Multi-Channel Liquid Electrolyte Battery Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid electrolyte batteries, such as lead-acid batteries, face performance issues due to temperature dependence and electrolyte stratification, which affects capacity and lifespan, especially in vehicles where space constraints limit optimal installation and movement-induced mixing.
Innovation Solution
A heatable liquid-electrolyte battery design featuring separate dynamic and thermal flow channels with a multi-channel circulating device, including a dynamic flow channel for movement-induced mixing and a thermal flow channel for heating, optimized with a drain plate and symmetric heater placement to enhance electrolyte mixing without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single flow channel is used for both thermal and dynamic mixing, then the device structure is simplified, but the mixing effectiveness is reduced due to interference between thermal convection and dynamic flow
Solution Approach 1:
The single flow channel is divided into two separate channels: a thermal flow channel for heated electrolyte and a dynamic flow channel for movement-induced flow. This segmentation eliminates interference between thermal convection and dynamic flow, allowing each channel to optimize its specific mixing function independently while maintaining overall system reliability
2Volume of moving object
If the battery is installed transversely to the preferred acceleration direction due to space constraints, then space utilization is improved, but dynamic mixing effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic flow channel is designed with a wider cross-section specifically optimized to capture and utilize acceleration forces in transverse installation orientations. This segmented design allows the dynamic channel to compensate for reduced sloshing effects when the battery is installed perpendicular to the preferred acceleration direction, maintaining mixing effectiveness regardless of installation orientation
3Device complexity
If the acid concentration is not uniform (stratification), then the device structure remains simple, but battery performance is reduced due to electrode corrosion and incomplete charging
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-channel circulating device creates multiple independent flow paths that collectively cover the entire electrolyte volume more effectively than a single channel. This segmented approach ensures uniform acid concentration distribution throughout the battery, preventing stratification-induced electrode corrosion and incomplete charging while maintaining relatively simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The flow channels are positioned and dimensioned to create three-dimensional circulation patterns that address stratification in multiple spatial dimensions. This dimensional approach ensures comprehensive electrolyte mixing throughout the battery volume, eliminating concentration gradients that cause performance degradation
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 solution effectively improves electrolyte mixing, maintaining high battery performance across temperatures and vehicle movements, reducing stratification and ensuring consistent power delivery for safety-critical functions.
Implementation Method 1
When the battery is not moved and the heater is on, only thermal mixing is effective. The thermal flow channel is designed so narrow that, depending on the available heat output of the heater, the flow is so strong that electrolyte escapes from the flow channel and runs off over the drain plate
Implementation Method 2
These devices are only effective on moving vehicles because they utilize braking and acceleration in conjunction with the inertial force of the liquid electrolyte
Implementation Method 3
When the battery is moved, the dynamic mixing takes effect. The dynamic flow channel is designed so wide that when the battery accelerates, the largest possible volume is pushed up and then runs off over the drain plate
Implementation Method 4
When the battery is heated, in addition to the intended heating of the electrolyte, there is also a vertical convection flow, which also contributes to the mixing of the electrolyte
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a liquid electrolyte battery, such as, for example, a lead-acid battery, which is, for example, used as a starter battery in vehicles. A thermal and a dynamic liquid electrolyte circulating device are provided on at least one side of the battery and have respective flow channels. Said flow channels have differently sized cross-sections and are dimensioned for the specific application.