Mobile Battery Discharge Device with Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to safely and quickly discharge electric motor vehicle batteries after accidents, as the battery management system prevents contactor closure, leading to hazardous situations due to uncontrolled energy release, and transporting charged batteries poses risks of short circuits and fires.
Innovation Solution
A mobile discharge device with electrical and fluid connections, featuring a thermally coupled electrical resistor and cooling water system, allows for rapid energy dissipation without hazards, enabling simultaneous discharge of multiple batteries and safe operation at accident sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the battery management system prevents contactor closure to ensure safety, then the battery remains protected from uncontrolled discharge, but the battery cannot be discharged when needed (after accidents or service)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary discharge device that mediates between the battery and the environment. This device includes a discharge contactor with a drive unit that can be actuated independently of the BMS, and a discharge path that provides an alternative route for current flow. The intermediary device allows controlled discharge even when the BMS prevents normal contactor operation, thus resolving the contradiction between safety protection and discharge capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the discharge function into separate components: a discharge contactor, a drive unit, and a discharge path. This segmentation allows the discharge function to be independently controlled from the main battery management system. The discharge contactor can be actuated separately to create a controlled discharge path, enabling discharge capability while maintaining the BMS's safety protection functions.
2Productivity
If the battery is transported while still charged, then the battery can be moved to a workshop for service, but short circuits and fires may occur during transport due to movement of torn-away components or cooling water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by discharging the battery before transport. The discharge device can be activated prior to moving the battery to create a safe state with minimal stored energy. This preliminary discharge action eliminates the harmful effects of short circuits and fires during transport while maintaining transport efficiency, as the battery can still be moved to the workshop but in a safer, discharged state.
3Reliability
If complicated dismantling is performed to discharge a damaged battery, then the battery can be discharged safely, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through an automated discharge device that performs the discharge function without requiring complicated manual dismantling. The drive unit automatically actuates the discharge contactor to establish the discharge path, and the system can monitor and control the discharge process. This self-service capability achieves safe discharge while eliminating the need for complex dismantling operations, thus reducing device complexity and operational burden.
4Speed
If the battery is discharged quickly at the accident site, then the risk of hazardous reactions is reduced, but the discharge device must be portable and operable without complex infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential discharge function into a portable, self-contained device that can be brought to the accident site. The device includes integrated components (contactor, drive unit, discharge path) that perform the discharge function without requiring external infrastructure. This extraction of the core function achieves quick discharge at the accident site while maintaining portability, as the device is designed to be transportable and operable in field conditions.
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
The device efficiently dissipates energy in a short period, reducing the risk of hazardous reactions and enabling safe battery discharge at accident sites, preventing fires and short circuits during transport.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical resistor, which is electrically connected firstly to the first connection and secondly to the second connection
Implementation Method 2
the fluid channel is thermally coupled to the electrical resistor
Implementation Method 3
a first fluid connection for connecting a fluid supply line, a second fluid connection for connecting a fluid discharge line
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile discharge device for a battery includes a first electrical connection configured to make contact with a first electrical terminal of the battery, a second electrical connection configured to make contact with a second electrical terminal of the battery, and an electrical resistor electrically connected firstly to the first electrical connection and secondly to the second electrical connection. The discharge device further includes a first fluid connection for connecting a fluid supply, a second fluid connection for connecting a fluid discharge line, and a fluid channel connected to the first fluid connection and the second fluid connection. The fluid channel is thermally coupled to the electrical resistor.