Passive Cooling of Electric Storage Units in Two-Wheelers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for electrical energy storage devices in two-wheelers require electrical energy, reducing vehicle capacity and range, and generating additional heat, as they heat up beyond optimal temperatures due to thermal energy generation.
Innovation Solution
A two-wheeler design featuring a watertight storage housing with an air shaft that dissipates thermal energy using ambient air, where the air shaft is integrated into the storage housing and aligned to allow airflow for passive cooling, with optional active fan support and cooling fins for enhanced heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If known cooling devices are used to cool the energy storage device, then the temperature of the energy storage device is maintained within optimal range, but electrical energy is consumed and additional heat is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful thermal energy generated by the battery cells into a beneficial cooling mechanism. The thermal energy itself drives the natural convection current that cools the battery cells, eliminating the need for external electrical cooling devices. The hot air rising from the battery cells creates a natural airflow that draws cool air through the battery pack, effectively using the heat problem as the cooling solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is self-regulating and requires no external energy input. The natural convection current automatically adjusts to the thermal conditions within the battery pack, drawing cool air in when heating occurs and dissipating heat without external control. The system serves itself by using its own thermal output to drive the cooling process.
2Temperature
If cooling devices are used to maintain optimal temperature, then performance is maintained, but vehicle range is reduced due to energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the energy consumption penalty by converting the thermal waste product into the cooling mechanism itself. By using natural convection driven by the battery's own heat generation, the system maintains optimal temperature without drawing from the battery's energy reserves, thus preserving vehicle range.
3Temperature
If active cooling systems are implemented, then heat dissipation is effective, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cooling function from complex active systems and reduces it to a passive structural design. By removing fans, pumps, and control systems, the invention leaves only the essential airflow path and heat dissipation surfaces, dramatically simplifying the cooling system while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system requires no external control or active components. The natural convection current automatically responds to thermal conditions, adjusting airflow based on the battery's heat generation without sensors, controllers, or moving parts. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the complexity of active cooling control systems.
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 effectively reduces heat buildup without consuming electrical energy, maintaining vehicle performance and range while minimizing additional heat generation, through passive cooling using ambient air and optional active fan assistance.
Implementation Method 1
thermal energy is transferred from the storage units to the air shaft and from this in turn to the incoming ambient air
Implementation Method 2
ambient air flows into the air shaft by means of airflow to dissipate the thermal energy
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle, comprising at least one front wheel, at least one rear wheel, an electric driving motor, which is designed to drive the at least one rear and/or front wheel, and several electric storage units, which are accommodated inside a storage housing, wherein the storage housing comprises at least one air duct for discharging thermal energy of the storage units, said air duct extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at least in one air inflow region and being arranged such that, in an operating state of the vehicle, ambient air flows into the air duct by means of head wind such as to discharge the thermal energy.