to different battery modules based on their individual temperatures and chemistries. Instead of uniform heating, the system selectively heats specific modules (e.g., providing more heating to NCM modules than LFP modules at the same temperature) to optimize overall battery pack performance while minimizing total energy consumption.
2Reliability
If adaptive heating is applied to multiple battery modules with different chemistries, then the battery performance is optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple independent battery modules with different chemistries (e.g., NCM and LFP modules), each equipped with its own temperature sensor and heating control. This segmentation allows independent monitoring and heating of each module type, simplifying the control strategy compared to treating the entire pack as a single unit, while still achieving optimized performance for each chemistry type.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating control system is designed to handle multiple battery module types with different chemistries using a unified control architecture. The controller can manage both NCM and LFP modules through the same heating system, adapting heating parameters based on module type, temperature, and SoC, thereby optimizing performance across diverse battery chemistries without requiring separate dedicated heating systems for each module type.
3Loss of energy
If heating power is allocated based on temperature difference and state of charge, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating control system continuously monitors temperature and state of charge of each battery module and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust heating power allocation. The controller calculates the temperature difference between modules and their respective setpoints, and adjusts heating power in real-time based on these feedback signals, optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining manageable control through established feedback control mechanisms.
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 enhances battery performance at low temperatures by optimizing heating rates, extending cycle life and energy efficiency, while minimizing energy consumption and ensuring reliable power delivery in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
activating a heating system configured to heat one or more of the first battery module and the second battery module
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle having a mixed chemistry battery having first and second battery modules, a temperature sensor, a battery heating system configured to selectively heat the first battery module and/or the second battery module, and a controller. The controller configured to monitor the temperature of the first battery module, activate the heating system based on a determination that the temperature is below a minimum threshold value, monitor a first state-of-charge (SoC) of the first battery module and the second battery module, calculate a minimum set-point temperature for the first battery module based on the first SoC, the second SoC, and a maximum current load of the first battery module, and instruct the battery heating system to provide a portion of a total available heating power of the battery heating system to the first battery module and a remainder of the total available heating power to the second battery module.